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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 South has an estimated 1,819 residents, up from 1,731 at the 2021 Census — a change of 88 people, or 5.1%. Growth has averaged 0.8% a year over five years. Overseas migration accounts for 100.0% of that increase. That puts 3,136 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
The suburb of Payneham South has a population estimate of around 1,819 as of May 2026, according to analysis of ABS population updates and new addresses validated by AreaSearch. This figure represents an increase of 88 people, or 5.1%, compared to the 2021 Census count of 1,731 people. The adjustment is derived from a resident population of 1,811, as estimated by AreaSearch after reviewing the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025, plus an additional 6 validated new addresses recorded since the Census date. This population level translates to a density ratio of 3,136 persons per square kilometer, which ranks the suburb in the upper quartile among national locations evaluated by AreaSearch.
The 5.1% growth since the census places the suburb within 2.4 percentage points of the state figure of 7.5%, indicating strong growth fundamentals. Recent population expansion in the area has been mainly due to overseas migration, which served as the primary source of population increase during the latest periods. Demographic projections for the area utilize ABS and Geoscience Australia SA2 models published in 2024 with a 2022 baseline, supplemented by 2023 state government LGA projections adjusted via weighted aggregation for any uncovered tracts or periods beyond 2032. These forecasts indicate that population growth in Payneham South will exceed the national median, with the local population expected to grow by 335 residents by 2041, representing a total expansion of 18.0% over the 16 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
35 new dwellings have been approved in Payneham South over the past five years, an average of 7 a year. That is 4.0 approvals per 1,000 residents. Approvals are currently running at an annualised 7, 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
Analysis of building approval statistics shows that the suburb of Payneham South has averaged approximately 7 new home approvals annually, resulting in an estimated 35 dwellings approved between FY-21 and FY-25, alongside 7 approvals during the current FY-26 period. Demand remains solid, with an average of 2.1 new residents added per constructed dwelling between FY-21 and FY-25, helping sustain property values. The average construction value of these new dwellings is $505,000, indicating a focus by builders on higher-end residential products. In addition, commercial approvals during this financial year reached $72,000, confirming that development activity is almost entirely residential.
Relative to Greater Adelaide, the rate of new residential approvals per resident in Payneham South is approximately two-thirds, placing the area in the 53rd percentile of all locations nationwide. Approved residential designs consist of 67.0% freestanding houses and 33.0% semi-detached or multi-unit dwellings, creating a diverse selection of housing options at various price points. With approximately 300 residents per approved dwelling, Payneham South is categorized as a low-density development zone. Long-term forecasts suggest that the suburb of Payneham South will add 327 residents by 2041 relative to the most recent quarterly figures. If building activity continues at its current pace, residential construction may lag behind this population growth, which could increase buyer demand and upward pressure on prices.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Payneham South
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| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
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SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks one current infrastructure or development project inside Payneham South. A further 7 sit in the immediately surrounding suburbs, taking the tracked pipeline within reach of the area to $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 development, planning policies, and public works projects represent key influences on the performance of a suburb. AreaSearch has identified 2 projects expected to affect the local area. Key regional works include the Payneham Memorial Swimming Centre Redevelopment, the Trinity Valley Stormwater Drainage Upgrade, the Felixstow Intergenerational Community, and the O-Bahn City Access Project.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Felixstow Intergenerational Community
A six-storey intergenerational community with retirement, aged care, disability, family housing and build-to-rent apartments.
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.
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.
1,033 residents of Payneham South are employed, from a labour force of 1,063. Unemployment sits at 2.8%, with participation at 69.2%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 6.6% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth. The working-day population is estimated at 1,398, about 77% 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 South is characterized by a highly educated workforce with strong representation in professional services, an unemployment rate of 2.8%, and job growth estimated at 4.2% over the previous year. As of March 2026, 1,033 residents are employed, which keeps the local unemployment rate 1.0% below the 3.8% recorded for Greater Adelaide. The workforce participation rate is 69.2%, compared to 66.6% across the metropolitan area, while 14.0% of workers reported working from home during the Census, a figure likely influenced by pandemic containment measures. The primary sectors employing local residents are retail trade, professional & technical services, and healthcare & social assistance.
