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 per AreaSearch's analysis of ABS population updates for Millswood, the suburb's estimated population was around 2,210 as of May 2026. This figure reflects a growth of 37 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,173. The increase is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of Millswood's resident population using the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and an additional validated new address since the Census date. This results in a population density of 2,166 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration contributed approximately 99.0% of Millswood's overall population gains during recent periods.

For projections, AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia figures released in 2024 with a base year of 2022 for each SA2 area. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, the SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections by age category, released in 2023 using 2021 data, are adopted with adjustments made via a weighted aggregation method from LGA to SA2 levels. Future population trends indicate an increase just below the median of Australian statistical areas for Millswood, with an expected expansion of 165 persons by 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 7.5% over the 16-year period.

The level of residential development activity in Millswood is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch

Millswood has seen only 2 residential developments approved in the past five years. This indicates a mature suburb with limited land availability for new construction. For buyers, this scarcity of new housing stock typically supports property values and may result in competition primarily among existing homes.

Compared to Greater Adelaide, Millswood records significantly lower building activity (94.0% below regional average per person). This limited supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established dwellings. However, development activity has increased recently. Nationally, this is also below average, reflecting the area's maturity and suggesting possible planning constraints.

Millswood 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 one major project expected to affect the region: Goodwood Oval Sporting Precinct Revitalisation, Tram Grade Separation Projects, SA Water Capital Work Delivery Contracts 2024-28, and Carmelite Retirement Living are key initiatives, with the following list outlining 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.

Employment performance in Millswood ranks among the strongest 15% of areas evaluated nationally

Millswood has an educated workforce with strong professional services representation. Its unemployment rate is 2.2%, with estimated employment growth of 3.9% in the past year (AreaSearch data). As of December 2025, 1,210 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.6% below Greater Adelaide's 3.8%.

Workforce participation is similar to Greater Adelaide's 66.0%. Home-based work accounts for 17.4% of jobs (Census data). Key industries include health care & social assistance and professional & technical services, with the latter being particularly specialized at 2.0 times the regional level. Construction employs only 4.5% of local workers compared to Greater Adelaide's 8.7%.

Limited local employment opportunities are suggested by Census data on working population versus resident population. Over December 2024 to December 2025, Millswood's employment grew by 3.9%, with labour force and unemployment remaining largely unchanged (AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data). Greater Adelaide recorded employment growth of 4.2% and a 0.3 percentage point decrease in unemployment over the same period. Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying rates across industries. Applying these projections to Millswood's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.3% over five years and 14.8% over ten years (simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes).

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows that Millswood suburb has incomes among the top percentile nationally. The median income is $70,748 and the average income stands at $103,303. This contrasts with Greater Adelaide's figures of a median income of $54,808 and an average income of $66,852. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.17% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $77,943 (median) and $113,809 (average) as of March 2026. The 2021 Census reveals that household, family and personal incomes in Millswood rank highly nationally, between the 89th and 95th percentiles. Income analysis indicates that the $4000+ bracket dominates with 33.2% of residents (733 people), unlike broader area trends where 31.8% fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 range. Economic strength is evident through 46.7% of households achieving high weekly earnings exceeding $3,000, supporting elevated consumer spending. After housing costs, residents retain 91.5% of income, reflecting strong purchasing power and 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

Millswood's latest Census data showed 89.6% houses and 10.4% other dwellings, compared to Adelaide metro's 75.2% houses and 24.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Millswood was 50.8%, with mortgaged dwellings at 35.3% and rented ones at 14.0%. Median monthly mortgage repayments were $2,253, higher than Adelaide metro's $1,562. Median weekly rent was $420, compared to Adelaide metro's $320. Nationally, Millswood's mortgage repayments exceeded Australia's average of $1,863 and rents surpassed the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 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 comprise the remaining 22.4%, with lone person households at 21.3% and group households making up 1.4%. The median household size is 2.7 people, which is larger than the Greater Adelaide average of 2.5.

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 standards. Among residents aged 15+, 48.7% possess university qualifications, surpassing South Australia's (SA) average of 25.7% and Greater Adelaide's 28.9%. This educational advantage is largely due to bachelor degrees (30.6%), followed by postgraduate qualifications (12.2%) and graduate diplomas (5.9%). Vocational pathways account for 20.3%, with advanced diplomas at 9.5% and certificates at 10.8%.

Educational participation is high, with 31.4% currently enrolled in formal education. This includes primary education (10.2%), secondary education (9.3%), and tertiary education (8.2%).

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

Millswood has seven active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by twelve routes collectively facilitating 1,420 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is considered good with residents typically located 262 meters from the nearest stop. As a primarily residential area, outward commuting dominates; car remains the primary mode at 76%, with cycling at 8% and walking at 4%. Average vehicle ownership per dwelling stands at 1.7, exceeding regional averages. According to the 2021 Census, 17.4% of residents work from home, a figure possibly influenced by COVID-19 conditions.

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

Millswood's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Millswood's health outcomes show exceptional results based on AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are very low across all age groups. Private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 68% of the total population (1,496 people), compared to 52.7% in Greater Adelaide and 55.7% nationally.

The most common conditions are arthritis (7.6%) and asthma (7.1%), while 71.2% report being completely clear of medical ailments, higher than Greater Adelaide's 67.9%. Working-age residents have low chronic condition prevalence. Millswood has 23.1% residents aged 65 and over (510 people), higher than Greater Adelaide's 19.2%. Health outcomes among seniors are strong, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

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

Millswood's population, as per the 2016 Census, showed low cultural diversity with 83.0% born in Australia, 94.8% being citizens, and 89.7% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the dominant religion, at 49.3%, compared to Greater Adelaide's 42.4%. The top three ancestry groups were English (29.2%), Australian (21.7%), and Irish (8.8%).

Notably, Polish (1.4% vs regional 1.0%), Hungarian (0.6% vs 0.3%), and Greek (4.3% vs 2.0%) populations were higher than the Greater Adelaide averages.

Millswood hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

Millswood's median age is 45 years, notably higher than Greater Adelaide's average of 39 years and the national average of 38 years. The age group of 65-74 years has a strong representation at 12.6%, compared to Greater Adelaide, while the 25-34 cohort is less prevalent at 7.9%. According to data from the 2021 Census and onwards, the 15 to 24 age group has increased from 13.7% to 15.1% of Millswood's population, while the 75 to 84 cohort has risen from 7.4% to 8.8%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has decreased from 14.9% to 13.6%. Demographic modeling indicates significant changes in Millswood's age profile by 2041. The 75 to 84 cohort is projected to grow by 33%, adding 64 residents and reaching a total of 259. Residents aged 65 years and above will drive 66% of population growth, emphasizing demographic aging trends. Meanwhile, population declines are projected for the 35 to 44 age group and the 65 to 74 age group.