Morphett Vale - West
Statistical Area - sa2

Population growth drivers in Morphett Vale - West are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Morphett Vale - West's population was approximately 10,494 as of August 2025. This figure represents an increase of 356 people from the 2021 Census count of 10,138. The growth is inferred from ABS data showing an estimated resident population of 10,488 in June 2024 and an additional 27 validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density was around 2,065 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Over the past decade ending in 2021, Morphett Vale - West had a compound annual growth rate of 1.0%, outperforming its SA3 area. Natural growth accounted for approximately 57.1% of overall population gains during recent periods.

For projections, AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia figures released in 2024 with a base year of 2022 for each SA2 area. For areas not covered and years post-2032, the SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections by age category from 2023, based on 2021 data, are adopted with adjustments made through weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Based on demographic trends and latest population numbers, Morphett Vale - West is projected to increase by 1,419 persons to 2041, representing a 13.5% total increase 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 annually. Development approval data is produced by the ABS on a financial year basis, totalling 152 approvals across the past five financial years from FY-21 to FY-25, with 12 already approved in FY-26. On average, 3.8 new residents have been added per year for every home built over these five financial years. This supply is substantially lagging demand, leading to heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures.

New homes are being constructed at an average expected cost of $298,000, which is below regional norms, reflecting more affordable housing options. Additionally, $2.2 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, indicating the area's residential nature. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Morphett Vale - West shows approximately 60% of the construction activity per person, placing it among the 56th percentile nationally when measured against other areas assessed. However, building activity has accelerated in recent years.

New development consists of 88.0% detached houses and 12.0% attached dwellings, sustaining the area's suburban identity with a concentration of family homes suited to buyers seeking space. The location has approximately 276 people per dwelling approval, indicating a low density market. Future projections show Morphett Vale - West adding 1,413 residents by 2041. At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially heightening buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Morphett Vale - West has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 29thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified two projects that may affect this region: Woodcroft College Campus Expansions, YAS Property Development - Morphett Vale Project, Noarlunga Hospital Expansion, and Port Stanvac Development. The following details those likely to be most relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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 industries are health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction.

Retail trade is particularly strong, employing 1.3 times the regional average. Professional & technical services employ only 3.9% of local workers, below Greater Adelaide's 7.3%. As of June 2025, 4,735 residents are employed with an unemployment rate of 8.9%, higher than Greater Adelaide's 4.0%. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 2.1%.

Workforce participation is lower at 54.7% compared to Greater Adelaide's 61.7%. During June 2024 to June 2025, employment levels increased by 2.1%, labour force grew by 2.7%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.5 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Adelaide saw employment and labour force grow by 2.1% each, with a marginal unemployment increase. State-level data from Sep-25 shows SA employment grew by 1.06% year-on-year, adding 9,370 jobs, with an unemployment rate of 4.5%, in line with the national rate of 4.5%. National employment forecasts from May 2025 project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Morphett Vale - West's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.3% over five years and 13.4% over ten years, based on simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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

In financial year 2022, Morphett Vale - West had a median taxpayer income of $46,837 and an average income of $51,226. These figures are below the national averages of $52,592 for Greater Adelaide's median income and $64,886 for its average income. By March 2025, adjusting for a 10.83% increase in wages since financial year 2022, estimated incomes would be approximately $51,909 (median) and $56,774 (average). Census data shows that household, family, and personal incomes in Morphett Vale - West fall between the 11th and 13th percentiles nationally. The income distribution reveals that 32.4% of individuals earn within the $800 - 1,499 band (3,400 people), differing from the regional pattern where the $1,500 - 2,999 band dominates at 31.8%. Housing affordability is severe in Morphett Vale - West, with only 81.6% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 11th 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 had 86.0% houses and 14.1% other dwellings in its dwelling structure as of the latest Census, compared to Adelaide metro's 89.2% houses and 10.7% other dwellings. Home ownership was at 27.4% in Morphett Vale - West, with mortgaged dwellings at 40.8% and rented ones at 31.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,274, lower than Adelaide metro's $1,452 and the national average of $1,863. Median weekly rent stood at $295, below Adelaide metro's $314 and 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 constitute 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 comprise the remaining 33.9%, with lone person households at 30.7% and group households accounting for 3.2%. 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 faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates of 11.9% substantially below the Australian average of 30.4%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most common at 8.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.8%) and graduate diplomas (1.2%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 41.9% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (8.1%) and certificates (33.8%).

Educational participation is notably 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. Morphett Vale - West's 3 schools have a combined enrollment reaching 739 students as of the latest data. The area demonstrates typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 963) with balanced educational opportunities. The 3 schools focus exclusively on primary education, with secondary options available in surrounding areas. School places per 100 residents are at 7.0, falling below the regional average of 13.6, indicating some students may attend schools in adjacent areas.

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, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 21 different bus routes that together facilitate 1,292 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is considered good, with residents on average being located 202 meters away from the nearest stop.

Across all routes, there is an average of 184 daily trips, which equates to approximately 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. Private health cover is low at approximately 46% of the total population (~4,869 people), compared to 48.6% across Greater Adelaide and 55.3% nationally. Mental health issues and arthritis are the most common medical conditions, impacting 11.9% and 10.3% of residents respectively.

Conversely, 57.9% of residents reported no medical ailments, compared to 62.9% across Greater Adelaide. The area has 20.9% of residents aged 65 and over (2,194 people), with health outcomes among seniors presenting challenges broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Morphett Vale - West was found to be above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Morphett Vale-West showed above-average cultural diversity, with 10.3% speaking a language other than English at home and 21.6% born overseas. Christianity dominated, comprising 37.4%. Other religions were overrepresented at 1.1%, compared to Greater Adelaide's 0.7%.

Top ancestry groups were English (33.9%), Australian (28.7%), and Scottish (6.6%). German was notably overrepresented at 4.7% versus 5.4% regionally, Polish stood at 0.9% (same as regional), and Serbian was slightly higher at 0.4% compared to 0.2%.

Morphett Vale - West's population is slightly older than the national pattern

Morphett Vale - West's median age is 39 years, matching the Greater Adelaide average of 39 and closely aligned with Australia's median age of 38. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Morphett Vale - West has a notably higher percentage of 25-34 year-olds (16.1% locally) but fewer 15-24 year-olds (10.7%). Post the 2021 Census, the 75-84 age group increased from 6.7% to 8.2%, while the 45-54 cohort decreased from 12.0% to 10.8% and the 65-74 group fell from 11.9% to 10.9%. By 2041, demographic modeling projects significant changes in Morphett Vale - West's age profile, with the 85+ cohort showing the strongest growth of 164%, adding 307 residents to reach 495. The 65-74 group is projected to grow by 3%, adding 30 residents.