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This analysis uses Suburbs and Localities (SAL) boundaries, which can materially differ from Statistical Areas (SA2) even when sharing the same name.
SAL boundaries are defined by Australia Post and the Australian Bureau of Statistics to represent commonly-known suburb names used in postal addresses.
Statistical Areas (SA2) are designed for census data collection and may combine multiple suburbs or use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
est. as @ -- *
2021 Census | -- people
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Payneham has an estimated 2,649 residents, up from 2,438 at the 2021 Census — a change of 211 people, or 8.7%. Growth has averaged 1.4% a year over five years. Overseas migration accounts for 100.0% of that increase. That puts 3,311 residents on each square kilometre. Population is estimated from ABS Estimated Resident Population releases and GNAF address data, re-based from the 2021 Census and updated annually.
Detail
Based on demographic evaluations from the ABS for the region and new residential listings validated by AreaSearch since the national survey, the population of Payneham is calculated to be approximately 2,649 as of May 2026. This represents a growth of 211 residents (8.7%) relative to the 2021 Census, which documented a total of 2,438 individuals. The estimate is calculated from a base resident count of 2,629 determined by AreaSearch using the June 2025 ABS ERP release, supplemented by 10 validated new addresses added after the Census date. This size results in a density of 3,311 persons per square kilometer, placing the suburb of Payneham in the top quartile of Australian locations examined by AreaSearch.
The 8.7% rate of expansion since the 2021 Census outperformed both the state average (7.5%) and Greater Adelaide, establishing the area as a regional growth leader. Population increases were primarily driven by incoming overseas migrants, who acted as the sole source of positive demographic gains in recent times. AreaSearch utilizes the 2024 population projections from the ABS and Geoscience Australia, using 2022 as the base point. For any SA2 regions missing from this dataset, or for projections extending beyond 2032, calculations are based on the SA State Government's 2023 age-specific regional projections (anchored on 2021 numbers), adjusted by allocating LGA-level growth to SA2 boundaries via weighted averages. Based on these anticipated demographic trends, the suburb of Payneham is projected to achieve growth exceeding the national median, expanding by 487 persons by 2041 according to aggregated SA2 models, which represents a total growth of 17.6% over the 16-year timeframe.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
69 new dwellings have been approved in Payneham over the past five years, an average of 13 a year. That places the area in the 60th percentile for residential development activity nationally, about 5 approvals per 1,000 residents a year. Approvals are currently running at an annualised 15, broadly in line with that longer-run average. Figures come from ABS building approvals aggregated to this Suburb (SAL) boundary and are updated monthly as the ABS releases them.
Detail
An analysis of ABS building approvals assigned from localized data indicates that the suburb of Payneham averages approximately 13 approved residential designs each year, resulting in 69 approved units over the 5 financial years from FY-21 to FY-25, and 14 so far during FY-26. Over the 5 financial years between FY-21 and FY-25, every finished dwelling was matched by an average gain of 2.5 new residents, showing solid demand levels that should underpin residential values. These new builds carry a mean value of $505,000, which points to developers focusing on high-end properties within the premium market.
Additionally, commercial approvals of $713,000 were recorded this financial year, reinforcing the highly residential character of local development. Compared with Greater Adelaide, building approval volume per person in the suburb of Payneham is 17.0% lower, though it ranks in the 77th percentile nationally, with construction activity showing an upward trend lately. Modern additions consist of 62.0% separate houses and 38.0% attached dwellings, offering a broader range of options like townhouses and flats to suit different budgets from family residences to smaller units. Notably, developers are constructing a higher proportion of detached dwellings than the Census benchmark of 42.0%, proving that demand for standalone family properties remains high despite densification. With an average of 153 people per residential approval, the suburb of Payneham displays the hallmarks of an expanding market. Future projections indicate that the suburb of Payneham will add 467 residents by 2041, measured from the latest quarterly figures compiled by AreaSearch. Construction rates remain appropriately aligned with this anticipated population influx, though prospective buyers may face increased market rivalry as density rises.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Payneham
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| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
|---|
SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks 8 current infrastructure and development projects close to Payneham, worth an estimated $120 million. 5 are already under construction and 1 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans sports & recreation, residential development and communities. Records are compiled from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, council planning portals and public announcements, reviewed and updated daily, then ranked by proximity, construction stage, completion horizon and project scale.
