Northfield

Northfield lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

As per AreaSearch's analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, the estimated population of the suburb of Northfield is around 5,072 as of May 2026. This figure reflects an increase of 29 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 5,043. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's resident population estimate of 5,058 following examination of ABS's latest ERP data release in June 2025 and validation of an additional 12 new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 2,295 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Over the past decade, from 2016 to 2026, Northfield has shown resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 1.2%, outperforming state averages. Overseas migration contributed approximately 71.0% of overall population gains during this period.

AreaSearch's projections for the suburb are based on ABS/Geoscience Australia data released in 2024, using 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections by age category, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data, are adopted with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Future population trends indicate an above median growth for statistical areas analysed by AreaSearch, with the suburb expected to increase by 1,091 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a total increase of 21.2% over the 16-year period.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Northfield when compared nationally

Northfield has seen approximately 19 new homes approved annually based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers. Around 96 homes were approved between FY21 and FY25, with a further 23 approved in FY26. Each dwelling constructed over the past five financial years is estimated to have brought in an average of 4.9 new residents per year.

The supply of new dwellings has been substantially lagging demand, leading to heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures. Developers focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties, as evidenced by an average construction value of $402,000 for new homes. There have also been $138,000 in commercial approvals this financial year, indicating a predominantly residential focus. Relative to Greater Adelaide, Northfield records markedly lower building activity, which is 56.0% below the regional average per person.

This constrained new construction typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing dwellings. New building activity shows 83.0% detached houses and 17.0% medium and high-density housing, sustaining the area's suburban identity with a concentration of family homes suited to buyers seeking space. Northfield has around 256 people per dwelling approval, indicative of a low density area. Population forecasts indicate Northfield will gain approximately 1,077 residents through to 2041 based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Building activity is keeping pace with growth projections, though buyers may experience heightened competition as the population grows.

Northfield 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 four projects that could impact this region. Notable projects include Northern Suburbs High School at Eyre, Oakden Rise, Laing St, Northfield, and Walkleys Road Corridor. The following list details those likely to be most 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.

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The area's income levels rank in the lower 15% nationally based on AreaSearch comparative data

As per AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year ending June 30, 2023, the suburb of Northfield's median income among taxpayers is $43,042. The average income in Northfield during this period was $48,593. This is below the national average. In comparison, Greater Adelaide had a median income of $54,808 and an average income of $66,852 for the same financial year. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.17% from July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2026, current estimates would be approximately $47,419 (median) and $53,535 (average) as of March 2026. According to the Census conducted on August 10, 2021, household, family, and personal incomes in Northfield rank modestly, between the 24th and 30th percentiles. Income distribution shows that the predominant cohort spans 35.7% of locals (1,810 people) with incomes ranging from $1,500 to $2,999 per week, reflecting patterns seen at regional levels where 31.8% similarly occupy this range. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Northfield, with only 81.5% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 27th percentile.

Northfield is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Northfield's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 80.8% houses and 19.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Adelaide metro's 75.2% houses and 24.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Northfield stood at 21.2%, with mortgaged dwellings at 37.0% and rented ones at 41.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,580, higher than Adelaide metro's average of $1,562. The median weekly rent in Northfield was $307, lower than Adelaide metro's figure of $320. Nationally, Northfield's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Northfield features high concentrations of group households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 66.8% of all households, including 34.7% couples with children, 18.0% couples without children, and 12.1% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 33.2%, with lone person households at 28.3% and group households making up 4.6%. The median household size is 2.6 people, larger than the Greater Adelaide average of 2.5.

Northfield shows below-average educational performance compared to national benchmarks, though pockets of achievement exist

The area's university qualification rate is 28.5%, higher than the SA4 region average of 19.8%. The most common qualifications are bachelor degrees (17.9%), followed by postgraduate qualifications (9.1%) and graduate diplomas (1.5%). Vocational pathways account for 23.1% of qualifications among those aged 15+.

Advanced diplomas make up 7.2%, while certificates account for 15.9%. Educational participation is high, with 42.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 14.9% in primary education, 8.6% in tertiary education, and 8.3% pursuing secondary education.

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

A transport analysis indicates 14 operational public transport stops in Northfield, offering a variety of bus services. These stops are served by 12 distinct routes, facilitating a total of 548 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these transport options is deemed good, with residents typically residing 287 meters from the nearest stop. Primarily residential, most Northfield inhabitants commute outward, preferring cars at an 85% rate, while 11% opt for bus travel. On average, each dwelling owns 1.3 vehicles. According to the 2021 Census, only 7.2% of residents work from home, a figure potentially influenced by COVID-19 conditions.

The service frequency averages 78 trips daily across all routes, translating to approximately 39 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Northfield is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across the board, though to a slightly higher degree among older age cohorts

Northfield faces significant health challenges based on AreaSearch's assessment conducted between June 2021 and February 2022. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence were found to be somewhat prevalent across the board, with a slightly higher degree among older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover was found to be extremely low at approximately 46% of the total population (~2,346 people), compared to 52.7% across Greater Adelaide and the national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area were mental health issues and arthritis, impacting 8.2 and 7.2% of residents respectively, while 72.3% declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 67.9% across Greater Adelaide. Health outcomes among the working-age population are broadly typical. The area has 12.0% of residents aged 65 and over (608 people), which is lower than the 19.2% in Greater Adelaide. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, though ranking lower nationally than the broader population.

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

Northfield has a high level of cultural diversity, with 42.5% of its population born overseas and 51.5% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Northfield, making up 30.9% of the population. Hinduism is significantly overrepresented, comprising 16.7%, compared to the Greater Adelaide average of 2.8%.

The top three ancestry groups are Other (22.7%), English (17.3%), and Australian (16.3%). Notably, Northfield has a higher proportion of people with Indian ancestry (14.1%) than the regional average (2.3%), Vietnamese ancestry (2.2% vs 1.2%), and Russian ancestry (0.5% vs 0.3%).

Northfield's population is younger than the national pattern

Northfield has a median age of 35, which is younger than Greater Adelaide's figure of 39 and Australia's national median age of 38 years. The 35-44 age group makes up 21.3% of Northfield's population, higher than Greater Adelaide's percentage but lower than the national average of 14.3%. The 65-74 age cohort is less prevalent in Northfield at 6.0%. Between 2021 and present day, the 35-44 age group has increased from 20.1% to 21.3%, while the 25-34 cohort has decreased from 20.9% to 19.9%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Northfield's age structure, with the 45-54 group expected to grow by 37%, reaching 785 people from its current total of 573.