Payneham

Population growth drivers in Payneham are slightly above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium term trends

Payneham's population is estimated at around 2,649 as of May 2026. This reflects an increase of 211 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,438. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of the resident population at 2,629 following examination of ABS data released in June 2025 and validation of ten new addresses since the Census date. This level of population results in a density ratio of 3,311 persons per square kilometer, placing Payneham in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Payneham's growth rate of 8.7% since the 2021 census exceeds both the state average (7.5%) and Greater Adelaide's growth, positioning it as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration was the primary driver of population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch employs 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 based on 2021 data are adopted with adjustments made using a weighted aggregation method from LGA to SA2 levels. Considering projected demographic shifts, Payneham is expected to experience above median population growth nationally, increasing by 487 persons to reach an estimated population of 3,136 by 2041, reflecting a total gain of 17.6% over the 16-year period.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Payneham recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

Payneham has seen around 12 dwelling approvals per year based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers. This totals an estimated 64 homes over the past five financial years, from FY-20 to FY-25. As of FY-26, 8 approvals have been recorded. The average population growth per dwelling built in Payneham between FY-21 and FY-25 was 0.9 people per year.

This suggests that new supply is meeting or exceeding demand, providing ample buyer choice and capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts. The average construction cost value of new homes in Payneham is $505,000, indicating a focus on the premium market segment with higher-end properties. In FY-26, commercial approvals totalled $713,000, reflecting a predominantly residential focus.

Compared to Greater Adelaide, Payneham has around three-quarters the rate of new dwelling approvals per person. Nationally, it ranks in the 81st percentile of areas assessed for building activity. However, construction activity has accelerated in recent years. Recent development comprises 67.0% detached dwellings and 33.0% townhouses or apartments, offering choices across price ranges from spacious family homes to more accessible compact options. Notably, developers are building more traditional houses than the current mix suggests (42.0% at Census), indicating strong demand for family homes despite density pressures. Payneham has approximately 133 people per dwelling approval, suggesting an expanding market. Future projections estimate Payneham will add 467 residents by 2041, based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Building activity is keeping pace with growth projections, though buyers may face increased competition as the population grows.

Payneham has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 23rdth percentile nationally

The performance of a region can significantly be influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. One notable project identified by AreaSearch is expected to impact this area. Key projects include Trinity Valley Stormwater Drainage Upgrade, Felixstow Intergenerational Community initiative, O-Bahn City Access Project, and Adelaide Level Crossing Removal Planning Program. The following list details those projects likely to be 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 Payneham demonstrate strong performance, ranking among the top 35% of areas assessed nationally

Payneham has a highly educated workforce with well-represented essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 3.2% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 5.8%. As of December 2025, 1,544 residents were employed, and the unemployment rate was 0.6% lower than Greater Adelaide's rate of 3.8%.

Workforce participation was 71.0%, compared to Greater Adelaide's 66.0%. Only 9.9% of residents worked from home, considering Covid-19 lockdown impacts. Key industries for employment among residents were health care & social assistance, education & training, and professional & technical services.

Construction was under-represented at 6.4%, compared to Greater Adelaide's 8.7%. Employment opportunities appeared limited locally based on Census working population vs resident population data. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment levels increased by 5.8% and labour force grew by 5.7%, with unemployment remaining unchanged. In comparison, Greater Adelaide recorded employment growth of 4.2%, labour force growth of 3.9%, and a decrease in unemployment of 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that Payneham's employment should increase by 7.1% over five years and 14.7% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to Payneham's employment mix.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows that income in Payneham is among the highest in Australia. The median income is $60,949 and the average income stands at $84,079. 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 10.17% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $67,148 (median) and $92,630 (average) as of March 2026. Census data reveals personal income ranks at the 63rd percentile ($874 weekly), while household income sits at the 30th percentile. The data shows that 30.7% of Payneham's population falls within the $1,500 - $2,999 income range, with 813 individuals in this bracket. This pattern is similar to metropolitan Adelaide where 31.8% occupy this income range. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Payneham, with only 83.1% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 28th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 6th decile.

