Plympton

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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the suburb of Plympton's population is estimated at around 6,146 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 687 people (12.6%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 5,459 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 5,791 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 72 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 3,512 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Plympton's 12.6% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the state (9.0%) and Greater Adelaide, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 97.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and for years post-2032, the SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections by age category are adopted, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data, with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Anticipating future population dynamics, an above median population growth is projected for the suburb, with an expected increase of 1,477 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 19.4% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential approval activity sees Plympton among the top 30% of areas assessed nationwide

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Plympton has recorded around 32 residential properties granted approval per year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 163 homes. So far in FY-26, 19 approvals have been recorded. This results in approximately three new residents per home built annually between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating significant demand exceeding supply. New properties are constructed at an average value of $379,000, targeting the premium segment with upmarket dwellings.

Commercial development activity shows $18.5 million in approvals this financial year. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Plympton records 11.0% less building activity per person but ranks among the 75th percentile nationally. New building activity consists of 41.0% standalone homes and 59.0% medium and high-density housing. The location has approximately 163 people per dwelling approval, suggesting an expanding market.

Population forecasts indicate Plympton will gain 1,194 residents by 2041. Building activity is keeping pace with growth projections, though heightened competition among buyers is expected as the population grows.

Plympton has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 19thth percentile nationally

AreaSearch has identified three major projects that could impact the local area's performance. These include Mooringe Avenue Development in North Plympton, Tram Grade Separation Projects on the Glenelg Line, and Morphettville Racecourse Redevelopment.

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Employment performance in Plympton ranks among the strongest 15% of areas evaluated nationally

Plympton has an educated workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate was 2.4% as of September 2025, lower than Greater Adelaide's 3.9%. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 4.2%, based on AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data.

As of September 2025, 3,820 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.5% below Greater Adelaide's and a workforce participation rate of 78.0%. According to Census responses, 9.9% of residents worked from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. The dominant employment sectors among residents include health care & social assistance, accommodation & food, and retail trade. Health care & social assistance had particularly notable concentration, with employment levels at 1.3 times the regional average.

Conversely, manufacturing showed lower representation at 4.8% versus the regional average of 7.0%. The area offers limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 4.2%, labour force increased by 4.0%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.1 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Plympton's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.1% over five years and 14.8% over ten years, based on simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

Income levels align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis

As per AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year ending June 2023, Plympton's median income among taxpayers is $55,944, with an average of $66,723. This is slightly lower than the national average. In Greater Adelaide, the median income is $54,808 and the average is $66,852. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.8% since financial year ending June 2023, current estimates for Plympton would be approximately $60,867 (median) and $72,595 (average) as of September 2025. According to 2021 Census figures, personal income ranks at the 58th percentile ($843 weekly), while household income sits at the 41st percentile. In Plympton, 35.9% of the population (2,206 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, consistent with broader trends across regional levels showing 31.8% in the same category. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 84.2% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 42nd percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

Plympton displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

The dwelling structure in Plympton, as per the latest Census, consisted of 51.4% houses and 48.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Adelaide metro's 71.2% houses and 28.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Plympton was at 24.2%, with mortgaged dwellings at 29.7% and rented ones at 46.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,662, higher than Adelaide metro's average of $1,562. The median weekly rent figure was recorded at $300, lower than Adelaide metro's $320. Nationally, Plympton's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Plympton features high concentrations of group households and lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 61.2% of all households, including 22.6% couples with children, 27.7% couples without children, and 8.5% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 38.8%, with lone person households at 31.5% and group households comprising 7.3%. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is smaller than the Greater Adelaide average of 2.5.

The educational profile of Plympton exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

Plympton's educational attainment is notably higher than broader benchmarks. Among residents aged 15 and above, 41.2% hold university qualifications, compared to 25.7% in South Australia (SA) and 28.9% in Greater Adelaide. This advantage positions Plympton favourably for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 26.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 11.1% and graduate diplomas at 3.3%.

Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 26.9% of residents holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas at 11.2% and certificates at 15.7%. Educational participation is high in Plympton, with 28.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.2% in tertiary education, 6.6% in primary education, and 4.8% pursuing secondary education.

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

Plympton has 29 active public transport stops offering lightrail and bus services. These stops are served by 33 routes providing 3,277 weekly passenger trips. Residents enjoy excellent transport accessibility, with an average distance of 141 meters to the nearest stop. In this residential area, most commuters travel outward. Cars remain the primary mode at 74%, while buses account for 15%. The average vehicle ownership is 1.0 per dwelling, below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, only 9.9% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Across all routes, service frequency averages 468 trips per day, equating to approximately 113 weekly trips per individual stop.

The level of general health in Plympton is notably higher than the national average with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Plympton shows above-average health outcomes according to AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence.

Both young and old age cohorts exhibit low prevalence of common health conditions. The rate of private health cover is approximately 53% of the total population, which comprises around 3,280 people, leading that of the average SA2 area. The most prevalent medical conditions are mental health issues (7.4%) and arthritis (6.0%). About 75.4% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 67.9% across Greater Adelaide. Working-age residents show low chronic condition prevalence. Plympton has 11.3% of residents aged 65 and over (694 people), lower than the 19.3% in Greater Adelaide. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, broadly in line with national rankings.

Plympton is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Plympton's cultural diversity is notable, with 41.7% of its population born overseas and 40.4% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Plympton, accounting for 38.1% of people. Hinduism stands out with 12.6%, significantly higher than Greater Adelaide's average of 2.8%.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups are English (20.5%), Australian (18.1%), and Other (17.3%). Notably, Greeks comprise 4.0% of Plympton's population compared to 2.0% regionally, Indians make up 5.7% versus 2.3%, and Hungarians constitute 0.3%.

Plympton hosts a young demographic, positioning it in the bottom quartile nationwide

Plympton's median age of 33 years is significantly younger than Greater Adelaide's at 39 years and the national average of 38 years. The age group of 25-34 years has a strong representation in Plympton at 26.3%, compared to Greater Adelaide, while the 5-14 cohort is less prevalent at 7.7%. This concentration of the 25-34 age group is notably higher than the national average of 14.4%. Between 2021 and present, the 25-34 age group has increased from 25.0% to 26.3% of Plympton's population. Conversely, the 85+ cohort has decreased from 2.3% to 1.4% during this period. By 2041, population forecasts indicate substantial demographic changes for Plympton, with the 25-34 age group projected to increase significantly by 253 people (16%), growing from 1,616 to 1,870 individuals.