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This analysis uses Suburbs and Localities (SAL) boundaries, which can materially differ from Statistical Areas (SA2) even when sharing the same name.
SAL boundaries are defined by Australia Post and the Australian Bureau of Statistics to represent commonly-known suburb names used in postal addresses.
Statistical Areas (SA2) are designed for census data collection and may combine multiple suburbs or use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
est. as @ -- *
2021 Census | -- people
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Northfield has an estimated 5,072 residents, up from 5,043 at the 2021 Census. That puts 2,295 residents on each square kilometre. Population is estimated from ABS Estimated Resident Population releases and GNAF address data, re-based from the 2021 Census and updated annually.
Detail
Analysis of ABS population updates for the wider region, alongside new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the Census, indicates the population of the suburb of Northfield stands at approximately 5,072 as of May 2026. This represents a growth of 29 people (0.6%) compared to the 2021 Census, which documented a population of 5,043 people. This trend is derived from a resident population of 5,058, estimated by AreaSearch using the ABS ERP data release from June 2025 and 12 validated new addresses recorded since the Census date. This population level translates to a density ratio of 2,295 persons per square kilometer, exceeding the average across national locations evaluated by AreaSearch.
Over the last decade, the suburb of Northfield has shown steady growth patterns with a 1.2% compound annual growth rate, outpacing the state. Growth in the suburb of Northfield was largely driven by overseas migration, which made up approximately 71.0% of the total population gains in recent times. AreaSearch utilizes ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, which were published in 2024 using 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 regions lacking this data, and for any years after 2032, the SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections by age group, published in 2023 using 2021 data, are utilized with adjustments made using a weighted aggregation method of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Looking at future demographic patterns, population growth exceeding the median of statistical areas analysed by AreaSearch is expected for the suburb of Northfield, with the region projected to grow by 1,091 persons to 2041 using aggregated SA2-level projections, representing a total increase of 21.2% over the 16 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
60 new dwellings have been approved in Northfield over the past five years, an average of 12 a year. That is 2.4 approvals per 1,000 residents. Approvals are currently running at an annualised 5, well below that longer-run average. Figures come from ABS building approvals aggregated to this Suburb (SAL) boundary and are updated monthly as the ABS releases them.
Detail
According to AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approvals allocated from statistical area data, Northfield has averaged approximately 12 dwelling approvals annually, summing to an estimated 60 homes over the last 5 financial years. Thus far in FY-26, 5 approvals have been documented. With an average of no new residents per year arriving per new home over the last 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), the supply of new housing matches or exceeds demand, providing buyers with plenty of options and creating room for population growth beyond current projections, with new homes constructed at an average value of $402,000, showing that developers are targeting the premium market with high-end properties.
Additionally, there have been $138,000 in commercial approvals during the current financial year, indicating very limited commercial development. In comparison to Greater Adelaide, Northfield displays significantly lower building activity, coming in at 72.0% below the regional average per person. This restricted volume of new builds generally supports demand and prices for existing homes. This rate of construction is also lower than the national average, reflecting a mature market and highlighting potential constraints on development. New construction activity consists of 87.0% detached houses and 13.0% townhouses or apartments, preserving the traditional suburban style of the area with a focus on family properties that appeal to buyers wanting space. The area has approximately 635 people per dwelling approval, which shows a mature market. Future projections indicate Northfield will add 1,077 residents by 2041, based on the most recent quarterly estimate from AreaSearch. At the current pace of development, housing supply might struggle to keep up with population growth, which could increase competition among buyers and support rising prices.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Northfield
Loading development applications…
| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
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SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks 2 current infrastructure and development projects inside Northfield, worth an estimated $155 million. A further 8 sit in the immediately surrounding suburbs, taking the tracked pipeline within reach of the area to $2.63 billion. 5 are already under construction and 3 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans residential development, communities and sports & recreation. Records are compiled from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, council planning portals and public announcements, reviewed and updated daily, then ranked by proximity, construction stage, completion horizon and project scale.
