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This analysis uses Suburbs and Localities (SAL) boundaries, which can materially differ from Statistical Areas (SA2) even when sharing the same name.
SAL boundaries are defined by Australia Post and the Australian Bureau of Statistics to represent commonly-known suburb names used in postal addresses.
Statistical Areas (SA2) are designed for census data collection and may combine multiple suburbs or use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
est. as @ -- *
2021 Census | -- people
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Millswood has an estimated 2,210 residents, up from 2,173 at the 2021 Census — a change of 37 people, or 1.7%. That puts 2,167 residents on each square kilometre. Population is estimated from ABS Estimated Resident Population releases and GNAF address data, re-based from the 2021 Census and updated annually.
Detail
According to evaluations of ABS demographics for the surrounding region alongside new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the Census, the suburb of Millswood has an estimated residency of 2,210 as of May 2026. This represents a growth of 37 people (1.7%) relative to the 2021 Census, which registered 2,173 residents. This adjustment is calculated from the resident headcount of 2,210, determined by AreaSearch through analysing the latest ABS ERP release (June 2025) and 1 verified new address post-Census. With these numbers, the population density stands at 2,166 persons per square kilometer, exceeding the typical ratio recorded across Australian regions analysed by AreaSearch.
The population expansion was almost entirely powered by arrivals from overseas, which represented approximately 99.0% of the overall gains during the recent timeframe. AreaSearch incorporates projections from the ABS and Geoscience Australia for individual SA2 regions, which were published in 2024 using 2022 as the baseline. For SA2 territories lacking this coverage, and for the years after 2032, regional and LGA projections by age bracket from the South Australian State Government (published in 2023 using 2021 data) are applied via a weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 boundaries. Future projections indicate that population growth for the suburb of Millswood will be slightly below the median for Australian statistical divisions. The area is expected to grow by 165 persons by 2041 under these combined SA2 projections, representing a total gain of 7.5% over the 16 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
Detail
Analysis of building approvals from the ABS, mapped from regional statistical releases, indicates that the suburb of Millswood has experienced negligible housing approval volumes in recent times, with a total of 4 homes approved over the preceding 5 financial years. Thus far during FY-26, 5 approvals have been registered. As the population has been contracting lately, the incoming stock has likely matched local demand, maintaining options for purchasers, while newly approved dwellings carry a mean building cost of $576,000, indicating that developers are focusing on the higher-end, luxury tier of the market.
Compared against Greater Adelaide, the suburb of Millswood displays a very low level of building activity, sitting 88.0% below the regional per capita average. This lack of incoming housing stock generally supports demand and valuations for pre-existing properties, although construction volumes have picked up recently. This rate of construction also falls below the national benchmark, indicating the mature status of the suburb of Millswood and pointing toward potential planning restrictions.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Millswood
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| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
|---|
SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks 15 current infrastructure and development projects close to Millswood, worth an estimated $190 million. 5 are already under construction and 1 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans residential development, sports & recreation and communities, precincts & urban renewal. Records are compiled from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, council planning portals and public announcements, reviewed and updated daily, then ranked by proximity, construction stage, completion horizon and project scale.
Detail
Local infrastructure projects, planning changes, and major works are key drivers of local performance. AreaSearch has identified 1 project that is expected to affect this locality. Key developments include the Goodwood Oval Sporting Precinct Revitalisation, Tram Grade Separation Projects, SA Water Capital Work Delivery Contracts 2024-28, and Carmelite Retirement Living, with details provided below for those of greatest relevance.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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.
Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Unley Central
A transformative 150 million dollar mixed-use precinct on the former Target site. The nine-storey development integrates 130 luxury apartments with a diverse commercial hub including a six-screen boutique cinema, supermarkets, cafes, and medical services. As South Australia's first fully integrated mixed-use development on a single site, it provides significant local employment and modernizes the Unley Road corridor.
Forestville Reserve Archway Upgrades (Mike Turtur Bikeway Upgrade)
Upgrades to the heritage-listed Forestville Reserve Archways and related infrastructure to improve safety and amenity for pedestrians and cyclists as part of the Mike Turtur Bikeway and Marino Rocks Greenway improvements. The project includes widening two archways under the tram overpass from 1.8m to 5m, realigning and widening the Shared Use Path over Brownhill Creek to 3.5m, installing a new pedestrian path with safety railing, refreshing the existing subway and ramps (lighting, safety mirrors, CCTV, drainage, non-slip surface, re-painting).Major works started June 30, 2025, with completion by March 2026. The original plan for a bikeway overpass was put on hold due to community concerns about tree impacts.
