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

Based on ABS population updates and AreaSearch validations, as of Nov 2025, Mitcham's population is estimated at around 2,264 people. This reflects an increase of 432 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,832 people. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of 2,237 residents following examination of ABS ERP data release in June 2024 and nine additional validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 1,271 persons per square kilometer, above national averages assessed by AreaSearch. Mitcham experienced a growth rate of 23.6% from 2021 to Nov 2025, exceeding the SA3 area's 5.0% growth and the SA4 region's increase. Overseas migration was the primary driver for this population growth.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections released in 2024 with a base year of 2022 for each SA2 area. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections based on 2021 data are adopted with adjustments made using weighted aggregation methods from LGA to SA2 levels. Future population dynamics anticipate an increase just below the median of national statistical areas, with Mitcham expected to add 94 persons by 2041, reflecting a decrease of 11.7% over the 17-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

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, Mitcham has seen around 24 new homes approved annually. Over the past 5 financial years, between FY-21 and FY-25, approximately 124 homes were approved, with a further 15 approved so far in FY-26. This suggests an average of about 0.4 new residents per year per dwelling constructed over these years.

The new supply appears to be keeping pace with or exceeding demand, offering ample buyer choice and creating capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts. The average value of new dwellings being developed is around $736,000, indicating that developers are targeting the premium market segment with higher-end properties. In addition, $39.5 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, suggesting robust local business investment. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Mitcham records 286.0% more construction activity per person, creating greater choice for buyers. However, development activity has moderated in recent periods.

This activity is substantially higher than the national average, suggesting strong developer confidence in the location. New building activity shows 79.0% detached dwellings and 21.0% medium and high-density housing, maintaining the area's traditional suburban character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. Interestingly, developers are building more traditional houses than the current mix suggests (62.0% at Census), indicating continued strong demand for family homes despite density pressures. The location has approximately 115 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market. With population projections showing stability or decline, Mitcham should see reduced housing demand pressures, benefiting potential buyers.

Mitcham has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 18thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified three key projects likely affecting this region: Belair National Park Redevelopment, Old Belair and James Road Junction Upgrade, Kalyra Belair Village, and Belair Road Retaining Walls Maintenance. The following details those projects expected to have the 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. The unemployment rate was 1.6% in the past year, with estimated employment growth of 3.4%.

As of September 2025, 1,063 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 2.4%, below Greater Adelaide's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation is similar to Greater Adelaide at 61.7%. Leading industries include health care & social assistance, professional & technical, and education & training. Mitcham specializes in professional & technical jobs, with a share 1.8 times the regional level.

However, construction is under-represented at 5.6% compared to Greater Adelaide's 8.7%. Local employment opportunities may be limited due to the predominantly residential nature of the area. In the past year, employment increased by 3.4%, labour force grew by 3.4%, and unemployment remained unchanged. This contrasts with Greater Adelaide where employment rose by 3.0% and unemployment fell slightly. State-level data from 25-Nov-25 shows SA employment grew by 1.19% year-on-year, with an unemployment rate of 4.0%. National forecasts suggest employment should increase by 7.4% over five years and 15.0% over ten years in Mitcham, based on industry-specific projections.

Income analysis reveals strong economic positioning, with the area outperforming 60% of locations assessed nationally by AreaSearch

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year ending June 2023 shows median income in Mitcham suburb is $56,384 and average income is $89,126. This contrasts with Greater Adelaide's median income of $54,808 and average income of $66,852. Based on Wage Price Index growth rate of 8.8% since financial year ending June 2023, estimated median income as of September 2025 is approximately $61,346 and average income is $96,969. Census 2021 data indicates Mitcham's incomes cluster around the 67th percentile nationally. Income brackets show 27.2% (615 people) of residents fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket. High earners comprise 33.2%, indicating strong economic capacity. After housing costs, residents retain 87.4% of income, reflecting strong purchasing power. 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 (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Adelaide metro's 78.8% houses and 21.2% other dwellings. Home ownership in Mitcham was at 38.6%, similar to Adelaide metro. The remaining dwellings were either mortgaged (37.3%) or rented (24.1%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Mitcham was $2,000, higher than the Adelaide metro average of $1,992 and the Australian average of $1,863. The median weekly rent in Mitcham was $328, lower than both Adelaide metro's $335 and the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 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 account for the remaining 28.8%, with lone person households at 26.4% and group households comprising 1.7%. 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

Mitcham's educational attainment exceeds broader benchmarks significantly. Among residents aged 15 and above, 48.4% hold university qualifications compared to 25.7% in South Australia (SA) and 28.1% in the SA4 region. This indicates a substantial educational advantage for the area. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 31.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 12.3% and graduate diplomas at 4.8%.

Vocational pathways account for 22.0% of qualifications among those aged 15 and above, with advanced diplomas at 10.3% and certificates at 11.7%. Educational participation is notably high in Mitcham, with 31.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.1% in secondary education, 9.3% in tertiary education, and 8.6% pursuing primary education.

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

Mitcham has 11 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 10 different routes that together facilitate 302 weekly passenger trips. Mitcham's transport accessibility is rated good, with residents on average located 271 meters from the nearest stop.

Across all routes, service frequency averages 43 trips per day, equating to about 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 results with both youth and elderly cohorts experiencing low prevalence of common ailments. Approximately 62% of Mitcham's total population (1,407 people) has private health cover, higher than Greater Adelaide's 59.3%. Nationally, this figure stands at 55.7%.

Mental health issues and asthma are the most prevalent conditions in Mitcham, affecting 7.9% and 7.5% of residents respectively. 71.0% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to Greater Adelaide's 69.3%. Mitcham has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 23.6% (534 people), compared to Greater Adelaide's 21.2%. Health outcomes among seniors in Mitcham are notably strong, outperforming the general population in health metrics.

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

Mitcham's population showed above-average cultural diversity, with 23.8% born overseas and 13.1% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the dominant religion in Mitcham, comprising 45.2% of its population. Buddhism was notably overrepresented compared to Greater Adelaide, making up 1.6% versus 1.4%.

The top three ancestry groups were English (30.8%), Australian (25.0%), and Irish (7.3%). Other ethnic groups showed notable divergences: German was overrepresented at 5.3% in Mitcham compared to the regional figure of 5.9%, Italian was similarly overrepresented at 5.0% versus 3.2%, and Russian was slightly higher at 0.4% compared to 0.3%.

Mitcham hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

The median age in Mitcham is 44 years, notably exceeding Greater Adelaide's average of 39 years and Australia's median of 38 years. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Mitcham has a higher proportion of individuals aged 45-54 (15.2% locally) and a lower proportion of those aged 25-34 (8.6%). Between the 2021 Census and present, the population aged 15-24 increased from 14.1% to 15.8%, while the 75-84 cohort rose from 7.1% to 8.4%. Conversely, the 55-64 cohort declined from 13.0% to 11.5%, and the 35-44 group decreased from 11.3% to 10.2%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant growth in the 85+ age cohort, expanding by 55 people (88%) from 63 to 119. The aging population trend is clear, with those aged 65 and above comprising all projected growth. Conversely, populations aged 0-4 and 25-34 are expected to decline.