Payneham

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

As of November 2025, Payneham's population is estimated at around 2,570. This reflects a growth of 132 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,438. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's resident population estimate of 2,550 based on ABS ERP data released in June 2024 and six validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 3,212 persons per square kilometer, placing Payneham in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Payneham's growth rate of 5.4% since the census is within 1.7 percentage points of the state's 7.1%, indicating competitive growth fundamentals. Overseas migration was the primary driver of population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts 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 are adopted with adjustments made using weighted aggregation methods from LGA to SA2 levels. Considering projected demographic shifts, Payneham is expected to have an above median population growth, increasing by 568 persons to reach a total of 3,138 by 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 23.0% over the 17-year period.

Residential development activity is slightly higher than average within Payneham when compared nationally

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area data shows Payneham has had approximately 12 dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling around 63 homes. So far in FY-26, there have been 2 recorded approvals. This results in an average of about 2.9 new residents per year for each dwelling built between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating strong demand which should support property values. The average construction cost value of new homes is around $505,000, slightly above the regional average, suggesting a focus on quality developments.

Commercial approvals this financial year total $282,000, predominantly reflecting residential development. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Payneham has about three-quarters the rate of new dwelling approvals per person, and ranks in the 69th percentile nationally when assessed areas are considered. Recent construction comprises 67% detached dwellings and 33% townhouses or apartments, offering choices across price ranges from spacious family homes to more affordable compact options.

Notably, developers are building more traditional houses than the current mix suggests (42% at Census), indicating continued strong demand for family homes despite density pressures. The location has approximately 198 people per dwelling approval, indicating a low-density market. Population forecasts suggest Payneham will gain around 592 residents by 2041 (latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). If current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and supporting price growth.

Payneham has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

Area infrastructure significantly impacts local performance. One major project identified by AreaSearch may affect the area: Trinity Valley Stormwater Drainage Upgrade, Felixstow Intergenerational Community, New Women's and Children's Hospital, Adelaide Level Crossings Congestion and Safety are key projects. Most relevant projects are listed below.

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 Payneham exceeds national averages across key labour market indicators

Payneham has a highly educated workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate was 3.2% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 2.5%.

As of June 2025, 1,499 residents are employed, and the unemployment rate is 0.8% lower than Greater Adelaide's rate of 4.0%. Workforce participation is 65.8%, slightly higher than Greater Adelaide's 61.7%. Key industries for Payneham residents include health care & social assistance, education & training, and professional & technical services.

However, construction employment is under-represented at 6.4% compared to Greater Adelaide's 8.7%. Employment opportunities appear limited locally, as the Census working population count differs from the resident population. Between June 2024 and June 2025, Payneham's employment levels increased by 2.5%, while the labour force grew by 2.0%, leading to a unemployment rate decrease of 0.5 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Adelaide recorded employment growth of 2.1% with marginal unemployment increase. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 project a 6.6% expansion over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Payneham's industry mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.1% over five years and 14.7% over ten years, though these are simplified extrapolations for illustrative purposes only.

The economic profile demonstrates above-average performance, with income metrics exceeding national benchmarks based on AreaSearch comparative assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year ending June 2022 shows median income in Payneham at $60,949 and average income at $84,079. This compares to Greater Adelaide's median income of $52,592 and average income of $64,886. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.83% from financial year ending June 2022 to September 2025, estimated current incomes are approximately $68,769 (median) and $94,866 (average). Census data indicates personal income ranks at the 63rd percentile ($874 weekly), while household income is at the 30th percentile. In Payneham, 30.7% of individuals fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 income range, similar to metropolitan Adelaide's 31.8%. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 83.1% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 28th percentile. Payneham'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 residential structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 41.5% houses and 58.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Adelaide metro's 51.7% houses and 48.4% 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 was $1,700, below Adelaide metro's average of $2,000. Median weekly rent was $300, compared to Adelaide metro's $340. Nationally, Payneham's mortgage repayments are lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents are 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 comprise 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 account for the remaining 45.1%, with lone person households at 40.7% and group households comprising 4.6%. The median household size is 2.0 people, smaller than the Greater Adelaide average of 2.2.

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 is notably high, with 42.9% of residents aged 15 years and above holding university qualifications. This exceeds South Australia's (SA) average of 25.7% and the Greater Adelaide area's average of 28.9%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 27.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 11.0% and graduate diplomas at 4.4%. Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 25.7% of residents aged 15 years and above holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas at 10.8% and certificates at 14.9%.

Educational participation is high, with 25.8% of Payneham's residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 7.8% in primary education, 7.1% in tertiary education, and 4.3% pursuing secondary education. Educational facilities appear to be located outside Payneham's immediate boundaries, requiring families to access schools in neighboring areas.

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 of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 16 different routes that together facilitate 983 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is deemed good, with residents generally situated 222 meters from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 140 daily trips across all routes, translating to approximately 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's health data shows relatively positive results for its residents.

The prevalence of common health conditions is low among the general population but higher than the national average among older and at-risk groups. Approximately 60% (1,546 people) have private health cover, a rate significantly higher than the nation's average. The most prevalent medical conditions in Payneham are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 8.2% and 7.4% of residents respectively. A majority, 70.2%, report being free from medical ailments, slightly lower than Greater Adelaide's 70.4%. Payneham has a smaller proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 17.9% (460 people) compared to Greater Adelaide's 20.9%. However, health outcomes among seniors require more attention due to the challenges they face.

Payneham is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch 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, accounting for 49.7% of the population. However, the most notable overrepresentation is in the 'Other' category, which comprises 3.0% of Payneham's population compared to 1.6% across Greater Adelaide.

The top three represented ancestry groups are English (21.9%), Australian (17.9%), and Italian (14.2%). There are also notable differences in the representation of certain ethnic groups: German is slightly overrepresented at 4.9% (vs 5.0% regionally), Korean at 0.6% (vs 0.5%), and Croatian at 0.8% (vs 0.5%).

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 notably over-represented in Payneham at 21.2%, compared to the Greater Adelaide average, while the 15-24 age group is under-represented at 9.5%. This concentration of the 25-34 age group is higher than the national average of 14.5%. Post-2021 Census data shows that the 25 to 34 age group grew from 19.5% to 21.2%, and the 35 to 44 cohort increased from 14.7% to 15.8%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 age group declined from 10.8% to 9.6%. Population forecasts for Payneham indicate substantial demographic changes by 2041. Notably, the 35-44 age group is projected to grow by 25%, reaching 508 people from the current 406.