The concentration of workers in professional & technical fields is 1.6 times the regional average, whereas healthcare & social assistance is less prevalent locally, accounting for 13.9% of workers compared to 17.7% regionally. The gap between local jobs and the resident workforce suggests that this mostly residential suburb offers few employment options within its boundaries. During the 12 months ending March 2026, the local workforce expanded by 4.0% and employment grew by 4.2%, leading to a 0.2 percentage point decline in unemployment. This matches the trends in Greater Adelaide, which also experienced a 4.2% rise in employment, a 4.0% rise in the labor force, and a 0.2 percentage point decrease in unemployment. Long-term occupational projections from Jobs and Skills Australia published in May-25 suggest future workforce trends. Nationally, employment is projected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, though individual industries vary. Applying these national industry trends to the local employment structure suggests that employment for residents of Payneham South will increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.6% over ten years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Payneham South is $1,560 a week (about $81,000 a year), with median personal income at $789 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $55,021 a year against an average of $75,902. 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
According to tax data from the ATO for financial year 2023, the suburb of Payneham South has an income profile that is well above the national median. Taxpayers in the suburb recorded a median income of $55,021 and an average income of $75,902, compared to $54,808 and $66,852 for Greater Adelaide. Adjusting for a Wage Price Index increase of 10.17% since financial year 2023 yields estimated values of $60,617 for the median and $83,621 for the average as of March 2026. However, Census figures place local household, family, and individual incomes in a moderate range between the 38th and 47th percentiles.
Income distribution shows that 32.2% of residents (585 individuals) earn between $1,500 and $2,999, which is very close to the regional average of 31.8%. Financial pressure from housing is significant, with only 84.7% of income remaining after housing costs, placing the area in the 40th percentile, while the SEIFA index ranks the suburb in the 6th decile for income.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Payneham South had 682 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 57% detached houses and 20% apartments. 27% are owned with a mortgage, 39% rented and 35% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $331 a week and the median mortgage repayment $1,789 a month. Rent absorbs 21.2% of household income here and mortgage repayments 26.5%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
At the time of the last Census, the housing mix in Payneham South consisted of 56.9% detached houses and 43.1% multi-unit, semi-detached, or apartment dwellings, compared to 75.2% houses and 24.9% other dwellings across the Adelaide metropolitan area. Home ownership was higher than the metropolitan average at 34.5%, with mortgaged properties making up 26.7% and rental properties accounting for 38.8%. Monthly mortgage payments averaged $1,789, while weekly rents stood at $331, compared to regional averages of $1,562 and $320. Nationally, local mortgage costs are below the Australian average of $1,863, and weekly rents are lower than the national median of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Payneham South counted 682 households at the 2021 Census, an estimated 717 today, averaging 2.4 people each. 30% are couples with children, against 21% couples without children. 32% of households are people living alone, and families average 1.4 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Families make up 64.5% of households in the suburb, consisting of couples with children at 29.8%, couples without children at 21.4%, and single-parent households at 11.3%. Non-family households represent 35.5% of the total, with single-person households at 31.8% and group households at 3.1%. The average household size of 2.4 residents is slightly below the Greater Adelaide average of 2.5.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
37.8% of adults in Payneham South hold a university qualification, including 24.0% with a bachelor degree and 10.1% with postgraduate qualifications, higher than 77% of areas nationally. A further 16.6% hold a vocational qualification. 1 school serves the area, with 480 enrolment places and an average ICSEA of 1,096 against a national benchmark of 1,000. Qualifications come from the 2021 Census; school enrolments, ICSEA and results come from ACARA's current release.