Detail
Changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning policies have a significant impact on an area's performance. In total, 4 projects have been identified by AreaSearch as likely to affect the area. Notable developments include Northern Suburbs High School at Eyre, Oakden Rise, Laing St, Northfield, and the Walkleys Road Corridor, with the following list detailing the most relevant projects.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
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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.
Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
The Parks (Enfield) Residential Estate
Master-planned residential community by AVJennings (now part of AVID Property Group) delivering over 300 homes including townhouses and apartments across multiple stages, with parks, pathways and direct connection to the Enfield Community Centre in the City of Port Adelaide Enfield.
Laing St, Northfield
Five-building accessible residential project with 60 units designed for people with disabilities. Supported through NDIS.
Pooraka Enterprise Park Expansion - Stage 2 (Various Sites)
Established industrial precinct in Pooraka, Adelaide's inner north, originally developed by Australasian Property Developments as a 50,000 sqm greenfield site with commitments from Cavpower, Best Bar and Mechvac. The flagship 35-37 Maxwell Road estate (2.70ha, 7,917 sqm GLA) was acquired by Realside Ovest in 2022 as part of the Ovest Industrial Fund 2 and is now a fully leased asset. More recent additions across the precinct include a brand-new five-unit office/warehouse development at 17-21 Maxwell Road, which has since sold, and a recently completed warehouse at 23-25 Maxwell Road available for occupancy in April 2026.The precinct benefits from strong access to Main North Road, Port Wakefield Road, Grand Junction Road and the Northern Expressway, supporting continued employment growth in Adelaide's northern industrial corridor.
Oakden Rise
A 52-hectare master-planned community that will deliver up to 1,500 new homes in Adelaide's north-east. The development will feature a variety of housing options, a new community facility with a pool and gym, extensive parks, and a village centre.
Montague Farm Estate
Large master-planned residential community delivering over 1000 new homes including townhouses, apartments and detached dwellings in the heart of Pooraka, with integrated parks and community facilities.
Pooraka Triangle Masterplan Redevelopment
A major urban renewal initiative proposed to transform the approximately 40-hectare Pooraka Triangle precinct - bounded by Main North Road, Montague Road and Maxwell Road - into a vibrant mixed-use community. Plans include up to 2,000 new dwellings alongside commercial, retail and community facilities, with significant public realm improvements. The project is led by Renewal SA and remains in the planning and masterplanning phase with no confirmed construction timeline.
Enfield Memorial Park - Evergreen Community Precinct & Redevelopment
Major redevelopment of Enfield Memorial Park anchored by the $25 million Evergreen Community Precinct, a multi-function building designed by Walter Brooke & Associates featuring function spaces, reflection rooms, retail outlets and a cafe. The new crematorium meets European environmental standards, reducing emissions by up to 90%. The precinct opened in 2023 and won multiple AIA SA Chapter architecture awards. Ongoing works include new interment areas, a Mausoleum Precinct expansion, and landscaping upgrades across the 50-year masterplan for South Australia's largest inner-northern open green space.
Prospect Corner
A 2.36-hectare master-planned community delivering 208 new homes, including 108 multi-storey townhouses and 100 affordable rental apartments. It aims for a minimum of 55% affordable housing. Features extensive tree planting, a community garden, barbecue facilities, an outdoor gym, and a nature play area. Located seven kilometres from the Adelaide CBD, at the intersection of Churchill and Regency Roads. Expected completion in 2028.
Median household income in Northfield is $1,420 a week (about $74,000 a year), with median personal income at $679 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $43,042 a year against an average of $48,593. Household income is from the 2021 Census; taxable income is from ATO Taxation Statistics for the latest financial year available, indexed forward using the ABS Wage Price Index.
