SA · Onkaparinga Council
Morphett Vale, 5162
Current weather
9.7°CThunderstorm
86% humidity · 26.3 km/h wind · 12.1° / 9.4° today · 33.7 mm rain
Updated
Desirability score
- Heritage area
- Green suburb
- Education hub
- High desirability
- Dog friendly
Suburb profile
Morphett Vale is a practical established suburb in Onkaparinga, well placed for families who want metro access without the inner-city squeeze. Well placed between the city and outer suburbs, it offers practical access in every direction. Generous greenery runs through the area, from street trees to tucked-away reserves.
Families and commuters make up much of the community, with family life visible on every street. Neighbourhood food and coffee spots add warmth to the local routine. Green space is a real strength, with parks and playgrounds woven through the suburb.
Buses and trains connect the area to surrounding suburbs, keeping the wider city within easy reach. The area offers approachable housing costs alongside a lifestyle that still feels complete.
On the desirability index, the suburb rates good overall, led by parks and green space and housing affordability, while community and employment and local dining and lifestyle amenities sit closer to the middle of the pack for similar metro suburbs.
Population
- Population
- 24,002
- Median age
- 40
- Median household income / week
- $1,199
- Dwelling vacancy
- 5.2%
- Unoccupied private dwellings
- 542 of 10,450
- Median monthly mortgage
- $1,300
- Employment rate
- 52.4%
- Dwelling mix (houses / semi / flats)
- 832 / 1,459 / 33
Contributes to desirability score · Community (5%)
Employment, household income and age diversity (2021 Census)
Data sources & freshness
- 2021 Census — General Community Profile — Australian Bureau of Statistics · Period: 2021 · Updated on site · 2021 Census release
The 2026 Census runs in August 2026; suburb-level updates are expected from mid-2027.
Housing
- Flats / units (01/01/26 to 31/03/26)
- $480
- Houses (01/01/26 to 31/03/26)
- $600
- All types (01/01/26 to 31/03/26)
- $590
- Rental bonds lodged (01/01/26 to 31/03/26)
- 190
- Median house price (Q1 2026)
- $785,100
- Median price change
- +11.6%
Median weekly rent from SA Housing Authority rental bond data. Figures can be unreliable where few bonds were lodged in the quarter.
Contributes to desirability score · Housing (15%) · Future Growth (7%)
Median price, rental yield and vacancy Recent price momentum
Data sources & freshness
- SA Housing Authority rent & sales reports — Government of South Australia · Period: 1 January - 31 March 2026; 1Q 2026 · Updated on site · Quarterly releases
Crime & safety
- Total offences (2024–25)
- 1,488
- Against the person
- 408
- Against property
- 1,080
- Rate per 1,000 residents
- 62
- Person-crime prevalence
- About 1 in 59 residents
- State safety percentile
- 71.8th (lower crime is better)
- Family & domestic abuse offences
- 369
- Decrease (daily rate)
- -4.5%
Reported offences decreased compared with the previous period.