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

Payneham's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 41.5% houses and 58.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Adelaide metro's 71.2% houses and 28.8% other dwellings. Home ownership in Payneham was at 29.2%, with mortgaged dwellings at 29.1% and rented ones at 41.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Payneham was $1,700, higher than Adelaide metro's average of $1,562. The median weekly rent figure for Payneham was recorded at $300, compared to Adelaide metro's $320. Nationally, Payneham's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 54.9% of all households, including 20.3% couples with children, 24.0% couples without children, and 9.2% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 45.1%, with lone person households at 40.7% and group households making up 4.6%. The median household size is 2.0 people, which is smaller than the Greater Adelaide average of 2.5.

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

Payneham's educational attainment exceeds broader benchmarks significantly. Among residents aged 15+, 42.9% hold university qualifications, compared to 25.7% in South Australia (SA) and 28.9% in Greater Adelaide. This educational advantage is led by bachelor degrees at 27.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 11.0% and graduate diplomas at 4.4%. Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 25.7% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas at 10.8% and certificates at 14.9%.

Educational participation is notably high, with 25.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 7.8% in primary education, 7.1% in tertiary education, and 4.3% pursuing secondary education.

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

Payneham has seven active public transport stops, all serving buses. These stops are covered by 17 different routes, offering a total of 985 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is deemed good, with residents located an average of 222 meters from the nearest stop. Most Payneham residents commute outward daily. Cars remain the primary mode of transport for 82% of residents, while buses are used by 12%, and cycling by 2%. On average, there are 0.9 vehicles per dwelling in Payneham, lower than the regional norm.

According to the 2021 Census, only 9.9% of Payneham residents work from home, which might be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Across all routes, service frequency averages 140 trips per day, translating to about 140 weekly trips per individual stop.

Payneham'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

Payneham residents have shown positive health outcomes according to AreaSearch's analysis. Mortality rates and health conditions are largely aligned with national benchmarks.

Common health conditions are low among the general population but higher among older, at-risk cohorts compared to national averages. Private health cover is exceptionally high in Payneham at approximately 60% of the total population (1,594 people), contrasting Greater Adelaide's 52.7%. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 8.2 and 7.4% respectively. Notably, 70.2% of residents claim to have no medical ailments, compared to 67.9% in Greater Adelaide. Working-age residents exhibit low chronic condition prevalence. Payneham has 18.0% of residents aged 65 and over (476 people), lower than Greater Adelaide's 19.2%. While health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, they rank lower nationally compared to the broader population.

Payneham 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

Payneham has a high level of cultural diversity, with 36.1% of its population born overseas and 32.8% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Payneham, representing 49.7% of the population. Notably, the category 'Other' comprises 3.0% of Payneham's population, higher than the Greater Adelaide average of 1.8%.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups are English (21.9%), Australian (17.9%), and Italian (14.2%). The representation of English ancestry is lower than the regional average of 27.8%, while Italian ancestry is substantially higher than the regional average of 5.2%. There are also notable differences in the representation of German (4.9% vs 5.1%), Korean (0.6% vs 0.3%), and Croatian (0.8% vs 0.5%) ancestries compared to the Greater Adelaide averages.

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

The median age in Payneham is 37 years, which is lower than Greater Adelaide's average of 39 years and close to Australia's national average of 38 years. The 25-34 age cohort is over-represented in Payneham at 20.8%, compared to Greater Adelaide's average of 16.5%. Conversely, the 15-24 age group is under-represented at 9.8%. Post-2021 Census data shows that the 35-44 age group grew from 14.7% to 16.4%, while the 25-34 cohort increased from 19.5% to 20.8%. The 45-54 age group, however, declined from 10.8% to 9.7%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate that Payneham's 25-34 age group will grow by 15%, reaching 634 people from the current 550.