Magill
A $1,490,000 median house price in a suburb where household income sits at only the 53rd percentile nationally creates one of Adelaide's steeper price-to-income gaps, driven by 14.6% capital growth over just one year (from $1,300,000 in 1Q 2025). University qualifications at 54.0% run 23.9 percentage points above the national average, and the crime rate of 26.4 per 1,000 residents sits well below the national median. Overseas migration averaging 544 per year, offset by an internal outflow of 76, means the suburb's 1.31% annual growth is almost entirely fuelled by international arrivals, a pattern consistent with its proximity to the University of South Australia's Magill campus.
Population
9,693
Median Age
40.0
Household IncomeiMedian weekly household income (ABS Census)
$1,616/wk
DAs (12 months)iDevelopment Applications lodged in the past year
93
Median House
$1.5M
Median 1Q 2026
Detached houses comprise 69.4% of stock, with three-bedrooms at 47.1% the dominant type and four-bedroom-plus at 23.4%. The $1,490,000 median (1Q 2026) rose 14.6% from $1,300,000 in 1Q 2025, a rate that outstrips income growth considerably. Monthly mortgage repayments of $1,950 produce a mortgage-to-income ratio of 27.9%, approaching the 30% stress boundary. Ownership is relatively balanced: 34.7% outright, 33.5% mortgage, and 31.8% renting. Semi-detached stock at 19.9% offers a mid-price alternative, though apartments at 10.7% remain a small share. Two-bedroom units at 25.2% provide entry points below the house median.
For Buyers
Detached houses comprise 69.4% of stock, with three-bedrooms at 47.1% the dominant type and four-bedroom-plus at 23.4%. The $1,490,000 median (1Q 2026) rose 14.6% from $1,300,000 in 1Q 2025, a rate that outstrips income growth considerably. Monthly mortgage repayments of $1,950 produce a mortgage-to-income ratio of 27.9%, approaching the 30% stress boundary. Ownership is relatively balanced: 34.7% outright, 33.5% mortgage, and 31.8% renting. Semi-detached stock at 19.9% offers a mid-price alternative, though apartments at 10.7% remain a small share. Two-bedroom units at 25.2% provide entry points below the house median.
For Investors
The 31.8% renter share is close to the national average, providing a stable tenant base. Median weekly rent of $341 against a $1,490,000 median produces gross yield of roughly 1.2%, well below the national average and typical of premium Adelaide suburbs. The vacancy rate of 7.2% is elevated. With 95 development applications in 12 months, the pipeline is active, suggesting ongoing supply. Net overseas migration of 544 per year makes international students and professionals the primary demand source, though the internal outflow of 76 per year indicates some residents are cashing out equity and moving.
Development Activity
Total DAs
483
Last 12 Months
93
YoY ChangeiYear-over-year change in DA lodgements
+24.0%
Avg DA CostiAverage estimated cost per DA in the past year
N/A
Monthly DA Lodgements
DA Categories
Schools in Magill iICSEA: school advantage index. 1000 = national avg, higher = more advantaged
Magill School
R-6 · 744 students
Norwood International High School
7-12 · 1667 students
Demographics
The median age of 40 sits at the national baseline. Chinese ancestry ranks second at 1,358, behind English at 2,650, with Italian (1,254) forming a significant third group, a mix unusual for Adelaide's eastern suburbs. University qualifications at 54.0% are 23.9 points above national, and 39.2% were born overseas, 17.6 points above the national average. Mandarin (415), Italian (181) and Cantonese (114) lead non-English languages, reflecting the dual European-heritage and Asian-migrant character. Average household size of 2.4 sits marginally below the national 2.5, and residential stability at 75.9% is high.
Age Distribution
Bedrooms
Dwelling Structure
69.4%
Houses
19.9%
Townhouse
10.7%
Apartment
Tenure
Ownership is evenly split: 34.7% outright, 33.5% mortgage and 31.8% renting, a balanced tenure profile compared to Adelaide's renter-heavy inner ring. The median climbed from $1,300,000 in 1Q 2025 to $1,490,000 in 1Q 2026, a 14.6% rise. Detached houses at 69.4% and semi-detached at 19.9% dominate, with apartments at just 10.7%. Three-bedroom homes make up 47.1% of stock, while two-bedroom units at 25.2% serve the smaller household segment. The mortgage-to-income ratio of 27.9% is nearing the stress line, and affordability has been improving over the decade with the housing cost ratio dropping from 50.3% to 45.3%.
Median House Price Trend
Source: State Valuer-General
Mortgage / mo
$1,950
Rent / wk
$341
HH Size
2.4
Personal Income / wk
$781
Vacancy Ratei% of dwellings unoccupied on Census night (ABS 2021)
7.2%
Unoccupied
297
Rent / IncomeiMedian rent as % of household income. Over 30% = housing stress
21.1%
Mortgage / IncomeiMedian mortgage as % of household income. Over 30% = housing stress
27.9%
Community Profile
Languages Spoken at Home
Ancestry
Household Composition
23.7%
Couples, no children
7,384
Total families
Economy & Employment
Healthcare leads at 21.4% (762 workers), followed by Education at 14.3% (507), reflecting the influence of the nearby Magill campus and hospital corridors. Professional/Tech at 11.6% and Public Admin at 8.3% round out the top four. Professionals form the largest occupation at 1,593, more than double the next group, Clerical/Admin at 663. The full-time rate of 59.7% is moderate, with participation at 59.9%. Unemployment at 5.4% sits near the national average. The SEIFA profile is mid-range: IEO decile 8 (high education), IER decile 5, and IRSAD decile 7, consistent with a well-educated but not wealthy suburb.
