Millswood

Millswood is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

As of November 2025, the estimated population of Millswood is around 2,247, reflecting a growth of 74 people since the 2021 Census. This increase represents a 3.4% change from the previous population count of 2,173. The latest estimate by AreaSearch, following their examination of the June 2024 ABS ERP data release and validation of new addresses, shows a resident population of 2,246. This results in a population density ratio of 2,202 persons per square kilometer, which is higher than the average across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Millswood's growth rate since the census places it within 1.1 percentage points of the SA3 area's 4.5% growth, indicating strong fundamentals for population growth in the suburb. The primary driver of this growth was overseas migration, contributing approximately 99.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

For future projections, AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections released in 2024 with a base year of 2022 for each SA2 area. Beyond these projections and for areas not covered, the SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections by age category are adopted, based on 2021 data and released in 2023, with adjustments made using a method of weighted aggregation from LGA to SA2 levels. Based on aggregated SA2-level projections, Millswood is expected to increase its population by just below the median of Australian statistical areas, reaching an estimated total of 2,447 persons by 2041, reflecting a gain of 10.0% over the 17-year period.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Millswood according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Millswood recorded approximately one residential property approval per year over the past five financial years, totalling seven homes. Five approvals have been recorded so far in FY26. On average, 6.9 new residents were associated with each home built between FY21 and FY25.

This demand exceeds supply, typically leading to price growth and increased buyer competition. New properties are constructed at an average value of $576,000, indicating developers target the premium market segment. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Millswood has significantly reduced construction levels, 80.0% below the regional average per person. This constrained new construction often reinforces demand and pricing for existing homes, although development activity has recently increased. The area's level of new building activity is also below national averages, suggesting maturity and possible planning constraints. New housing comprises 50.0% standalone homes and 50.0% medium to high-density housing, marking a significant shift from the current 90.0% houses pattern. This location has approximately 646 people per dwelling approval, indicating an established market.

According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Millswood is projected to grow by 225 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.

Millswood has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified a single project likely to impact this area. Key projects include Goodwood Oval Sporting Precinct Revitalisation, Tram Grade Separation Projects, Carmelite Retirement Living, and North South Corridor. The following list details those most relevant.

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.

AreaSearch analysis of employment trends sees Millswood performing better than 85% of local markets assessed across Australia

Millswood has an educated workforce with professional services well represented. The unemployment rate was 2.1% in the past year, showing a growth of 2.3%.

As of June 2025, 1,277 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.9%, below Greater Adelaide's 4.0%. Workforce participation was 64.8%, slightly higher than Greater Adelaide's 61.7%. Key employment sectors include health care & social assistance, professional & technical services, and education & training. The area specializes in professional & technical jobs, with an employment share double the regional level.

However, construction has limited presence at 4.5% compared to the regional 8.7%. Employment opportunities appear limited locally based on Census data comparison of working population versus resident population. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment levels increased by 2.3%, labour force grew by 2.0%, reducing unemployment by 0.3 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Adelaide saw employment growth of 2.1% with marginal unemployment rise. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 project overall growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Millswood's employment mix suggests local employment could increase by 7.3% over five years and 14.8% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

The economic profile demonstrates exceptional strength, placing the area among the top 10% nationally based on comprehensive AreaSearch income analysis

AreaSearch reports that Millswood had a median taxpayer income of $70,748 and an average income of $103,303 in the financial year 2022. Nationally, these figures are exceptionally high, compared to $52,592 and $64,886 for Greater Adelaide respectively. Based on a 12.83% increase since FY2022, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $79,825 (median) and $116,557 (average). Millswood's household, family, and personal incomes rank highly nationally, between the 89th and 95th percentiles. The predominant income cohort in Millswood is 33.2% of locals (746 people) earning over $4,000 per week, unlike surrounding regions where 31.8% earn between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly. Reflecting affluence, 46.7% of residents earn over $3,000 per week, supporting premium retail and services. After housing costs, residents retain 91.5% of income, indicating strong purchasing power. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 10th decile.

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

In Millswood, as per the latest Census evaluation, 89.6% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 10.4% being semi-detached, apartments, or other types. This contrasts with Adelaide metro's 59.2% houses and 40.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Millswood stood at 50.8%, with mortgaged dwellings at 35.3% and rented ones at 14.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,253, higher than Adelaide metro's average of $2,167. The median weekly rent in Millswood was $420, compared to Adelaide metro's $350. Nationally, Millswood's mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $2,253 versus the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Millswood features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 77.6% of all households, including 38.6% couples with children, 30.5% couples without children, and 8.0% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 22.4%, with lone person households at 21.3% and group households comprising 1.4%. The median household size is 2.7 people, which is larger than the Greater Adelaide average of 2.3.

Educational achievement in Millswood places it within the top 10% nationally, reflecting strong academic performance and high qualification levels across the community

Millswood's educational attainment is notably higher than broader averages. 48.7% of residents aged 15+ have university qualifications, compared to 25.7% in South Australia (SA) and 28.9% in Greater Adelaide. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 30.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (12.2%) and graduate diplomas (5.9%). Vocational pathways account for 20.3% of qualifications, with advanced diplomas at 9.5% and certificates at 10.8%.

Educational participation is high, with 31.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.2% in primary education, 9.3% in secondary education, and 8.2% pursuing tertiary education. Schools appear to be located outside Millswood's immediate boundaries, requiring families to access schools in neighboring areas.

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

Transport analysis indicates seven active transport stops in Millswood, offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by eleven distinct routes, collectively facilitating 1,416 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated good, with residents typically situated 262 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 202 trips per day across all routes, resulting in approximately 202 weekly trips per individual stop.

The level of general health in Millswood is notably higher than the national average with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Millswood shows superior health outcomes for both younger and older age groups, with low prevalence rates for common health conditions. Approximately 68% of Millswood's total population of 1521 has private health cover, which is higher than the national average of 55.3%.

The most prevalent medical conditions in Millswood are arthritis (7.6%) and asthma (7.1%). A total of 71.2% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 69.9% across Greater Adelaide. Millswood has a senior population of 22% (494 people aged 65 and over). Health outcomes among seniors in Millswood are particularly strong, outperforming the general population in health metrics.

Millswood ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Millswood, found in a study to have below average cultural diversity, had 83.0% of its population born in Australia, with 94.8% being citizens and 89.7% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Millswood, comprising 49.3%, compared to 43.8% across Greater Adelaide. The top three ancestry groups were English (29.2%), Australian (21.7%), and Irish (8.8%).

Notably, Polish, Hungarian, and Greek ethnicities had higher representations in Millswood than the regional averages: Polish at 1.4% vs 1.0%, Hungarian at 0.6% vs 0.3%, and Greek at 4.3% vs 4.0%.

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

Millswood's median age is 45 years, which is higher than Greater Adelaide's average of 39 and exceeds the national average of 38. The 45-54 age group makes up 14.2%, compared to Greater Adelaide's figure, while the 25-34 cohort is less prevalent at 8.2%. Post-2021 Census data shows the 75-84 age group has grown from 7.4% to 8.4%. Conversely, the 55-64 cohort has declined from 14.8% to 13.8%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Millswood's age profile will change significantly. The 75-84 cohort is projected to grow by 51%, adding 96 residents to reach 285. Senior residents aged 65 and above will drive 62% of population growth, indicating demographic aging trends. Meanwhile, the 65-74 cohort is projected to grow by 0%.