Smithfield (NSW)

Population growth drivers in Smithfield are above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

As of Nov 2025, the estimated population for the Smithfield (NSW) statistical area (Lv2) is around 14,421, reflecting a 9.6% increase since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 13,160 people. This growth was inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 13,728 in June 2024 and an additional 105 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 1,618 persons per square kilometer, higher than national averages assessed by AreaSearch. The Smithfield (NSW) (SA2)'s growth rate exceeded both state (7.6%) and metropolitan area levels, indicating its status as a regional growth leader. Overseas migration contributed approximately 77.0% of overall population gains in recent periods. AreaSearch projections for the Smithfield (NSW) (SA2), based on ABS/Geoscience Australia data released in 2024 with a 2022 base year, anticipate lower quartile growth trends continuing until 2041.

By this year, the area is expected to grow by 570 persons, reflecting an overall decline of 1.8% over the 17-year period from 2025 to 2041.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, indicates Smithfield has experienced around 83 dwellings receiving development approval each year. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, approximately 419 homes have been approved, with an additional 43 approved so far in FY26. Based on an average of 0.7 new residents per year per dwelling constructed over these five financial years, supply appears to be meeting or surpassing demand, potentially supporting population growth and providing greater buyer choice.

The average construction cost value for new homes is around $337,000. In FY26 alone, $115.5 million in commercial approvals have been registered, suggesting high levels of local commercial activity. Regarding residential development, 56.0% of approved dwellings are detached houses, while 44.0% are townhouses or apartments, indicating an expanding range of medium-density options and a mix of opportunities across price brackets.

This shift marks a significant departure from existing housing patterns, which currently consist of 78.0% houses. This trend may suggest diminishing developable land availability and a response to evolving lifestyle preferences and housing affordability needs. With around 159 people per approval, Smithfield reflects a developing area with an expected stable or declining population, potentially reducing pressure on housing and creating opportunities for buyers.

Smithfield has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 24 projects that may affect this region. Notable initiatives include Woodpark Road Smithfield Stage 3 Redevelopment (106-128), ALS Sydney Smithfield Refurbishment, Greater Sydney Cycling Network Improvements, and Woolworths Warehouse Distribution Centre Wetherill Park.

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

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Employment drivers in Smithfield are experiencing difficulties, placing it among the bottom 20% of areas assessed across Australia

Smithfield's workforce is balanced across white and blue-collar jobs, with manufacturing and industrial sectors prominent. The unemployment rate was 7.9% in the past year, showing an estimated employment growth of 6.5%.

As of September 2025, 5,090 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 3.7%, which is 0.5 percentage points higher than Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%. Workforce participation in Smithfield is lower at 38.3%, compared to Greater Sydney's 60.0%. Key employment sectors among residents include health care & social assistance, manufacturing, and retail trade. Manufacturing stands out with an employment share of 2.0 times the regional level.

In contrast, professional & technical services employ only 4.9% of local workers, below Greater Sydney's 11.5%. The worker-to-resident ratio is 0.9, indicating substantial local employment opportunities. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 6.5%, while the labour force grew by 4.3%, leading to a 2.0 percentage point decrease in unemployment rate. In comparison, Greater Sydney saw employment grow by 2.1%, with a slight increase in unemployment. State-level data from 25-Nov-25 shows NSW employment contracted by 0.03% (losing 2,260 jobs), with an unemployment rate of 3.9%. Nationally, the unemployment rate is 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project a 6.6% growth over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Smithfield's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.0% over five years and 12.7% over ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes only.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows that median income in Smithfield is $44,364 and average income is $57,010. This is lower than national averages of a median income of $60,817 and an average income of $83,003 for Greater Sydney. By September 2025, estimated median income would be approximately $48,295 and average income would be around $62,061, based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023. According to the 2021 Census, household income ranks at the 20th percentile ($1,300 weekly) and personal income is at the 2nd percentile. In Smithfield, 28.2% of individuals earn between $1,500 and $2,999, similar to the metropolitan region where 30.9% fall into this range. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 75.9% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 13th percentile.

Smithfield is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile

Smithfield's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 77.5% houses and 22.5% other dwellings such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' types. Home ownership in Smithfield stood at 28.4%, with 27.1% of dwellings mortgaged and 44.5% rented. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,167, while the median weekly rent was $400. Nationally, Smithfield's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, with rents exceeding the national figure of $375.

Smithfield has a typical household mix, with a median household size of 3.1 people

Family households constitute 75.1% of all households, including 39.8% composed of couples with children, 16.7% consisting of couples without children, and 16.9% being single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 24.9%, with lone person households at 22.9% and group households comprising 2.0%. The median household size is 3.1 people.

Smithfield faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area's university qualification rate is 15.1%, significantly lower than Greater Sydney's average of 38.0%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 11.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.4%) and graduate diplomas (0.9%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 27.8% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (9.4%) and certificates (18.4%). Educational participation is high at 32.4%, with 10.3% in primary education, 9.6% in secondary education, and 4.7% pursuing tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 32.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.3% in primary education, 9.6% in secondary education, and 4.7% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Smithfield has 135 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 39 different routes that together facilitate 2,721 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of the transport system is rated as excellent, with residents typically residing 133 meters from their nearest stop.

Across all routes, there are an average of 388 trips per day, equating to approximately 20 weekly trips per individual stop.

Smithfield'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

Smithfield's health data shows a relatively positive picture with low prevalence of common health conditions among its general population, though higher than national averages in older, at-risk cohorts. Approximately 50% (~7,141 people) have private health cover, lower than the national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (8.0%) and diabetes (6.6%). A total of 72.4% report no medical ailments, higher than Greater Sydney's 0%. Smithfield has 19.2% residents aged 65 and over (2,768 people). Health outcomes among seniors require more attention compared to the broader population.

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

Smithfield has a high level of cultural diversity, with 55.1% of its population born overseas and 66.5% speaking a language other than English at home. The predominant religion in Smithfield is Christianity, making up 68.6% of the population. Buddhism is notably overrepresented, comprising 8.5% compared to None% across Greater Sydney.

The top three ancestral groups are Other (38.9%), Australian (11.3%), and English (8.9%). There are notable divergences in other ethnic groups: Spanish is overrepresented at 1.2%, Vietnamese at 8.2%, and Lebanese at 4.0%.

Smithfield's population aligns closely with national norms in age terms

The median age in Smithfield is 38 years, close to Greater Sydney's average of 37 and equivalent to Australia's median of 38. Compared to Greater Sydney, Smithfield has a higher proportion of residents aged 75-84 (6.9%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (12.4%). Between the 2021 Census and now, the population aged 15-24 has grown from 13.3% to 14.7%, while the 75-84 cohort increased from 5.8% to 6.9%. Conversely, the 25-34 age group has declined from 13.3% to 12.4%. By 2041, Smithfield's age composition is expected to change significantly. The 85+ age group is projected to grow by 108%, reaching 868 people from 418. This growth will be driven entirely by the aging population dynamic, with those aged 65 and above comprising all of the projected growth. Meanwhile, population declines are projected for the 45-54 and 55-64 age groups.