Detail
Local infrastructure updates, planning schemes, and major developments have a significant influence on regional performance. A single project has been identified by AreaSearch as having an influence on this locality. Notable initiatives include the Trinity Valley Stormwater Drainage Upgrade, the Felixstow Intergenerational Community, the O-Bahn City Access Project, and the Adelaide Level Crossing Removal Planning Program, with relevant details provided in the list below.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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.
Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Norwood Green
A $120 million master-planned mixed-use community at 100 Magill Road, Norwood, built on the former Caroma factory site. The precinct comprises 111 apartments across five seven-storey buildings and 33 townhouses, arranged around a communal village green. Ground-floor retail includes an ALDI supermarket, East End Cellars, cafes and specialty tenants. Designed by Tectvs architects and jointly developed by Buildtec Group and Catcorp. Final stage apartments are now available, with earlier stages completed and occupied.
Broad Street Reserve Playground Upgrade
The City of Norwood Payneham & St Peters Council is upgrading the playground equipment at Broad Street Reserve, Marden, to create a more enjoyable and accessible play space for the community. The project cost is $120,000.
East Marden Primary School Major Upgrades
East Marden Primary School is undergoing a facility upgrade, including a new administration building with reception/foyer, leadership offices, meeting rooms, staff preparation space, a staff room, and unisex staff and student amenities. Additionally, two new buildings will comprise general learning areas, withdrawal areas, teacher preparation space, and unisex student amenities. The project also involves the demolition of ageing infrastructure. Project budget is $8.91 million.
Felixstow Intergenerational Community
A six-storey intergenerational community with retirement, aged care, disability, family housing and build-to-rent apartments.
Payneham Memorial Swimming Centre Redevelopment
The $60 million redevelopment of the Payneham Memorial Swimming Centre into a state-of-the-art aquatic facility. It includes a 10-lane 50m outdoor pool, two indoor pools (learn to swim pool and 25m pool), a 14m high water slide, outdoor splash play area, new change rooms, a multi-purpose meeting room, and kiosk. Expected completion early 2026.
Trinity Valley Stormwater Drainage Upgrade
A multi-stage project involving the installation of new stormwater drainage infrastructure across St Morris, Trinity Gardens, Maylands, and Stepney. Designed to reduce flood risk, increase capacity for 1-in-100-year storm events, and utilise Council reserves for temporary stormwater detention. Stages 2 and 3 completed May 2024. Stages 1 and 4 are scheduled for 2025.
Marden Connect Development
The Marden Connect development by Qattro involves the replacement of ageing medium density public housing stock with contemporary medium to high-density housing, comprising 170 dwellings, with 66 designated as affordable homes through the State Government's Affordable Homes Program. The project also incorporates Water Sensitive Urban Design (WSUD) principles.
Gilberton Swing Bridge Redevelopment Project
Redevelopment of the heritage-listed Gilberton Swing Bridge, located within the River Torrens Linear Park, connecting St Peters and Gilberton. The project involved a total refurbishment to meet modern safety and design standards while retaining historical significance. Opened in January 2018, the new bridge incorporated recycled plastic bags for decking.
1,559 residents of Payneham are employed, from a labour force of 1,608. Unemployment sits at 3.0%, with participation at 71.6%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 7.1% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth. The working-day population is estimated at 1,919, about 72% of the resident population, so more people leave the area for work than travel in. Unemployment and labour force come from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, updated quarterly; the industry and occupation profile is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Payneham boasts a well-educated labor force with strong representation in essential service industries, an unemployment rate of just 3.0%, and an estimated employment growth of 5.7% over the previous year, according to AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data. As of March 2026, 1,559 residents are employed, and the local unemployment rate sits 0.8% below the Greater Adelaide rate of 3.8%, while workforce participation is fairly standard at 71.6% compared to Greater Adelaide's 66.6%. Census responses indicate that a low 9.9% of residents were found to work from home, although the impact of Covid-19 lockdowns should be considered.
