Plympton

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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Plympton's population is around 30,001 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 3,521 people (13.3%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 26,480 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 28,321 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 319 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 2,803 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Plympton's 13.3% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the state (9.0%) and Greater Adelaide, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 96.5% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and for years post-2032, the SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections by age category, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data, are adopted with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Considering the projected demographic shifts, an above-median population growth of statistical areas across the nation is projected, with the area expected to grow by 7,481 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a gain of 19.3% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Plympton among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

Plympton has recorded around 208 residential properties granted approval annually, with 1,040 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 118 so far in FY-26. At an average of 2.1 new residents per year for each dwelling over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), reflecting robust demand that underpins property values, new homes are being built at an average value of $257,000. There have also been $116.5 million in commercial approvals this financial year, suggesting robust local business investment.

Relative to Greater Adelaide, Plympton shows moderately higher development activity (18.0% above regional average per person over the 5 year period), maintaining good buyer choice while supporting existing property values. New development consists of 40.0% standalone homes and 60.0% attached dwellings. This trend toward denser development provides accessible entry options and appeals to downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers. This represents a notable shift from the area's existing housing (currently 58.0% houses), indicating decreasing availability of developable sites and reflecting changing lifestyles and the need for more diverse, affordable housing options. At around 152 people per approval, Plympton reflects a developing area.

Population forecasts indicate Plympton will gain 5,801 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Current development appears well-matched to future needs, supporting steady market conditions without extreme price pressure.

Plympton has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 12thth percentile nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 16 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Mooringe Avenue Development, North Plympton, Tram Grade Separation Projects, Tram Grade Separation Project (Glenelg Line), and Project Flight - Adelaide Airport Terminal and Infrastructure Upgrade, with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

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 conditions in Plympton rank among the top 10% of areas assessed nationally

Plympton features a well-educated workforce, with essential services sectors well represented, an unemployment rate of just 2.2%, and 6.3% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 17,347 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 1.6% below Greater Adelaide's rate of 3.8%, and workforce participation is well beyond standard (73.0% compared to Greater Adelaide's 67.2%). Based on Census responses, a low 10.6% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

The dominant employment sectors among residents include health care & social assistance, accommodation & food, and retail trade. Conversely, manufacturing is under-represented, with only 5.2% of Plympton's workforce compared to 7.0% in Greater Adelaide. While local employment opportunities exist in the area, it appears many residents commute elsewhere for work, based on the count of Census working population to local population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, over the 12 months to December 2025, employment increased by 6.3% while labour force increased by 5.6%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.6 percentage points. By comparison, Greater Adelaide recorded employment growth of 4.2%, labour force growth of 3.9%, with unemployment falling 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Plympton. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Plympton's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.9% over five years and 14.3% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

The area's income profile falls below national averages based on AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for FY-23 reveals that income in the Plympton SA2 is just below the national average, with the median assessed at $55,047 while the average income stands at $66,370. This contrasts with Greater Adelaide's figures of a median income of $54,808 and an average income of $66,852. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.8% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $59,891 (median) and $72,211 (average) as of September 2025. According to 2021 Census figures, household, family and personal incomes all rank modestly in Plympton, between the 38th and 48th percentiles. The data shows the largest segment comprises 33.3% earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (9,990 residents), aligning with the broader area where this cohort likewise represents 31.8%. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 84.0% of income remaining, ranking at the 39th percentile and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 6th decile.

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

Dwelling structure within Plympton, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 58.3% houses and 41.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Adelaide metro's 75.2% houses and 24.9% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Plympton was lagging that of Adelaide metro, at 27.8%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (32.1%) or rented (40.1%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well above the Adelaide metro average at $1,733, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $300, compared to Adelaide metro's $1,562 and $320. Nationally, Plympton's mortgage repayments are lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households dominate at 61.7% of all households, comprising 25.4% couples with children, 26.0% couples without children, and 8.5% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 38.3%, with lone person households at 31.8% and group households comprising 6.5% of the total. The median household size of 2.3 people is smaller than the Greater Adelaide average of 2.5.

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

Educational attainment in Plympton significantly surpasses broader benchmarks, with 35.9% of residents aged 15+ holding university qualifications compared to 25.7% in SA and 28.9% in Greater Adelaide. This substantial educational advantage positions the area strongly for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees lead at 23.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (9.2%) and graduate diplomas (2.8%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 28.7% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (10.7%) and certificates (18.0%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 28.9% of residents aged 15+ currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.2% in tertiary education, 7.7% in primary education, and 5.7% pursuing secondary education.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 149 active transport stops operating within Plympton, comprising a mix of light rail and buses. These stops are serviced by 43 individual routes, collectively providing 4,231 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 164 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 79%, with 12% by bus. Vehicle ownership averages 1.1 per dwelling, which is below the regional average. A relatively low 10.6% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 604 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 28 weekly trips per individual stop. The accompanying map shows the 100 nearest stops to the location centrepoint.

Plympton's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with prevalence of common health conditions quite low among the general population though higher than the nation's average across older, at risk cohorts

Health data indicates relatively positive outcomes for Plympton residents. AreaSearch's analysis of mortality rates and health conditions shows results broadly in line with national benchmarks, with the prevalence of common health conditions remaining low among the general population, though higher than the national average across older, at-risk cohorts. The rate of private health cover slightly lags that of the average SA2 area at approximately 52% of the total population (~15,630 people).

The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and arthritis, impacting 7.9% and 7.3% of residents, respectively, while 71.1% declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 67.9% across Greater Adelaide. Working-age residents are notably healthy with low chronic condition prevalence. The area has 16.2% of residents aged 65 and over (4,869 people), which is lower than the 19.3% in Greater Adelaide. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, though they rank lower nationally than the broader population.

Plympton 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

Plympton scores highly on cultural diversity, with 35.1% of its population born overseas and 33.2% speaking a language other than English at home. The main religion in Plympton is Christianity, which makes up 42.0% of the population. However, the most apparent overrepresentation is in Other, which comprises 3.7% of the population, compared to 1.8% across Greater Adelaide.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Plympton are English, comprising 22.5% of the population, which is notably lower than the regional average of 27.8%, Australian, comprising 20.6% of the population, and Other, comprising 14.3% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Greek is notably overrepresented at 4.3% of Plympton (vs 2.0% regionally), Indian at 4.4% (vs 2.3%) and German at 4.6% (vs 5.1%).

Plympton's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

With a median age of 35, Plympton is materially younger than the Greater Adelaide figure of 39 as well as slightly below Australia's 38 years. The 25 - 34 age group shows strong representation at 21.1% compared to Greater Adelaide, whereas the 65 - 74 cohort is less prevalent at 7.4%. This 25 - 34 concentration is well above the national 14.4%. In the period since 2021, the 25 to 34 age group has grown from 19.7% to 21.1% of the population. Conversely, the 85+ cohort has declined from 3.9% to 3.2%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections reveal significant shifts in Plympton's age structure. Leading the demographic shift, the 45 to 54 group will grow by 33% (1,022 people), reaching 4,158 from 3,135.