Smithfield - Elizabeth North
Statistical Area - sa2

An assessment of population growth drivers in Smithfield - Elizabeth North reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

Smithfield - Elizabeth North's population was 12,446 as of the 2021 Census. By November 2025, this had increased to around 12,972, a rise of 526 people (4.2%). This growth can be inferred from the estimated resident population of 12,872 in June 2024 and an additional 195 validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density was 1,623 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Smithfield - Elizabeth North's growth of 4.2% since the census is within 2.9 percentage points of the state's 7.1%, indicating competitive growth fundamentals. Overseas migration contributed approximately 55.2% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch uses 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, the SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections by age category are adopted, released in 2023 based on 2021 data, with adjustments made using weighted aggregation methods from LGA to SA2 levels. Future population dynamics anticipate above median growth for Australian statistical areas, with Smithfield - Elizabeth North expected to grow by 2,667 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 19.8% over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential approval activity sees Smithfield - Elizabeth North among the top 30% of areas assessed nationwide

Smithfield - Elizabeth North has seen approximately 101 new homes approved annually over the past five financial years, totalling 509 homes. So far in FY26, 57 approvals have been recorded. On average, 0.7 new residents per year per dwelling constructed were recorded between FY21 and FY25. This suggests that new construction is matching or outpacing demand, providing more options for buyers and potentially enabling population growth to exceed current expectations.

The average expected construction cost of these properties was $221,000, which is under regional levels, indicating more accessible housing choices. In FY26, there have been $2.1 million in commercial approvals, demonstrating the area's residential nature. When compared to Greater Adelaide, Smithfield - Elizabeth North shows substantially reduced construction, with 55.0% below the regional average per person. This constrained new construction usually reinforces demand and pricing for existing homes.

New development consists of 93.0% standalone homes and 7.0% medium and high-density housing, maintaining the area's traditional suburban character focused on family homes appealing to those seeking space. New construction favours detached housing more than current patterns suggest (70.0% at Census), demonstrating ongoing robust demand for family homes despite increasing density pressures. Smithfield - Elizabeth North reflects a low density area with around 139 people per approval. Looking ahead, it is expected to grow by 2,564 residents through to 2041. With current construction levels, housing supply should adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Smithfield - Elizabeth North has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 29thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 24 projects that may impact the area. Notable projects include Riverbanks College in Angle Vale, Playford Health and Wellbeing Precinct, Tudor Vale Shopping Centre at Munno Para West, and Blakes Crossing Master Planned Community. 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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Employment conditions in Smithfield - Elizabeth North face significant challenges, ranking among the bottom 10% of areas assessed nationally

Smithfield - Elizabeth North has a balanced workforce with white and blue collar jobs, dominated by manufacturing and industrial sectors. The unemployment rate was 16.4% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 2.3%.

As of June 2025, 4,321 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 12.4%, significantly higher than Greater Adelaide's 4.0%. Workforce participation stands at 44.9% compared to Greater Adelaide's 61.7%. Key industries include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and manufacturing, with notable concentration in manufacturing (1.7 times the regional average). Education & training is under-represented, comprising only 4.3% of the workforce compared to 9.3% in Greater Adelaide.

Local employment opportunities seem limited based on Census data analysis. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment levels increased by 2.3%, labour force grew by 1.3%, reducing unemployment by 0.8%. In contrast, Greater Adelaide saw employment grow by 2.1% with a marginal increase in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 project overall growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Smithfield - Elizabeth North's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 5.7% over five years and 12.5% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis

Smithfield - Elizabeth North's median taxpayer income was $43,496 and average income was $46,794 in financial year 2022, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This is below Greater Adelaide's median income of $52,592 and average income of $64,886. By September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $49,077 (median) and $52,798 (average), based on a 12.83% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2022. Census data shows that incomes in Smithfield - Elizabeth North fall between the 2nd and 3rd percentiles nationally for households, families, and individuals. Income analysis reveals that 32.4% of the population (4,202 individuals) have incomes within the $800 - $1,499 range, differing from broader area patterns where the $1,500 - $2,999 range dominates with 31.8%. Economic circumstances indicate widespread financial pressure, with 42.0% of households operating on weekly budgets below $800. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 79.7% of income remaining, ranking at the 4th percentile.