The primary employment sectors for local workers are health care & social assistance, education & training, and professional & technical services. In contrast, the building sector has a minor footprint, accounting for 6.4% of jobs compared to 8.7% across the region. Comparison of working populations at the Census to resident numbers suggests that this mostly residential locality offers few local job opportunities. Based on AreaSearch processing of SALM and ABS data for the wider region, employment rose by 5.7% and the active workforce expanded by 5.5% over the 12-month period, reducing the local unemployment rate by 0.2 percentage points. Over the same timeframe, Greater Adelaide recorded a 4.2% rise in employment, a 4.0% increase in the labor force, and a 0.2 percentage point drop in unemployment. National employment projections released by Jobs and Skills Australia in May-25 offer additional context on future demand trends. These five and ten-year forecasts have been correlated with local employment sectors to model future workforce shifts. While overall Australian employment is projected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, the rates vary widely by industry. Weighting these sectoral forecasts against the employment structure of the suburb of Payneham suggests local job numbers will increase by 7.1% over five years and 14.7% over ten years, noting that this calculation is a direct extrapolation and does not incorporate localized population adjustments.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Payneham is $1,414 a week (about $74,000 a year), with median personal income at $874 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $60,949 a year against an average of $84,079. Household income is from the 2021 Census; taxable income is from ATO Taxation Statistics for the latest financial year available, indexed forward using the ABS Wage Price Index.
Detail
Tax data at the postcode level compiled by AreaSearch for financial year 2023 shows the suburb of Payneham has a median taxpayer income of $60,949 and an average of $84,079. This profile ranks among the higher brackets nationally, compared to the Greater Adelaide median of $54,808 and average of $66,852. Applying a Wage Price Index growth of 10.17% since financial year 2023 suggests updated figures of approximately $67,148 for the median and $92,630 for the average as of March 2026. The 2021 Census placed individual weekly income at the 63rd percentile ($874), while household incomes ranked at the 30th percentile.
The largest income band consists of 30.7% of residents earning between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly (representing 813 individuals), similar to the regional average of 31.8% in this category. Financial pressure from housing is high, leaving residents with only 83.1% of their earnings, which sits at the 28th percentile, and the local SEIFA income score falls into the 6th decile.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Payneham had 1,162 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 42% detached houses and 35% apartments. 29% are owned with a mortgage, 42% rented and 29% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $300 a week and the median mortgage repayment $1,700 a month. Rent absorbs 21.2% of household income here and mortgage repayments 27.7%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
According to the last Census, the housing mix in the suburb of Payneham consisted of 41.5% standalone houses and 58.4% other formats such as townhouses and flats, differing from the Adelaide metro profile of 75.2% houses and 24.9% other dwellings. The rate of home ownership was 29.2%, which is lower than the metropolitan Adelaide average, with remaining properties held under mortgages (29.1%) or leased (41.7%). Monthly mortgage costs were higher than the metropolitan average at $1,700, whereas median weekly rents were $300, compared to metropolitan benchmarks of $1,562 and $320 respectively.
Globally, mortgage payments in the suburb of Payneham are below the Australian median of $1,863, and weekly rents are also well below the national baseline of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Payneham counted 1,162 households at the 2021 Census, an estimated 1,263 today, averaging 2.0 people each. 20% are couples with children, fewer than in 86% of areas nationally, against 24% couples without children. 41% of households are people living alone, and families average 1.2 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Family units constitute the majority of households at 54.9%, consisting of 20.3% partners with children, 24.0% partners without children, and 9.2% single parents. The remaining 45.1% are non-family arrangements, which are mostly single-person households at 40.7% alongside group households at 4.6%. The typical household size of 2.0 residents is smaller than the Greater Adelaide average of 2.5.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
42.9% of adults in Payneham hold a university qualification, including 27.5% with a bachelor degree and 11.0% with postgraduate qualifications, higher than 98% of areas nationally. A further 14.9% hold a vocational qualification. Qualifications come from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Educational profiles in the suburb of Payneham are substantially higher than regional averages, with 42.9% of residents aged 15+ holding a university degree, compared to 25.7% in SA and 28.9% across Greater Adelaide. This concentration of academic credentials positions the community well for professional industries. Bachelor degrees represent 27.5% of qualifications, with postgraduate degrees at 11.0% and graduate diplomas at 4.4%. Technical and vocational credentials are also common, with 25.7% of residents aged 15+ holding qualifications in these fields, including advanced diplomas at 10.8% and certificate-level training at 14.9%. Engagement in learning is high, with 25.8% of the population enrolled in an educational program.
