Morphettville

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

As of November 2025, the estimated population of the Morphettville statistical area (Lv2) is around 4,306. This reflects a growth of 620 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,686. The latest resident population estimate by AreaSearch is 4,047, based on examination of ABS's ERP data release in June 2024. An additional 81 validated new addresses were identified since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 2,163 persons per square kilometer, higher than the national average assessed by AreaSearch. The Morphettville (SA2) experienced a 16.8% growth from 2021 to November 2025, surpassing both the SA4 region's 7.3% and state-level growth rates.

This growth was primarily driven by overseas migration contributing approximately 65.0% of overall population gains during recent periods. AreaSearch employs ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024, using 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered and years post-2032, the SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections by age category are adopted with adjustments made through weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Based on aggregated SA2-level projections considering demographic shifts, an above median population growth is expected for statistical areas across the nation. The Morphettville (SA2) is projected to grow by 805 persons to reach a total population of around 4,911 by 2041, reflecting a gain of approximately 9.1% over the 17-year period.

AreaSearch assessment of residential approval activity sees Morphettville among the top 30% of areas assessed nationwide

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, shows Morphettville recorded around 44 residential properties granted approval annually. Over the past 5 financial years, between FY21 and FY25, approximately 224 homes were approved, with a further 26 approved in FY26 to date. On average, 1.4 new residents per year per dwelling constructed were estimated over this period.

This suggests supply and demand are well-matched, fostering stable market dynamics. The average construction value of new properties was $373,000, reflecting quality-focused development. In FY26, there have been $1.9 million in commercial approvals, indicating minimal commercial development activity. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Morphettville shows 68.0% higher development activity per person, providing buyers with ample choice and reflecting strong developer confidence in the area. Recent construction comprises 70.0% standalone homes and 30.0% townhouses or apartments, offering a mix of medium-density options across various price brackets.

The location has approximately 97 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market. Looking ahead, Morphettville is expected to grow by 393 residents through to 2041, based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

Morphettville has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 30thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified two projects likely affecting this region: Morphettville/Glengowrie Horse Related Activities Code Amendment and Morphettville Racecourse Redevelopment. Other notable projects include Westfield Marion Expansion and Tram Grade Separation Projects, with the following details focusing on 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 conditions in Morphettville remain below the national average according to AreaSearch analysis

Morphettville has an educated workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate was 4.3% as of September 2025.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 3.5%. Residents' employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, education & training, and retail trade. Health care & social assistance shows notable concentration with levels at 1.2 times the regional average. Conversely, manufacturing has lower representation at 3.9% compared to the regional average of 7.0%.

The area offers limited local employment opportunities as indicated by Census data comparing working population to resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment increased by 3.5%, labour force by 3.2%, reducing unemployment rate by 0.2 percentage points. In Greater Adelaide, employment grew by 3.0%, labour force expanded by 2.9%, and unemployment fell by 0.1 percentage points during the same period. State-level data to 25-Nov-25 shows SA employment grew by 1.19% year-on-year, with an unemployment rate of 4.0%. National unemployment rate was 4.3%, but SA's employment growth outpaced national average of 0.14%. Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Morphettville's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.1% over five years and 14.6% over ten years, based on simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2023, Morphettville had a median income among taxpayers of $50,536 and an average income of $62,731. These figures are lower than national averages, which stood at $54,808 (median) and $66,852 (average) for Greater Adelaide during the same period. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.8% since financial year 2023, estimated median income in Morphettville as of September 2025 would be approximately $54,983, with average income estimated at $68,251. According to the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes in Morphettville rank modestly, between the 30th and 37th percentiles. Income analysis shows that 30.5% of Morphettville's population (1,313 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 income range, similar to the regional average of 31.8%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Morphettville, with only 81.9% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 27th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 4th decile.

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

Morphettville's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 55.1% houses and 44.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Adelaide metro's 70.8% houses and 29.2% other dwellings. Home ownership in Morphettville was at 25.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 36.3% and rented ones at 38.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,667, below Adelaide metro's average of $1,700. Median weekly rent in Morphettville was $300, 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 58.1% of all households, including 21.7% couples with children, 22.6% couples without children, and 12.1% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 41.9%, with lone person households at 36.6% and group households comprising 5.2%. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is smaller than the Greater Adelaide average of 2.4.

Morphettville shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

Morphettville has a higher proportion of university-qualified residents aged 15 and above (29.1%) compared to the South Australian average (25.7%). Bachelor degrees are the most common qualification at 20.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (6.9%) and graduate diplomas (1.9%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 29.6% of residents aged 15 and above holding such qualifications, including advanced diplomas (9.5%) and certificates (20.1%).

Educational participation is high in Morphettville, with 25.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 7.5% in primary education, 6.6% in tertiary education, and 5.2% pursuing secondary education.

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

Morphettville has 23 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 16 different routes that together facilitate 675 weekly passenger trips. The average distance from residents to the nearest transport stop is 171 meters, indicating excellent accessibility.

On average, there are 96 trips per day across all routes, which translates to approximately 29 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Morphettville is well below average with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Morphettville faces significant health challenges, as indicated by health data.

Both younger and older age groups are affected by various health conditions. Private health cover is relatively low, at approximately 52% of the total population (around 2,230 people). The most prevalent medical conditions are mental health issues, impacting 11.4% of residents, followed by arthritis at 8.0%. Conversely, 64.0% of residents reported having no medical ailments, compared to 68.1% in Greater Adelaide. Morphettville has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over, at 21.8% (938 people), compared to 19.2% in Greater Adelaide. Health outcomes among seniors present challenges generally aligned with the overall population's health profile.

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

Morphettville's population showed higher cultural diversity than most local areas, with 27.3% born overseas and 21.2% speaking languages other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Morphettville, accounting for 42.6%. Notably, Judaism was more prevalent here at 0.3%, compared to Greater Adelaide's 0.1%.

The top three ancestry groups were English (27.8%), Australian (23.4%), and Other (10.1%). Some ethnic groups had notable differences: German was slightly overrepresented at 5.5% versus the regional average of 5.0%, Russian at 0.5% compared to 0.3%, and Spanish at 0.6% against a regional average of 0.3%.

Morphettville's population aligns closely with national norms in age terms

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 over-represented at 18.1% locally compared to Greater Adelaide's average, while the 45-54 cohort is under-represented at 9.3%. Post the 2021 Census, the 75-84 age group increased from 6.7% to 7.4%, and the 85+ cohort decreased from 5.8% to 4.4%. By 2041, demographic modeling projects significant changes in Morphettville's age profile. The 85+ cohort is expected to grow by 64%, adding 121 residents to reach 311. Residents aged 65 and older are projected to represent 54% of the population growth. Conversely, the 0-4 age range is anticipated to decrease by 9%.