Detail
The proportion of residents with tertiary qualifications in Payneham South is higher than regional benchmarks, with 37.8% of individuals aged 15+ holding a university degree, compared to 25.7% across the state and 28.9% in Greater Adelaide. Bachelor degrees represent 24.0% of qualifications, followed by postgraduate degrees at 10.1% and graduate diplomas at 3.7%. Additionally, 26.1% of residents aged 15+ hold vocational qualifications, with 9.5% holding advanced diplomas and 16.6% holding certificates. Enrollment in education is high, with 29.5% of the local population currently studying. This includes 9.3% in higher education, 8.6% in primary school, and 5.6% attending secondary school.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Public transport in Payneham South reaches 8 stops on 17 routes, timetabled for about 930 services a week. The typical home sits about 170 m from its nearest stop. Buses carry the largest share of public transport commuters. Households keep an average of 1.2 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
There are 8 active bus stops operating in Payneham South, serviced by 17 routes that provide 930 passenger trips per week. Transport infrastructure is highly accessible, with residents living an average of 169 meters from their nearest stop. Commuters mostly travel outside the suburb, with 81% choosing cars and 14% using buses. Household vehicle ownership averages 1.2, which is lower than the metropolitan average. At the 2021 Census, 14.0% of working residents worked from home, a figure likely influenced by pandemic restrictions. Public transport services average 132 daily trips across the local network, representing approximately 116 weekly trips for each stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
71.1% of residents in Payneham South report no long-term health condition. 8.3% need daily assistance with core activities, and 57.0% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 6.0 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 in Payneham South align closely with national averages, though chronic condition rates among older residents are slightly elevated. Private health insurance coverage is high, with approximately 57% of residents (~1,036 people) holding private policies, compared to 52.7% across Greater Adelaide. The most prevalent conditions reported by local residents are arthritis, affecting 8.1%, and mental health conditions, affecting 6.9%. However, 71.1% of the population reported no chronic illnesses, compared to 67.9% across Greater Adelaide. Working-age residents exhibit strong health metrics. Seniors aged 65 and over make up 18.2% of the population (331 people), which is lower than the Greater Adelaide figure of 19.2%.
Elderly residents face more complex health circumstances, though their outcomes rank more favorably nationally than those of the general population.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
34.0% of Payneham South residents were born overseas and 33.5% speak a language other than English at home, more culturally diverse than 77% of areas nationally. The largest reported ancestries are English (20.9%) and Italian (19.1%). Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Payneham South shows notable cultural diversity, with 34.0% of the population born outside Australia and 33.5% using a language other than English at home. Christianity is the largest religious affiliation, representing 53.0% of residents. The most significant statistical variation is in the Other category, which accounts for 3.2% of the population compared to 1.8% across Greater Adelaide. Ancestry data shows that English heritage is claimed by 20.9% of residents, lower than the metropolitan average of 27.8%. Italian ancestry is highly represented at 19.1%, compared to the regional figure of 5.2%.
Australian ancestry is reported by 15.7%, which is below the regional average of 22.8%. Other ancestral groups show variations from the regional average, with Polish heritage at 1.2% (compared to 1.0% regionally), Spanish at 0.7% (compared to 0.3%), and Russian at 0.5% (compared to 0.3%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Payneham South is 38. That is 1 year younger than at the 2021 Census. 27.8% 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 in Payneham South is 38, matching the national average of 38 and close to the Greater Adelaide median of 39. The 25 - 34 age bracket is highly represented locally at 16.7%, while the 65 - 74 age group is lower than average at 8.0%. Since 2021, the 35 to 44 age cohort grew from 13.1% to 14.9% of the population, whereas the 45 to 54 cohort decreased from 14.2% to 13.0%. Projections for 2041 indicate that the local age profile will shift, with the 45 to 54 group expected to grow by 50 people (21%) from 236 to 287.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Payneham South
8 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 8 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. | ||
| 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 3 sections | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, State agencies, Local governments Daily | Jul 2025 about a year ago all 1 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 Jul 2025. | ||
| 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 — 6 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for May 2026, not a 2021 count (1,731 at the 2021 Census → 1,819 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 (SAL41124). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.