Payneham (SA)

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Based on demographic evaluations from the ABS for the region and new residential listings validated by Districts since the national survey, the population of Payneham is calculated to be approximately 2,649 as of May 2026. This represents a growth of 211 residents (8.7%) relative to the 2021 Census, which documented a total of 2,438 individuals. The estimate is calculated from a base resident count of 2,629 determined by Districts using the June 2025 ABS ERP release, supplemented by 10 validated new addresses added after the Census date. This size results in a density of 3,311 persons per square kilometer, placing the suburb of Payneham in the top quartile of Australian locations examined by Districts. The 8.7% rate of expansion since the 2021 Census outperformed both the state average (7.5%) and Greater Adelaide, establishing the area as a regional growth leader. Population increases were primarily driven by incoming overseas migrants, who acted as the sole source of positive demographic gains in recent times.

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Payneham boasts a well-educated labor force with strong representation in essential service industries, an unemployment rate of just 3.0%, and an estimated employment growth of 5.7% over the previous year, according to Districts aggregation of statistical area data. As of March 2026, 1,559 residents are employed, and the local unemployment rate sits 0.8% below the Greater Adelaide rate of 3.8%, while workforce participation is fairly standard at 71.6% compared to Greater Adelaide's 66.6%. Census responses indicate that a low 9.9% of residents were found to work from home, although the impact of Covid-19 lockdowns should be considered.

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Tax data at the postcode level compiled by Districts for financial year 2023 shows the suburb of Payneham has a median taxpayer income of $60,949 and an average of $84,079. This profile ranks among the higher brackets nationally, compared to the Greater Adelaide median of $54,808 and average of $66,852. Applying a Wage Price Index growth of 10.17% since financial year 2023 suggests updated figures of approximately $67,148 for the median and $92,630 for the average as of March 2026. The 2021 Census placed individual weekly income at the 63rd percentile ($874), while household incomes ranked at the 30th percentile. The largest income band consists of 30.7% of residents earning between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly (representing individuals), similar to the regional average of in this category. Financial pressure from housing is high, leaving residents with only of their earnings, which sits at the th percentile, and the local SEIFA income score falls into the th decile.

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According to the last Census, the housing mix in the suburb of Payneham consisted of 41.5% standalone houses and 58.4% other formats such as townhouses and flats, differing from the Adelaide metro profile of 75.2% houses and 24.9% other dwellings. The rate of home ownership was 29.2%, which is lower than the metropolitan Adelaide average, with remaining properties held under mortgages (29.1%) or leased (41.7%). Monthly mortgage costs were higher than the metropolitan average at $1,700, whereas median weekly rents were $300, compared to metropolitan benchmarks of $1,562 and $320 respectively. Globally, mortgage payments in the suburb of Payneham are below the Australian median of $1,863, and weekly rents are also well below the national baseline of $375.

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Family units constitute the majority of households at 54.9%, consisting of 20.3% partners with children, 24.0% partners without children, and 9.2% single parents. The remaining 45.1% are non-family arrangements, which are mostly single-person households at 40.7% alongside group households at 4.6%. The typical household size of 2.0 residents is smaller than the Greater Adelaide average of 2.5.

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Educational profiles in the suburb of Payneham are substantially higher than regional averages, with 42.9% of residents aged 15+ holding a university degree, compared to 25.7% in SA and 28.9% across Greater Adelaide. This concentration of academic credentials positions the community well for professional industries. Bachelor degrees represent 27.5% of qualifications, with postgraduate degrees at 11.0% and graduate diplomas at 4.4%. Technical and vocational credentials are also common, with 25.7% of residents aged 15+ holding qualifications in these fields, including advanced diplomas at 10.8% and certificate-level training at 14.9%.

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Public transit data shows 7 active bus stops in the suburb of Payneham, serviced by 17 distinct routes that carry a total of 985 weekly passengers. Transit links are rated as good, with residents living an average of 222 meters from their nearest stop. Because the area is mostly residential, the majority of workers commute to other areas, with private cars remaining the primary choice at 82%, followed by buses at 12% and cycling at 2%. Vehicle ownership stands at an average of 0.9 per dwelling, which is lower than the metropolitan average. A relatively low proportion of 9.9% of workers worked from home, based on 2021 Census data collected during pandemic conditions.

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Health outcomes for residents in the suburb of Payneham are generally favorable, with Districts analysis of mortality rates and diagnoses showing results that align with national averages. The rate of common ailments is low overall, though it rises above the Australian average in older demographic segments. Private health insurance coverage is high, with approximately 60% of the population (1,594 people) holding policies, compared to 52.7% across Greater Adelaide.

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The suburb of Payneham demonstrates a high level of cultural diversity, with 36.1% of residents born outside Australia and 32.8% using a language other than English at home. Christianity is the primary religious affiliation, comprising 49.7% of the community. The most notable variation is in the Other category, which represents 3.0% of residents compared to 1.8% across Greater Adelaide.

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The median age of 37 years in the suburb of Payneham is lower than Greater Adelaide's average of 39 and similar to the national average of 38. Compared to the wider metropolitan area, there is a high concentration of residents aged 25 to 34 (20.8% locally vs 14.6% nationally) and a lower proportion aged 15 to 24 (9.8%). Since the 2021 Census, the 35 to 44 age cohort has grown from 14.7% to 16.4% of the total population, while the 25 to 34 cohort rose from 19.5% to 20.8%. In contrast, the 45 to 54 group decreased from 10.8% to . By demographic forecasts project a increase ( people) in the to cohort, taking it from to .

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Payneham currently has an estimated 143 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 78 children aged 0-2 and 52 children aged 3-4. This cohort grew by an estimated 11% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future growth, with an anticipated increase of 17% by 2041 (to approximately 167 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 214. While growth has been positive birth rates observed in the area have been moderate, with approximately 9.7 births per 1,000 residents recorded over the latest two-year period analysed which ranks the area within the middle tier nationally.