Mitcham (SA)

Mitcham 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, Mitcham's population is estimated at around 1,993 people. This reflects an increase of 161 individuals since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,832 people. The estimated resident population (ERP) of 1,993 was determined by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional nine validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of approximately 1,119 persons per square kilometer, which is comparable to averages seen across other locations assessed by AreaSearch. Mitcham's population growth rate of 8.8% since the 2021 Census exceeded that of the surrounding SA3 area (4.4%) and the broader SA4 region, indicating it as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration was the primary driver behind this population growth during recent periods.

AreaSearch employs ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, AreaSearch uses the SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections by age category, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data, with adjustments made using a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Future demographic trends suggest that Mitcham will experience a population increase just below the national median for statistical areas. According to aggregated SA2-level projections, the suburb is expected to gain an additional 94 persons by 2041, reflecting an overall increase of approximately 0.3% over the seventeen-year period.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers in Mitcham shows approximately 17 new homes approved annually. Between FY-21 and FY-25, around 86 homes were approved, with an additional 5 approved so far in FY-26. This results in an average of 0.6 new residents per year per dwelling constructed over the past five financial years.

The new supply is keeping pace with or exceeding demand, offering ample buyer choice and capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts. The average value of new dwellings being developed is $736,000, indicating that developers are targeting the premium market segment with higher-end properties. In FY-26, Mitcham has recorded approximately $12.9 million in commercial development approvals, suggesting balanced commercial development activity compared to Greater Adelaide. Mitcham records 168.0% more construction activity per person than the greater metropolitan area, creating greater choice for buyers.

The new building activity shows 84.0% detached dwellings and 16.0% medium and high-density housing, maintaining the area's traditional suburban character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. The location has approximately 108 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market. Looking ahead, Mitcham is expected to grow by 6 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

Mitcham 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 three projects likely impacting the area: Belair National Park Redevelopment, Old Belair and James Road Junction Upgrade, Kalyra Belair Village, and Belair Road Retaining Walls Maintenance. The following list details those of most relevance.

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

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Employment conditions in Mitcham rank among the top 10% of areas assessed nationally

Mitcham has a highly educated workforce with professional services well represented. Its unemployment rate was 1.6% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 2.4%.

As of June 2025, 1,048 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 2.4% lower than Greater Adelaide's 4.0%, and workforce participation is similar at 61.7%. Leading industries include health care & social assistance, professional & technical services, and education & training. Mitcham specializes in professional & technical services with an employment share of 1.8 times the regional level, but construction is under-represented at 5.6% compared to Greater Adelaide's 8.7%. The area offers limited local employment opportunities as indicated by Census data.

In the year ending June 2025, employment increased by 2.4%, labour force grew by 2.6%, and unemployment rose by 0.2 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Mitcham's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.4% over five years and 15.0% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

The area exhibits notably strong income performance, ranking higher than 70% of areas assessed nationally through AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows median income in Mitcham is $56,384 and average income is $89,126. This contrasts with Greater Adelaide's figures of a median income of $52,592 and an average income of $64,886. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.83% since financial year 2022, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $63,618 (median) and $100,561 (average). Census 2021 income data shows Mitcham's incomes cluster around the 67th percentile nationally. Income brackets indicate that 27.2% of residents earn between $1,500 and $2,999 per week (542 people), with a substantial proportion earning above $3,000 per week (33.2%). After housing costs, residents retain 87.4% of income. Mitcham's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 9th decile.

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

Mitcham's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 62.1% houses and 38.0% other dwellings. In comparison, Adelaide metro had 78.8% houses and 21.2% other dwellings. Home ownership in Mitcham was at 38.6%, with mortgaged dwellings at 37.3% and rented ones at 24.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,000, higher than Adelaide metro's $1,992. Median weekly rent in Mitcham was $328, compared to Adelaide metro's $335. Nationally, Mitcham's mortgage repayments were above the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were below the national figure of $375.

Mitcham has a typical household mix, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 71.2% of all households, including 33.6% couples with children, 26.8% couples without children, and 10.4% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 28.8%, with lone person households at 26.4% and group households comprising 1.7% of the total. The median household size is 2.5 people, which is smaller than the Greater Adelaide average of 2.6.

Mitcham demonstrates exceptional educational outcomes, ranking among the top 5% of areas nationally based on AreaSearch's comprehensive analysis of qualification and performance metrics

In Mitcham, 48.4% of residents aged 15 and above hold university qualifications, exceeding the state (25.7%) and SA4 region (28.1%) averages. Bachelor degrees are most common at 31.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (12.3%) and graduate diplomas (4.8%). Vocational pathways account for 22.0% of qualifications, with advanced diplomas at 10.3% and certificates at 11.7%. Educational participation is high, with 31.4% currently enrolled in formal education: 10.1% in secondary, 9.3% in tertiary, and 8.6% in primary education.

Scotch College - Mitcham Campus serves the area but has no current students enrolled. All schools offer integrated K-12 education for academic continuity. No schools are located within Mitcham, requiring residents to travel to nearby areas for educational services. Note: where schools show 'n/a' for enrolments, please refer to the parent campus.

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

Transport analysis indicates 11 active stops operating in Mitcham, offering a mix of bus services. These stops are served by 9 distinct routes, collectively facilitating 300 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is deemed good, with residents typically situated 271 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 42 trips daily across all routes, equating to approximately 27 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Mitcham shows superior health outcomes with both younger and older age groups having low prevalence of common health conditions. The rate of private health cover is notably high at approximately 62% of the total population (1,238 people), compared to Greater Adelaide's 58.5%. Nationally, this figure stands at 55.3%.

Mental health issues and asthma are the most prevalent medical conditions in Mitcham, affecting 7.9 and 7.5% of residents respectively. Conversely, 71.0% of residents report being completely free from medical ailments, compared to Greater Adelaide's 69.3%. Mitcham has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 23.6% (470 people), compared to Greater Adelaide's 21.2%. Notably, health outcomes among seniors in Mitcham are particularly strong, outperforming the general population in various health metrics.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Mitcham was found to be above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Mitcham's cultural diversity was above average, with 23.8% of its population born overseas and 13.1% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the primary religion in Mitcham, comprising 45.2% of people there, compared to Greater Adelaide where it was 40.9%. Buddhism was overrepresented in Mitcham at 1.6%, higher than the regional average of 1.4%.

The top three ancestry groups were English (30.8%), Australian (25.0%), and Irish (7.3%). Notably, German was overrepresented at 5.3% compared to Greater Adelaide's 5.9%, Italian at 5.0% versus the regional average of 3.2%, and Russian at 0.4% against a regional figure of 0.3%.

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

The median age in Mitcham is 44 years, notably higher than Greater Adelaide's average of 39 years and also above the Australian median of 38 years. Compared to the Greater Adelaide average, the 45-54 age cohort is significantly over-represented at 15.2% locally, while the 25-34 age group is under-represented at 8.6%. Between the 2021 Census and now, the 15 to 24 age group has increased from 14.1% to 15.8% of Mitcham's population, while the 75 to 84 cohort has risen from 7.1% to 8.4%. Conversely, the 55 to 64 age group has decreased from 13.0% to 11.5%, and the 35 to 44 age group has fallen from 11.3% to 10.2%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic changes for Mitcham. The 85+ age cohort is projected to increase dramatically by 63 people, rising from 55 to 119. This growth is driven entirely by the aging population dynamic, with those aged 65 and above comprising all of the projected growth. Conversely, the 15 to 24 and 0 to 4 age cohorts are expected to experience population declines.