Unley 108 Apartments
Catcorp's project features a seven-storey mixed-use tower with residential units and a commercial space in Unley.
Wayville Reserve Upgrade
The Wayville Reserve, including the playspace, will be upgraded as part of the Council's program to revitalise community open spaces. The project is separated into stages due to the Brown Hill - Keswick Creek upgrade work. Stage 1 will focus on the play area, featuring improved sightlines and entrances with custom park signage, a wider range of new play equipment for various ages and play types with new softfall, and new seating under shade trees for relaxation and socializing.Open lawn areas will remain for active uses, framed by garden beds, and planting near the creek will include wetland plants to enhance wildlife habitat and biodiversity, as well as filter stormwater runoff. The existing path network will be repaved for improved accessibility.
The Locale (Forestville Project)
A $250 million mixed-use development transforming the 3.6-hectare former Le Cornu site into a vibrant community. It includes a Market Square with supermarket and specialty retail, open-air cafes, eateries, an Urban Green School, rooftop Urban Farm, short-stay accommodation, approximately 219 high-quality apartments, and 71 terrace homes. The project aims to create a new heart for Adelaide's south-west, fostering residential, retail, hospitality, education, commercial, and tourism sectors. Stage 1 construction is expected to begin in 2024, with first residents moving in late 2025, Market Square opening late 2026, and full project completion anticipated by 2029.
Goodwood Oval Sporting Precinct Revitalisation
The revitalisation of Goodwood Oval Sporting Precinct will create a modern, safe and inclusive space that fosters local sport, community wellbeing, youth development, and honours the service and spirit of the local community.
46 Unley Road Mixed-Use Development
A seven-storey mixed-use development featuring 15 apartments (a mix of two, three and a four-bedroom penthouse), and ground floor commercial space. The design is inspired by Manhattan and Parisian styles. Otello Projects proposes a seven-storey building with 15 apartments and a 221sq m office in Unley, Adelaide.
Unley Cultural Hub
The Unley Cultural Hub will expand and reimagine Unley's award-winning Museum, creating a vibrant destination where history, heritage, and community thrive.
1,220 residents of Millswood are employed, from a labour force of 1,246. Unemployment sits at 2.1%, with participation at 67.7%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 7.3% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth. The working-day population is estimated at 1,946, about 88% of the resident population, so more people leave the area for work than travel in. Unemployment and labour force come from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, updated quarterly; the industry and occupation profile is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Millswood boasts a highly educated workforce with strong representation in professional services, an unemployment rate of just 2.1%, and 4.0% in estimated employment growth over the past year, based on AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data. As of March 2026, 1,220 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 1.7% below Greater Adelaide's rate of 3.8%, and workforce participation is broadly similar to Greater Adelaide's 66.6%. Based on Census responses, a moderate 17.4% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Local employment is largely concentrated within healthcare and social assistance, professional and technical services, and education and training.
The suburb of Millswood displays a strong specialization in professional and technical services, with employment shares reaching 2.0 times the regional benchmark. Conversely, construction has a minor footprint, employing 4.5% of the workforce compared to 8.7% across the wider region. Given the contrast between the number of local jobs and the size of the resident working population, this highly residential locality appears to offer few local work opportunities. Based on SALM and ABS data compiled from surrounding areas, the 12-month timeframe saw job numbers grow by 4.0% while the labor force expanded by 3.9%, leaving the unemployment rate virtually unchanged. In comparison, Greater Adelaide recorded employment growth of 4.2%, a labor force expansion of 4.0%, and a drop in unemployment of 0.2 percentage points. Employment projections released by Jobs and Skills Australia in May-25 offer additional perspective on potential future labor needs for the suburb of Millswood. These five-year and ten-year outlooks have been mapped against local employment concentrations to project growth patterns. Nationally, employment is predicted to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, though these rates vary significantly by sector. Projecting these industry-level trends onto the local workforce structure indicates employment in the suburb of Millswood could rise by 7.3% over five years and 14.8% over ten years, though this is a basic weighted extrapolation that does not incorporate local population forecasts.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Millswood is $2,836 a week (about $147,000 a year), with median personal income at $1,171 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $70,748 a year against an average of $103,303. The average runs 46% above the median, a wider spread than most areas and a sign of a concentrated group of high earners. Household income is from the 2021 Census; taxable income is from ATO Taxation Statistics for the latest financial year available, indexed forward using the ABS Wage Price Index.
