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 Feb 2026, the population of the suburb of Northfield is estimated at around 5,776 people. This reflects an increase of 733 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 5,043 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 5,421 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 13 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 2,613 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Northfield's growth of 14.5% since the 2021 census exceeded the state (9.0%) and the Greater Adelaide area, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 71.0% of overall population gains during recent periods for the suburb.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, the SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections by age category are adopted with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Future population trends project an above median growth for statistical areas analysed by AreaSearch, with the suburb expected to increase by 1,228 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 15.2% in total over the 17 years.

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

Northfield has seen approximately 19 new homes approved annually based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers. Between FY-21 and FY-25, around 98 homes were approved, with an additional 20 approved in FY-26. On average, each dwelling constructed between FY-21 and FY-25 has attracted approximately 6.6 new residents per year.

This supply is 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. Commercial approvals totalled $138,000 in FY-26, indicating a predominantly residential focus. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Northfield has markedly lower building activity, recording 56.0% below the regional average per person.

This constrained new construction typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing dwellings. New building activity comprises 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. With around 244 people per dwelling approval, Northfield indicates a developing market. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Northfield is projected to gain approximately 880 residents by 2041. Building activity appears to be 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 37thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified four projects that may impact this region. Key projects include Northern Suburbs High School at Eyre, Oakden Rise, Laing Street in 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.

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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 significant representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate was 4.4% as of September 2025. This figure represents an estimated employment growth of 1.8% over the past year, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

As of September 2025, 2,263 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate 0.5% higher than Greater Adelaide's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation in Northfield lagged behind Greater Adelaide at 52.4%, compared to the region's 66.4%. According to Census responses, only 7.2% of residents worked from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

The leading employment industries among Northfield residents were health care and social assistance, retail trade, and manufacturing. However, education and training had a 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. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels in Northfield increased by 1.8%, while the labour force also grew by 1.8%, keeping the unemployment rate relatively stable. In contrast, Greater Adelaide experienced employment growth of 3.0% and labour force growth of 2.9%, with a 0.1 percentage point drop in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 offer insights into potential future demand within Northfield. These projections estimate that national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but 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. However, it is important to note that this extrapolation is for illustrative purposes only 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

Northfield's median taxpayer income in FY2023 was $43,042, with an average of $48,593. Nationally, these figures were lower at $54,808 and $66,852 respectively for Greater Adelaide. By September 2025, adjusted for Wage Price Index growth of 8.8%, median income is estimated to be approximately $46,830 and average $52,869. According to the 2021 Census, Northfield's incomes rank modestly, between the 24th and 30th percentiles for households, families, and individuals. The largest income segment in Northfield comprises 35.7% earning $1,500-$2,999 weekly, with 2,062 residents falling into this category. This aligns with the regional average of 31.8%. Housing affordability pressures are severe, 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

In Northfield's dwelling structures, evaluated in the latest Census, 80.8% were houses while 19.2% comprised other dwellings such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and others. In contrast, Adelaide metro had 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, above Adelaide metro's average of $1,562. Weekly rent median was $307 compared to Adelaide metro's $320. Nationally, Northfield's mortgage repayments were 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 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 constitute 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, 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%, exceeding 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.

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

Public transport analysis shows 14 active transport stops operating within Northfield. These stops are serviced by 12 individual routes, providing a total of 548 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 287 meters from the nearest stop. As of the 2021 Census, most residents commute outward. The dominant mode of transport is car at 85%, with bus use at 11%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.3 per dwelling.

A relatively low 7.2% of residents work from home. Service frequency averages 78 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 39 weekly trips per 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. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are somewhat prevalent across all age groups but higher among older cohorts. Private health cover is extremely low at approximately 46% of the total population (around 2,672 people), compared to 52.7% in Greater Adelaide and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions are mental health issues affecting 8.2% of residents and arthritis impacting 7.2%. Around 72.3% of residents claim to be completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 67.9% in Greater Adelaide. Health outcomes among the working-age population are typical. The area has 12.0% of residents aged 65 and over (693 people), lower than Greater Adelaide's 19.3%. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges but rank lower nationally 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 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 people in the area. However, Hinduism is significantly overrepresented, comprising 16.7% of the population compared to the Greater Adelaide average of 2.8%.

In terms of ancestry, the top three represented groups are Other at 22.7%, English at 17.3%, and Australian at 16.3%. These figures differ significantly from regional averages: Other is substantially higher (22.7% vs 9.7%), while English and Australian are notably lower (17.3% vs 27.8% and 16.3% vs 22.8%, respectively). Additionally, certain ethnic groups are notably overrepresented in Northfield compared to regional averages: Indian at 14.1% (vs 2.3%), Vietnamese at 2.2% (vs 1.2%), and Russian at 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 slightly below Australia's national average of 38 years. The 35-44 age group makes up 21.2% of Northfield's population, higher than Greater Adelaide's percentage but lower than the national figure of 14.3%. The 65-74 cohort is less prevalent in Northfield at 6.0%. Between 2021 and the present, the 35 to 44 age group has increased from 20.1% to 21.2%, while the 25 to 34 cohort has declined from 20.9% to 19.6%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Northfield's age structure. Notably, the 45 to 54 group is expected to grow by 30%, reaching 835 people from its current figure of 641.