Unemployment
3.1%
Labour Force
14,832
Unemployed
464
Quarterly Trend
Source: SALM Dec-25
Socio-Economic Indexes (SEIFA)iABS index ranking suburbs from 1 (most disadvantaged) to 10 (most advantaged)
Full-time
59.7%
Part-time
34.9%
Participation
59.9%
Employed
4,555
Occupations
Top Industries
University
54.0%
Postgraduate
16.9%
Born Overseas
39.2%
Dwellings
3,847
Transport to Work
Car dependency is high at 80.5%, with public transport at just 9.7% and walking/cycling at 3.2%. The crime rate of 26.4 per 1,000 is low compared to the national median. Two schools serve the suburb: Magill School (ICSEA 1,119, 744 students, Government) and Norwood International High School (ICSEA 1,090, 1,667 students, Government), both comfortably above the national 1,000 ICSEA benchmark. IRSAD decile 7 and IRSD decile 6 confirm above-average socio-economic conditions. Rent-to-income at 21.1% is moderate, and volunteering at 18.4% sits above the national average.
Drive
80.5%
Public Transport
9.7%
Walk / Cycle
3.2%
Work from Home
N/A
Population Forecast
+1.31%/yr
(+344 people/yr)
EstablishedPopulation growth averages 1.31% per year (344 persons), above Adelaide's slower metro trend. Overseas migration of 544 per year is the primary driver, offset by internal outflow of 76. The 17.2% population increase over the decade is above the national average. The medium forecast projects 27,893 residents by 2031, up from 26,176 in 2026. Gentrification shows early signs with a score of 33: the population grew 23% since 2011, growth is accelerating (from 4% to 19%), and real income rose 20.9%. The senior share actually decreased by 1.6 points, against the national aging trend.
Historical + Forecast
Hamilton-Perry + Holt smoothing on ERP 2001-2025
Age Cohort Forecast
Primary Driver
Overseas Migration
Net Overseas / yr
+544
Net Internal / yr
-76
Gentrification Signal
Early signs
Population +23% since 2011, Strong overseas inflow +544/yr, Accelerating: 4% → 19%
Safety & Crime
Total Offences
256
Year ending June 2024
Rate per 1,000 People
26.4
Source: Crime Statistics Agency Victoria / SA Police
National Ranking iPercentile rank among ~15,000 AU suburbs. 90% = higher than 90% of suburbs
How Magill compares to ~15,000 Australian suburbs
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Magill a good suburb to live in?
Magill combines a low crime rate of 26.4 per 1,000 with strong schools (both above ICSEA 1,000) and high educational attainment (54.0% university-qualified, 23.9 points above national). The $1,490,000 median makes entry expensive, but mortgage stress at 27.9% remains below the 30% threshold. IRSAD decile 7 confirms above-average socio-economic conditions.
What is the median house price in Magill?
The median is $1,490,000 (1Q 2026), up 14.6% from $1,300,000 in 1Q 2025. Weekly rent is $341 and monthly mortgage repayments sit at $1,950. The mortgage-to-income ratio of 27.9% is approaching stress territory, reflecting how price growth has outpaced incomes at the 53rd household percentile.
What schools are in Magill?
Magill has 2 schools, both government-run and above the national ICSEA benchmark. Magill School (ICSEA 1,119, 744 students) is a primary school, and Norwood International High School (ICSEA 1,090, 1,667 students) provides secondary education. The 119 and 90 point premiums over the 1,000 baseline reflect the suburb's highly educated demographic.
Is Magill safe?
Magill's crime rate of 26.4 per 1,000 residents is low compared to the national median. The IRSD decile 6 and IRSAD decile 7 indicate moderate-to-high socio-economic advantage. Residential stability at 75.9% and volunteering at 18.4% both sit above average, supporting community cohesion.
Is Magill good for property investment?
Capital growth was strong at 14.6% in the latest year ($1,300,000 to $1,490,000). However, gross yield is only about 1.2% ($341/week on $1,490,000), well below the national average. The 7.2% vacancy rate adds risk. With 95 DAs in 12 months and overseas migration of 544 per year, demand and supply are both active.
How is Magill's population changing?
Growth of 1.31% per year (344 people) is driven by overseas migration averaging 544 per year, offset by internal outflow of 76. Population increased 17.2% over the decade, above the national average. The medium forecast projects 27,893 by 2031. The senior share actually declined by 1.6 points, bucking the national aging trend.
What languages are spoken in Magill?
Mandarin (415), Italian (181), Cantonese (114), Punjabi (86) and Hindi (75) lead non-English languages. With 39.2% born overseas (17.6 points above national), the mix combines established European heritage (Italian ancestry at 1,254) with growing Asian migration, driven by 544 net overseas arrivals per year.
How to read these comparisons
Phrases like "above the national average" reference the unweighted median across Australian suburbs with more than 1,000 residents, not population-weighted national figures. Suburb-level medians are more useful for ranking suburbs against each other; ABS census headlines are population-weighted (so dominated by Sydney and Melbourne) and can read very differently.
Current baseline (refreshed 2026-05-10): median age 40, university-educated 30.1%, born overseas 21.6%, average household size 2.5 people.
Data sources: ABS 2021 Census (demographics, income, tenure), state Valuer-General (house prices), Department of Jobs SALM (unemployment), ACARA (school ICSEA), state Crime Statistics agencies (offences), council DA portals (development applications). Population forecasts use a Hamilton-Perry cohort model calibrated to ABS ERP.
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