Glenelg South

Glenelg South is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

Based on ABS population updates and AreaSearch validation, the estimated population of Glenelg South as of Feb 2026 is around 2,442. This reflects an increase of 258 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,184. The current population estimate is based on AreaSearch's examination of ERP data released by the ABS in June 2024 and address validation since the Census date. This level of population results in a density ratio of 3,644 persons per square kilometer, placing Glenelg South in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The suburb's growth rate of 11.8% since the 2021 census exceeded both the SA4 region (7.4%) and the SA3 area. Overseas migration was the primary driver of population gains during this period.

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, SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections by age category, released in 2023 based on 2021 data, are adopted with adjustments made using weighted aggregation methods. According to population projections, Glenelg South is expected to have above median growth nationally, increasing by 401 persons to reach a total of 2,843 by 2041, reflecting an increase of 11.0% over the 17-year period.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Glenelg South according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area data, Glenelg South has experienced approximately 13 dwellings receiving development approval annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 66 homes. So far in FY-26, nine approvals have been recorded. This indicates an average of 1.3 people moving to the area per dwelling built over the past five financial years (FY-21 to FY-25), suggesting a balance between supply and demand, fostering stable market dynamics. New properties are constructed at an average expected cost value of $631,000, indicating a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties.

There have also been $3.0 million in commercial approvals this financial year, reflecting limited commercial development focus compared to residential construction. Relative to Greater Adelaide, Glenelg South maintains similar construction rates per person, supporting market stability aligned with regional patterns. Recent construction comprises 42% standalone homes and 58% townhouses or apartments, offering affordable entry pathways for downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. With around 192 people per dwelling approval, Glenelg South exhibits characteristics of a growth area.

Population forecasts indicate Glenelg South will gain approximately 269 residents by 2041, according to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Current construction levels are expected to meet housing demand adequately, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling population growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Glenelg South has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 18thth percentile nationally

No factor impacts an area's performance more than local infrastructure changes, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified zero projects expected to influence this area. Notable projects include Tram Grade Separation at Marion Road and Cross Road in Plympton, River Torrens to Darlington (T2D) Project, 12-Storey Residential Tower In Glenelg, and Solana Glenelg. The following list details those most relevant.

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Glenelg South ranks among the top 25% of areas assessed nationally for overall employment performance

Glenelg South has a well-educated workforce with essential services sectors being well represented. The unemployment rate was 2.4% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 4.2%. As of September 2025, there were 1,264 residents employed while the unemployment rate was 1.5% lower than Greater Adelaide's rate of 3.9%.

Workforce participation was 60.7%, compared to Greater Adelaide's 66.4%. According to Census responses, 16.6% of residents worked from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Key industries of employment among residents were health care & social assistance, education & training, and retail trade. The area had particular employment specialization in rental, hiring & real estate, with an employment share of 2.4 times the regional level.

Manufacturing employed only 4.6% of local workers, below Greater Adelaide's 7.0%. Over the 12 months to September 2025, employment increased by 4.2%, labour force increased by 3.6%, resulting in a unemployment fall of 0.4 percentage points. National employment forecasts from May-25 suggest Glenelg South's employment should increase by 6.8% over five years and 13.9% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to the local employment mix.

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

AreaSearch's latest data for postcode level ATO figures in financial year 2023 indicates that Glenelg South has incomes above national averages. The median income is $55,336 and the average is $78,039. In contrast, Greater Adelaide has a median income of $54,808 and an average of $66,852. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.8% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $60,206 (median) and $84,906 (average). Census 2021 data shows personal income ranks at the 65th percentile ($889 weekly), with household income at the 39th percentile. Income distribution shows that 29.7% of residents (725 people) fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket, similar to the surrounding region at 31.8%. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 84.4% of income remaining, ranking at the 40th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

Glenelg South displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Glenelg South's dwelling structure in its latest Census report showed 38.5% houses and 61.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Adelaide metro's 78.2% houses and 21.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Glenelg South was recorded at 37.3%, with mortgaged dwellings at 24.3% and rented ones at 38.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment stood at $2,000, higher than Adelaide metro's average of $1,562 and the national average of $1,863. Median weekly rent was recorded at $340, lower than Adelaide metro's figure of $375 and the national average of $320.

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

Family households account for 56.3% of all households, consisting of 18.5% couples with children, 30.2% couples without children, and 6.7% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 43.7%, with lone person households at 39.9% and group households comprising 3.8%. The median household size is 2.0 people, which is smaller than the Greater Adelaide average of 2.5.

Glenelg South demonstrates exceptional educational outcomes, ranking among the top 5% of areas nationally based on AreaSearch's comprehensive analysis of qualification and performance metrics

Educational attainment in Glenelg South is notable, with 38.0% of residents aged 15+ holding university qualifications, surpassing the broader benchmarks of 25.7% in SA and 28.1% in SA4 region. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 26.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (8.1%) and graduate diplomas (3.9%). Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 29.4% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas at 13.0% and certificates at 16.4%. A significant portion, 22.9%, is actively pursuing formal education, including 6.9% in tertiary, 6.3% in primary, and 5.8% in secondary education.

A substantial 22.9% of the population actively pursues formal education. This includes 6.9% in tertiary education, 6.3% in primary education, and 5.8% pursuing secondary education.

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

Public transport analysis shows nine active transport stops operating within Glenelg South. These stops are served by eleven individual bus routes, collectively providing 558 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 178 meters from the nearest stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward. Car remains the dominant mode of transport at 82%, with 6% walking. Vehicle ownership averages one per dwelling, below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, some 16.6% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages seventy-nine trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately sixty-two weekly trips per individual stop.

The level of general health in Glenelg South is notably higher than the national average with prevalence of common health conditions low among the general population though higher than the nation's average across older, at risk cohorts

Glenelg South shows superior health outcomes according to AreaSearch's evaluation of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The prevalence of common health conditions is low among the general population but higher than the national average among older, at-risk cohorts.

Approximately 58% (~1,411 people) have private health cover, compared to Greater Adelaide's 52.7%. Arthritis and mental health issues are the most prevalent medical conditions, affecting 10.6 and 7.7% of residents respectively, while 62.3% report no medical ailments, compared to 67.9% across Greater Adelaide. Working-age residents have low chronic condition prevalence. The area has 34.0% (830 people) aged 65 and over, higher than Greater Adelaide's 19.3%. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges but rank lower nationally than the broader population.

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

Glenelg South had a higher-than-average cultural diversity, with 10.6% speaking a language other than English at home and 24.4% born overseas. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 48.3%. The most notable overrepresentation was in the 'Other' category, at 1.1%, compared to Greater Adelaide's 1.8%.

The top three ancestry groups were English (32.8%), Australian (23.0%), and Irish (9.4%). Notably, Welsh (0.9%) and Russian (0.7%) were overrepresented, as was German (6.2%).

Glenelg South ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Glenelg South's median age is 52 years, which is significantly older than Greater Adelaide's median age of 39 years and higher than the Australian median age of 38 years. The age profile shows that the 75-84 year-old group makes up 12.5% of the population, a figure that has grown from 10.0% since the 2021 Census. Conversely, the 55-64 year-old cohort has declined from 15.2% to 13.2%. The 5-14 year-old group comprises 6.5%, which is smaller than in Greater Adelaide. Nationally, the 75-84 age group makes up 6.1%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests that Glenelg South's age profile will change significantly. The 85+ age cohort is projected to expand from 163 to 317 people, an increase of 94%, driven primarily by senior residents aged 65 and above who will account for 83% of population growth. Both the 0-4 and 5-14 age groups are expected to decrease in number.