South Plympton

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

Based on ABS population updates and AreaSearch validation, the suburb of South Plympton had an estimated population of around 5,248 as of Feb 2026. This reflected a growth of 527 people (11.2%) since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 4,721. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of resident population at 4,921 following examination of ABS' latest ERP data release in June 2024 and an additional 85 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population resulted in a density ratio of 3,342 persons per square kilometer, placing South Plympton in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The suburb's 11.2% growth since the 2021 census exceeded both the SA4 region (7.4%) and the state, indicating it as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 75.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections by age category are adopted, based on 2021 data and released in 2023 with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Future population trends indicate an above median growth for statistical areas analysed by AreaSearch, with the suburb expected to grow by 862 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a total increase of 10.9% over the 17 years.

Recent residential development output has been above average within South Plympton when compared nationally

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows South Plympton averaging around 32 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 163 homes. As of FY-26 so far, 12 approvals have been recorded. This averages out to approximately 1.6 new residents per year per dwelling constructed between FY-21 and FY-25, suggesting a balance between supply and demand in the area. The average construction value for these dwellings is $326,000.

In terms of commercial development, there have been $2.2 million in approvals this financial year, indicating minimal activity. Comparing South Plympton to Greater Adelaide, new home approvals per capita are comparable, supporting market stability aligned with regional patterns. The breakdown of dwelling types shows 61.0% detached dwellings and 39.0% medium and high-density housing, offering options across different price points.

With around 125 people per approval, South Plympton reflects a developing area. Looking ahead, AreaSearch estimates the area will grow by 574 residents through to 2041. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

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

Local infrastructure changes significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified a single project likely impacting the area: Tram Grade Separation Projects, Glenelg Line; River Torrens to Darlington Project (T2D) - South Road Resurfacing Works; Morphettville Racecourse Redevelopment.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

Denotes AI-based impression for illustrative purposes only, not to be taken as definitive under any circumstances. Please follow links and conduct other investigations from the project's source for actual imagery. Developers and project owners wishing us to use original imagery please Contact Us and we will do so.

Employment performance in South Plympton exceeds national averages across key labour market indicators

South Plympton has an educated workforce with a low unemployment rate of 3.6%. In the past year, up to September 2025, employment grew by an estimated 3.8%. The unemployment rate in South Plympton is 0.3% lower than Greater Adelaide's rate of 3.9%, and its workforce participation rate is higher at 71.8%.

As of September 2025, 2,872 residents are employed. A low percentage of residents work from home, with 11.1% doing so according to Census responses. The key industries for employment in South Plympton are health care & social assistance, education & training, and retail trade.

However, manufacturing is under-represented compared to Greater Adelaide, with only 5.6% of the workforce employed in this sector. Employment opportunities locally may be limited as indicated by the difference between the working population and resident population counts. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 3.8%, and the labour force grew by 3.5%, leading to a 0.3 percentage point drop in unemployment rate. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that South Plympton's employment should increase by 6.9% over five years and 14.4% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to the local employment mix.

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

The suburb of South Plympton has a median taxpayer income of $53,790 and an average income of $62,126 according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. This is lower than the national average, with Greater Adelaide having a median income of $54,808 and an average income of $66,852. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.8% since financial year 2023, estimated current incomes would be approximately $58,524 (median) and $67,593 (average) as of September 2025. Census data shows household, family, and personal incomes in South Plympton rank modestly, between the 38th and 50th percentiles. Income distribution data indicates that 32.8% of the population (1,721 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, similar to surrounding regions where 31.8% are in the same category. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 83.7% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 39th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

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

South Plympton's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 60.9% houses and 39.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This contrasts with Adelaide metro's figures of 75.2% houses and 24.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in South Plympton was 31.2%, similar to Adelaide metro. Mortgaged dwellings comprised 36.8% and rented ones, 32.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,700, higher than Adelaide metro's average of $1,562. Median weekly rent in South Plympton was $340, compared to Adelaide metro's $320. Nationally, South Plympton's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were less than the national figure of $375.

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

Family households comprise 61.8% of all households, including 26.4% couples with children, 24.2% couples without children, and 9.6% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 38.2%, with lone person households at 32.6% and group households comprising 5.7%. The median household size is 2.3 people, smaller than the Greater Adelaide average of 2.5.

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

South Plympton's educational attainment is notably higher than wider benchmarks. Among residents aged 15+, 36.1% possess university qualifications, compared to 25.7% in South Australia (SA) and 28.1% in the SA4 region. University graduates make up 24.7%, postgraduate qualifications account for 8.0%, and graduate diplomas are held by 3.4%. Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 29.3% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications; advanced diplomas account for 10.4% and certificates for 18.9%.

Educational participation is high, with 27.1% currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 8.3% in primary education, 7.4% in tertiary education, and 5.1% pursuing secondary education.

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

South Plympton has 22 operational public transport stops offering lightrail and bus services. These stops are served by 24 routes facilitating 1,989 weekly passenger trips. Residents enjoy excellent transport accessibility, living an average of 171 metres from the nearest stop. Predominantly residential, most commuters travel outward. Cars remain the primary mode at 81%, with buses at 7% and cycling at 2%. The area has a lower-than-average vehicle ownership rate of 1.2 per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, only 11.1% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. On average, there are 284 daily trips across all routes, translating to approximately 90 weekly trips per stop.

South Plympton's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with prevalence of common health conditions quite low among the general population though higher than the nation's average across older, at risk cohorts

South Plympton's health data shows outcomes largely in line with national averages.

Common health conditions are relatively uncommon among its general population, but higher among older, at-risk cohorts compared to national figures. Approximately 52% (~2,706 people) have private health cover. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (7.6%) and mental health issues (7.2%). 72.3% of residents report no medical ailments, higher than Greater Adelaide's 67.9%. Working-age residents have low chronic condition prevalence. The area has 19.5% (1,023 people) aged 65 and over, lower than the national average for that age group.

South Plympton was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

South Plympton's population shows high cultural diversity, with 33.3% born overseas and 31.2% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the dominant religion, comprising 42.8%, while Hinduism is overrepresented at 5.6% compared to Greater Adelaide's 2.8%. The top three ancestry groups are English (22.3%), Australian (20.6%), and Other (11.0%).

Hungarian (0.5%) and Greek (2.8%) are notably overrepresented, while Polish is equally represented at 1.0% compared to regional averages.

South Plympton's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

The median age in South Plympton is 37 years, which is lower than Greater Adelaide's average of 39 years and close to the national average of 38 years. The 25-34 age cohort is notably higher at 18.1% compared to Greater Adelaide's average, while the 55-64 age group is under-represented at 9.6%. Post-2021 Census data shows an increase in the 75-84 age group from 5.4% to 6.5%, and a decline in the 55-64 age group from 10.8% to 9.6%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate significant demographic changes, with the 85+ age group expected to grow by 75% (from 188 to 330 people) and the 65-74 age group showing modest growth of 1%, adding only 2 residents.