Morphettville
Statistical Area - sa2

Morphettville lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Morphettville's population, as of Aug 2025, is approximately 17,629. This figure represents a growth of 1,098 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 16,531. The increase is inferred from ABS estimates showing an EPP of 17,533 in June 2024 and the addition of 156 validated new addresses post-Census. This results in a population density of 2,843 persons per square kilometer, placing Morphettville in the upper quartile nationally according to AreaSearch's assessment. The area's growth rate of 6.6% since the 2021 Census exceeds both the SA4 region (5.2%) and the SA3 area, indicating it is a growth leader. Overseas migration contributed approximately 65.1% of recent population gains in Morphettville.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections 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 are adopted with adjustments made using weighted aggregation from LGA to SA2 levels. Future population trends suggest above median growth, with Morphettville projected to expand by 3,463 persons to 2041 based on current numbers, reflecting a total increase of 19.1% over the 17-year period.

The level of residential development activity in Morphettville was found to be higher than 90% of real estate markets across the country

Morphettville has averaged approximately 124 new dwelling approvals per year. Development approval data is produced by the ABS on a financial year basis, with 623 homes approved over the past five financial years from FY-21 to FY-25, and an additional 12 so far in FY-26. Each dwelling built has resulted in an average of 2.4 new residents per year over these five years, indicating healthy demand which should support property values. New homes are being constructed at an average expected cost of $373,000.

This financial year has seen $5.6 million in commercial development approvals recorded, suggesting the area's residential character. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Morphettville shows comparable new home approvals per person, preserving market equilibrium consistent with surrounding areas. New development consists of 74% standalone homes and 26% attached dwellings, maintaining the area's traditional suburban character focused on family homes appealing to those seeking space.

With around 129 people per dwelling approval, Morphettville shows characteristics of a growth area. Population forecasts indicate Morphettville will gain approximately 3,362 residents through to 2041. Current development appears well-matched to future needs, supporting steady market conditions without extreme price pressure.

Morphettville has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 31stth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 12 projects that may affect the area. Notable projects include Tram Grade Separation Projects, Morphettville/Glengowrie Horse Related Activities Code Amendment, Morphettville Racecourse Redevelopment, and Tram Grade Separation at Marion Road and Cross Road, Plympton. The following list details those most relevant.

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

The employment environment in Morphettville shows above-average strength when compared nationally

Morphettville has an educated workforce with a low unemployment rate of 3.4% as of June 2025. This is 0.6% lower than Greater Adelaide's rate of 4.0%.

The employment growth in the past year was estimated at 2.5%. There are 9,449 residents employed in Morphettville with workforce participation similar to Greater Adelaide's 61.7%. Key industries for local workers include health care & social assistance, education & training, and retail trade, while manufacturing employs only 4.6% compared to Greater Adelaide's 7.0%.

The area offers limited local employment opportunities as indicated by the Census working population vs resident population count. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment levels increased by 2.5% and labour force increased by 2.7%, resulting in an unemployment rise of 0.2 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Adelaide recorded employment growth of 2.1%. As of Sep-25, state-level data shows SA employment grew by 1.06% year-on-year with a state unemployment rate of 4.5%, matching the national rate. National employment forecasts from May 2025 project an expansion of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, though growth rates vary significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Morphettville's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.9%% over five years and 14.3% over ten years.

Income levels align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis

Morphettville had a median taxpayer income of $53,529 and an average income of $66,446 in financial year 2022. This was slightly above the national average, with Greater Adelaide's median income being $52,592 and average income being $64,886. By March 2025, estimates suggest the median income would be approximately $59,326 and the average income would be around $73,642, based on a 10.83% growth in wages since financial year 2022. The 2021 Census ranked Morphettville's household, family, and personal incomes modestly, between the 39th and 47th percentiles. Income distribution showed that 30.7% of locals (5,412 people) earned between $1,500 - $2,999 annually, similar to the broader area where 31.8% fell into this bracket. Housing affordability pressures were severe in Morphettville, with only 83.7% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 39th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking placed it in the 5th decile.

