Morphettville (SA)

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According to investigations of ABS population statistics for the surrounding region, combined with address records verified by Districts subsequent to the Census, the suburb of Morphettville has an estimated resident count of 4,086 as of May 2026. This represents an expansion of 400 individuals (10.9%) relative to the 2021 Census, which documented 3,686 people. This shift is calculated from a resident population of 4,075, calculated by Districts using the ABS release of ERP data in June 2025 alongside 78 newly verified addresses since the Census. Such a population size results in a density of 2,053 persons per square kilometer, exceeding the typical level across Australian areas tracked by Districts. The 10.9% rate of growth in the suburb of Morphettville since the 2021 census was higher than the SA4 region (6.2%) and the SA3 area, positioning it as a leading growth zone. The expansion was largely propelled by arrivals from abroad, who made up approximately of the overall population increases lately.

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The local workforce is characterized by high levels of qualification and strong representation in essential services, alongside an unemployment rate of 4.1% and an annual employment growth estimate of 6.5%, according to Districts regional aggregates. By March 2026, there are 2,170 employed residents, with the unemployment rate tracking 0.2% higher than the Greater Adelaide level of 3.8%, and labor participation matching the metropolitan benchmark of 66.6%. Census figures indicate that a minor 9.6% of the workforce operated from home, though this figure may be influenced by pandemic restrictions.

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Based on Districts calculations of the latest postcode-level ATO data released for the 2023 financial year, taxpayers in the suburb of Morphettville recorded a median income of $50,536 and an average income of $62,731. These figures sit below the national benchmarks, and compare with metropolitan averages of $54,808 and $66,852 across Greater Adelaide. Adjusting for a Wage Price Index increase of 10.17% since the 2023 financial year yields updated estimates of approximately $55,676 for median and $69,111 for average incomes as of March 2026. Data from the 2021 Census shows household, family, and individual incomes are modest, falling between the 30th and 37th percentiles nationally. Income distribution shows that 30.5% of the population (1,246 individuals) earn in the $1,500 - 2,999 range, which is comparable to the wider region where fall into this category. Housing affordability issues are pronounced, leaving residents with only of their income after housing costs, placing the area in the th percentile, while the SEIFA index ranks the local income level in the th decile.

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The mix of residential dwellings at the latest Census comprised 55.1% standalone houses and 44.9% other options such as semi-detached homes, townhouses, and apartments, compared to the metropolitan Adelaide mix of 75.2% houses and 24.9% other structures. Home ownership in the locality was lower than the Adelaide metropolitan average, standing at 25.0%, while the remaining housing stock was either being purchased under a mortgage (36.3%) or rented (38.7%). The median monthly mortgage payment was higher than the Adelaide metropolitan average at $1,667, whereas the median weekly rent stood at $300, compared to metropolitan benchmarks of $1,562 and $320 respectively. Nationally, local mortgage commitments are lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and weekly rents are lower than the national figure of $375.

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Families make up the majority of households at 58.1%, consisting of couples with children at 21.7%, couples without children at 22.6%, and single parent households at 12.1%. Non-family households account for the remaining 41.9%, with single-person households representing 36.6% and shared households making up 5.2% of the total. The median household size of 2.2 people is lower than the Greater Adelaide average of 2.5.

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The proportion of residents holding university qualifications (29.1% of those aged 15+) is slightly higher than the SA average of 25.7%, indicating a solid educational base relative to the state. Bachelor degrees are the most common qualification at 20.3%, with postgraduate degrees at 6.9% and graduate diplomas at 1.9%. Vocational and technical skills are also common, with 29.6% of residents aged 15+ holding qualifications in these areas, consisting of advanced diplomas (9.5%) and certificates (20.1%).

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Public transport services in the area include 24 active stops, consisting of light rail and bus options. These stops are served by 16 different routes, which support a total of 675 weekly passenger journeys. Access to transport is high, with residents living an average of 171 meters from their nearest stop. As the area is mostly residential, many workers travel outside the suburb for work, with private vehicles remaining the primary mode of travel at 83%, followed by buses at 7%. Average vehicle ownership is 1.1 cars per household, which is below the metropolitan average. A relatively small proportion of residents work from home, at 9.6%, based on 2021 Census figures which may reflect pandemic-era conditions.

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Health indicators highlight notable challenges in the area, based on Districts analysis of mortality statistics and chronic disease rates, which reveal a higher than average occurrence of common medical conditions, particularly among older residents, while the proportion of the population with private health insurance is low at approximately 52%, representing around 2,116 individuals.

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The area exhibits greater cultural diversity than most comparable markets, with 27.3% of residents born outside Australia and 21.2% using a non-English language at home. Christianity is the main religious affiliation, representing 42.6% of the population. The most distinct religious overrepresentation is among those identifying as Jewish, who comprise 0.3% of the population compared to 0.1% across Greater Adelaide.

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The median age of residents is 39 years, matching the Greater Adelaide average of 39 and close to the national median of 38. Compared to the wider metropolitan area, the 25 - 34 age bracket is larger (18.5%), while the 45 - 54 age bracket is smaller (9.5%). Since the 2021 Census, the proportion of residents aged 75 to 84 has risen from 6.7% to 7.6%, while the cohort aged 85+ has decreased from 5.8% to 4.0%. Demographic models indicate significant changes in the age profile by 2041, with the 85+ cohort expected to grow by 77%, adding 125 residents to reach a total of 289, while the to group is projected to grow by , adding children.

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Morphettville currently has an estimated 216 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 127 children aged 0-2 and 84 children aged 3-4. This cohort grew by an estimated 9% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future growth, with an anticipated increase of 8% by 2041 (to approximately 233 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 337. While growth has been positive birth rates observed in the area have been moderate, with approximately 10.1 births per 1,000 residents recorded over the latest two-year period analysed which ranks the area within the middle tier nationally. This rate has slowed down slightly in recent years however.