Reported offences by period
Most common offence types
- Other Property Damage And Environmental349
- Other Theft184
- Serious Assault Not Resulting In Injury216
- Theft From Motor Vehicle95
- Theft From Shop188
Contributes to desirability score · Safety (18%)
Crime rate and year-on-year trend
Data sources & freshness
- SAPOL reported crime statistics — South Australia Police — OpenData · Period: 2023-24 → 2024-25; 2024-25 · Updated on site · Financial-year releases
Schools & preschools
- Schools & preschools
- 14 (8 schools, 6 preschools)
- Median school ICSEA (12 schools)
- 976
- Antonio Catholic SchoolPrimary · ICSEA 1008
- Bains Road Preschool10 Gum CourtPreschools
- Calvary Lutheran Primary SchoolPrimary · ICSEA 971
- Coorara Preschool Centre22 Matison RoadPreschools
- Coorara Primary SchoolPrimary · ICSEA 947
- Disability Unit Wirreanda Secondary School105 Richards DriveSpecialist Facilities
- Flaxmill Preschool80 Flaxmill RoadPreschools
- Flaxmill School P-6Primary · ICSEA 950
- Instrumental Music - Morphett Vale OfficeLawrence StreetSupport Services
- Morphett Vale East Kindergarten1 Archer CourtPreschools
Contributes to desirability score · Education (15%)
School and preschool counts, median school ICSEA
Data sources & freshness
- Government education sites register — Government of South Australia · Period: current · Updated on site · Static register
- School ICSEA (ACARA) — Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority · Period: 2025 · Updated on site · Annual ACARA release
Public transport
132 public transport stops in this suburb
- Stop 57 Flaxmill Rd - North side
- Stop 58 Flaxmill Rd - North side
- Stop 59 Flaxmill Rd - North side
- Stop 60 Flaxmill Rd - North side
- Stop 60A Flaxmill Rd - North side
Contributes to desirability score · Accessibility (15%)
Public transport stop coverage
Data sources & freshness
- Adelaide Metro GTFS stops — Department for Infrastructure and Transport (SA) · Period: current · Updated on site · GTFS static feed
Roadworks & transport
2 active roadworks / incidents
- Asphalt WorksBeach Road, Roberts Rd28 May 2026 – 31 Jul 2026
- MowingMain South Road, Ann Rd25 Aug 2025 – 16 Jul 2026
Data sources & freshness
- Traffic SA road events — Department for Infrastructure and Transport (SA) · Period: current · Updated on site · Hourly refresh
Planning & development
Development applications from PlanSA register (lodged 2020–2026) and EPA licensed activities.
1,530 planning-related records
2026· 40 proposals
June 2026
- Five (5) two-storey detached dwellings in a terrace arrangement for affordable housing associated with retaining walls, fencing and removal of 1 X Significant Tree.55 GOLFLANDS VIEW MORPHETT VALE SA 5162Under Assessment
- Single Storey Dwelling6 LINDSAY DR MORPHETT VALE SA 5162Under Assessment
- Torrens title land division – 1 Into 21 RAJAH ST MORPHETT VALE SA 5162Under Assessment
- Two (2) X single storey supported accommodation7 BRIGALOW RD MORPHETT VALE SA 5162Under Assessment
- The construction of five (5) single storey dwellings with 2 bedroom each (terrace) for the purpose of affordable housing16 ROSEMARY TCE MORPHETT VALE SA 5162Under Assessment
- Four two storey dwellings in a terrace arrangement and one single storey dwelling, all of which are to be used for affordable housing56 RINGWOOD RD MORPHETT VALE SA 5162Under Assessment
- Change of use to consulting room and verandahSHOP 5 2 MALONE ST MORPHETT VALE SA 5162;SHOP 6 2 MALONE ST MORPHETT VALE SA 5162Under Assessment
- Indoor recreation facility (school sports centre)143 -173 BAINS RD MORPHETT VALE SA 5162Under Assessment
- Single storey detached dwelling with associated retaining wall and fence of combined maximum height of 2.5m31A TAYLORS AV MORPHETT VALE SA 5162Under Assessment
- Single storey detached dwelling, retaining wall and fencing (maximum height 2.3m) and removal of a significant tree7 ALEXANDER AV MORPHETT VALE SA 5162Under Assessment
- Fence (Retrospective)10 CYPRESS DR MORPHETT VALE SA 5162Under Assessment
