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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 5,604 residents, up from 5,459 at the 2021 Census — a change of 145 people, or 2.7%. Growth has averaged 0.6% a year over five years, slower than 75% of areas nationally. That puts 3,202 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
According to investigations of ABS population statistics for the surrounding region alongside new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the Census, Plympton's population is estimated at around 5,604 as of May 2026. This indicates an expansion of 145 people (2.7%) since the 2021 Census, which documented a population of 5,459 people. The shift is calculated from the resident population of 5,592, estimated by AreaSearch following analysis of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2025) and an additional 79 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population scale represents a density ratio of 3,202 persons per square kilometer, placing the locality in the upper quartile compared to national locations assessed by AreaSearch.
Over the last decade, Plympton has shown stable growth patterns with a 1.5% compound annual growth rate, faster than the SA3 area. Population growth for the area was majorly driven by overseas migration that made up approximately 97.0% of overall population gains during recent periods. AreaSearch implements ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this dataset, and for years post-2032, the SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections by age category, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data, are utilized with modifications made using a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Looking at future population dynamics, an above median population growth of statistical areas analysed by AreaSearch is projected, with the suburb of Plympton expected to increase by 1,278 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, representing a growth of 22.6% in total over the 16 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
169 new dwellings have been approved in Plympton over the past five years, an average of 33 a year. That places the area in the 54th percentile for residential development activity nationally, about 6 approvals per 1,000 residents a year. Of the 37 dwellings approved in the latest reporting year, 38% 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
Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval statistics, allocated from statistical area data, Plympton has averaged around 33 new dwelling approvals per year, totalling an estimated 169 homes over the past 5 financial years. So far in FY-26, 25 approvals have been recorded. Given an average of only 0.9 new residents per year per dwelling constructed over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), new construction is matching or outpacing demand, offering buyers more options and enabling population growth that could exceed current expectations, while new dwellings are developed at an average value of $379,000, revealing that developers are targeting the premium market segment with higher-end properties.
Additionally, $18.5 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, demonstrating moderate levels of commercial development. Relative to Greater Adelaide, Plympton holds comparable construction rates on a per-person basis, sustaining market balance in line with surrounding zones. Recent building activity indicates 38.0% detached houses and 62.0% attached dwellings. This emphasis on higher-density options yields more affordable entry points and serves downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. The location has approximately 140 people per dwelling approval, showing a low density market. Demographic forecasts indicate Plympton will add 1,266 residents through to 2041 from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Real estate development is progressing at a reasonable speed compared to projected growth, although purchasers may encounter greater rivalry as the population expands.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Plympton
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| 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
Local infrastructure projects, planning initiatives, and major developments have a significant impact on neighborhood performance. AreaSearch has identified 3 projects likely to influence the immediate area. Principal works include Mooringe Avenue Development, North Plympton, Tram Grade Separation Projects, Tram Grade Separation Project (Glenelg Line), and Project Flight - Adelaide Airport Terminal Expansion, with the subsequent list detailing the most relevant initiatives.
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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.
3,752 residents of Plympton are employed, from a labour force of 3,823. Unemployment sits at 1.9%, with participation at 77.6%. 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 4,267, 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
Plympton has an exceptionally qualified labor force, with essential services industries strongly represented, an unemployment rate of just 1.9%, and 5.5% in estimated employment growth over the past year, based on AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data. As of March 2026, 3,752 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 2.0% below Greater Adelaide's rate of 3.8%, and workforce participation is well beyond standard (77.6% compared to Greater Adelaide's 66.6%). Based on Census responses, a low 9.9% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.
Jobs among local citizens are heavily represented in health care & social assistance, accommodation & food, and retail trade. The location displays a notably high concentration in health care & social assistance, with an employment share of 1.3 times the regional level. Conversely, manufacturing employs just 4.8% of local workers, below Greater Adelaide's 7.0%. The predominantly residential area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population. Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, aggregated from broader statistical areas, the 12-month period saw employment increasing by 5.5% alongside labour force increasing by 4.6%, resulting in unemployment fall by 0.9 percentage points. This compares to Greater Adelaide, where employment grew by 4.2%, labour force expanded by 4.0%, and unemployment fell 0.2 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Plympton. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Plympton's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.1% over five years and 14.8% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).
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
According to the most recent postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2023, Plympton's median income among taxpayers is $55,944, with an average of $66,723. This is slightly under the national average, and compares to Greater Adelaide's median of $54,808 and average of $66,852. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.17% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $61,634 (median) and $73,509 (average) as of March 2026. Census data reveals personal income ranks at the 58th percentile ($843 weekly), while household income sits at the 41st percentile.
