Mitcham (SA)
Statistical Area - sa2

An assessment of population growth drivers in Mitcham reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

Mitcham's population, as of August 2025, is approximately 16,989 people. This figure represents an increase from the 2021 Census total of 16,506 residents. The growth of 483 individuals (2.9%) was inferred from the ABS's estimated resident population of 16,987 in June 2024 and validated new addresses since the census date. This results in a population density of 1,483 persons per square kilometer, exceeding national averages assessed by AreaSearch. Mitcham's growth rate since the census is 2.9%, compared to the SA3 area's 4.3%, indicating competitive growth fundamentals. Overseas migration was the primary driver behind this population increase.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, the SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections are adopted, adjusted using a weighted aggregation method from LGA to SA2 levels. Based on these projections, Mitcham is expected to grow by approximately 803 persons by 2041, representing a total increase of 4.7% over the 17-year period.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Mitcham recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

Mitcham has recorded approximately 67 residential properties granted approval annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, a total of 337 homes were approved, with an additional 10 approved in FY26 so far. The average number of new residents per year per dwelling constructed over these five years was 0.9.

This indicates that new construction is meeting or exceeding demand, providing more options for buyers and potentially supporting population growth beyond current expectations. The average value of new properties being constructed is $736,000, suggesting a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties. In FY26, there have been $77.2 million in commercial approvals, indicating strong commercial development momentum.

Compared to Greater Adelaide, Mitcham shows moderately higher development activity, measuring 17.0% above the regional average per person over the five-year period. This maintains good buyer choice while supporting existing property values. The new development in Mitcham consists of 83.0% standalone homes and 17.0% attached dwellings, preserving the area's suburban nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. With around 289 people per dwelling approval, Mitcham shows characteristics of a low density area. Population forecasts indicate that Mitcham will gain 801 residents by 2041. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

Mitcham has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 33rdth percentile nationally

The performance of a region is significantly impacted by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified 15 projects that could potentially affect the area. Notable ones include the Belair National Park Redevelopment, Belair Road Retaining Walls Maintenance, Belair Electrical Infrastructure Modifications, and Old Belair and James Road Junction Upgrade. The following list details those expected to be most relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

Employment conditions in Mitcham rank among the top 10% of areas assessed nationally

Mitcham SA has an educated workforce with professional services well-represented. Its unemployment rate was 1.2% in June 2025, lower than Greater Adelaide's 4.0%.

Employment grew by 2.7% year-on-year to June 2025. Major employment sectors are health care & social assistance, professional & technical, and education & training. The area shows strong specialization in professional & technical services at 1.8 times the regional average but has lower construction representation at 5.7%. Employment opportunities locally may be limited as indicated by Census data.

In the year to June 2025, employment levels increased by 2.7% and labour force grew by 2.7%, keeping unemployment stable at 2.8%. By comparison, Greater Adelaide recorded employment growth of 2.1% with a marginal rise in unemployment. State-level data to Sep-25 shows SA employment grew by 1.06% year-on-year, adding 9,370 jobs, with the state unemployment rate at 4.5%, matching the national rate. Jobs and Skills Australia's forecasts from May 2025 project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Mitcham's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 7.3% over five years and 15.0% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

Income metrics indicate excellent economic conditions, with the area achieving higher performance than 75% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data released for financial year 2022, Mitcham had a median income among taxpayers of $60,298. The average income level stood at $95,313. Nationally, this places Mitcham in the top percentile. In Greater Adelaide, the median and average incomes were $52,592 and $64,886 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.83% since financial year 2022, estimated incomes for March 2025 are approximately $66,828 (median) and $105,635 (average). The 2021 Census ranked Mitcham's household, family, and personal incomes between the 78th and 78th percentiles nationally. Income analysis shows that 27.4% of Mitcham's population (4,654 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 income range, mirroring the metropolitan region where 31.8% occupy this bracket. Higher earners constitute a substantial presence with 37.2% exceeding $3,000 weekly. After housing costs, residents retain 88.5% of their income. Mitcham's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 9th decile.

