The Norwood Payneham & St Peters economy continues to grow at a solid pace, further cementing its reputation as the number one council in Australia for the lowest risk of business failure.
Spendmapp data shows spending in March 2026 was $168m, attributing $31m to residents of the City, $130m to other South Australians, and $7m to interstate visitors.
Between March 2024 and March 2026, consumer spending in the Council area increased by 12% compared to 8.6% for the metro area and almost three times the inflation rate of 4.5% during that period.
Mayor Robert Bria says the diverse business mix in the Council area, which includes several key sectors such as retail, dining, services, health and education, is contributing to the increase.
"We have a great economic story to tell and the Spendmapp data demonstrates our local business sector is more than holding its own despite recent rate increases and the pressure on inflation," says Mayor Bria.
The March data also reveals females over 65 years represent the highest spending demographic, spending $21.2m in March 2026.
"What we are seeing is growth in spending in different demographics, which is pleasing because it demonstrates our City has broad appeal across all age groups.
"Time will tell whether this is a one-off or whether women aged 65 and over are emerging as a new force in the local economy and what we need to do to leverage off this shift to optimise their spending habits."
Key statistics for the period March 2025 to March 2026:
- 19.1% increase in discretionary spend
- 14% increase in specialised and luxury goods spend
- 10% increase in supermarkets and groceries spend
- 8% increase in dining spend.
Mayor Bria says the City of Norwood Payneham & St Peters continues to benefit from spending of people living in the Campbelltown and Burnside council areas, with the top five suburbs being: Magill ($4.5m), Athelstone ($2.6m), Rostrevor ($2.6m), Campbelltown ($2.6m) and Kensington Park ($2.3m).
"We know consumers are prepared to travel reasonable distances to shop, dine and do business in our City, so the challenge is to continue to enhance their experience when they get here to increase the number of return visitations."
Mayor Bria says the Council is looking forward to seeing the April 2027 Spendmapp data when it's released, which will include activity for the AFL Gather Round weekend.
"Understandably, the Council is expecting a spike in spending due to the AFL Gather Round activity, particularly in the dining and retail sectors.
"Dining is one sector that continues to show signs of strain so the football festival could not have come at a better time."
