City of Norwood Payneham & St Peters: Australia’s lowest business failure risk and record $2 billion consumer spend

The City of Norwood Payneham & St Peters continues to set the benchmark for local economic performance and rankings, recording a landmark $2 billion in annual consumer spending while maintaining its status as Australia’s lowest-risk area for business failure for the 10th consecutive month.

Spendmapp data shows consumer expenditure in the City reached $2.08 billion for the year ending 31 May 2025—the first time spending has surpassed the $2 billion mark.

This comes as CreditorWatch confirms the City’s number one national ranking for lowest business failure risk for an unprecedented 10 months in a row.

Mayor Robert Bria describes the results as “an incredible demonstration of our City’s economic strength and community resilience”.

“When you consider there are 537 councils in Australia, achieving the top ranking for the lowest business failure risk once is remarkable—but maintaining that for 10 consecutive months is truly outstanding,” Mayor Bria said.

“This business confidence is reflected in consumer spending figures that show not only the strength of our local economy but also the high level of community engagement with local businesses.”

The latest data revealed the health sector topped spending at $350 million, followed by specialised and luxury goods ($305 million) and groceries and supermarkets ($234 million).

The suburb of Norwood continues to drive the local economy, accounting for 39% of total spend, including 56% of grocery and supermarket expenditure and almost half of all dining spend in the City.

Tom McClure, pictured below, who has operated Grill’d Norwood on The Parade for over a decade, says the numbers reinforce The Parade’s reputation as Adelaide’s premier main street.

“I’ve been running a hospitality business on The Parade for 11 years and these results confirm what we’ve known for some time—The Parade is a destination, especially for hospitality,” Mr McClure said.

“Annual events such as the Norwood Food and Wine Festival and AFL Gather Round add to the vibrancy and appeal, while Council’s ongoing support ensures local businesses continue to thrive.”

Mayor Bria acknowledges that while Norwood remains the “engine room” of the economy, Spendmapp data shows other areas such as Kent Town are emerging, with the Council keen to explore how to support their strategic growth.

“Our City has more than 7,000 businesses—nearly one for every five residents—which creates a close link between economic prosperity and community well-being,” Mayor Bria added.

“Rather than rest on our laurels, we’ll continue working with local businesses and the South Australian Government to create the right conditions for long-term economic growth.”