- Four (4) two-storey dwellings in a terrace arrangement12 RUTH ST MORPHETT VALE SA 5162Under Assessment
- Alteration and addition to existing dwelling including a verandah.43 GERTRUDE ST MORPHETT VALE SA 5162Under Assessment
- Attached Verandah28 BERRIN RD MORPHETT VALE SA 5162Under Assessment
- Torrens title land division - 3 allotments from 112 SEEGER DR MORPHETT VALE SA 5162Under Assessment
- Construction of a single storey building and verandah for Supported Accommodation4 BAYFORD RISE MORPHETT VALE SA 5162Under Assessment
- Adding shower2 PERKINS RD MORPHETT VALE SA 5162Decision Made
- Single-storey Supported Accommodation Building12 ATTRIDGE RD MORPHETT VALE SA 5162Under Assessment
- Three single storey detached dwellings in a terrace arrangement and removal of two significant trees, Eucalyptus leucoxylon and Melaleuca armillaris12 SEEGER DR MORPHETT VALE SA 5162Under Assessment
- Torrens title land division 1 into 32 MADEIRA DR MORPHETT VALE SA 5162Under Assessment
- Two storey residential flat building comprising of six (6) units for affordable housing, retaining wall and fences98 ACRE AV MORPHETT VALE SA 5162Under Assessment
- 3 x Deck Additions to Educational Facility130 STATES RD MORPHETT VALE SA 5162;140 STATES RD MORPHETT VALE SA 5162Under Assessment
- Community title land division - 1 allotment into 23 including common driveway and areas.LOT 20 TAYLORS AV MORPHETT VALE SA 5162Under Assessment
- Outbuilding (garage)46 ORANA DR MORPHETT VALE SA 5162Decision Made
- Verandah Addition2 GRAZING AV MORPHETT VALE SA 5162Decision Made
- Outbuilding- Shed11 HAYMAKER CT MORPHETT VALE SA 5162Under Assessment
- Three detached dwellings in a terrace arrangement with retention of two significant trees at the rear of the land, retaining wall and fencing (to a maximum height of 2.6m)14 DOMINIC CR MORPHETT VALE SA 5162Under Assessment
- Outbuilding (garage)18 RIALTO ST MORPHETT VALE SA 5162Under Assessment
- Community title land division - 5 allotments from 112 GERTRUDE ST MORPHETT VALE SA 5162Under Assessment
- Retrospective application for VerandahUNIT 4 99 FLAXMILL RD MORPHETT VALE SA 5162Under Assessment
- Single Storey detached dwelling with retaining walls and associated fencing31 MCCARTNEY ST MORPHETT VALE SA 5162Under Assessment
- three single story residential - TORRENS Title and tree removals14 KENNETH RD MORPHETT VALE SA 5162Under Assessment
- 3 Detached dwellings in a terrace arrangementLOT 741 GEORGE ST MORPHETT VALE SA 5162;LOT 742 GEORGE ST MORPHETT VALE SA 5162;LOT 743 GEORGE ST MORPHETT VALE SA 5162Under Assessment
- Carport17 GEORGE ST MORPHETT VALE SA 5162Under Assessment
- Two storey residential flat building comprising 4 dwellings, retaining wall and fences25 BAANGA RD MORPHETT VALE SA 5162Under Assessment
- Community title land division 1 allotment into 225 MATISON RD MORPHETT VALE SA 5162Under Assessment
- Land division - Boundary realignment 2 into 240 JORDAN DR MORPHETT VALE SA 5162;42 JORDAN DR MORPHETT VALE SA 5162Under Assessment
- Refurbishment of existing staff amenities60 -66 STATES RD MORPHETT VALE SA 5162Decision Made
- Replace existing verandah4 ST GEORGES CT MORPHETT VALE SA 5162Decision Made
- verandah62 RANDELL RD MORPHETT VALE SA 5162Under Assessment
Contributes to desirability score · Future Growth (7%)
Development and planning activity
Data sources & freshness
- PlanSA development applications & EPA licences — Government of South Australia — PlanSA · Period: 2020–2026 · Updated on site
Amenities
157 nearby amenities within ~1.5 km
- CellarbrationsAlcohol
- Blossom CakesBakery
- Battery WorldBattery
- Bench (7)
- Standish CyclesBicycle
170 Main South Road
- Stop 49A States Road - East sideBus stop
- Stop 49A States Road - West sideBus stop
- Stop 50 Main South Road - North West sideBus stop
- Stop 50 Main South Road - South East sideBus stop
- Stop 50 States Road - East sideBus stop
Names and addresses from OpenStreetMap. Unnamed venues show as their type (e.g. Cafe).
