Mitcham (Vic.)
Statistical Area - sa2

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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Mitcham Vic.'s population is around 17,512 as of Aug 2025. This reflects an increase of 717 people (4.3%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 16,795 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 17,472 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 126 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 2,641 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Mitcham's 4.3% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA4 region (3.9%), marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 73.3% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch is utilising the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023 with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are also applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Considering the projected demographic shifts, an above median population growth of statistical areas across the nation is projected, with the area expected to grow by 2,603 persons to 2041 based on the latest population numbers, recording a gain of 14.6% in total over the 17 years.

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

Mitcham has recorded approximately 54 residential properties granted approval annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, around 273 homes were approved, with an additional 72 approved in FY26 so far. The average number of new residents per year per dwelling constructed over these five years was 0.7.

This suggests that new construction is meeting or exceeding demand, providing more options for buyers and enabling population growth that could surpass current projections. The average value of new properties being constructed is $660,000, which is somewhat higher than regional norms, indicating quality-focused development. In FY26, there have been approximately $8.5 million in commercial approvals, suggesting limited focus on commercial development compared to residential. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Mitcham shows similar development activity per person, maintaining market balance with the broader area.

However, this activity is below average nationally, reflecting the area's maturity and potentially indicating planning constraints. Recent construction comprises 62% standalone homes and 38% townhouses or apartments, offering a range of medium-density options across various price brackets. Mitcham has approximately 378 people per dwelling approval, indicative of an established area. Looking ahead, Mitcham is projected to grow by 2563 residents by 2041. 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 20% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 19 projects that could affect the region. Notable initiatives include McDowell Street Social Housing (26-32), Mitcham Station Precinct Enhancement, Glenburnie Road Residences (42-48), and Dudley Street Townhouses (26). The following list details those most relevant:.

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

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The labour market in Mitcham shows considerable strength compared to most other Australian regions

Mitcham Vic features highly educated workforce with strong professional services representation, unemployment rate of 2.6%, and estimated employment growth of 0.6% over the past year as of June 2025. Residents in work totalled 9,889 with an unemployment rate of 2.0% below Greater Melbourne's 4.6%.

Workforce participation was 67.4%, comparable to Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. Employment concentrations were health care & social assistance, professional & technical, and education & training. Notably, professional & technical employment was 1.3 times the regional average while transport, postal & warehousing showed lower representation at 2.8% versus regional average of 5.2%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census working population to local population count.

Over June 2024 to June 2025, employment increased by 0.6%, labour force by 0.7%, keeping unemployment stable at 3.1%. In Greater Melbourne, employment grew by 3.5%, labour force expanded by 4.0%, and unemployment rose to 3.9%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying rates between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Mitcham's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.9% over five years and 14.1% over ten years.

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

AreaSearch reports median taxpayer income in Mitcham was $56,319 during financial year 2022. Average income stood at $73,886. Nationally, median and average incomes were $54,892 and $73,761 respectively for Greater Melbourne. As of September 2025, estimates suggest median and average incomes would be approximately $63,167 and $82,871 based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.16% since financial year 2022. Mitcham's household, family, and personal incomes clustered around the 68th percentile nationally according to the 2021 Census. Income analysis showed 30.1% (5,271 individuals) earned between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly, reflecting regional trends where 32.8% fall within this bracket. Mitcham exhibits affluence with 31.2% earning over $3,000 per week, supporting premium retail and service offerings. After housing expenses, 85.4% of income remains for other costs. The area'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

Dwelling structure in Mitcham, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 62.9% houses and 37.1% other dwellings. In comparison, Melbourne metro had 73.0% houses and 26.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Mitcham was 35.6%, with mortgaged dwellings at 36.4% and rented dwellings at 28.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Mitcham 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 than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents exceeded 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 35.2% couples with children, 25.4% couples without children, and 9.4% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 28.8%, with lone person households at 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.

Educational achievement in Mitcham places it within the top 10% nationally, reflecting strong academic performance and high qualification levels across the community

Educational attainment in Mitcham exceeds broader benchmarks. Among residents aged 15+, 44.9% hold university qualifications, compared to 30.4% nationally and 31.2% regionally. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 28.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (12.0%) and graduate diplomas (4.6%). Vocational pathways account for 24.2%, 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. Educational provision is balanced with four primary schools and one secondary school serving distinct age groups.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 94 active transport stops operating within Mitcham. These comprise a mix of train and bus services. They are serviced by 26 individual routes which collectively provide 10,115 weekly passenger trips.

Transport accessibility is rated as excellent with residents typically located 188 meters from the nearest transport stop. Service frequency averages 1,445 trips per day across all routes, equating 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 with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions. The rate of private health cover is very high at approximately 56% of the total population (9894 people), compared to 54.2% across Greater Melbourne.

The most common medical conditions in the area are asthma and mental health issues, impacting 7.9% and 7.4% of residents respectively. 72.6% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 72.3% across Greater Melbourne. Mitcham has 16.7% of residents aged 65 and over (2922 people), which is 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 has a high level of cultural diversity, with 34.3% of its population born overseas and 32.6% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Mitcham, comprising 41.8% of the population. Buddhism, however, is overrepresented in Mitcham compared to Greater Melbourne, making up 3.7% versus 5.3%.

The top three ancestry groups in Mitcham are English (21.7%), Australian (20.2%), and Chinese (14.1%). There are notable differences in the representation of certain ethnic groups: Korean is overrepresented at 0.7% compared to 0.6% regionally, Sri Lankan is at 0.5% versus 0.9%, and Indian is at 3.4% versus 3.9%.

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. It is also close to the national average of 38 years. The 55-64 age cohort is notably over-represented in Mitcham at 11.6%, while the 25-34 year-olds are under-represented at 13.2%. According to post-2021 Census data, the 15-24 age group has grown from 11.1% to 12.0% of Mitcham's population. Conversely, the 25-34 cohort has declined from 14.1% to 13.2%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate significant demographic changes in Mitcham. The 45-54 age group is expected to grow by 25%, reaching 2938 people from the current 2350. However, both the 0-4 and 35-44 age groups are projected to have reduced numbers.