Mile End

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

As of Feb 2026, the population of the suburb of Mile End is estimated at around 4,787 people. This reflects an increase of 251 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,536 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 4,714, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, and an additional 4 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 2,674 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 89.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and for years post-2032, the SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections by age category, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data, are adopted with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Anticipating future population dynamics, an above median population growth of national statistical areas is projected, with the suburb expected to expand by 772 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 17.9% in total over the 17 years.

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

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, Mile End has seen approximately 11 new homes approved per year over the past five financial years. This totals an estimated 59 homes from FY-20 to FY-24. So far in FY-26, 10 approvals have been recorded. On average, 4.2 people move to the area each year for every dwelling built between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating high demand exceeding new supply.

New homes are being constructed at an average expected cost of $412,000, suggesting developers focus on the premium market with high-end developments. In this financial year, $2.6 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, reflecting the area's residential character. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Mile End has significantly lower building activity, at 61.0% below the regional average per person. This scarcity of new properties typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. Nationally, Mile End also records lower building activity, indicating a mature market with potential development constraints. New development consists of an equal split between detached and attached dwellings, providing accessible entry options appealing to downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers.

With around 439 people per approval, Mile End indicates a stable population growth. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Mile End is projected to gain 859 residents by 2041. At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to keep pace with population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Mile End has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 27thth percentile nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified seven projects expected to affect the region. Notable initiatives include Southwark Grounds (Thebarton Technology Hub), North-South Corridor, Southwark Grounds redevelopment, and Thebarton Theatre Complex Redevelopment. Projects of greatest relevance are listed below.

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

Denotes AI-based impression for illustrative purposes only, not to be taken as definitive under any circumstances. Please follow links and conduct other investigations from the project's source for actual imagery. Developers and project owners wishing us to use original imagery please Contact Us and we will do so.

The employment environment in Mile End shows above-average strength when compared nationally

Mile End has a highly educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. Its unemployment rate was 3.6% as of September 2025. This rate is 0.3% lower than Greater Adelaide's rate of 3.9%.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 4.4%. Workforce participation in Mile End was 75.9%, compared to Greater Adelaide's 66.4%. According to Census responses, 10.4% of residents worked from home as of September 2025. Key industries of employment among residents are health care & social assistance, professional & technical, and retail trade.

The area has a particular specialization in professional & technical services, with an employment share 1.5 times the regional level. Manufacturing employs only 4.3% of local workers, below Greater Adelaide's 7.0%. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment increased by 4.4%, while labour force increased by 4.1%, causing a fall in unemployment rate by 0.3 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Adelaide experienced employment growth of 3.0% and labour force growth of 2.9%, with a drop in unemployment rate of 0.1 percentage point. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, released in May-25, project national employment to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Mile End's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.9% over five years and 14.1% over ten years.

Income levels align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis

Mile End suburb's income level is below national average, according to latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. Median income among taxpayers in Mile End is $55,625, with average income at $66,354. Greater Adelaide's figures are $54,808 and $66,852 respectively. By September 2025, estimates suggest median income will be approximately $60,520 and average income $72,193, based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.8% since financial year 2023. Census data shows incomes in Mile End are around the 50th percentile nationally. Income analysis reveals that 31.2% of individuals (1,493) earn between $1,500 and $2,999, similar to metropolitan region's 31.8%. High housing costs consume 15.5% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 50th percentile. Mile End's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 6th decile.

Mile End displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Dwelling structure in Mile End, as evaluated at the latest Census held on June 2016, comprised 60.9% houses and 39.2% other dwellings such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This is compared to Adelaide metro's 75.2% houses and 24.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Mile End stood at 27.8%, with the remaining dwellings either mortgaged (26.3%) or rented (45.9%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,800, exceeding the Adelaide metro average of $1,562. The median weekly rent figure for Mile End was recorded at $345, compared to Adelaide metro's $320. Nationally, Mile End's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were less than the national figure of $375.

Mile End features high concentrations of group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 58.6 percent of all households, including 22.1 percent couples with children, 23.3 percent couples without children, and 11.3 percent single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 41.4 percent, with lone person households at 29.7 percent and group households making up 11.6 percent of the total. The median household size is 2.3 people, smaller than the Greater Adelaide average of 2.5.

The educational profile of Mile End exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

Educational attainment in Mile End is notably high with 41.2% of residents aged 15+ holding university qualifications compared to 25.7% in South Australia (SA) and 28.9% in Greater Adelaide. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 26.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 10.8% and graduate diplomas at 4.0%. Vocational pathways account for 23.8% of qualifications among those aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 8.9% and certificates at 14.9%. Educational participation is high, with 28.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 11.1% in tertiary education, 6.2% in primary education, and 5.2% pursuing secondary education.

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

Mile End has 14 operational public transport stops, offering a variety of bus services. These stops are served by 26 different routes, facilitating a total of 2,023 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is deemed good, with residents on average situated 223 meters from the nearest stop. Predominantly residential, most Mile End residents commute outward. Cars remain the primary mode of transport at 72%, followed by buses at 13% and walking at 5%. On average, there are 1.1 vehicles per dwelling, below the regional norm.

According to the 2021 Census, only 10.4% of residents work from home, which might be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages 289 trips daily across all routes, equating to roughly 144 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Mile End is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Mile End faces significant health challenges based on AreaSearch's assessment.

Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are high, with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. Private health cover is higher than average at approximately 53% of the total population (~2,548 people). The most common medical conditions are mental health issues impacting 9.8% of residents and asthma affecting 7.1%. Conversely, 69.6% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 67.9% across Greater Adelaide. Working-age residents show above average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 13.5% of residents aged 65 and over (646 people), lower than the 19.3% in Greater Adelaide. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

Mile End was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Mile End's population showed higher cultural diversity than most local markets, with 29.9% born overseas and 29.8% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Mile End, accounting for 40.9%. Hinduism, however, was overrepresented at 3.6%, compared to Greater Adelaide's average of 2.8%.

The top three ancestral groups were English (21.6%), Australian (17.9%), and Other (10.3%). Notably, Greeks were overrepresented at 9.6% versus the regional average of 2.0%, while Poles and Serbians showed similar representation to Greater Adelaide's averages.

Mile End's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

The median age in Mile End is 36 years, which is slightly below Greater Adelaide's average of 39 and the Australian median of 38. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Mile End has a higher proportion of residents aged 25-34 (22.9%) but fewer residents aged 5-14 (7.1%). This concentration of 25-34 year-olds is significantly above the national average of 14.4%. According to the 2021 Census, the proportion of Mile End's population aged 25 to 34 has increased from 21.6% to 22.9%, while the proportion of those aged 45 to 54 has decreased from 13.6% to 11.9%. The proportion of residents aged 5-14 has also dropped, from 8.2% to 7.1%. By 2041, Mile End's age composition is expected to change significantly. Notably, the number of residents aged 25 to 34 is projected to grow by 15%, adding 159 people and reaching a total of 1,256 from the current figure of 1,096. The 0-4 age group is expected to grow at a more modest rate of 10%, with an increase of just 22 residents.