Contributes to desirability score · Lifestyle (15%)
Food, shopping, recreation and sport (OpenStreetMap)
Data sources & freshness
- OpenStreetMap amenities — OpenStreetMap contributors · Period: current · Updated on site · Weekly refresh
Socio-economic (SEIFA)
- IRSAD decile (2021)
- 2/10
- IRSD decile (2021)
- 2/10
SEIFA indexes from ABS 2021. Decile 10 = most advantaged / least disadvantaged in Australia.
Contributes to desirability score · Community (5%)
Socio-economic advantage (IRSAD decile)
Data sources & freshness
- SEIFA 2021 (IRSAD / IRSD) — Australian Bureau of Statistics · Period: 2021 · Updated on site · 2021 SEIFA release
Heritage
21 state heritage places
- Heritage placeState heritage
- Heritage placeState heritage
- Heritage placeState heritage
- Heritage placeState heritage
- Heritage placeState heritage
- Heritage placeState heritage
- Heritage placeState heritage
- Heritage placeState heritage
- Heritage placeState heritage
- Heritage placeState heritage
Data sources & freshness
- SA Heritage Places database — Department for Environment and Water (SA) · Period: current · Updated on site
Childcare
1 childcare service from OpenStreetMap
- Morphett Vale Preschool Kindergartenkindergarten
Contributes to desirability score · Education (15%)
Childcare centre count
Data sources & freshness
- Childcare services (SA) — OpenStreetMap + SA Education · Period: current · Updated on site
Hazards
- Bushfire planning zone
- No overlay at centroid
- Bushfire safer places
- 1
Bushfire overlay checked at suburb centroid against all current SA Planning risk layers (high, medium, general, urban interface, regional, outback). Safer places from CFS designated locations.
Contributes to desirability score · Safety (18%)
Bushfire hazard overlays
Data sources & freshness
- Bushfire & hazard overlays (SA) — Government of South Australia · Period: current · Updated on site
Green cover
- Parks & woodland (OSM)
- 67
- Parks (OSM)
- 67
OpenStreetMap parks and natural woodland features mapped within the suburb boundary.
Contributes to desirability score · Environment (10%)
Parks and green cover (OpenStreetMap)
Data sources & freshness
- OpenStreetMap green cover features — OpenStreetMap contributors · Period: current · Updated on site · Weekly refresh
Desirability Index
- Desirability score
- 63.4/100 — Good
- State standing
- Top 2% of South Australia's suburbs
- National rank
- 457th in Australia
- State rank
- 12th in SA
- Peer rank
- #5 among Metro Adelaide · Established suburbs
- Cohort rank
- #9 among Metro Adelaide suburbs
- Data confidence
- 96%
Data sources & freshness
- Suburb Guide desirability index — Suburb Guide (derived score) · Period: current · Updated on site · Derived from source metrics
Recent changes
- Adam Deliamenitiesyes
- Amanda Rishworthamenitiesyes
- BMX Trackamenitiespitch
- Barnacle Billamenitiesfast_food
- Battery Worldamenitiesbattery
- Benchamenitiesbench
- Benchamenitiesbench
- Benchamenitiesbench
- Benchamenitiesbench
- Benchamenitiesbench
Data sources & freshness
- OpenStreetMap amenities — OpenStreetMap contributors · Updated on site · Weekly refresh
More in Onkaparinga Council
Other suburbs in the same local government area.
Comparable suburbs
Similar population and socio-economic profile in other parts of South Australia.