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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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Plympton has an estimated 5,615 residents, up from 5,459 at the 2021 Census — a change of 156 people, or 2.9%. Growth has averaged 0.6% a year over five years. That puts 3,209 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
As of Aug 2026, the suburb of Plympton has an estimated population of around 5,615, according to AreaSearch analysis of broader ABS population revisions alongside post-Census validated new addresses. Compared to the 5,459 residents recorded at the 2021 Census, this represents a gain of 156 people (2.9%). This estimate builds upon an earlier resident population figure of 5,591 derived from the ABS ERP release in June 2025, combined with 88 validated new addresses identified since the Census. With a density of 3,208 persons per square kilometer, the suburb of Plympton sits in the upper quartile across nationally evaluated locations.
Across the prior decade, the suburb of Plympton achieved a resilient compound annual growth rate of 1.5%, exceeding the wider SA3 area, with overseas migration serving as the main demographic catalyst by generating approximately 97.0% of recent population additions. To model demographic trajectories, AreaSearch utilizes ABS/Geoscience Australia SA2 projections published in 2024 using 2022 as the base year. In locations lacking coverage or for timeframes beyond 2032, SA State Government Regional/LGA age-cohort projections from 2023 (benchmarked to 2021 data) are integrated via a weighted aggregation methodology converting LGA growth to SA2 boundaries. Long-term outlooks indicate the suburb of Plympton will experience above-median growth relative to statistical areas nationwide, expanding by 1,284 persons to 2041 under aggregated SA2 projections, translating to an overall rise of 22.4% across the 16 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
135 new dwellings have been approved in Plympton over the past five years, an average of 27 a year. That is 5.4 approvals per 1,000 residents. Of the 29 dwellings approved in the latest reporting year, 41% were detached houses and the rest townhouses or apartments. Approvals are currently running at an annualised 27, 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
Dwelling approvals in Plympton average roughly 27 residential units per year according to AreaSearch evaluations of ABS building data, totaling an estimated 135 dwellings across the last 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), with 27 sanctioned to date in FY-25. Expected construction costs for new dwellings average $401,000, and with an influx averaging 1 new residents per year per dwelling built over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), residential construction aligns closely with local demand to sustain balanced market conditions. Furthermore, non-residential development remains active, underpinned by $18.5 million in commercial approvals recorded during this financial year.
On a per-capita basis, building activity in Plympton tracks 17.0% below the Greater Adelaide benchmark, positioning it in the 55th percentile across national comparisons. Recent residential building output shows a strong shift toward medium and high-density housing at 59.0%, alongside 41.0% detached houses, broadening accessible price brackets for first-home buyers, downsizers, and property investors. With approximately 254 people per approval, the urban development profile reflects a low density area. Projected demographic growth suggests Plympton will add 1,260 residents through to 2041 based on the most recent AreaSearch quarterly figures. If present rates of residential development persist, future dwelling supply could fall short of community expansion, placing upward pressure on property values and intensifying buyer competition.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Plympton
Loading development applications…
| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
|---|
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 Plympton. A further 3 sit in the immediately surrounding suburbs, taking the tracked pipeline within reach of the area to $15 million. 1 are already under construction and 1 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans residential development and transport & logistics. 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
Capital works and strategic urban planning exert a fundamental influence over local community growth and economic performance. AreaSearch has pinpointed 3 key projects anticipated to shape the surrounding district. Prominent initiatives include the Mooringe Avenue Development, North Plympton, Tram Grade Separation Projects, Tram Grade Separation Project (Glenelg Line), and Project Flight - Adelaide Airport Terminal Expansion, which represent the most significant developments for the area.
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Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Mooringe Avenue Development, North Plympton
Renewal SA is offering a prime 3,650my development-ready site in Adelaide's western suburbs, ideal for a small-scale medium density residential development. Located 7 km from Adelaide's CBD and close to Kurralta Park Shopping Centre, the corner allotment at 70-74 Mooringe Ave, North Plympton, features 128 m of street frontage, allowing for flexible and innovative development options. The site is zoned General Neighbourhood under South Australia's Planning and Design Code, supporting a streamlined development timeline, and is offered as a direct sale with a requirement for residential development and timely commencement post-settlement.The area is a high-demand residential suburb with significant property price growth, with the median house price rising 15.5% in the past 12 months to $930,000.
Tram Grade Separation Project (Glenelg Line)
Removal of the Glenelg tram line level crossings at Marion Road and Cross Road, Plympton, by constructing a tram overpass across both roads to reduce congestion and improve safety and travel times. This project is part of the larger effort to create a non-stop South Road. The project will also include a new tram stop, an elevated Mike Turtur Bikeway, and revitalized open space.
Fig Tree Terraces
A residential development in Melrose Park delivering 36 new homes, including 21 homes sold off the plan and 15 social housing apartments. The project is located in a leafy neighbourhood, offering walkability to key amenities such as shops and transport. It contributes to housing supply in the Adelaide South Growth Areas.
