Morphett Vale - West

Population growth drivers in Morphett Vale - West are slightly above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium term trends

Morphett Vale - West's population was 10,508 as of November 2025, according to AreaSearch's analysis. This figure represents a growth of 370 people, or 3.6%, since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 10,138. The increase is inferred from ABS' estimated resident population of 10,488 in June 2024 and 33 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 2,068 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Over the past decade, Morphett Vale - West has shown resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 1.0%, outperforming its SA3 area. Natural growth contributed approximately 57.1% of overall population gains during recent periods.

For projections, AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia data for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, the SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections by age category are adopted, based on 2021 data released in 2023 with adjustments made using weighted aggregation from LGA to SA2 levels. Future demographic trends project an above median population growth for Australian statistical areas, with Morphett Vale - West expected to expand by 1,419 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a total increase of 13.3% over the 17-year period.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Morphett Vale - West when compared nationally

Morphett Vale - West has recorded approximately 30 residential properties granted approval each year over the past five financial years, totalling 152 homes. In the current financial year FY-26, 37 approvals have been recorded to date. On average, 3.8 people moved to the area annually for each dwelling built between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating high demand outstripping new supply. The average construction cost of new properties was $206,000, below the regional average, suggesting more affordable housing options.

Commercial development activity has been minimal this financial year, with $2.2 million in approvals. Compared to Greater Adelaide and nationally, Morphett Vale - West shows approximately 60% of construction activity per person and ranks among the 55th percentile of areas assessed, reflecting market maturity and possible development constraints. New developments consist of 88.0% detached houses and 12.0% attached dwellings, maintaining the area's suburban identity with a concentration of family homes. The location has approximately 276 people per dwelling approval, indicating a low density market.

Future projections estimate Morphett Vale - West to add 1,399 residents by 2041, potentially leading to increased buyer competition and price increases if current development rates do not match population growth.

Morphett Vale - West has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 13thth percentile nationally

AreaSearch has identified two major projects that could impact the area: Woodcroft College's campus expansions and the YAS Property Development in Morphett Vale. Other notable projects include the Noarlunga Master Planning Housing Project and the Noarlunga Residential Development.

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Employment drivers in Morphett Vale - West are experiencing difficulties, placing it among the bottom 20% of areas assessed across Australia

Morphett Vale - West has a balanced workforce with white and blue collar jobs. Key sectors include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction.

The unemployment rate was 8.5% as of September 2021, with an estimated employment growth of 3.3% over the past year. As of September 2025, 4778 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 4.6%, higher than Greater Adelaide's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation in Morphett Vale - West lags at 54.7%, compared to Greater Adelaide's 61.7%. The area shows strong specialization in retail trade, with an employment share of 1.3 times the regional level.

However, professional & technical services employ only 3.9% of local workers, below Greater Adelaide's 7.3%. Employment levels increased by 3.3% and labour force grew by 3.2% during the year to September 2025, keeping unemployment relatively stable at 4.6%. In contrast, Greater Adelaide saw employment rise by 3.0%, labour force grow by 2.9%, and unemployment fall slightly to 3.8%. State-level data from 25-Nov-21 shows SA employment grew by 1.19% year-on-year, with the state unemployment rate at 4.0%. National employment forecasts suggest a growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Morphett Vale - West's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by approximately 6.3% over five years and 13.4% over ten years, assuming constant population projections.

The area's income levels rank in the lower 15% nationally based on AreaSearch comparative data

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2022, Morphett Vale - West SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $46,837. The average income stood at $51,226 in this area during that period. Both figures are below the national averages of $52,592 and $64,886 respectively for Greater Adelaide. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.83% since financial year 2022, estimated median income as of September 2025 would be approximately $52,846, with the average being around $57,798. Census data indicates that household, family and personal incomes in Morphett Vale - West fall between the 10th and 13th percentiles nationally. Income distribution shows that 32.4% of individuals in this area earn within the $800 - $1,499 band, with a total of 3,404 individuals. This differs from regional patterns where the $1,500 - $2,999 band dominates at 31.8%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Morphett Vale - West, with only 81.6% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 10th percentile nationally.

Morphett Vale - West is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Morphett Vale - West's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 86.0% houses and 14.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Adelaide metro's 89.2% houses and 10.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Morphett Vale - West stood at 27.4%, with mortgaged dwellings at 40.8% and rented ones at 31.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,274, below Adelaide metro's $1,452. Median weekly rent in the area was $295, compared to Adelaide metro's $314. Nationally, Morphett Vale - West's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Morphett Vale - West features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 66.1% of all households, including 22.2% couples with children, 25.5% couples without children, and 16.8% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 33.9%, with lone person households at 30.7% and group households comprising 3.2% of the total. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is smaller than the Greater Adelaide average of 2.5.

Morphett Vale - West faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area's university qualification rate is 11.9%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 8.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.8%) and graduate diplomas (1.2%). Trade and technical skills are prevalent, with 41.9% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (8.1%) and certificates (33.8%).

Educational participation is high, with 26.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.3% in primary education, 6.2% in secondary education, and 3.9% pursuing tertiary education.

Transport servicing is moderate compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility

Morphett Vale - West has 59 active public transport stops. These are served by 21 bus routes, offering a total of 1,292 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility is rated good, with residents typically located 202 meters from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 184 trips per day across all routes, equating to about 21 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Morphett Vale - West is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Morphett Vale - West faces significant health challenges, with various conditions affecting both younger and older age groups. The area has a low private health cover rate of approximately 46%, covering about 4,875 people, compared to Greater Adelaide's 48.6% and the national average of 55.3%. Mental health issues and arthritis are the most prevalent conditions, affecting 11.9% and 10.3% of residents respectively.

About 57.9% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 62.9% in Greater Adelaide. The area has a senior population (aged 65 and over) of 20.9%, totaling approximately 2,197 people. Health outcomes among seniors largely align with the general population's health profile.

In terms of cultural diversity, Morphett Vale - West records figures broadly comparable to the national average, as found in AreaSearch's assessment of a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Morphett Vale-West had a cultural diversity profile roughly similar to the wider region's average, with 78.4% of its population born in Australia, 89.2% being citizens, and 89.7% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Morphett Vale-West, comprising 37.4% of its population. However, there was an overrepresentation in the 'Other' category, which made up 1.1% compared to the region's average of 0.7%.

The top three ancestry groups were English (33.9%), Australian (28.7%), and Scottish (6.6%). Notably, German ancestry was slightly overrepresented at 4.7%, while Polish and Serbian ancestries showed no significant deviation from regional averages at 0.9% and 0.4% respectively.

Morphett Vale - West's population aligns closely with national norms in age terms

Morphett Vale - West's median age is 39 years, aligning with the Greater Adelaide average of 39 and closely matching the Australian median of 38. Locally, the 25-34 cohort is notably over-represented at 16.1%, while the 15-24 age group is under-represented at 10.7%. According to the 2021 Census, the 75-84 age group has grown from 6.7% to 8.2% of the population. Conversely, the 45-54 cohort has declined from 12.0% to 10.8%, and the 65-74 group has dropped from 11.9% to 10.9%. Demographic modeling projects significant changes in Morphett Vale - West's age profile by 2041. The 85+ cohort is projected to grow by 163%, adding 306 residents to reach 495. The 65-74 group is projected to grow by 3%, adding only 28 residents.