The earnings profile shows the $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captures 35.9% of the community (2,011 individuals), reflecting patterns seen the broader area where 31.8% similarly occupy this range. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 84.2% of income remaining, ranking at the 42nd percentile and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in 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 property configurations in Plympton at the time of the latest Census consisted of 51.4% standalone houses and 48.7% other housing types, including semi-detached properties, units, and alternative dwellings, compared to the Adelaide metro split of 75.2% houses and 24.9% other options. Concurrently, home ownership rates in Plympton lagged behind the Adelaide metro average, standing at 24.2%, while the remaining properties were occupied under mortgages (29.7%) or rental agreements (46.1%). The median monthly home loan payment was higher than the Adelaide metro norm at $1,662, whereas the median weekly rental cost was recorded at $300, compared to Adelaide metro averages of $1,562 and $320.
Across the nation, mortgage outlays in Plympton are notably lower than the Australian benchmark of $1,863, and lease costs sit well below the national rate 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
Domestic structures are mostly family households at 61.2%, which include 22.6% couples with offspring, 27.7% couples without offspring, and 8.5% single parents. Single person or shared households account for the other 38.8%, with sole occupants making up 31.5% and group living situations representing 7.3% of the total. The typical household size of 2.3 individuals is below the Greater Adelaide average 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
Academic qualifications in Plympton are considerably higher than regional norms, with 41.2% of individuals aged 15+ holding tertiary degrees compared to 25.7% across SA and 28.9% in Greater Adelaide. This pronounced educational lead positions the community well for professional services careers. Bachelor degrees constitute 26.8%, followed by postgraduate credentials (11.1%) and graduate diplomas (3.3%). Practical and vocational training is also well represented, with 26.9% of residents aged 15+ possessing technical certificates, including advanced diplomas (11.2%) and certificates (15.7%). Student numbers are high, with 28.6% of the population registered in formal study.
This cohort includes 10.2% attending universities, 6.6% in primary schools, and 4.8% enrolled in secondary schools.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Public transport in Plympton reaches 29 stops on 33 routes, timetabled for about 3,300 services a week. The typical home sits about 140 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
Public transit networks comprise 29 active stops inside Plympton, offering a combination of tram and bus services. These stops support 33 separate routes, delivering 3,277 weekly passenger journeys. Commuter convenience is high, with households situated an average of 141 meters from their nearest transit stop. Given the residential nature of the suburb, most workers commute out of the area, with private cars remaining the primary option at 74% and buses carrying 15% of commuters. Household vehicle ownership stands at 1.0 per home, which is below the wider metropolitan average. A relatively small 9.9% of residents worked from home according to the 2021 Census, which may have been influenced by COVID-19 rules.
Transit schedules provide an average of 468 daily services across the network, which equates to roughly 113 weekly departures from each individual 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
Plympton shows superior health indicators based on AreaSearch assessments of mortality and long-term illnesses, with both younger and older cohorts displaying a low incidence of widespread health issues. Private health insurance membership is slightly above the typical SA2 area rate, covering roughly 53% of the population (~2,990 people). The prominent health challenges identified in the locality are mental health concerns and arthritis, affecting 7.4% and 6.0% of the community respectively, while 75.4% of residents reported having no chronic medical conditions compared to 67.9% throughout Greater Adelaide. Working-age citizens are especially healthy with minimal rates of chronic disease.
The suburb contains 11.7% of citizens aged 65 and over (655 people), which is lower than the 19.2% recorded in Greater Adelaide. Health conditions for older residents are strong, with national indicators sitting in line with the wider population.
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
Plympton exhibits a high degree of cultural diversity, with 41.7% of the local population born overseas and 40.4% using a non-English language at home. Christianity is the primary religion, followed by 38.1% of Plympton residents. A significant local concentration is found in Hinduism, representing 12.6% of the community, which is much higher than the Greater Adelaide average of 2.8%. Looking at parent countries of birth, the primary ancestral backgrounds in Plympton are English, representing 20.5% of the population, which is lower than the regional baseline of 27.8%, Australian, representing 18.1% of the population, and Other, representing 17.3% of the population, which is higher than the regional baseline of 9.7%.
Significant variances in other ancestries include Greek backgrounds at 4.0% of Plympton (vs 2.0% regionally), Indian at 5.7% (vs 2.3%) and Hungarian 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. 40.9% 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
Plympton's median age of 33 years is younger than the Greater Adelaide median of 39 and the national standard of 38 years. The 25 to 34 age bracket is highly represented at 27.0% compared to Greater Adelaide, whereas the 5 to 14 cohort is smaller at 7.9%. This concentration of 25 to 34 residents is higher than the national rate of 14.6%. Since 2021, the 25 to 34 demographic has increased from 25.0% to 27.0% of the population, and the 35 to 44 cohort grew from 14.4% to 15.7%. Conversely, the 85+ bracket decreased from 2.3% to 1.5%.
Future forecasts for 2041 point to significant demographic shifts for Plympton, with the 25 to 34 cohort expected to grow by 284 people (19%) from 1,513 to 1,798.
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 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 — 79 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for May 2026, not a 2021 count (5,459 at the 2021 Census → 5,604 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 (SAL41167). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.