Detail
Based on AreaSearch's aggregation of the most recent postcode level ATO data published for financial year 2023, the taxpayer median income in the suburb of Northfield was $43,042, while the average stood at $48,593. This falls below the national average and compares to levels of $54,808 and $66,852 across Greater Adelaide. Incorporating Wage Price Index growth of 10.17% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be roughly $47,419 for the median and $53,535 for the average as of March 2026. Census figures from 2021 show that household, family, and personal incomes are all modest in Northfield, placing between the 24th and 30th percentiles.
Income distribution data indicates that the largest group consists of 35.7% of residents (1,810 people) in the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket, which aligns with wider regional trends where 31.8% fall into the same bracket. Affordability constraints are severe, leaving only 81.5% of income after housing costs, which ranks in the 27th percentile.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Northfield had 1,573 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 81% detached houses and 2% apartments. 37% are owned with a mortgage, 42% rented and 21% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $307 a week and the median mortgage repayment $1,580 a month. Rent absorbs 21.6% of household income here and mortgage repayments 25.7%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
The mix of housing in Northfield at the time of the latest Census consisted of 80.8% houses and 19.2% other housing types (semi-detached, apartments, and alternative dwellings), compared to Adelaide metro's breakdown of 75.2% houses and 24.9% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership in Northfield was lower than Adelaide metro at 21.2%, with the remaining properties being either mortgaged (37.0%) or rented (41.8%). The median monthly mortgage payment in the area was higher than the Adelaide metro average at $1,580, while the median weekly rent was recorded at $307, compared to Adelaide metro's $1,562 and $320.
On a national level, Northfield's mortgage payments are notably lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents are substantially below the national average of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Northfield counted 1,573 households at the 2021 Census, averaging 2.6 people each. 35% are couples with children, against 18% couples without children. 28% of households are people living alone, and families average 1.5 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Family households represent the majority at 66.8% of all households, consisting of 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 single-person households at 28.3% and group households making up 4.6% of the total. The median household size of 2.6 people is slightly larger than the Greater Adelaide average of 2.5.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
28.5% of adults in Northfield hold a university qualification, including 17.9% with a bachelor degree and 9.1% with postgraduate qualifications. A further 15.9% hold a vocational qualification. 1 school serves the area, with 343 enrolment places and an average ICSEA of 987 against a national benchmark of 1,000. Qualifications come from the 2021 Census; school enrolments, ICSEA and results come from ACARA's current release.
Detail
The academic profile of the area is distinct within the region, with university qualification rates (28.5% of residents aged 15+) sitting above the SA4 region average of 19.8%, showing the local focus on tertiary education. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 17.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (9.1%) and graduate diplomas (1.5%). Vocational education accounts for 23.1% of qualifications among residents aged 15+ – consisting of advanced diplomas (7.2%) and certificates (15.9%). Student enrollment is particularly high, with 42.0% of local residents currently participating in formal study. This comprises 14.9% in primary school, 8.6% in tertiary study, and 8.3% in secondary school.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Public transport in Northfield reaches 14 stops on 12 routes, timetabled for about 550 services a week. The typical home sits about 290 m from its nearest stop. Buses carry the largest share of public transport commuters. Households keep an average of 1.3 vehicles. Stop and service counts are built from operators' published GTFS timetables and refresh with each timetable release; vehicle ownership is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Analysis of public transport options reveals 14 active stops operating in Northfield, consisting of a mix of bus services. These stops are served by 12 distinct routes, which together provide 548 weekly passenger trips. Transport access is rated as good, with residents living an average of 287 meters from the nearest stop. Because it is a mostly residential suburb, the majority of commuters travel outside the area, with private cars remaining the primary mode at 85% and buses accounting for 11%. Car ownership averages 1.3 vehicles per home. A relatively low 7.2% of residents work from home, based on 2021 Census data which may reflect pandemic conditions.