Morphettville displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

In Morphettville, as per the latest Census, 60.8% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 39.2% being semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. This is compared to Adelaide metro's 70.8% houses and 29.2% other dwellings. Home ownership in Morphettville stood at 29.8%, similar to Adelaide metro. Dwellings were either mortgaged (35.9%) or rented (34.3%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,733, higher than the Adelaide metro average of $1,700 but lower than the national average of $1,863. The median weekly rent in Morphettville was $320, lower than both the Adelaide metro figure of $330 and the national average of $375.

Morphettville features high concentrations of lone person households and group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 62.0% of all households, including 25.8% couples with children, 24.3% couples without children, and 10.4% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 38.0%, with lone person households at 33.5% and group households making up 4.6% of the total. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is smaller than the Greater Adelaide average of 2.4.

The educational profile of Morphettville exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

The area's educational profile is notable regionally, with university qualification rates of 31.5% among residents aged 15+, exceeding the South Australian average of 25.7%. This figure also surpasses that of the SA4 region at 28.1%, indicating a community emphasis on higher education. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 21.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (7.0%) and graduate diplomas (2.9%).

Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 29.9% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (10.1%) and certificates (19.8%). Educational participation is high, with 26.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 8.1% in primary education, 7.1% in tertiary education, and 5.2% pursuing secondary education. Morphettville's five schools have a combined enrollment of 545 students while the suburb demonstrates above-average socio-educational conditions (ICSEA: 1059). The educational mix includes three primary and two K-12 schools. Limited local school capacity, at 3.1 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 10.8, means many families travel to nearby areas for schooling.

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

Morphettville has 79 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 28 different routes that together facilitate 2,377 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility to these stops is rated excellent, with residents on average being located just 179 meters from the nearest stop.

Across all routes, there is an average service frequency of 339 trips per day, which translates to approximately 30 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Morphettville is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across the board, though to a considerably higher degree among older age cohorts

Morphettville faces significant health challenges with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across the board, particularly among older age cohorts.

The rate of private health cover is approximately 52% of the total population (~9,237 people), slightly higher than the average SA2 area. The most common medical conditions are mental health issues (8.7%) and arthritis (8.3%). A total of 67.3% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 68.1% across Greater Adelaide. Morphettville has 19.5% of residents aged 65 and over (3,430 people). Health outcomes among seniors require more attention than the broader population due to presenting some challenges.

Morphettville was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Morphettville's population has a higher percentage of overseas-born residents, at 26.1%, compared to most local markets. Additionally, 20.3% of its inhabitants speak a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Morphettville, with 43.2% of people identifying as such.

Notably, Hinduism has a higher representation in Morphettville at 4.5%, compared to Greater Adelaide's 4.1%. Regarding ancestry, the top three groups are English (28.2%), Australian (23.9%), and Other (9.5%). Some ethnic groups show notable differences: German is slightly overrepresented at 4.9% in Morphettville versus 5.0% regionally, Polish at 0.9% compared to 1.1%, and Serbian at 0.4% versus 0.3%.

Morphettville's population is slightly older than the national pattern

Morphettville's median age is 39 years, matching Greater Adelaide's average of 39 and aligning with Australia's median of 38. The 25-34 cohort is notably over-represented in Morphettville at 15.9%, compared to the Greater Adelaide average, while the 5-14 age group is under-represented at 10.2%. Post-2021 Census, the 35-44 age group has increased from 13.9% to 14.6% of the population. Conversely, the 85+ cohort has declined from 4.4% to 3.1%. By 2041, Morphettville's age profile is projected to evolve significantly. The 45-54 cohort is expected to grow by 31%, adding 612 residents to reach 2,589. The 0-4 group shows more modest growth of 9%, with an addition of 85 residents.