River Torrens to Darlington Project (T2D) - South Road Resurfacing Works
Resurfacing works on a 3km section of South Road between Glengarry Avenue, Glandore, and Bennet Avenue, Melrose Park, delivering a smoother and safer ride for motorists. Further works were undertaken from Daws Road to Lloyd Street, St Marys. These works involve removing the existing pavement and replacing it with asphalt to ensure long-term safety and integrity. This is part of a package of 13 infrastructure upgrades designed to support and complement the revitalised T2D Project.
3,753 residents of Plympton are employed, from a labour force of 3,824. Unemployment sits at 1.9%, with participation at 77.8%. 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 4,278, about 76% 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
Local workforce indicators compiled by AreaSearch highlight an educated labor base and substantial representation across essential services, featuring an unemployment rate of only 1.9% and an estimated annual employment rise of 5.5%. As of March 2026, 3,753 local residents are employed, with the jobless rate tracking 2.0% beneath the 3.8% recorded for Greater Adelaide and labor force participation reaching an elevated 77.8% versus 66.4% across Greater Adelaide. Working from home was reported by 9.9% of workers in Census findings, a figure influenced by prevailing Covid-19 conditions. Employment among local workers is predominantly concentrated in health care & social assistance, retail trade, and accommodation & food.
Health care & social assistance stands out as a major sector, engaging workers at 1.3 times the wider regional proportion. Conversely, manufacturing accounts for only 4.8% of employment in Plympton, lagging the 7.0% share across Greater Adelaide. Comparing Census working population counts with total resident numbers highlights that this predominantly residential district provides relatively few jobs within its own borders. During the 12 months to March 2026, AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS statistics shows that local employment expanded by 5.5% against a 4.6% increase in the labor force, reducing the unemployment rate by 0.8 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Adelaide recorded a 4.2% rise in employment, a 4.0% gain in the labor pool, and a 0.2 percentage points decline in unemployment. Looking ahead, Jobs and Skills Australia national forecasts from Mar-26 project economy-wide employment increases of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Weighting these sectoral forecasts against Plympton's industry distribution indicates resident employment could climb by 7.1% over five years and 14.8% over ten years (representing a basic weighted extrapolation for illustrative purposes without localized population adjustments).
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Plympton is $1,598 a week (about $83,000 a year), with median personal income at $843 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $55,944 a year against an average of $66,723. 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
Taxation statistics compiled by AreaSearch for financial year 2023 position Plympton slightly beneath the national earnings benchmark. Taxpayer earnings recorded a median of $55,944 and an average of $66,723, relative to Greater Adelaide benchmarks of $54,808 and $66,852 respectively. Adjusting for a 10.17% increase in the Wage Price Index since financial year 2023 brings estimated figures to $61,634 for median income and $73,509 for average income as of March 2026. Census figures place individual income at the 58th percentile ($843 weekly) and household earnings at the 41st percentile. In terms of earnings distribution, 35.9% of residents (2,015 individuals) earn between $1,500 - 2,999, mirroring the 31.8% metropolitan proportion.
After housing costs, retained income sits at 84.2% (placing in the 42nd percentile), reflecting substantial affordability constraints, while the SEIFA income score falls within the 5th decile.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Plympton had 2,358 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 51% detached houses and 25% apartments. 30% are owned with a mortgage, 46% rented and 24% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $300 a week and the median mortgage repayment $1,662 a month. Rent absorbs 18.8% of household income here and mortgage repayments 24.0%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
Residential housing in Plympton features a diverse structural profile, with the most recent Census recording 51.4% separate houses and 48.7% other dwellings such as apartments and semi-detached properties, contrasting with Adelaide metro where houses make up 75.2% and other dwellings 24.9%. Outright ownership stood at 24.2%, trailing the metropolitan average, while 29.7% of homes were mortgaged and 46.1% were tenanted. Monthly median mortgage costs reached $1,662 and median weekly rent stood at $300, compared to Adelaide metro benchmarks of $1,562 and $320 respectively. In a national context, local mortgage servicing remains well below the Australian average of $1,863, and weekly rental costs sit markedly under the national benchmark of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Plympton counted 2,358 households at the 2021 Census, averaging 2.3 people each. 23% are couples with children, fewer than in 79% of areas nationally, against 28% couples without children. 32% of households are people living alone, and families average 1.0 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Families constitute 61.2% of households locally, made up of couples without children at 27.7%, couples with children at 22.6%, and single parent families at 8.5%. Non-family living arrangements account for the other 38.8%, consisting of lone person households (31.5%) and group households (7.3%). The median household size stands at 2.3 people, tracking slightly below the Greater Adelaide benchmark of 2.5.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
41.2% of adults in Plympton hold a university qualification, including 26.8% with a bachelor degree and 11.1% with postgraduate qualifications. A further 15.7% hold a vocational qualification. 4 schools serve the area, with 1,620 enrolment places and an average ICSEA of 1,057 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