Detail
The most recent postcode-level taxation statistics from the ATO for the 2023 financial year show that incomes in the suburb of Millswood are exceptionally high by national standards, with a median of $70,748 and an average of $103,303. This is significantly higher than the median of $54,808 and average of $66,852 recorded across Greater Adelaide. Adjusting for Wage Price Index growth of 10.17% since the 2023 financial year, current estimates would be roughly $77,943 for the median and $113,809 for the average as of March 2026. The 2021 Census confirms that household, family, and individual incomes in the suburb of Millswood are situated in the top tier, placing between the 89th and 95th percentiles nationally.
The largest income group comprises 33.2% of residents (733 people) who earn $4,000+ weekly, which contrasts with the broader region where the $1,500 - 2,999 range is most common at 31.8%. This high concentration of top-tier earners, with 46.7% receiving more than $3,000 weekly, points to robust financial capacity. After accounting for housing expenditure, residents retain 91.5% of their earnings, indicating strong purchasing power and placing the area in the 10th decile on the SEIFA index.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Millswood had 787 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 90% detached houses and 5% apartments. 35% are owned with a mortgage, 14% rented and 51% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $420 a week and the median mortgage repayment $2,253 a month. Rent absorbs 14.8% of household income here and mortgage repayments 18.3%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
Residential architecture in the suburb of Millswood at the time of the latest Census consisted of 89.6% separate houses and 10.4% alternative dwellings like semi-detached properties and apartments, compared to 75.2% houses and 24.9% other dwellings across metropolitan Adelaide. Home ownership rates in the suburb of Millswood were significantly higher than the metropolitan average at 50.8%, with the remaining properties being purchased with a mortgage (35.3%) or occupied by tenants (14.0%). The median monthly mortgage payment of $2,253 was well above the metropolitan average of $1,562, while the median weekly rent was $420 compared to the regional figure of $320.
On a national level, mortgage repayments in the suburb of Millswood are much higher than the Australian median of $1,863, and rents also exceed the national median of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Millswood counted 787 households at the 2021 Census, averaging 2.7 people each. 39% are couples with children, more than in 75% of areas nationally, against 31% couples without children. 21% of households are people living alone, and families average 1.5 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Families make up the vast majority of households at 77.6%, consisting of couples with children at 38.6%, couples without children at 30.5%, and single parent households at 8.0%. Non-family households represent the remaining 22.4%, which is mostly comprised of single-person households at 21.3% and group households at 1.4%. The median household size of 2.7 people is slightly larger than the Greater Adelaide average of 2.5.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
48.7% of adults in Millswood hold a university qualification, including 30.6% with a bachelor degree and 12.2% with postgraduate qualifications, higher than 94% of areas nationally. A further 10.8% hold a vocational qualification. Qualifications come from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Educational attainment in the suburb of Millswood is highly advanced compared to regional averages, with 48.7% of residents aged 15+ holding a university degree, compared to 25.7% across South Australia and 28.9% in Greater Adelaide. This strong educational profile positions the community well for professional and knowledge-based roles. Bachelor degrees are the most common higher qualification at 30.6%, followed by postgraduate degrees at 12.2% and graduate diplomas at 5.9%. Vocational qualifications are held by 20.3% of the population aged 15+, consisting of advanced diplomas at 9.5% and certificates at 10.8%.
