Payneham South (SA)

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The suburb of Payneham South has a population estimate of around 1,819 as of May 2026, according to analysis of ABS population updates and new addresses validated by Districts. This figure represents an increase of 88 people, or 5.1%, compared to the 2021 Census count of 1,731 people. The adjustment is derived from a resident population of 1,811, as estimated by Districts after reviewing the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025, plus an additional 6 validated new addresses recorded since the Census date. This population level translates to a density ratio of 3,136 persons per square kilometer, which ranks the suburb in the upper quartile among national locations evaluated by Districts. The 5.1% growth since the census places the suburb within 2.4 percentage points of the state figure of 7.5%, indicating strong growth fundamentals. Recent population expansion in the area has been mainly due to overseas migration, which served as the primary source of population increase during the latest periods.

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Payneham South is characterized by a highly educated workforce with strong representation in professional services, an unemployment rate of 2.8%, and job growth estimated at 4.2% over the previous year. As of March 2026, 1,033 residents are employed, which keeps the local unemployment rate 1.0% below the 3.8% recorded for Greater Adelaide. The workforce participation rate is 69.2%, compared to 66.6% across the metropolitan area, while 14.0% of workers reported working from home during the Census, a figure likely influenced by pandemic containment measures.

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According to tax data from the ATO for financial year 2023, the suburb of Payneham South has an income profile that is well above the national median. Taxpayers in the suburb recorded a median income of $55,021 and an average income of $75,902, compared to $54,808 and $66,852 for Greater Adelaide. Adjusting for a Wage Price Index increase of 10.17% since financial year 2023 yields estimated values of $60,617 for the median and $83,621 for the average as of March 2026. However, Census figures place local household, family, and individual incomes in a moderate range between the 38th and 47th percentiles. Income distribution shows that 32.2% of residents (585 individuals) earn between $1,500 and $2,999, which is very close to the regional average of 31.8%. Financial pressure from housing is significant, with only of income remaining after housing costs, placing the area in the th percentile, while the SEIFA index ranks the suburb in the th decile for income.

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At the time of the last Census, the housing mix in Payneham South consisted of 56.9% detached houses and 43.1% multi-unit, semi-detached, or apartment dwellings, compared to 75.2% houses and 24.9% other dwellings across the Adelaide metropolitan area. Home ownership was higher than the metropolitan average at 34.5%, with mortgaged properties making up 26.7% and rental properties accounting for 38.8%. Monthly mortgage payments averaged $1,789, while weekly rents stood at $331, compared to regional averages of $1,562 and $320. Nationally, local mortgage costs are below the Australian average of $1,863, and weekly rents are lower than the national median of $375.

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Families make up 64.5% of households in the suburb, consisting of couples with children at 29.8%, couples without children at 21.4%, and single-parent households at 11.3%. Non-family households represent 35.5% of the total, with single-person households at 31.8% and group households at 3.1%. The average household size of 2.4 residents is slightly below the Greater Adelaide average of 2.5.

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The proportion of residents with tertiary qualifications in Payneham South is higher than regional benchmarks, with 37.8% of individuals aged 15+ holding a university degree, compared to 25.7% across the state and 28.9% in Greater Adelaide. Bachelor degrees represent 24.0% of qualifications, followed by postgraduate degrees at 10.1% and graduate diplomas at 3.7%. Additionally, 26.1% of residents aged 15+ hold vocational qualifications, with 9.5% holding advanced diplomas and 16.6% holding certificates.

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There are 8 active bus stops operating in Payneham South, serviced by 17 routes that provide 930 passenger trips per week. Transport infrastructure is highly accessible, with residents living an average of 169 meters from their nearest stop. Commuters mostly travel outside the suburb, with 81% choosing cars and 14% using buses. Household vehicle ownership averages 1.2, which is lower than the metropolitan average. At the 2021 Census, 14.0% of working residents worked from home, a figure likely influenced by pandemic restrictions.

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Health outcomes in Payneham South align closely with national averages, though chronic condition rates among older residents are slightly elevated. Private health insurance coverage is high, with approximately 57% of residents (~1,036 people) holding private policies, compared to 52.7% across Greater Adelaide.

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Payneham South shows notable cultural diversity, with 34.0% of the population born outside Australia and 33.5% using a language other than English at home. Christianity is the largest religious affiliation, representing 53.0% of residents. The most significant statistical variation is in the Other category, which accounts for 3.2% of the population compared to 1.8% across Greater Adelaide.

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The median age in Payneham South is 38, matching the national average of 38 and close to the Greater Adelaide median of 39. The 25 - 34 age bracket is highly represented locally at 16.7%, while the 65 - 74 age group is lower than average at 8.0%. Since 2021, the 35 to 44 age cohort grew from 13.1% to 14.9% of the population, whereas the 45 to 54 cohort decreased from 14.2% to 13.0%. Projections for 2041 indicate that the local age profile will shift, with the 45 to 54 group expected to grow by 50 people (21%) from to .

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Payneham South currently has an estimated 94 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 54 children aged 0-2 and 36 children aged 3-4. This cohort grew by an estimated 7% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future growth, with an anticipated increase of 16% by 2041 (to approximately 109 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 146. 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. This rate has slowed down slightly in recent years however.