Malvern (SA)

Detail

Malvern's resident population is projected to be approximately 2,766 as of May 2026, calculated through evaluations of ABS demographic statistics and address checks performed by Districts. Compared to the 2,713 individuals recorded during the 2021 Census, this represents a growth of 53 people (2.0%). This current estimate is based on the 2,766 population figure modeled by Districts using the June 2025 ERP release from the ABS alongside post-Census address verification. Such a population size results in a density of 2,561 persons per square kilometer, which ranks within the top quartile of all nationwide territories evaluated by Districts. Inward migration from overseas served as the primary source of demographic expansion, representing virtually the sole driver of population growth during the latest intervals.

Detail

The local workforce is highly educated, featuring substantial employment in professional sectors, an unemployment rate of only 2.0%, and an estimated annual job growth of 3.8% based on Districts' aggregation of local statistical boundaries. As of March 2026, there are 1,477 working residents, and the unemployment rate sits 1.8% lower than the 3.8% recorded for Greater Adelaide, though the workforce participation rate of 64.2% is slightly below the metropolitan benchmark of 66.6%. According to Census data, a moderate 17.9% of employed locals worked from home, though this figure may reflect the influence of pandemic lockdowns.

Detail

According to the financial year 2023 ATO statistics compiled by Districts, tax returns show exceptionally high income levels for the suburb. The median income for local taxpayers is $70,601 and the average is $111,384, contrasting with metropolitan Adelaide figures of $54,808 and $66,852. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 10.17% since financial year 2023, current estimates correspond to approximately $77,781 for the median and $122,712 for the average as of March 2026. The 2021 Census confirms that household, family, and individual incomes all rank highly, placing in the 86th to 93rd percentiles across the country. Weekly earnings of $4000+ are recorded for 34.2% of the local population, totaling 945 individuals, whereas the broader metropolitan region sees its highest concentration of within the - range. High income earners are prominent, with earning more than weekly, which reflects strong financial capacity. Residents retain of their income after meeting housing expenses, and the suburb is positioned in the th decile on the SEIFA index for income.

Detail

The local housing profile at the most recent Census consisted of 79.9% houses and 20.0% other options such as terraces, flats, and alternative dwellings, compared to the Adelaide metropolitan breakdown of 75.2% houses and 24.9% other options. The home ownership rate of 49.3% was considerably higher than the Adelaide metropolitan average, with the remaining homes being paid off under a mortgage (31.3%) or occupied by tenants (19.4%). The median mortgage payment in the area was significantly higher than the metropolitan average at $2,800, and the median weekly rent was $380, compared to metropolitan figures of $1,562 and $320. On a national scale, mortgage commitments exceed the Australian average of $1,863, and rental costs also surpass the national benchmark of $375.

Detail

Families make up 79.3% of the local household structure, consisting of 39.0% couples with children, 30.9% couples without children, and 8.5% single parents. Non-family living arrangements account for the remaining 20.7%, with single-person households representing 19.2% and group households making up 1.3%. The median household size stands at 2.6 residents, which is slightly larger than the Greater Adelaide average of 2.5.

Detail

Academic credentials in Malvern are significantly higher than broader geographical levels, with 50.2% of residents aged 15+ holding a university degree compared to 25.7% across SA and 28.9% in Greater Adelaide. This academic profile positions the local workforce well for opportunities in knowledge industries. Bachelor degrees represent the most common qualification at 33.0%, followed by postgraduate degrees at 12.3% and graduate diplomas at 4.9%. Vocational qualifications are held by 18.5% of residents aged 15+, consisting of advanced diplomas at 10.1% and certificates at 8.4%.

Detail

Analysis of the local network reveals 16 active public transport stops within Malvern, all of which are bus stops. These locations are served by 21 separate routes, which combine to support 1,192 passenger services weekly. Local transit access is rated as outstanding, with residents living an average of 156 meters from their nearest stop. Given the suburban residential character of the area, most workers commute out of the suburb, with private cars remaining the primary travel mode at 86%, followed by buses at 7% and bicycles at 3%. Households average 1.6 vehicles, which is above the metropolitan average. The 2021 Census showed that 17.9% of residents worked from home, which may be linked to pandemic restrictions.

Detail

Local health profiles demonstrate excellent results, with Districts evaluations showing low mortality rates, a very low incidence of chronic illnesses across all demographic brackets, and private health insurance coverage covering approximately 71% of the population, which equals 1,960 people. This compares to coverage rates of 52.7% across Greater Adelaide and a national average of 55.7%.

Detail

The suburb exhibits above-average cultural diversity, with 23.0% of the population born outside Australia and 18.4% speaking a non-English language at home. Christianity is the primary religious affiliation, representing 51.7% of residents. The most noticeable deviation from metropolitan patterns is in Judaism, which accounts for 0.1% of the population, matching the 0.1% recorded across Greater Adelaide.

Detail

The median age of 45 years in Malvern is higher than the Greater Adelaide benchmark of 39 and the national standard of 38. The 65 - 74 age bracket is strongly represented at 13.7% compared to Greater Adelaide, while the 25 - 34 bracket is less common at 8.7%. Post-2021 Census data indicates that the 15 to 24 age bracket rose from 13.0% to 15.5% of the population, while the 75 to 84 bracket increased from 6.7% to 8.0%. On the other hand, the 45 to 54 bracket fell from 14.9% to 12.2%. Age projections suggest the local demographic mix will change significantly by . The to bracket is expected to grow by , adding residents to reach whereas decreases are anticipated in the to and to cohorts.

Detail

Malvern currently has an estimated 82 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 58 children aged 0-2 and 39 children aged 3-4. This cohort declined by an estimated 15% since the previous census. though population forecasts indicate future growth, with an anticipated increase of 4% by 2041 (to approximately 85 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 243. Birth rates in the area have averaged 6.3 per 1,000 residents over the latest two-year period, a low rate (among the bottom 20% of areas assessed nationally). This rate has slowed down slightly in recent years however.