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 November 2025, is approximately 17,623. This figure represents an increase of 1,092 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 16,531. The growth is inferred from the estimated resident population of 17,529 in June 2024 and an additional 155 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 2,842 persons per square kilometer, placing Morphettville in the upper quartile relative to other locations assessed by AreaSearch. The area's growth of 6.6% since the 2021 census surpassed both the SA4 region (5.4%) and the SA3 area, indicating it as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 65.1% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections are adopted with adjustments made using a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Future population trends project an above median growth for statistical areas across the nation, with Morphettville expected to expand by 3,463 persons to 2041 based on the latest population numbers, reflecting a total increase of 19.1% over the 17 years.

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 annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, a total of 623 homes were approved. In FY-26, up to April, 45 dwellings have been approved.

Each year, for every dwelling built over these five years, an average of 2.4 new residents has been gained, indicating strong demand that supports property values. The average construction cost value of new homes is $267,000. This financial year, $5.6 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, suggesting limited focus on commercial development.

Compared to Greater Adelaide, Morphettville's development levels per person are similar, contributing to market stability aligned with regional trends. New developments consist of 74.0% detached houses and 26.0% attached dwellings, maintaining the area's suburban character and attracting space-seeking buyers with its emphasis on detached housing. With around 129 people per dwelling approval, Morphettville exhibits characteristics of a growth area. Population forecasts project an increase of 3,368 residents by 2041. Current construction rates appear balanced with future demand, promoting steady market conditions without excessive 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 identified 12 projects likely affecting the area. Notable ones are Morphettville/Glengowrie Horse Related Activities Code Amendment, Tram Grade Separation Projects, 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.

Denotes AI-based impression for illustrative purposes only, not to be taken as definitive under any circumstances. Please follow links and conduct other investigations from the project's source for actual imagery. Developers and project owners wishing us to use original imagery please Contact Us and we will do so.

Employment performance in Morphettville exceeds national averages across key labour market indicators

Morphettville has a highly educated workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate stands at 3.4%, lower than the national average of 5.0% as of June 2021.

Over the past year, ending June 2021, employment growth was estimated at 2.5%. As of June 2025, 9,449 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 3.6%, slightly below Greater Adelaide's rate of 4.0%. Workforce participation is broadly similar to Greater Adelaide's 61.7%.

Key industries for employment among residents include health care & social assistance, education & training, and retail trade. Manufacturing has limited presence in Morphettville with 4.6% employment compared to the regional average of 7.0%. Employment opportunities locally appear limited as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Over the 12 months to June 2025, employment increased by 2.5%, while labour force grew by 2.7%, resulting in a slight rise in unemployment by 0.2 percentage points. In Greater Adelaide, employment grew by 2.1%, labour force expanded by 2.1%, and unemployment rose marginally. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Morphettville's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.9% over five years and 14.3% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2022, Morphettville had a median income among taxpayers of $53,529. The average income stood at $66,446. This is just above the national average and compares to levels of $52,592 and $64,886 across Greater Adelaide respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.83% since financial year 2022, current estimates would be approximately $60,397 (median) and $74,971 (average) as of September 2025. From the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes all rank modestly in Morphettville, between the 39th and 47th percentiles. The data shows 30.7% of the population (5,410 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 income range, consistent with broader trends across the surrounding region showing 31.8% in the same category. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 83.7% of income remaining, ranking at the 39th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

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

The dwelling structure in Morphettville, as per the latest Census, consisted of 60.8% houses and 39.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This is compared to Adelaide metro's 60.8% houses and 29.2% other dwellings. Home ownership in Morphettville was 29.8%, with the rest being mortgaged (35.9%) or rented (34.3%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,733, higher than Adelaide metro's average of $1,700. The median weekly rent was $320, compared to Adelaide metro's $330. Nationally, Morphettville's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure 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 at 4.6%. 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 at 31.5% of residents aged 15+, surpassing the South Australian (SA) average of 25.7% and the SA4 region rate of 28.1%. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 21.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (7.0%) and graduate diplomas (2.9%). Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 29.9% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas at 10.1% and certificates at 19.8%.

Educational participation is high, with 26.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 8.1% in primary, 7.1% in tertiary, and 5.2% pursuing secondary education. Morphettville's five schools have a combined enrollment of 545 students, while the area exhibits above-average socio-educational conditions (ICSEA: 1059). The educational mix comprises three primary and two K-12 schools. Local school capacity is limited at 3.1 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 10.8, leading many families to travel 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 average distance from a resident's location to the nearest transport stop is 179 meters, indicating excellent transport accessibility.

On average, there are 339 trips per day across all routes, 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 all age groups but to a higher degree among older adults.

The rate of private health cover is approximately 52% (around 9,234 people), slightly higher than the average SA2 area. Mental health issues affect about 8.7% of residents, while arthritis impacts around 8.3%. Approximately 67.3% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 68.1% in Greater Adelaide. About 19.5% of residents are aged 65 and over (around 3,429 people). Health outcomes among seniors require more attention than those in the broader population.

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, surveyed in June 2021, had a higher cultural diversity than most local areas, with 26.1% of its population born overseas and 20.3% speaking languages other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 43.2% of Morphettville's population, as per data from June 2021. Notably, Hinduism was overrepresented, making up 4.5% compared to Greater Adelaide's 4.1%.

In terms of ancestry, as of June 2021, the top groups were English (28.2%), Australian (23.9%), and Other (9.5%). Some ethnic groups showed significant differences: German was slightly overrepresented at 4.9% versus 5.0%, Polish at 0.9% versus 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, aligning with Greater Adelaide's average of 39 and closely matching Australia's median of 38. Locally, the 25-34 cohort is notably over-represented at 15.9%, 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 Morphettville's population. Meanwhile, the 85+ cohort has decreased from 4.4% to 3.1%. By 2041, demographic modeling projects significant changes in Morphettville's age profile. The 45-54 cohort is expected to grow by 31%, adding 613 residents to reach 2,589. The 0-4 group is projected to grow at a more modest rate of 9%, with an increase of 85 residents.