Mitcham is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Mitcham's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, comprised 71.3% houses and 28.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This contrasts with Adelaide metro's structure of 78.8% houses and 21.2% other dwellings. Home ownership in Mitcham stood at 43.5%, with mortgaged dwellings at 37.6% and rented ones at 18.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,167, higher than Adelaide metro's average of $1,992. Median weekly rent in Mitcham was $346, compared to Adelaide metro's $335. Nationally, Mitcham's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were lower than the national figure of $375.

Mitcham has a typical household mix, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households constitute 74.0% of all households, including 36.2% couples with children, 28.1% couples without children, and 8.9% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 26.0%, with lone person households at 23.6% and group households comprising 2.4%. The median household size is 2.6 people, which aligns with the Greater Adelaide average.

Mitcham shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

Mitcham's educational attainment is notably high, with 49% of residents aged 15 and above having university qualifications. This compares favourably to South Australia's (SA) average of 25.7% and the SA4 region's 28.1%. The most common qualification is a bachelor degree at 31.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 12.7% and graduate diplomas at 4.9%. Vocational pathways account for 21.6% of qualifications, with advanced diplomas at 9.9% and certificates at 11.7%.

Educational participation is high, with 30% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.6% in primary, 8.5% in secondary, and 8% pursuing tertiary education. Mitcham has a robust network of nine schools educating approximately 6,982 students. The area's socio-educational advantages and academic achievement are reflected in its ICSEA score of 1112. The educational mix comprises three primary, three secondary, and three K-12 schools. Mitcham functions as an education hub with 41.1 school places per 100 residents, significantly above the regional average of 21.2, attracting students from surrounding communities.

Transport servicing is good compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility

Public transport analysis shows 113 active transport stops operating within Mitcham. These comprise a mix of train and bus services. They are serviced by 51 individual routes.

Collectively, they provide 3082 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 220 meters from the nearest stop. Service frequency averages 440 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 27 weekly trips per individual stop.

Mitcham's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with a fairly standard level of common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts

Health data shows Mitcham residents have relatively positive health outcomes with common conditions seen across young and old age groups. Approximately 69% of Mitcham's total population (11,773 people) has private health cover, compared to 58.5% in Greater Adelaide and the national average of 55.3%. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 7.4% and 7.1% of residents respectively.

About 70.5% of Mitcham residents report no medical ailments, compared to 69.3% in Greater Adelaide. Mitcham has 23.5% of residents aged 65 and over (3,990 people), higher than Greater Adelaide's 21.2%. Health outcomes among seniors in Mitcham are particularly strong, outperforming the general population in health metrics.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Mitcham was found to be above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Mitcham's population, as per the 2016 Census, showed above average cultural diversity with 21.9% born overseas and 14.3% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 46.3%. Judaism, though small in overall numbers, was overrepresented at 0.2%, compared to Greater Adelaide's 0.1%.

Top ancestry groups were English (29.7%), Australian (23.4%), and Scottish (8.3%). Notable divergences included German (5.7% vs regional 5.9%), Greek (2.6% vs 2.5%), and Polish (0.9% vs 1.0%).

Mitcham hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

The median age in Mitcham as of 2021 was 44 years, notably higher than Greater Adelaide's average of 39 years and also above the Australian median of 38 years. Compared to Greater Adelaide's average, Mitcham had a notably higher proportion of individuals aged 65-74 (12.1% locally) but a lower proportion of those aged 25-34 (8.7%). Between the 2016 and 2021 censuses, the population aged 15 to 24 grew from 12.7% to 14.5%, while that aged 75 to 84 increased from 6.8% to 8.3%. Conversely, the proportion of those aged 35 to 44 declined from 11.8% to 10.6%, and the group aged 55 to 64 dropped from 13.8% to 12.6%. Population forecasts for Mitcham indicate significant demographic changes by 2041, with the age cohort of 85+ projected to increase dramatically by 592 people (113%), from 523 to 1,116. The aging population trend is evident, with those aged 65 and above comprising 82% of the projected growth. Conversely, the cohorts aged 0 to 4 and 65 to 74 are expected to experience population declines.