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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 2,216 residents, up from 2,173 at the 2021 Census — a change of 43 people, or 2.0%. That puts 2,173 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 AreaSearch's evaluation of broader ABS population revisions and 1 validated new addresses recorded since the Census date, the suburb of Millswood has an estimated resident count of 2,216 as of Aug 2026. This figure marks an addition of 43 people (2.0%) relative to the 2021 Census tally of 2,173 people, drawing upon the ABS ERP release from June 2025 alongside post-Census address validation. The current resident population generates a population density of 2,172 persons per square kilometer, placing the suburb above the nationwide benchmark assessed by AreaSearch. Inbound overseas migration served as the principal demographic driver, accounting for roughly 99.0% of recent population expansion.
Population projections applied by AreaSearch incorporate the 2024 ABS/Geoscience Australia dataset using 2022 as its baseline. Where SA2 coverage is absent or extends beyond post-2032 horizons, 2023 SA State Government Regional/LGA age-cohort figures based on 2021 numbers are integrated via weighted aggregation from LGA down to SA2 boundaries. Moving forward, the suburb of Millswood is projected to record population growth tracking marginally below national median rates, expanding by 168 persons to 2041 under aggregated SA2 models and generating an overall rise of 7.6% across the 16 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
Detail
Analysis of statistical area building permit data by AreaSearch indicates that dwelling approvals across the area have been extremely subdued, registering approximately 3 homes across the past 5 financial years combined. Within FY-25 to date, 5 approvals have been lodged. With local headcount experiencing recent shrinkage, this incoming residential supply has adequately matched market requirements to sustain buyer choice, while newly planned dwellings carry an average construction valuation of $469,000—moderately higher than regional figures—highlighting a preference for higher-specification builds. Relative to Greater Adelaide, residential building activity in the locality is substantially lower, sitting 81.0% below the regional per-capita baseline despite recent upticks in approval volumes.
This constrained rate of construction also lags behind national standards, illustrating an established market environment with potential site limitations. Current residential approvals are comprised entirely of medium-to-high density formats such as townhouses and apartments, delivering lower-cost entry points suitable for downsizers, first-home purchasers, and investors. This focus represents a pronounced pivot from the existing built form where 90.0% are detached houses, pointing to shrinking land availability alongside growing appetite for smaller, varied housing formats. A ratio of approximately 552 people per approval underscores the mature character of the precinct.
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 $197 million. 4 are already under construction and 2 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
Infrastructure additions, town planning frameworks, and major civic projects play a pivotal role in shaping local community outcomes. AreaSearch has pinpointed a single project likely to influence the local area. Notable works across the surrounding district include the Goodwood Oval Sporting Precinct Revitalisation, Tram Grade Separation Projects, SA Water Capital Work Delivery Contracts 2024-28, and Carmelite Retirement Living.
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.
400 Fullarton Road Residential Development
Construction of a three-storey residential flat building comprising 13 residential apartments with associated basement and ground-level car parking, landscaping, and tree removal works. The development application was assessed and granted planning consent under the South Australian Planning and Design Code via the PlanSA portal for the City of Burnside.
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.
1,236 residents of Millswood are employed, from a labour force of 1,263. Unemployment sits at 2.1%, with participation at 67.9%. 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 1,945, 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 features a highly educated workforce, with professional services showing strong representation, an unemployment rate of just 2.1%, and 4.2% in estimated employment growth over the past year, based on AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data. As of March 2026, 1,236 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 66.4%. Based on Census responses, a moderate 17.4% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Key employment sectors for the local resident base include health care & social assistance, professional & technical services, and education & training.
The community exhibits a notable concentration in professional & technical fields, where representation reaches 2.0 times the broader metropolitan average. Conversely, construction represents a comparatively minor share of local workers at 4.5%, compared with 8.7% across Greater Adelaide. Given the disparity between resident workers and daytime jobs reported at the Census, this largely residential district provides relatively few on-site workplace opportunities. Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, aggregated from broader statistical areas, during the year to March 2026, employment levels increased by 4.2% and labour force increased by 4.2%, with unemployment remaining essentially unchanged. This contrasts with Greater Adelaide, where employment rose by 4.2%, the labour force grew by 4.0%, and unemployment fell 0.2 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Mar-26 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Millswood. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Millswood's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.3% over five years and 14.8% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).
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
ATO taxation statistics for financial year 2023 aggregated by AreaSearch reveal a median individual taxpayer income of $70,748 and a mean income of $103,303 in the suburb of Millswood. These earnings place the community in the top percentile across Australia, comparing favorably to Greater Adelaide medians of $54,808 and averages of $66,852. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 10.17% from financial year 2023 through to March 2026 elevates estimated figures to $77,943 (median) and $113,809 (average). In the 2021 Census, local personal, family, and household earnings consistently placed within the 89th to 95th national percentiles.
