Glenelg

SA 5045 • Greater Adelaide

3,440
Population (2021)
$74,360
Median Household Income
0.95 km²
Area
$350/wk
Median Rent
BeachsideRetiree-HavenCafé CultureTourist HubCoastal

About Glenelg

Glenelg is one of Adelaide's most iconic beachside suburbs, located approximately 11 kilometres south-west of the CBD within the City of Holdfast Bay. With a population of 3,440, a median age of 55, and an average household size of just 1.8, it is a well-established coastal community popular with retirees, downsizers, and professionals seeking a seaside lifestyle. The suburb covers under 1 square kilometre, making it one of the most compact and densely developed beach precincts in South Australia.

Glenelg is centred on Moseley Square and the lively Jetty Road strip, lined with restaurants, cafes, boutique shops, and entertainment venues that draw visitors and residents alike throughout the year. The suburb is directly served by Adelaide's iconic Glenelg Tram, which runs to the Adelaide CBD in approximately 25 minutes, offering one of the best beach-to-city connections in any Australian capital. Its warm beachside atmosphere, foreshore recreational facilities, and exceptional transport access make Glenelg a perennially sought-after address for those seeking a lifestyle-focused home by the sea.

Glenelg falls under postcode 5045 and is governed by Holdfast Bay Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Morphett electorate.

📍 Location

Postcode
5045
Urban Area
Holdfast Bay
LGA / Council
Federal Electorate
State Electorate
Type
Major Urban
Timezone
Adelaide (UTC+9:30)
Coordinates
-34.98°, 138.51°
Statistical Area
Greater Adelaide
Area
0.95 km²
Elevation
11m

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$350
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,733
Avg Household Size
1.8 people
Median Age
55 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
1.9%

17 state housing + 15 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)

🚌 Transport & Commute

Nearest Train Stations

Glenelg (Moseley Square)
0.2 km
3 min

Bus Services

  • Route G10 (Glenelg Tram), Route 167, 170 — Adelaide CBD (Victoria Square) / Brighton 25-30 min to CBD

Commute to Adelaide CBD

Distance
11 km
By Train
25 min via Glenelg Tram to Victoria Square/Rundle Mall
By Car (Peak)
20-35 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
15-20 min

🛣️ Iconic Glenelg Tram provides direct city access; Anzac Highway and Tapleys Hill Road for drivers

Walkability Very Walkable

Jetty Road shopping strip, beach, cafes and tram stop are all within easy walking distance of most residential streets

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

  • Coles
    Nile Street Glenelg 5045 SA
  • Woolworths
    Cnr Jetty And Brighton Rds Glenelg 5045 SA
  • ALDI
    601 Anzac Highway, Glenelg SA 5045

🎓 Schools

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
3,349
Census 2021
3,440
2.7% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Personal Income 2016
$39,104
Personal Income 2021
$47,580
21.7% increase

2021 Census income breakdown

Personal = median for one earner. Household = all members of a dwelling pooled. Family = related members only. Annual = weekly × 52.

Personal
$47,580 / yr
$915/wk
Household
$74,360 / yr
$1430/wk
Family
$112,216 / yr
$2158/wk

Personal Income Comparison (2016 vs 2021)

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021
💰 Income: ABS Census 2021

⚖️ Compare Glenelg With

🏘️Henley Beach
View comparison →

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 2,278
Born Overseas 1,022

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 274
  • 2. India 73
  • 3. Brazil 51
  • 4. Scotland 48
  • 5. Germany 39
  • 6. Italy 36
  • 7. China 32
  • 8. Philippines 31
  • 9. United States 31
  • 10. New Zealand 30

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 1,377
Australian 938
Irish 414
Scottish 346
German 267
Italian 202
Greek 107
Indian 76
Chinese 75
Dutch 55

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

1,653
Both parents born in Australia
1,251
Both parents born overseas
394
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

Christianity
46.7%
No Religion
42.4%
Hinduism
1.5%
Buddhism
1.1%
Islam
0.9%
Sikhism
0.4%
Judaism
0.2%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
78 (2.3%)
5-14 years
150 (4.4%)
15-19 years
89 (2.6%)
20-24 years
145 (4.2%)
25-34 years
460 (13.4%)
35-44 years
385 (11.2%)
45-54 years
380 (11.0%)
55-64 years
486 (14.1%)
65-74 years
659 (19.2%)
75-84 years
412 (12.0%)
85+ years
188 (5.5%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Glenelg known for? +

Glenelg is Adelaide's most famous beach suburb, known for its historic jetty, the vibrant Moseley Square dining and entertainment precinct, the direct tram connection from the CBD, and its beautiful sandy beach. It is one of the most visited destinations in South Australia.

How far is Glenelg from Adelaide CBD? +

Glenelg is approximately 11 kilometres south-west of the Adelaide CBD, with a tram journey of around 30-35 minutes from the city on the iconic Glenelg tram line.

Does Glenelg have public transport? +

Glenelg is served by the Adelaide Metro tram line, one of Australia's most popular light rail services, providing direct connections to Adelaide CBD. Bus routes also serve the broader Glenelg area.

What is the population of Glenelg? +

According to the 2021 Census, Glenelg has a population of approximately 3,440 residents within the City of Holdfast Bay local government area.

Is Glenelg a good place to live? +

Glenelg is an exceptional place to live for those who value beach access, a vibrant dining and entertainment scene, and direct tram access to Adelaide CBD. It is popular with retirees, professionals, and visitors, though property prices reflect its status as Adelaide's premier beachside address.

What is the postcode for Glenelg? +

The postcode for Glenelg is 5045.

What is the average income in Glenelg? +

Based on the 2021 Census, the median personal income in Glenelg is about $915 per week (around $47,600 per year). The median household income is $1,430 per week and the median family income is $2,158 per week.

What is the age profile of Glenelg? +

The median age in Glenelg is 55. The largest age group is 65–74 (659 residents, around 19%). Around 9% of residents are under 20 and about 37% are aged 65 or older. (2021 Census)

How much is rent in Glenelg? +

In Glenelg, the median weekly rent is $350, and the median monthly mortgage repayment is $1,733 (2021 Census).