Mitcham (Vic.)

Population growth drivers in Mitcham are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

As of November 2025, the estimated population of Mitcham (Vic.) is around 17,522, reflecting a growth of 4.3% since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 16,795 people. This increase is inferred from AreaSearch's validation of latest ERP data released by ABS in June 2024, indicating a resident population of 17,472, and an additional 130 validated new addresses since the Census date. Mitcham's population density stands at 2,642 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile nationally according to AreaSearch assessments. The suburb's growth rate exceeded its SA4 region's 4.0% during this period, driven primarily by overseas migration contributing approximately 73.0% of overall population gains. AreaSearch projections for Mitcham are based on ABS/Geoscience Australia figures released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by these data, AreaSearch utilises VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusted using weighted aggregation methods to SA2 levels.

Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Future trends project above median population growth nationally, with Mitcham expected to expand by 2,603 persons to 2041, reflecting a total gain of 14.6% over the 17-year period.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Mitcham according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, shows Mitcham averaged around 54 new dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 273 homes. In FY-26 so far, 78 approvals have been recorded. Over these five years (FY-21 to FY-25), there was an average of 0.7 new residents per year per dwelling constructed. This indicates supply meeting or surpassing demand, offering greater buyer choice and supporting potential population growth while new dwellings are developed at an average value of $660,000, moderately above regional levels.

There have been $8.5 million in commercial approvals this financial year, demonstrating the area's primarily residential nature. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Mitcham has similar development levels per person, preserving market equilibrium consistent with surrounding areas, which is lower than nationally, reflecting market maturity and possible development constraints. Recent construction comprises 61.0% detached houses and 39.0% medium and high-density housing, featuring an increasing blend of attached housing types offering choices across price ranges. The location has approximately 378 people per dwelling approval, reflecting an established area.

Looking ahead, Mitcham is expected to grow by 2,553 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

Mitcham has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 19 projects that may affect this region. Notable ones are McDowell Street Social Housing (26-32), Mitcham Station Precinct Enhancement, Glenburnie Road Mitcham Residences (42-48), and Dudley Street Mitcham Townhouses (26). The following list details those most likely to be 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.

AreaSearch analysis places Mitcham well above average for employment performance across multiple indicators

Mitcham has an educated workforce with professional services well represented. The unemployment rate was 2.6% in the past year, with estimated growth of 0.6%.

As of June 2025, 9,889 residents were employed at a 2.0% lower unemployment rate than Greater Melbourne's 4.6%, and workforce participation was 67.4%. Key industries included health care & social assistance, professional & technical services, and education & training. Professional & technical services had notable concentration, being 1.3 times the regional average. Conversely, transport, postal & warehousing showed lower representation at 2.8% compared to the regional average of 5.2%.

Many residents commuted elsewhere for work based on Census data. During the year to June 2025, employment levels increased by 0.6%, and labour force grew by 0.7%, leaving unemployment broadly unchanged. This contrasted with Greater Melbourne's growth in employment (3.5%), labour force (4.0%), and unemployment rise of 0.5 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 estimated overall growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Mitcham's employment mix suggested local employment should increase by 6.9% over five years and 14.1% over ten years, though this was a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and did not account for localised population projections.

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

AreaSearch's latest data for financial year 2022 shows Mitcham's median income is $56,319 and average income is $73,886. This compares to Greater Melbourne's median of $54,892 and average of $73,761. Assuming a 12.16% increase based on Wage Price Index growth since 2022, estimated incomes for September 2025 would be approximately $63,167 (median) and $82,871 (average). Mitcham's incomes cluster around the 67th percentile nationally, with 30.1% earning between $1,500 - $2,999 weekly (5,274 individuals), similar to surrounding regions at 32.8%. Notably, 31.2% earn over $3,000 weekly, indicating strong purchasing power. After housing expenses, 85.4% of income remains for other costs. Mitcham's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 8th 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 62.9% houses and 37.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Melbourne metro's 73.0% houses and 26.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Mitcham stood at 35.6%, with mortgaged dwellings at 36.4% and rented dwellings at 28.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,167, below Melbourne metro's average of $2,200. Median weekly rent in Mitcham was $406, compared to Melbourne metro's $410. Nationally, Mitcham's mortgage repayments were higher at $2,167 versus the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were higher at $406 compared to 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 35.2% couples with children, 25.4% couples without children, and 9.4% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 28.8%, with lone person households making up 25.3% and group households comprising 3.6%. The median household size is 2.5 people, which is smaller than the Greater Melbourne 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

Educational attainment in Mitcham exceeds broader benchmarks. As of a recent study, 44.9% of residents aged 15+ hold university qualifications, compared to 30.4% nationally and 31.2% in the SA4 region. Bachelor degrees are most common at 28.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (12.0%) and graduate diplomas (4.6%). Vocational pathways account for 24.2% of qualifications, with advanced diplomas at 11.1% and certificates at 13.1%.

Educational participation is high, with 28.1% currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 8.9% in primary, 6.8% in secondary, and 5.8% in tertiary education. Mitcham's five schools have a combined enrollment of 2,481 students as of the latest data. The area shows significant socio-educational advantages with an ICSEA score of 1116. Education provision is balanced, serving distinct age groups with four primary and one secondary school.

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

Mitcham has 94 active public transport stops, offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 26 different routes that together facilitate 10,115 weekly passenger trips. The transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents on average located 188 meters from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 1,445 trips per day across all routes, which equates to approximately 107 weekly trips per individual stop.

Mitcham's residents are extremely healthy with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Analysis of health metrics shows strong performance throughout Mitcham.

Both young and old age cohorts have low prevalence of common health conditions. The rate of private health cover is very high at approximately 56% of the total population, which amounts to around 9,814 people. The most common medical conditions in the area are asthma and mental health issues, impacting 7.9 and 7.4% of residents respectively. A significant majority, 72.6%, declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 72.3% across Greater Melbourne. Mitcham has 16.7% of residents aged 65 and over, which totals 2,926 people, lower than the 20.4% in Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, performing even better than the general population in health metrics.

Mitcham is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Mitcham's population shows high cultural diversity, with 34.3% born overseas and 32.6% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Mitcham, accounting for 41.8%. Judaism, however, is overrepresented compared to Greater Melbourne, making up 0.2% of Mitcham's population.

The top three ancestry groups are English (21.7%), Australian (20.2%), and Chinese (14.1%). Some ethnic groups show notable differences: Korean at 0.7%, Sri Lankan at 0.5%, and Serbian at 0.4% in Mitcham compared to regional figures of 0.6%, 0.9%, and 0.3% respectively.

Mitcham's population is slightly older than the national pattern

The median age in Mitcham is 39 years, which is higher than Greater Melbourne's average of 37 years and very close to Australia's national average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Mitcham has a notably higher proportion of the 55-64 age group (11.6% locally) and a lower proportion of 25-34 year-olds (13.2%). According to post-2021 Census data, the population aged 15-24 grew from 11.1% to 12.0%, while the 25-34 age group declined from 14.1% to 13.2%. By 2041, demographic forecasts indicate significant changes for Mitcham, with the 45-54 age group expected to grow by 25% (an increase of 590 people) reaching a total of 2,938 from 2,347. Conversely, both the 0-4 and 35-44 age groups are projected to decrease in number.