Smithfield - Elizabeth North displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Smithfield - Elizabeth North had 69.7% houses and 30.3% other dwellings in its latest Census evaluation, compared to Adelaide metro's 83.7% houses and 16.2% other dwellings. Home ownership stood at 19.7%, with mortgaged dwellings at 31.0% and rented ones at 49.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $975, below Adelaide metro's average of $1,300. Median weekly rent was $245, compared to Adelaide metro's $265. Nationally, mortgage repayments averaged $1,863 and rents were $375.

Smithfield - Elizabeth North features high concentrations of lone person households and group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 61.1% of all households, including 19.5% couples with children, 17.3% couples without children, and 22.4% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 38.9%, with lone person households at 34.6% and group households comprising 4.3%. The median household size is 2.4 people, which is smaller than the Greater Adelaide average of 2.6.

Smithfield - Elizabeth North faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates at 7.0%, significantly below the Australian average of 30.4%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most common at 5.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (0.9%) and graduate diplomas (0.7%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 38.1% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (6.6%) and certificates (31.5%).

Educational participation is high, at 31.9%, including 14.4% in primary education, 7.8% in secondary education, and 3.2% pursuing tertiary education. Smithfield - Elizabeth North's four schools have a combined enrollment of 1,356 students as of the latest data. The area has varied educational conditions across Smithfield - Elizabeth North, with all four schools focusing exclusively on primary education and secondary options available in surrounding areas. School places per 100 residents are at 10.5, below the regional average of 17.1, indicating some students may attend schools in adjacent areas.

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

The analysis of public transportation in Smithfield - Elizabeth North shows that there are currently 106 active transport stops operating in the area. These stops offer a mix of train and bus services. The services are provided by 24 individual routes, which collectively facilitate 2,947 weekly passenger trips.

The accessibility of these transport services is rated as excellent, with residents typically located approximately 198 meters from their nearest transport stop. On average, there are 421 trips per day across all routes, equating to roughly 27 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Smithfield - Elizabeth North is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Smithfield - Elizabeth North faces significant health challenges, with various conditions affecting both younger and older residents. Approximately 46% (~5,967 people) have private health cover, lower than the national average of 55.3%.

Mental health issues and asthma are the most common conditions, impacting 13.2 and 11.0% of residents respectively. However, 56.1% report no medical ailments, compared to 63.4% in Greater Adelaide. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 16.1% (2,083 people), compared to 13.3% in Greater Adelaide. Health outcomes among seniors are broadly similar to those of the general population.

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

Smithfield - Elizabeth North had a cultural diversity index above average, with 22.2% of its population born overseas and 12.7% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Smithfield - Elizabeth North, accounting for 34.3% of the population. Islam's representation stood out at 3.9%, slightly higher than Greater Adelaide's 4.0%.

The top three ancestry groups were English (33.3%), Australian (28.1%), and Other (9.4%). Notable differences included German, overrepresented at 4.6% compared to the regional average of 4.4%, Australian Aboriginal at 4.3% versus 3.0%, and Welsh at 0.5%.

Smithfield - Elizabeth North's population is younger than the national pattern

Smithfield - Elizabeth North has a median age of 35, which is younger than Greater Adelaide's figure of 39 and slightly below Australia's median age of 38. The 5-14 age group comprises 14.2% of the population, higher than in Greater Adelaide, while the 75-84 cohort makes up 4.6%. From 2021 to present, the 15-24 age group has increased from 13.1% to 14.8% of the population. Conversely, the 45-54 cohort has decreased from 11.7% to 10.6%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Smithfield - Elizabeth North's age structure. Notably, the 45-54 group is projected to grow by 35%, reaching 1,860 people from its current figure of 1,376.