Payneham South

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

As of November 2025, Payneham South's population is estimated at around 1,768 people. This reflects an increase of 37 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,731 people. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 1,751 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, and an additional 6 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population results in a density ratio of 3,048 persons per square kilometer, placing Payneham South in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration was the primary driver of population growth 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 and years post-2032, SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections by age category are adopted, released in 2023 based on 2021 data, with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Considering projected demographic shifts, Payneham South is expected to have above median population growth nationally, with the suburb projected to expand by 370 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 24.5% in total over the 17 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers indicates Payneham South averaged approximately 7 new dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling around 35 homes. As of FY-26, no approvals have been recorded yet. On average, 3.7 new residents are associated with each home built between FY-21 and FY-25, suggesting demand significantly outpaces supply. New properties are constructed at an average expected cost of $505,000, higher than regional norms, reflecting quality-focused development.

This year, commercial development approvals totalled $1.1 million, indicating the area's residential nature. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Payneham South has around two-thirds the rate of new dwelling approvals per person and ranks in the 53rd percentile nationally for assessed areas. New building activity shows an equal split between detached and attached dwellings, attracting downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers due to affordable entry pathways. With approximately 302 people per approval, Payneham South reflects a low-density area.

According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, the population is forecasted to grow by 433 residents by 2041. At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to keep pace with population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and supporting price increases.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified two projects likely impacting the area: Payneham Memorial Swimming Centre Redevelopment and Trinity Valley Stormwater Drainage Upgrade. Other notable projects include Felixstow Intergenerational Community and New Women's and Children's Hospital, with the following list 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.

AreaSearch assessment positions Payneham South ahead of most Australian regions for employment performance

Payneham South has a well-educated workforce with strong professional services representation. Its unemployment rate was 3.0% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 1.6%.

As of June 2025, 1,023 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.0% below Greater Adelaide's rate of 4.0%. Workforce participation is at 65.0%, compared to Greater Adelaide's 61.7%. Leading employment industries include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and professional & technical services. The area has a notable concentration in professional & technical services, with employment levels at 1.6 times the regional average.

However, health care & social assistance shows lower representation at 13.9% versus the regional average of 17.7%. Employment opportunities appear limited locally, as indicated by the Census working population count compared to resident population. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment increased by 1.6%, while labour force increased by 1.2%, reducing the unemployment rate by 0.3 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Adelaide recorded employment growth of 2.1% with a marginal increase in unemployment. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia (Sep-22) suggest Payneham South's employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.6% 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

Payneham South's median income among taxpayers was $55,021 in financial year 2022. The average income stood at $75,902 during the same period. These figures are higher than Greater Adelaide's median income of $52,592 and average income of $64,886 for the same year. By September 2025, estimates based on Wage Price Index growth suggest Payneham South's median income will be approximately $62,080 and average income around $85,640. Census data indicates that household, family, and personal incomes in Payneham South rank modestly, between the 38th and 47th percentiles. Income distribution shows that 32.2% of the population falls within the $1,500 - $2,999 income range, similar to the surrounding region where 31.8% occupy this bracket. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Payneham South, with only 84.7% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 40th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 6th decile.

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

Payneham South's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 56.9% houses and 43.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Adelaide metro's 56.9% houses and 43.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Payneham South was 34.5%, similar to Adelaide metro's figure. Mortgaged dwellings accounted for 26.7%, while rented dwellings made up 38.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,789, lower than the Adelaide metro average of $2,000 and the Australian average of $1,863. The median weekly rent figure was recorded at $331, compared to Adelaide metro's $340 and Australia's national figure of $375.

Payneham South features high concentrations of lone person households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 64.5% of all households, including 29.8% couples with children, 21.4% couples without children, and 11.3% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 35.5%, with lone person households at 31.8% and group households comprising 3.1% of the total. The median household size is 2.4 people, which is larger than the Greater Adelaide average of 2.2.

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

Educational attainment in Payneham South is significantly higher than broader benchmarks. 37.8% of residents aged 15 and over hold university qualifications, compared to 25.7% in South Australia and 28.9% in Greater Adelaide. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 24.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (10.1%) and graduate diplomas (3.7%). Trade and technical skills are also prominent, with 26.1% of residents aged 15 and over holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas (9.5%) and certificates (16.6%).

Educational participation is high, with 29.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.3% in tertiary education, 8.6% in primary education, and 5.6% pursuing secondary education. St Joseph's School serves Payneham South, with an enrollment of 480 students as of a recent report. The area has above-average socio-educational conditions, with an ICSEA score of 1096. There is one school in the area that focuses exclusively on primary education, with secondary options available in nearby areas.

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

Payneham South has eight active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 17 different routes that together facilitate 930 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility to these services is rated as excellent, with residents typically located just 169 meters from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 132 trips per day across all routes, which translates to about 116 weekly trips per individual stop.

Payneham South's residents are relatively healthy in comparison to broader Australia with the level of common health conditions among the general population somewhat typical, though higher than the nation's average among older cohorts

Payneham South's health metrics align closely with national benchmarks. Common health conditions among its general population are somewhat typical but higher than the national average among older cohorts.

The rate of private health cover is very high at approximately 57% of the total population (~1,007 people), compared to 61.4% across Greater Adelaide. The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 8.1 and 6.9% of residents respectively, while 71.1% declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 70.4% across Greater Adelaide. The area has 18.3% of residents aged 65 and over (323 people), which is lower than the 20.9% in Greater Adelaide. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges requiring more attention than the broader population.

Payneham South 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 South has a high cultural diversity, with 34.0% of its population born overseas and 33.5% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the dominant religion in Payneham South, making up 53.0% of the population. Notably, the category 'Other' comprises 3.2% of Payneham South's population, compared to 1.6% across Greater Adelaide.

The top three ancestry groups are English (20.9%), Italian (19.1%), and Australian (15.7%). The Italian population is significantly higher than the regional average of 11.1%. Additionally, there are notable differences in the representation of certain ethnic groups: Polish at 1.2% vs 0.9%, Spanish at 0.7% vs 0.3%, and Russian at 0.5% vs 0.3%.

Payneham South's population is slightly older than the national pattern

Payneham South has a median age of 38, closely matching Greater Adelaide's figure of 39 and Australia's median age of 38. Compared to the Greater Adelaide average, Payneham South has an over-representation of the 25-34 cohort at 16.8% locally, while the 65-74 year-olds are under-represented at 7.9%. Between 2021 and present, the 35 to 44 age group grew from 13.1% to 14.6%, and the 25 to 34 cohort increased from 15.7% to 16.8%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort declined from 14.2% to 13.0%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Payneham South's age profile will significantly evolve, with the 35 to 44 age cohort projected to expand by 67 people (26%), from 258 to 326.