This student cohort includes 7.8% in primary schools, 7.1% in higher education, and 4.3% in secondary schools.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Public transport in Payneham reaches 7 stops on 17 routes, timetabled for about 990 services a week. The typical home sits about 220 m from its nearest stop. Buses carry the largest share of public transport commuters. Households keep an average of 0.9 vehicles. Stop and service counts are built from operators' published GTFS timetables and refresh with each timetable release; vehicle ownership is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Public transit data shows 7 active bus stops in the suburb of Payneham, serviced by 17 distinct routes that carry a total of 985 weekly passengers. Transit links are rated as good, with residents living an average of 222 meters from their nearest stop. Because the area is mostly residential, the majority of workers commute to other areas, with private cars remaining the primary choice at 82%, followed by buses at 12% and cycling at 2%. Vehicle ownership stands at an average of 0.9 per dwelling, which is lower than the metropolitan average.
A relatively low proportion of 9.9% of workers worked from home, based on 2021 Census data collected during pandemic conditions. Transit services average 140 trips per day across the network, which translates to approximately 140 weekly services at each individual stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
70.2% of residents in Payneham report no long-term health condition. 5.6% need daily assistance with core activities, and 60.2% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 5.9 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
Health outcomes for residents in the suburb of Payneham are generally favorable, with AreaSearch analysis of mortality rates and diagnoses showing results that align with national averages. The rate of common ailments is low overall, though it rises above the Australian average in older demographic segments. Private health insurance coverage is high, with approximately 60% of the population (1,594 people) holding policies, compared to 52.7% across Greater Adelaide. The most prevalent chronic conditions in the locality are arthritis and mental health challenges, affecting 8.2% and 7.4% of the population respectively.
Conversely, 70.2% of residents reported having no long-term medical conditions, compared to 67.9% across Greater Adelaide. The working-age population is healthy with low rates of chronic illness. Residents aged 65 and over make up 18.0% of the population (476 people), which is slightly below the Greater Adelaide level of 19.2%. Senior health profiles present more difficulties, ranking lower nationally than the rest of the local community.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
36.1% of Payneham residents were born overseas and 32.8% speak a language other than English at home, more culturally diverse than 79% of areas nationally. The largest reported ancestries are English (21.9%) and Australian (17.9%). Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
The suburb of Payneham demonstrates a high level of cultural diversity, with 36.1% of residents born outside Australia and 32.8% using a language other than English at home. Christianity is the primary religious affiliation, comprising 49.7% of the community. The most notable variation is in the Other category, which represents 3.0% of residents compared to 1.8% across Greater Adelaide. Looking at parent countries of birth, the three largest ancestry groups are English at 21.9% (below the regional average of 27.8%), Australian at 17.9%, and Italian at 14.2% (substantially higher than the regional average of 5.2%).
Other notable ethnic representation includes German at 4.9% (compared to 5.1% regionally), Korean at 0.6% (compared to 0.3% regionally), and Croatian at 0.8% (compared to 0.5% regionally).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Payneham is 37. That is 1 year younger than at the 2021 Census. 30.6% of residents are aged 15 to 34. Age cohorts are not raw Census counts: the Census split is re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections.
Detail
The median age of 37 years in the suburb of Payneham is lower than Greater Adelaide's average of 39 and similar to the national average of 38. Compared to the wider metropolitan area, there is a high concentration of residents aged 25 to 34 (20.8% locally vs 14.6% nationally) and a lower proportion aged 15 to 24 (9.8%). Since the 2021 Census, the 35 to 44 age cohort has grown from 14.7% to 16.4% of the total population, while the 25 to 34 cohort rose from 19.5% to 20.8%. In contrast, the 45 to 54 group decreased from 10.8% to 9.7%.
By 2041, demographic forecasts project a 15% increase (83 people) in the 25 to 34 cohort, taking it from 550 to 634.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Payneham
9 of 14 data sections on this page were updated within the last 12 months — the newest current to Aug 2026.
Everything is aggregated to the Suburb (SAL) boundary shown above, on a 2021 Census baseline. Only 3 sections — housing, households and cultural diversity — still wait on the 2026 Census.