Enrolment rates in education are high, with 31.4% of the population presently undertaking formal study. This student cohort includes 10.2% in primary schools, 9.3% in high schools, and 8.2% enrolled in higher education.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Public transport in Millswood reaches 7 stops on 12 routes, timetabled for about 1,400 services a week. The typical home sits about 260 m from its nearest stop. Buses carry the largest share of public transport commuters. Households keep an average of 1.7 vehicles. Stop and service counts are built from operators' published GTFS timetables and refresh with each timetable release; vehicle ownership is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Public transport data shows 7 active passenger stops within the suburb of Millswood, offering a combination of train and bus services. These stops support 12 distinct routes, which together accommodate 1,420 weekly passenger journeys. Accessibility is high, with residents living an average of 262 meters from their nearest stop. Being a residential community, most workers commute out of the suburb, with private cars remaining the primary travel mode at 76%, while 8% of residents cycle and 4% walk. Car ownership stands at an average of 1.7 vehicles per household, which is higher than the regional average.
Census data from 2021 shows that 17.4% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by pandemic conditions. Service frequency across all routes averages 202 journeys per day, which translates to approximately 202 weekly trips for each individual stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
71.2% of residents in Millswood report no long-term health condition, a healthier profile than 92% of areas nationally. 3.5% need daily assistance with core activities, and 67.7% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 3.0 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
Health indicators show excellent results in the suburb of Millswood, based on evaluations of mortality rates and chronic illness levels, with very low rates of common illnesses across all demographics. Additionally, private health insurance uptake is exceptionally high, covering approximately 68% of the population (1,496 people). This compares to 52.7% across Greater Adelaide and a national average of 55.7%. The most common chronic illnesses reported by residents were arthritis and asthma, affecting 7.6% and 7.1% of the population respectively. Meanwhile, 71.2% of residents reported having no chronic medical conditions, compared to 67.9% across Greater Adelaide.
The working-age population exhibits strong health profiles with very low rates of chronic conditions. Residents aged 65 and over make up 23.1% of the population (510 people), which is higher than the Greater Adelaide level of 19.2%. Senior health outcomes are very strong, with national rankings aligning closely with those of the broader community.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Millswood is largely Australian-born, at 83.0% of residents, with 10.3% speaking a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are English (29.2%) and Australian (21.7%). Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
The suburb of Millswood displays lower levels of cultural diversity than average, with 83.0% of residents born in Australia, 94.8% holding citizenship, and 89.7% speaking only English at home. The largest religious affiliation is Christianity, which is practiced by 49.3% of residents in the suburb of Millswood, compared to 42.4% across Greater Adelaide. Looking at ancestral backgrounds based on parents' place of birth, the three largest groups in the suburb of Millswood are English at 29.2%, Australian at 21.7%, and Irish at 8.8%. There are also distinct concentrations of other ethnic heritages, with Polish ancestry overrepresented at 1.4% (compared to 1.0% regionally), Hungarian at 0.6% (compared to 0.3%), and Greek at 4.3% (compared to 2.0%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Millswood is 45, older than 80% of areas nationally. 23.0% of residents are aged 15 to 34. Age cohorts are not raw Census counts: the Census split is re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections.
Detail
The median age in the suburb of Millswood is 45 years, which is notably older than the Greater Adelaide average of 39 years and the national average of 38 years. The cohort aged 65 - 74 is highly represented at 12.6% compared to Greater Adelaide, while the 25 - 34 bracket is less common at 7.9%. Post-2021 Census figures show the 15 to 24 age bracket has risen from 13.7% to 15.1% of the population, and the 75 to 84 bracket increased from 7.4% to 8.8%. In contrast, the 45 to 54 cohort shrank from 14.9% to 13.6%.
Demographic projections suggest the age profile in the suburb of Millswood will shift by 2041. The 75 to 84 cohort is expected to grow the fastest at 33%, adding 64 residents to reach a total of 259. Older residents aged 65+ will account for 66% of the net population growth, highlighting local aging trends, while the 35 to 44 and 65 to 74 cohorts are projected to shrink.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Millswood
9 of 14 data sections on this page were updated within the last 12 months — the newest current to Aug 2026.
Everything is aggregated to the Suburb (SAL) boundary shown above, on a 2021 Census baseline. Only 3 sections — housing, households and cultural diversity — still wait on the 2026 Census.
