Plympton (SA)

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According to investigations of ABS population statistics for the surrounding region alongside new addresses validated by Districts since the Census, Plympton's population is estimated at around 5,604 as of May 2026. This indicates an expansion of 145 people (2.7%) since the 2021 Census, which documented a population of 5,459 people. The shift is calculated from the resident population of 5,592, estimated by Districts following analysis of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2025) and an additional 79 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population scale represents a density ratio of 3,202 persons per square kilometer, placing the locality in the upper quartile compared to national locations assessed by Districts. Over the last decade, Plympton has shown stable growth patterns with a 1.5% compound annual growth rate, faster than the SA3 area. Population growth for the area was majorly driven by overseas migration that made up approximately 97.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

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Plympton has an exceptionally qualified labor force, with essential services industries strongly represented, an unemployment rate of just 1.9%, and 5.5% in estimated employment growth over the past year, based on Districts aggregation of statistical area data. As of March 2026, 3,752 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 2.0% below Greater Adelaide's rate of 3.8%, and workforce participation is well beyond standard (77.6% compared to Greater Adelaide's 66.6%). Based on Census responses, a low 9.9% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

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According to the most recent postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2023, Plympton's median income among taxpayers is $55,944, with an average of $66,723. This is slightly under the national average, and compares to Greater Adelaide's median of $54,808 and average of $66,852. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.17% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $61,634 (median) and $73,509 (average) as of March 2026. Census data reveals personal income ranks at the 58th percentile ($843 weekly), while household income sits at the 41st percentile. The earnings profile shows the $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captures 35.9% of the community (2,011 individuals), reflecting patterns seen the broader area where similarly occupy this range. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only of income remaining, ranking at the nd percentile and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the th decile.

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Residential property configurations in Plympton at the time of the latest Census consisted of 51.4% standalone houses and 48.7% other housing types, including semi-detached properties, units, and alternative dwellings, compared to the Adelaide metro split of 75.2% houses and 24.9% other options. Concurrently, home ownership rates in Plympton lagged behind the Adelaide metro average, standing at 24.2%, while the remaining properties were occupied under mortgages (29.7%) or rental agreements (46.1%). The median monthly home loan payment was higher than the Adelaide metro norm at $1,662, whereas the median weekly rental cost was recorded at $300, compared to Adelaide metro averages of $1,562 and $320. Across the nation, mortgage outlays in Plympton are notably lower than the Australian benchmark of $1,863, and lease costs sit well below the national rate of $375.

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Domestic structures are mostly family households at 61.2%, which include 22.6% couples with offspring, 27.7% couples without offspring, and 8.5% single parents. Single person or shared households account for the other 38.8%, with sole occupants making up 31.5% and group living situations representing 7.3% of the total. The typical household size of 2.3 individuals is below the Greater Adelaide average of 2.5.

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Academic qualifications in Plympton are considerably higher than regional norms, with 41.2% of individuals aged 15+ holding tertiary degrees compared to 25.7% across SA and 28.9% in Greater Adelaide. This pronounced educational lead positions the community well for professional services careers. Bachelor degrees constitute 26.8%, followed by postgraduate credentials (11.1%) and graduate diplomas (3.3%). Practical and vocational training is also well represented, with 26.9% of residents aged 15+ possessing technical certificates, including advanced diplomas (11.2%) and certificates (15.7%).

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Public transit networks comprise 29 active stops inside Plympton, offering a combination of tram and bus services. These stops support 33 separate routes, delivering 3,277 weekly passenger journeys. Commuter convenience is high, with households situated an average of 141 meters from their nearest transit stop. Given the residential nature of the suburb, most workers commute out of the area, with private cars remaining the primary option at 74% and buses carrying 15% of commuters. Household vehicle ownership stands at 1.0 per home, which is below the wider metropolitan average. A relatively small 9.9% of residents worked from home according to the 2021 Census, which may have been influenced by COVID-19 rules.

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Plympton shows superior health indicators based on Districts assessments of mortality and long-term illnesses, with both younger and older cohorts displaying a low incidence of widespread health issues. Private health insurance membership is slightly above the typical SA2 area rate, covering roughly 53% of the population (~2,990 people).

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Plympton exhibits a high degree of cultural diversity, with 41.7% of the local population born overseas and 40.4% using a non-English language at home. Christianity is the primary religion, followed by 38.1% of Plympton residents. A significant local concentration is found in Hinduism, representing 12.6% of the community, which is much higher than the Greater Adelaide average of 2.8%.

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Plympton's median age of 33 years is younger than the Greater Adelaide median of 39 and the national standard of 38 years. The 25 to 34 age bracket is highly represented at 27.0% compared to Greater Adelaide, whereas the 5 to 14 cohort is smaller at 7.9%. This concentration of 25 to 34 residents is higher than the national rate of 14.6%. Since 2021, the 25 to 34 demographic has increased from 25.0% to 27.0% of the population, and the 35 to 44 cohort grew from 14.4% to 15.7%. Conversely, the 85+ bracket decreased from to . Future forecasts for point to significant demographic shifts for Plympton, with the to cohort expected to grow by people () from to .

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Plympton currently has an estimated 274 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 173 children aged 0-2 and 114 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 20% by 2041 (to approximately 328 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 404. While growth has been positive birth rates observed in the area have been moderate, with approximately 10.8 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.