The ledger — source, cycle and currency by section
| Section | Source & update cycle | Currency |
|---|---|---|
| Updated within the last 12 months 9 sections | ||
| Population | ABS, GNAF, Geoscience Australia Annual (ABS ERP) | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release) and updated with new dwellings from GNAF address data. Current to May 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to May 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Jun 2026 2 months ago headline measures · May 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Aug 2026 this month all 21 measures |
| Sales from the state Valuer General register, refreshed weekly, and rents from quarterly rental bond lodgements. Both are read live each time this page loads, current to Aug 2026. | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, Local governments Daily | May 2026 3 months ago all 2 projects tracked here |
| Project pipeline maintained continuously from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, local government and public announcements. Records are added and revised daily; this area was last updated May 2026. | ||
| Employment | ABS, DEWR, JSA Quarterly (ABS SALM) | Mar 2026 5 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Unemployment and labour force from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, current to Mar 2026. The growth outlook applies Department of Employment (now Jobs and Skills Australia) forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to the local industry mix, so it measures sector composition rather than local expansion and makes no allowance for population growth. Job demand comes from the same agency via its Internet Vacancy Index; industry and occupation structure from the 2021 Census. | ||
| Education | ABS, ACARA Annual (ACARA) | Aug 2026 this month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Jul 2026 last month all 14 measures |
| Annual and financial-year sources 2 sections | ||
| Income | ABS, ATO Annual (ATO) | FY 2023 3 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| ATO taxable income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index. Census household income provides the distribution detail. | ||
| Health | ABS, ATO Annual | 2024 2 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Census-measured — next update: 2026 Census 3 sections No more current small-area source exists for these, so they are labelled as Census-measured rather than implied to be current. | ||
| Housing | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 30 measures |
| Households | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 18 measures |
| Cultural diversity | ABS, Geoscience Australia 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 44 measures |
"Currency" is the most recent release feeding that section. Where the Census supplies the structural baseline underneath a current headline figure, the row says so.
How the numbers are built
Population
The Census provides the small-area baseline, aggregated from mesh blocks to this boundary. It is then re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release), and new dwellings built since Census night are counted from address data — 10 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for May 2026, not a 2021 count (2,438 at the 2021 Census → 2,649 now). Annual growth rates are compound (CAGR), not simple averages.
Age profile
Cohort shares are not raw Census counts. Every cohort is held as a pair — the Census baseline and a current estimate — and the split is re-based using ERP and state population projections, current to May 2026. Median age is the Census median plus modelled change since. Charts that show both are labelled "2021 Census vs Current Estimate".
Property sales
Sourced from the state valuation authority's sales register — current, not Census, and refreshed weekly. Medians are calculated from settled transactions in the period shown; periods with very low transaction counts are flagged or suppressed, because a handful of sales can move a median substantially.
Rents
Derived from state rental bond lodgement data, by dwelling type and bedroom count. Bonds are lodged at the start of a new tenancy, so this reflects new lettings, not the whole rented stock.
Development & infrastructure
Building approvals come from current ABS releases; development applications are collected from council and state planning portals; the infrastructure pipeline is compiled from Infrastructure Australia and local government sources. Applications are matched to this boundary by address or coordinates, so very recent lodgements may not yet appear.
Employment & income
Industry and occupation structure comes from the Census, but the headline labour-market indicators do not. Unemployment and labour force are derived from ABS Small Area Labour Markets (quarterly). The employment outlook applies Department of Employment forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to this area's own industry mix (the agency is now Jobs and Skills Australia), as does the Internet Vacancy Index used for job demand. Because it is weighted on industry composition alone, that outlook carries no allowance for local population growth — in fast-growing areas the real rise in local jobs will typically be higher. Income combines Census household income with ATO taxable-income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index.
Education, transport & amenities
School enrolments, ICSEA and performance come from ACARA's current release, not the Census. Public transport stops and service frequency are derived from GTFS timetable feeds published by state transport departments. Services and amenities are proximity and count scores built from provider directories, refreshed on their own cycle. The Census contributes only the travel-to-work and qualification measures.
Rankings and benchmarks. Where we rank this area, the comparison set is every area of the same boundary type — suburbs against suburbs, SA2s against SA2s. Benchmarks compare this area against its greater capital city region and the national figure for the same measure and period.
Limits worth knowing. Small areas carry larger error margins, and the ABS introduces small random adjustments to Census counts to protect confidentiality — so totals may not sum exactly. Estimates re-based from regional data describe the area's expected trajectory, not a direct count of it. Figures are indicative for research and are not financial, planning or valuation advice.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (SAL41123). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.