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

The population of Northfield, as estimated by AreaSearch based on ABS updates and new addresses validated since the 2021 Census, is around 5,403 as of November 2025. This figure represents an increase of 360 people from the previous count of 5,043 in 2021, indicating a growth rate of approximately 7.1%. The estimated resident population (ERP) of Northfield, calculated by AreaSearch using the latest ABS data release from June 2024, is 5,352. This estimate includes an additional 11 validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density in Northfield stands at 2,444 persons per square kilometer, placing it among the upper quartile of locations assessed by AreaSearch nationwide. Over the past decade, Northfield has shown consistent growth with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.6%, outperforming its surrounding SA3 area.

Overseas migration contributed significantly to population growth in recent periods, accounting for approximately 71.0% of overall gains. AreaSearch employs ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, and uses the SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections by age category for areas not covered by this data or years beyond 2032. Future population trends indicate an above median growth rate is projected for Northfield, with an expected increase of 1,243 persons to reach a total of approximately 6,646 by the year 2041, reflecting a 23.4% increase over the 17-year period.

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

Northfield has seen approximately 16 new homes approved annually based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers. Between FY-21 and FY-25, around 84 homes were approved, with an additional 10 approved in FY-26 to date.

This results in an average of 7.8 new residents per year arriving for each dwelling constructed over the past five financial years. However, supply is lagging behind demand, leading to heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures. New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost value of $402,000. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Northfield has significantly less development activity, with 62.0% below the regional average per person. This constrained new construction typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing dwellings.

Nationally, building activity in Northfield is also lower, reflecting market maturity and possible development constraints. New building activity in Northfield consists of 85.0% detached houses and 15.0% medium and high-density housing, sustaining the area's suburban identity with a concentration of family homes suited to buyers seeking space. With around 269 people per dwelling approval, Northfield indicates a developing market. Population forecasts suggest that Northfield will gain approximately 1,265 residents by 2041, according to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate. At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially heightening buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Northfield has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified four projects expected to influence the region. Notable initiatives include Northern Suburbs High School at Eyre, Oakden Rise, Laing St, Northfield, and Enfield Memorial Park Expansion & Redevelopment. The following list highlights projects of particular relevance:.

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

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

Northfield has a well-educated workforce with prominent representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 4.2% as of June 2025, with an estimated employment growth of 1.4% over the previous year.

This is based on AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. In comparison to Greater Adelaide's unemployment rate of 4.0%, Northfield's rate was 0.2% higher. Workforce participation in Northfield lagged significantly at 48.6%, compared to Greater Adelaide's 61.7%.

Leading employment industries among residents were health care & social assistance, retail trade, and manufacturing. However, education & training had limited presence with 5.2% employment compared to the regional average of 9.3%. The predominantly residential area appeared to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. In the year to June 2025, employment levels increased by 1.4%, and labour force increased by 1.5% in Northfield, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.1 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Adelaide experienced employment growth of 2.1% and labour force growth of 2.1%, with a marginal rise. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 offer insights into potential future demand within Northfield. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, suggest that national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. However, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Northfield's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.9% over ten years. It is important to note that this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections.

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

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2022, Northfield had a median income among taxpayers of $43,042. The average income stood at $48,593. This is lower than national averages which were $52,592 and $64,886 across Greater Adelaide respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.83% since financial year 2022, current estimates for median income would be approximately $48,564 as of September 2025, with average income estimated at $54,827 during the same period. According to 2021 Census figures, household incomes in Northfield rank between the 24th and 30th percentiles. Income analysis reveals that the largest segment comprises 35.7% of residents earning $1,500 - $2,999 weekly (1,928 residents). This aligns with regional trends where this cohort also 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

Northfield's dwellings, as per the latest Census data, consisted of 80.8% houses and 19.2% other types such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and others. This differs from Adelaide metro's dwelling structure which was 74.6% houses and 25.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Northfield stood at 21.2%, with the remaining dwellings being mortgaged (37.0%) or rented (41.8%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Northfield was $1,580, below Adelaide metro's average of $1,603. Meanwhile, the median weekly rent in Northfield was recorded at $307, lower than Adelaide metro's figure of $320. Nationally, Northfield's median monthly 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 account for the remaining 33.2%, with lone person households at 28.3% and group households comprising 4.6%. 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 at 28.5% among residents aged 15+, surpassing the SA4 region average of 19.8%. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent 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. Northfield Primary School serves the local area, enrolling 343 students as of a recent count, and offers typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 987) with balanced educational opportunities. The area has one primary school focusing exclusively on primary education, with secondary options available in surrounding areas. School places per 100 residents stand at 6.3, below the regional average of 11.1, indicating some students may attend schools in adjacent areas.

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 operating within its boundaries. These stops are served by a mix of buses operating along 11 individual routes. Together, these routes facilitate 546 weekly passenger trips.

The accessibility of the transport system is rated as good, with residents typically located 287 meters from their nearest transport stop. Across all routes, service frequency averages 78 trips per day, which translates 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's health data shows a relatively positive picture with low prevalence rates for common health conditions among its general population compared to national averages. However, certain older and at-risk cohorts have higher prevalence rates. Only approximately 46% of Northfield residents (~2,499 people) have private health cover, which is lower than Greater Adelaide's 48.3% and the national average of 55.3%.

Mental health issues affect 8.2% of residents, while arthritis impacts 7.2%, with 72.3% reporting no medical ailments, similar to Greater Adelaide's 72.8%. Northfield has a lower proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 11.8% (637 people) compared to Greater Adelaide's 14.0%. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors require more attention 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 its population. Hinduism is notably overrepresented, comprising 16.7%, compared to the Greater Adelaide average of 10.0%.

The top three ancestry groups are Other (22.7%), English (17.3%), and Australian (16.3%). There are also notable differences in the representation of certain ethnic groups: Indian is overrepresented at 14.1% compared to the regional average of 8.3%, Vietnamese remains consistent at 2.2%, and Russian is slightly higher at 0.5%.

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 the 35-44 age group is well above the national average of 14.2%. Between 2021 and present, the 35 to 44 age group has grown from 20.1% to 21.1% of Northfield's population. Conversely, the 25 to 34 cohort has declined from 20.9% to 20.1%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections reveal significant shifts in Northfield's age structure, with the 45 to 54 group expected to grow by 40%, adding 237 people and reaching a total of 837 from its current figure of 599.