The ledger — source, cycle and currency by section
| Section | Source & update cycle | Currency |
|---|---|---|
| Updated within the last 12 months 9 sections | ||
| Population | ABS, GNAF, Geoscience Australia Annual (ABS ERP) | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release) and updated with new dwellings from GNAF address data. Current to May 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to May 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Jun 2026 2 months ago headline measures · May 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Aug 2026 this month all 21 measures |
| Sales from the state Valuer General register, refreshed weekly, and rents from quarterly rental bond lodgements. Both are read live each time this page loads, current to Aug 2026. | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, Local governments Daily | May 2026 3 months ago all 2 projects tracked here |
| Project pipeline maintained continuously from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, local government and public announcements. Records are added and revised daily; this area was last updated May 2026. | ||
| Employment | ABS, DEWR, JSA Quarterly (ABS SALM) | Mar 2026 5 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Unemployment and labour force from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, current to Mar 2026. The growth outlook applies Department of Employment (now Jobs and Skills Australia) forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to the local industry mix, so it measures sector composition rather than local expansion and makes no allowance for population growth. Job demand comes from the same agency via its Internet Vacancy Index; industry and occupation structure from the 2021 Census. | ||
| Education | ABS, ACARA Annual (ACARA) | Aug 2026 this month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Jul 2026 last month all 14 measures |
| Annual and financial-year sources 2 sections | ||
| Income | ABS, ATO Annual (ATO) | FY 2023 3 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| ATO taxable income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index. Census household income provides the distribution detail. | ||
| Health | ABS, ATO Annual | 2024 2 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Census-measured — next update: 2026 Census 3 sections No more current small-area source exists for these, so they are labelled as Census-measured rather than implied to be current. | ||
| Housing | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 30 measures |
| Households | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 18 measures |
| Cultural diversity | ABS, Geoscience Australia 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 44 measures |
"Currency" is the most recent release feeding that section. Where the Census supplies the structural baseline underneath a current headline figure, the row says so.
How the numbers are built
Population
The Census provides the small-area baseline, aggregated from mesh blocks to this boundary. It is then re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release), and new dwellings built since Census night are counted from address data — 1 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for May 2026, not a 2021 count (2,173 at the 2021 Census → 2,210 now). Annual growth rates are compound (CAGR), not simple averages.
Age profile
Cohort shares are not raw Census counts. Every cohort is held as a pair — the Census baseline and a current estimate — and the split is re-based using ERP and state population projections, current to May 2026. Median age is the Census median plus modelled change since. Charts that show both are labelled "2021 Census vs Current Estimate".
Property sales
Sourced from the state valuation authority's sales register — current, not Census, and refreshed weekly. Medians are calculated from settled transactions in the period shown; periods with very low transaction counts are flagged or suppressed, because a handful of sales can move a median substantially.
Rents
Derived from state rental bond lodgement data, by dwelling type and bedroom count. Bonds are lodged at the start of a new tenancy, so this reflects new lettings, not the whole rented stock.
Development & infrastructure
Building approvals come from current ABS releases; development applications are collected from council and state planning portals; the infrastructure pipeline is compiled from Infrastructure Australia and local government sources. Applications are matched to this boundary by address or coordinates, so very recent lodgements may not yet appear.
Employment & income
Industry and occupation structure comes from the Census, but the headline labour-market indicators do not. Unemployment and labour force are derived from ABS Small Area Labour Markets (quarterly). The employment outlook applies Department of Employment forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to this area's own industry mix (the agency is now Jobs and Skills Australia), as does the Internet Vacancy Index used for job demand. Because it is weighted on industry composition alone, that outlook carries no allowance for local population growth — in fast-growing areas the real rise in local jobs will typically be higher. Income combines Census household income with ATO taxable-income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index.
Education, transport & amenities
School enrolments, ICSEA and performance come from ACARA's current release, not the Census. Public transport stops and service frequency are derived from GTFS timetable feeds published by state transport departments. Services and amenities are proximity and count scores built from provider directories, refreshed on their own cycle. The Census contributes only the travel-to-work and qualification measures.
Rankings and benchmarks. Where we rank this area, the comparison set is every area of the same boundary type — suburbs against suburbs, SA2s against SA2s. Benchmarks compare this area against its greater capital city region and the national figure for the same measure and period.
Limits worth knowing. Small areas carry larger error margins, and the ABS introduces small random adjustments to Census counts to protect confidentiality — so totals may not sum exactly. Estimates re-based from regional data describe the area's expected trajectory, not a direct count of it. Figures are indicative for research and are not financial, planning or valuation advice.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (SAL40879). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.