Service frequency averages 78 trips per day across all transport routes, which translates to approximately 39 weekly trips for each individual stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
72.3% of residents in Northfield report no long-term health condition, a less healthy profile than 75% of areas nationally. 6.0% need daily assistance with core activities, and 46.3% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 5.9 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
Northfield experiences notable health concerns, according to AreaSearch's evaluation of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence, with standard health issues being somewhat common overall, particularly among older age brackets, and the level of private health insurance coverage being very low at roughly 46% of the overall population (~2,346 people). This compares to 52.7% across Greater Adelaide and a national average of 55.7%. The most prevalent medical conditions in the area were mental health conditions and arthritis, affecting 8.2 and 7.2% of residents, respectively, while 72.3% of the population reported no chronic medical conditions compared to 67.9% across Greater Adelaide.
Health outcomes for the working-age population are generally standard. The area has 12.0% of its population aged 65 and older (608 people), which is lower than the 19.2% recorded in Greater Adelaide. Health profiles for senior residents present some difficulties, though they rank lower nationally than the population as a whole.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
42.5% of Northfield residents were born overseas and 51.5% speak a language other than English at home, more culturally diverse than 87% of areas nationally. The largest reported ancestries are English (17.3%) and Australian (16.3%). Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Northfield shows high levels of cultural diversity, with 42.5% of the population born outside Australia and 51.5% using a language other than English at home. The primary religion in Northfield was Christianity, representing 30.9% of residents. However, the most notable difference was in Hinduism, which represents 16.7% of the population, significantly higher than the Greater Adelaide average of 2.8%. Regarding ancestry (the country of birth of residents' parents), the top three represented backgrounds in Northfield are Other at 22.7% of the population, which is considerably higher than the regional average of 9.7%, English at 17.3%, which is notably lower than the regional average of 27.8%, and Australian at 16.3%, which is notably lower than the regional average of 22.8%.
Furthermore, there are significant differences in other ethnic backgrounds: Indian is highly represented at 14.1% of Northfield (compared to 2.3% regionally), Vietnamese at 2.2% (compared to 1.2%) and Russian at 0.5% (compared to 0.3%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Northfield is 35, younger than 76% of areas nationally. 30.8% of residents are aged 15 to 34. Age cohorts are not raw Census counts: the Census split is re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections.
Detail
With a median age of 35, the population of the suburb of Northfield is younger than the Greater Adelaide average of 39 as well as slightly below the national average of 38 years. The 35 - 44 cohort is strongly represented at 21.3% compared to Greater Adelaide, whereas the 65 - 74 age group is less common at 6.0%. This concentration in the 35 - 44 cohort is well above the national level of 14.3%. Since 2021, the 35 to 44 age group has increased from 20.1% to 21.3% of the population, while the 25 to 34 group has decreased from 20.9% to 19.9%.
Looking forward to 2041, demographic projections show notable changes in the age structure of the suburb of Northfield, with the 45 to 54 group leading the shift by growing 37% (211 people) to reach 785 from 573.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Northfield
9 of 14 data sections on this page were updated within the last 12 months — the newest current to Aug 2026.
Everything is aggregated to the Suburb (SAL) boundary shown above, on a 2021 Census baseline. Only 3 sections — housing, households and cultural diversity — still wait on the 2026 Census.