Higher education levels in Plympton exceed state and regional averages, with 41.2% of persons aged 15+ holding tertiary degrees compared to 25.7% across SA and 28.9% in Greater Adelaide. Attainment is led by bachelor degrees at 26.8%, alongside postgraduate qualifications at 11.1% and graduate diplomas at 3.3%. Vocational and technical qualifications are likewise well established, as 26.9% of residents aged 15+ possess vocational certificates (15.7%) or advanced diplomas (11.2%). Enrolment across academic institutions is substantial, encompassing 28.6% of the resident population. This cohort includes 10.2% attending tertiary education, 6.6% enrolled in primary education, and 4.8% undertaking secondary education.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Public transport in Plympton reaches 29 stops on 30 routes, timetabled for about 2,900 services a week. The typical home sits about 130 m from its nearest stop. Buses carry the largest share of public transport commuters. Households keep an average of 1.0 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
Commuter connectivity in Plympton is supported by 29 public transport stops encompassing both buses and lightrail networks. These facilities connect across 30 routes to deliver 2,928 weekly passenger trips, offering outstanding transit accessibility with residents situated an average of 134 meters from their closest boarding point. Most workers commute out of the suburb, relying primarily on private vehicles at 74%, while 15% travel by bus. Households maintain an average vehicle ownership rate of 1.0 per dwelling, below the wider metropolitan figure. In addition, 9.9% of workers operated from home at the 2021 Census, a measure influenced by COVID-19 restrictions.
Transit timetables provide an average of 418 trips per day across the network, which corresponds to around 100 weekly trips at each public transport stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
75.4% of residents in Plympton report no long-term health condition. 3.8% need daily assistance with core activities, and 53.4% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 5.1 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
Evaluations of chronic conditions and mortality metrics by AreaSearch indicate positive health outcomes in Plympton, with reduced prevalence of major ailments observed across younger and older demographics alike. Furthermore, private health insurance coverage is held by approximately 53% of the community (~2,996 people), edging ahead of the typical SA2 area benchmark. Among diagnosed medical conditions, mental health issues affect 7.4% of residents and arthritis impacts 6.0%, while 75.4% of the population reported no long-term illnesses, exceeding the Greater Adelaide rate of 67.9%. Working-age adults display favorable health metrics with minimal chronic disease.
Residents aged 65 and over represent 11.7% of the locality (656 people), below the 19.1% regional share, with older demographics recording robust health measures aligned with nationwide standards.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
41.7% of Plympton residents were born overseas and 40.4% speak a language other than English at home, more culturally diverse than 84% of areas nationally. The largest reported ancestries are English (20.5%) and Australian (18.1%). Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Cultural diversity is a defining feature of Plympton, where 41.7% of the populace was born overseas and 40.4% speak a non-English language at home. Christianity forms the most widespread religious affiliation at 38.1% of residents. In addition, Hinduism shows a pronounced local presence, accounting for 12.6% of the population compared to the 2.8% recorded across Greater Adelaide. Parental ancestry records indicate that English heritage leads at 20.5% (trailing the regional figure of 27.8%), followed by Australian ancestry at 18.1% and Other lineages at 17.3% (well above the 9.7% regional benchmark).
Distinct variations also emerge among specific communities, with Greek heritage at 4.0% (vs 2.0% regionally), Indian ancestry at 5.7% (vs 2.3%), and Hungarian background at 0.3% (vs 0.3%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Plympton is 33, younger than 82% of areas nationally. That is 1 year younger than at the 2021 Census. 40.6% 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 suburb of Plympton is characterized by a youthful demographic profile, with young to middle aged adults (25 - 44) representing 42.8% of the populace as at August 2026, compared to 28.9% in Greater Adelaide. Conversely, retiree and elderly cohorts (65+) make up 11.7%, below the 19.1% regional proportion. AreaSearch calculates the local median age at 33 as at August 2026, having declined from 34 at the 2021 Census, sitting 6 years below the Greater Adelaide mark of 39 and under the national median of 38 from the same Census.
The proportion of young to middle aged adults has increased from 39.4% at the Census to 42.8%, and this segment is projected to deliver the greatest nominal increase by 2041, climbing by 479 (20%) to 2,882. On a percentage basis, retiree and elderly cohorts will see the most rapid expansion, rising 36% to 891 residents.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Plympton
8 of 14 data sections on this page were updated within the last 12 months — the newest current to Oct 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) | Aug 2026 2 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 Aug 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | Aug 2026 2 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to Aug 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Aug 2026 2 months ago headline measures · Jul 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Oct 2026 this month headline measures · Sep 2026 baseline |
| 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 Oct 2026. | ||
| Employment | ABS, DEWR, JSA Quarterly (ABS SALM) | Mar 2026 7 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) | Sep 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Sep 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 — 88 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for Aug 2026, not a 2021 count (5,459 at the 2021 Census → 5,615 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 Aug 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 (SAL41167). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.