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 of Nov 2025, the estimated population for the Northfield statistical area (Lv2) is around 5,769 people. This figure represents a growth of 726 individuals since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 5,043 people. The increase was inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 5,421 following examination of ABS's latest ERP data release in June 2024 and validation of 11 new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of approximately 2,610 persons per square kilometer, placing Northfield (SA2) in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The area's growth rate of 14.4% since the 2021 census exceeded both the state's average of 8.7% and the metropolitan area's growth, positioning it as a regional growth leader. Overseas migration contributed approximately 71.0% to overall population gains in recent periods.

Population projections for Northfield (SA2) are based on ABS/Geoscience Australia data released in 2024 with a base year of 2022 for SA2 areas, and the SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections by age category released in 2023 using 2021 data for areas not covered. Future demographic trends indicate an above median population growth is projected for statistical areas analysed by AreaSearch. By 2041, the area is expected to increase by 1,229 persons, reflecting a total increase of 15.3% over the 17-year period.

AreaSearch assessment of residential approval activity sees Northfield among the top 30% of areas assessed nationwide

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Northfield had approximately 19 new homes approved annually. From FY21 to FY25, around 98 homes were approved, with an additional 20 in FY26. Each year, about 6.6 new residents arrived per dwelling constructed over the past five financial years.

This indicates supply lagging demand, potentially leading to heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures. New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost of $402,000, suggesting a focus on premium properties. Commercial approvals this year totalled $138,000, indicating a predominantly residential focus. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Northfield has significantly lower building activity, 56.0% below the regional average per person.

This constrained new construction may reinforce demand and pricing for existing dwellings. Building activity consists of 83.0% detached houses and 17.0% medium and high-density housing, maintaining Northfield's suburban identity with a concentration of family homes. With around 244 people per dwelling approval, Northfield displays a developing market. Population forecasts suggest Northfield will gain 885 residents by 2041. Building activity is aligning with growth projections, though buyers may face increased competition as the population grows.

Northfield has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 42ndth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified four projects that may impact this region. Key projects include Northern Suburbs High School at Eyre, Oakden Rise, Laing St, Northfield, and Enfield Memorial Park Expansion & Redevelopment. The following list details those 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.

Northfield shows employment indicators that trail behind approximately 70% of regions assessed across Australia

Northfield has an educated workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 4.4%, having seen a 1.8% employment growth over the past year (AreaSearch data).

As of September 2025, 2,263 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 4.4%, which is 0.4% higher than Greater Adelaide's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation in Northfield lags at 48.6%, compared to Greater Adelaide's 61.7%. Leading employment industries among residents include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and manufacturing.

Education & training has a limited presence with 5.2% employment compared to the regional average of 9.3%. Employment opportunities locally appear limited as indicated by the Census working population vs resident population count. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 1.8%, while labour force increased by 1.7%, maintaining a relatively stable unemployment rate (AreaSearch analysis). In contrast, Greater Adelaide experienced employment growth of 3.0% and labour force growth of 2.9%, with a drop in unemployment rate by 0.1 percentage points. State-level data from November 25 shows SA employment grew by 1.19% year-on-year, adding 10,710 jobs, with the state unemployment rate at 4.0%. This compares favourably to the national unemployment rate of 4.3%, with SA's employment growth outpacing the national average of 0.14%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Northfield's employment mix, local employment is expected to increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.9% over ten years (simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes).

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

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year ended June 30, 2023, Northfield suburb had median income among taxpayers of $43,042 and average income of $48,593. These figures are lower than national averages of $54,808 and $66,852 across Greater Adelaide respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.8% from financial year ended June 30, 2023 to September 2025, estimated median income is approximately $46,830 and average income is $52,869 as of that date. According to Australian Bureau of Statistics Census data for 2021, household incomes in Northfield rank at the 27th percentile, family incomes at the 24th percentile, and personal incomes at the 30th percentile. Income analysis shows largest segment comprises 35.7% earning $1,500 - $2,999 weekly, with 2,059 residents falling into this category. This aligns with regional trends where similar cohort represents 31.8%. 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

The dwelling structure in Northfield, as assessed at the latest Census, consisted of 80.8% houses and 19.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In contrast, Adelaide metro had 74.6% houses and 25.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Northfield was at 21.2%, with mortgaged dwellings at 37.0% and rented ones at 41.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,580, lower than Adelaide metro's average of $1,603. The median weekly rent figure in Northfield was $307, compared to Adelaide metro's $320. Nationally, Northfield's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while 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 account for 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 make up the remaining 33.2%, with lone person households at 28.3% and group households comprising 4.6% of the total. The median household size is 2.6 people, which is 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 educational profile is notable regionally, with university qualification rates of 28.5% among residents aged 15+ exceeding the SA4 region average of 19.8%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 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+, with advanced diplomas at 7.2% and certificates at 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

Northfield has 14 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 12 different routes that together facilitate 548 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these services is considered good, with residents typically living within 287 meters of the nearest stop.

On average, there are 78 daily trips across all routes, which equates to approximately 39 weekly trips per individual stop.

Northfield's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with prevalence of common health conditions quite low among the general population though higher than the nation's average across older, at risk cohorts

Northfield residents show relatively positive health outcomes, with low prevalence of common conditions among the general population, but higher than national averages for older cohorts at risk. Private health cover stands at approximately 46%, covering about 2,669 people, compared to Greater Adelaide's 48.6% and the national average of 55.7%. Mental health issues and arthritis are the most common conditions, affecting 8.2% and 7.2% respectively, with 72.3% reporting no medical ailments, close to Greater Adelaide's 72.8%.

Northfield has 11.8%, or around 680 residents aged 65+, lower than Greater Adelaide's 14.0%. Health outcomes for seniors require more attention compared to 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's population shows high cultural diversity, with 42.5% born overseas and 51.5% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Northfield, comprising 30.9%. Hinduism is notably higher than the regional average, making up 16.7%.

The top three ancestral groups are Other (22.7%), English (17.3%), and Australian (16.3%). Some ethnic groups show notable differences: Indian at 14.1% (vs regional 8.3%), Vietnamese at 2.2% (vs 2.2%), and Russian at 0.5% (vs 0.4%).

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 slightly below Australia's national average of 38 years. The age group of 35-44 shows strong representation in Northfield at 21.1%, compared to Greater Adelaide, while the 65-74 cohort is less prevalent at 6.0%. This concentration of people aged 35-44 is well above the national average of 14.2%. Between 2021 and present, the proportion of Northfield's population in the 35 to 44 age group has increased from 20.1% to 21.1%, while the 25 to 34 cohort has declined from 20.9% to 20.1%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Northfield's age structure, with the 45-54 group expected to grow by 30% (194 people), reaching a total of 835 from its current figure of 640.