The ledger — source, cycle and currency by section
| Section | Source & update cycle | Currency |
|---|---|---|
| Updated within the last 12 months 9 sections | ||
| Population | ABS, GNAF, Geoscience Australia Annual (ABS ERP) | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release) and updated with new dwellings from GNAF address data. Current to May 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to May 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Jun 2026 2 months ago headline measures · May 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Aug 2026 this month all 21 measures |
| Sales from the state Valuer General register, refreshed weekly, and rents from quarterly rental bond lodgements. Both are read live each time this page loads, current to Aug 2026. | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, State agencies, Local governments Daily | Jul 2026 last month all 2 projects tracked here |
| Project pipeline maintained continuously from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, local government and public announcements. Records are added and revised daily; this area was last updated Jul 2026. | ||
| Employment | ABS, DEWR, JSA Quarterly (ABS SALM) | Mar 2026 5 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Unemployment and labour force from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, current to Mar 2026. The growth outlook applies Department of Employment (now Jobs and Skills Australia) forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to the local industry mix, so it measures sector composition rather than local expansion and makes no allowance for population growth. Job demand comes from the same agency via its Internet Vacancy Index; industry and occupation structure from the 2021 Census. | ||
| Education | ABS, ACARA Annual (ACARA) | Aug 2026 this month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Jul 2026 last month all 14 measures |
| Annual and financial-year sources 2 sections | ||
| Income | ABS, ATO Annual (ATO) | FY 2023 3 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| ATO taxable income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index. Census household income provides the distribution detail. | ||
| Health | ABS, ATO Annual | 2024 2 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Census-measured — next update: 2026 Census 3 sections No more current small-area source exists for these, so they are labelled as Census-measured rather than implied to be current. | ||
| Housing | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 30 measures |
| Households | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 18 measures |
| Cultural diversity | ABS, Geoscience Australia 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 44 measures |
"Currency" is the most recent release feeding that section. Where the Census supplies the structural baseline underneath a current headline figure, the row says so.
How the numbers are built
Population
The Census provides the small-area baseline, aggregated from mesh blocks to this boundary. It is then re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release), and new dwellings built since Census night are counted from address data — 12 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for May 2026, not a 2021 count (5,043 at the 2021 Census → 5,072 now). Annual growth rates are compound (CAGR), not simple averages.
Age profile
Cohort shares are not raw Census counts. Every cohort is held as a pair — the Census baseline and a current estimate — and the split is re-based using ERP and state population projections, current to May 2026. Median age is the Census median plus modelled change since. Charts that show both are labelled "2021 Census vs Current Estimate".
Property sales
Sourced from the state valuation authority's sales register — current, not Census, and refreshed weekly. Medians are calculated from settled transactions in the period shown; periods with very low transaction counts are flagged or suppressed, because a handful of sales can move a median substantially.
Rents
Derived from state rental bond lodgement data, by dwelling type and bedroom count. Bonds are lodged at the start of a new tenancy, so this reflects new lettings, not the whole rented stock.
Development & infrastructure
Building approvals come from current ABS releases; development applications are collected from council and state planning portals; the infrastructure pipeline is compiled from Infrastructure Australia and local government sources. Applications are matched to this boundary by address or coordinates, so very recent lodgements may not yet appear.
Employment & income
Industry and occupation structure comes from the Census, but the headline labour-market indicators do not. Unemployment and labour force are derived from ABS Small Area Labour Markets (quarterly). The employment outlook applies Department of Employment forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to this area's own industry mix (the agency is now Jobs and Skills Australia), as does the Internet Vacancy Index used for job demand. Because it is weighted on industry composition alone, that outlook carries no allowance for local population growth — in fast-growing areas the real rise in local jobs will typically be higher. Income combines Census household income with ATO taxable-income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index.
Education, transport & amenities
School enrolments, ICSEA and performance come from ACARA's current release, not the Census. Public transport stops and service frequency are derived from GTFS timetable feeds published by state transport departments. Services and amenities are proximity and count scores built from provider directories, refreshed on their own cycle. The Census contributes only the travel-to-work and qualification measures.
Rankings and benchmarks. Where we rank this area, the comparison set is every area of the same boundary type — suburbs against suburbs, SA2s against SA2s. Benchmarks compare this area against its greater capital city region and the national figure for the same measure and period.
Limits worth knowing. Small areas carry larger error margins, and the ABS introduces small random adjustments to Census counts to protect confidentiality — so totals may not sum exactly. Estimates re-based from regional data describe the area's expected trajectory, not a direct count of it. Figures are indicative for research and are not financial, planning or valuation advice.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (SAL41050). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.