Individual income distribution is heavily weighted to top brackets, with 33.2% of residents (735 people) earning $4000+, whereas Greater Adelaide peaks in the $1,500 - 2,999 category at 31.8%. Furthermore, 46.7% of households take home weekly amounts above $3,000, underpinning strong consumer capacity. Households preserve 91.5% of their gross earnings after servicing mortgage or rent commitments, positioning the area in the 10th decile on the SEIFA income 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
At the time of the most recent Census, the local dwelling inventory consisted of 89.6% separate houses and 10.4% medium or higher density formats (including semi-detached residences, flats, and other dwellings), whereas the wider Adelaide metro profile registered 75.2% houses and 24.9% other dwellings. Outright home ownership stood well above the metropolitan rate at 50.8%, with 35.3% of homes under mortgage and 14.0% occupied by tenants. Median mortgage repayments reached $2,253 per month compared to $1,562 across Adelaide metro, while median weekly rental payments sat at $420 against the metropolitan benchmark of $320.
Across Australia, typical monthly mortgage costs are $1,863 and weekly rents are $375, both sitting notably below local levels.
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
Family units constitute the predominant living arrangement, representing 77.6% of local residences, made up of couples with children (38.6%), couples without children (30.5%), and single parent households (8.0%). The remaining 22.4% consists of non-family arrangements, with single-person residences accounting for 21.3% and shared group living making up 1.4%. The typical household size stands at 2.7 people, exceeding the Greater Adelaide regional benchmark 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 credentials among residents aged 15+ in the suburb of Millswood substantially exceed broader territory standards, with 48.7% holding tertiary degrees compared to 25.7% across SA and 28.9% throughout Greater Adelaide. Bachelor degrees represent the single largest qualification category at 30.6%, followed by postgraduate degrees at 12.2% and graduate diplomas at 5.9%. Technical and vocational credentials represent 20.3% of formal qualifications among the population aged 15+, comprising 9.5% with advanced diplomas and 10.8% with certificates. Active learning engagement across the population is substantial, with 31.4% of all residents enrolled in study.
This educational cohort consists of 10.2% attending primary school, 9.3% in secondary school, and 8.2% enrolled in tertiary institutions.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Public transport in Millswood reaches 7 stops on 11 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
The public transit network serving the suburb of Millswood includes 7 active boarding points accommodating rail and bus services. These facilities are linked by 11 distinct transit routes that deliver a combined 1,416 passenger departures per week, providing convenient access with average resident walking distances of 262 meters to the nearest boarding location. Outbound travel dominates local commuting, with private motor vehicles accounting for 76% of trips, while 8% travel by bicycle and 4% travel on foot. Private vehicle ownership averages 1.7 cars per dwelling, higher than the regional standard.
Approximately 17.4% of employed residents reported working remotely in the 2021 Census, subject to pandemic conditions. Public transport operations provide an average frequency of 202 trips per day across all available routes, translating to roughly 202 weekly services per transit 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 compiled by AreaSearch demonstrate exceptional results in the community, characterized by low mortality and minimal chronic illness prevalence across every demographic group. Approximately 68% of the local population (1,500 people) maintains private health insurance coverage, far surpassing the Greater Adelaide figure of 52.7% and the Australian national rate of 55.7%. Arthritis and asthma are the most prevalent long-term conditions locally, affecting 7.6% and 7.1% of residents respectively, while 71.2% reported being free of chronic illnesses compared to 67.9% across Greater Adelaide. The working-age cohort maintains an exceptionally strong health profile with minimal chronic disease.
Residents aged 65 and over account for 23.0% of the population (509 people), exceeding the Greater Adelaide proportion of 19.1%, with senior residents exhibiting health metrics comparable to high-performing national cohorts.
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
Cultural diversity metrics in the suburb of Millswood track below wider metropolitan benchmarks, with 83.0% of the population Australian-born, 94.8% holding Australian citizenship, and 89.7% speaking solely English at home. Christianity forms the primary religious affiliation, representing 49.3% of the community compared to 42.4% throughout Greater Adelaide. Regarding ancestral background based on parental birthplaces, English heritage represents the largest group at 29.2%, followed by Australian ancestry at 21.7% and Irish ancestry at 8.8%. Several specific ancestries show higher concentrations relative to broader regional proportions, including Greek at 4.3% (vs 2.0% regionally), Polish at 1.4% (vs 1.0%), and Hungarian at 0.6% (vs 0.3%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Millswood is 45, older than 80% of areas nationally. 23.7% 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 age distribution across the suburb of Millswood aligns relatively closely with Greater Adelaide, showing a maximum variance of 10.3 percentage points across the major demographic tiers. As at August 2026, the estimated median age is 45, holding steady from the 2021 Census and exceeding the Greater Adelaide median of 39 and the Australian median of 38 recorded at that Census. Between the Census and current estimates, mature working and pre-retirement cohorts aged 45 - 64 reduced from 29.7% of the populace to 27.6%. Senior demographics aged 65+ are forecast to experience the largest numerical increase through to 2041, expanding by 104 individuals (20%) to reach 614.
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 Sep 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) | Aug 2026 2 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 Aug 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | Aug 2026 2 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to Aug 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Aug 2026 2 months ago headline measures · Jul 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Sep 2026 last 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 Sep 2026. | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, Local governments Daily | May 2026 5 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 7 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) | Sep 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Sep 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 Aug 2026, not a 2021 count (2,173 at the 2021 Census → 2,216 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 Aug 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.