Payneham South

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

The Payneham South statistical area's population is estimated at approximately 1,777 as of November 2025. This figure represents an increase of 46 individuals (2.7%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,731 people. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 1,724 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, along with an additional six validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 3,063 persons per square kilometer, placing Payneham South (SA2) in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration 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, the SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections by age category are adopted, based on 2021 data released in 2023, with adjustments made using a method of weighted aggregation from LGA to SA2 levels. Considering projected demographic shifts, Payneham South (SA2) is expected to exhibit above median population growth nationally, with an estimated increase of 384 persons by 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a total increase of 24.6% over the 17-year period.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Payneham South according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, indicates Payneham South averaged around 6 new dwelling approvals per year over the past 5 financial years, totalling an estimated 32 homes. As of FY-26, 1 approval has been recorded. This averages out to approximately 4 new residents per home built annually between FY-21 and FY-25. The demand for housing significantly outpaces supply in Payneham South, which typically exerts upward pressure on prices and intensifies competition among buyers.

New properties are constructed at an average value of $505,000, indicating a developer focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties. In FY-26, $72,000 in commercial development approvals have been recorded, underscoring the area's residential nature. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Payneham South has roughly half the rate of new dwelling approvals per person and ranks among the 37th percentile nationally, offering more limited choices for buyers.

This supports demand for existing homes. New building activity in Payneham South shows 67.0% detached dwellings and 33.0% attached dwellings, expanding the range of medium-density options and creating a mix of opportunities across price brackets. Payneham South indicates a mature market with around 452 people per approval. Population forecasts suggest the area will gain approximately 438 residents by 2041, based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. If current development rates continue, housing supply may struggle to keep pace with population growth, potentially heightening buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Payneham South has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 21stth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified two projects likely impacting the region: Payneham Memorial Swimming Centre Redevelopment and Trinity Valley Stormwater Drainage Upgrade. Other notable projects include Felixstow Intergenerational Community and Adelaide Level Crossings Congestion and Safety, with the most relevant ones detailed 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.

AreaSearch analysis places Payneham South well above average for employment performance across multiple indicators

Payneham South has an educated workforce with professional services well-represented. The unemployment rate is 3.0%, with estimated employment growth of 2.9% over the past year (AreaSearch data).

As of September 2025, 1,036 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 0.9% below Greater Adelaide's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation is 65.0%, compared to Greater Adelaide's 61.7%. Leading industries include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and professional & technical services, the latter being particularly notable with employment levels at 1.6 times the regional average. Health care & social assistance shows lower representation at 13.9% versus the regional average of 17.7%.

The area offers limited local employment opportunities. Over the 12 months to September 2025, employment increased by 2.9%, while labour force grew by 2.7%, reducing the unemployment rate by 0.2 percentage points (AreaSearch analysis). By comparison, Greater Adelaide recorded employment growth of 3.0% and a fall in unemployment of 0.1 percentage points. State-level data to 25-Nov shows SA employment grew by 1.19% year-on-year, with an unemployment rate of 4.0%, outpacing the national average of 0.14%. National employment forecasts suggest growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Payneham South's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.6% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

The area's income profile falls below national averages based on AreaSearch analysis

Payneham South suburb's median income among taxpayers was $55,021 in financial year 2023. Average income stood at $75,902 during the same period. These figures were higher than Greater Adelaide's median income of $54,808 and average income of $66,852. By September 2025, estimated median income would be approximately $59,863, and average income around $82,581, based on an 8.8% increase since financial year 2023. Income rankings in Payneham South were modest, between the 38th and 47th percentiles for household, family, and personal incomes. In this suburb, 32.2% of individuals had incomes ranging from $1,500 to $2,999, similar to the surrounding region where 31.8% fell within this bracket. Housing affordability was severe, with only 84.7% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 40th percentile. Payneham South's SEIFA income ranking placed 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 structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 56.9% houses and 43.1% 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 South was at 34.5%, aligning with Adelaide metro, with the rest being mortgaged (26.7%) or rented (38.8%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,789, below Adelaide metro's average of $2,000 and Australia's national average of $1,863. The median weekly rent in Payneham South was $331, lower than Adelaide metro's $340 and the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 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 account for the remaining 35.5%, with lone person households at 31.8% and group households comprising 3.1%. The median household size is 2.4 people, 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 notably high, with 37.8% of residents aged 15 and above holding university qualifications as of the latest data point. This compares favourably to state (SA) and Greater Adelaide averages of 25.7% and 28.9%, respectively. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 24.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 10.1% and graduate diplomas at 3.7%. Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 26.1% of residents aged 15 and above holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas at 9.5% and certificates at 16.6%.

Educational participation is notably high in the area, with 29.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education as of the latest figures available. This includes 9.3% in tertiary education, 8.6% in primary education, and 5.6% pursuing secondary education.

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 area's transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents located an average of 169 meters from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 132 trips per day across all routes, which equates to around 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 are close to national benchmarks. The level of common health conditions among its general population is somewhat typical but higher than the national average among older cohorts.

Private health cover is very high in Payneham South at approximately 57% of the total population (~1,012 people), compared to 62.2% across Greater Adelaide. The most common medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 8.1 and 6.9% of residents respectively. 71.1% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 70.4% across Greater Adelaide. Payneham South has 18.3% of residents aged 65 and over (325 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 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 South has a high level of cultural diversity, with 34.0% of its population born overseas and 33.5% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Payneham South, making up 53.0% of people in the suburb. However, there is an overrepresentation of Other religions, comprising 3.2% of the population compared to 1.6% across Greater Adelaide.

The top three represented ancestry groups are English at 20.9%, Italian at 19.1%, which is significantly higher than the regional average of 11.1%, and Australian at 15.7%. There are notable differences in the representation of certain ethnic groups: Polish is overrepresented at 1.2% compared to 0.9% regionally, Spanish at 0.7% compared to 0.3%, and Russian at 0.5% compared to 0.3%.

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

Payneham South has a median age of 38 years, nearly matching both Greater Adelaide's figure of 39 and Australia's median age of 38. The 25-34 cohort is over-represented in Payneham South at 16.9%, compared to the Greater Adelaide average. Meanwhile, those aged 65-74 are under-represented at 7.9%. Between 2021 and present, the population of individuals aged 35-44 has grown from 13.1% to 14.6%, while the 25-34 cohort increased from 15.7% to 16.9%. Conversely, the 45-54 age group has declined from 14.2% to 13.0%. By 2041, demographic modeling projects significant changes in Payneham South's age profile. The 35-44 cohort is expected to expand by 67 people (26%), growing from 259 to 327 individuals.