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 May 2026, the estimated population of Smithfield (NSW) is around 14,216. This figure reflects an increase of 1,056 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 13,160. The current resident population estimate of 14,176 by AreaSearch, based on the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2025), and an additional 120 validated new addresses since the Census date, indicates a population density ratio of 1,595 persons per square kilometer. This growth rate exceeds the state's average of 7.1%, making Smithfield a regional growth leader. Overseas migration contributed approximately 77.0% of overall population gains during recent periods. AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year, and NSW State Government's SA2 level projections for areas not covered by this data, released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year.

Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Based on aggregated SA2-level projections, the suburb is expected to expand by 492 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 3.2% over the 16-year period.

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

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area data, Smithfield has seen around 83 new homes approved per year over the past 5 financial years ending FY25. This totals an estimated 418 homes. As of FY26 so far, 78 approvals have been recorded. Over these 5 years, on average, 1.2 people moved to Smithfield for each dwelling built.

Commercial approvals in FY26 total $115.5 million, indicating strong commercial development momentum. New developments consist of 56.0% detached houses and 44.0% medium and high-density housing, including townhouses and apartments. This shift from the area's existing housing composition (currently 78.0% houses) suggests decreasing availability of developable sites and changing lifestyles.

Smithfield reflects a developing area with around 161 people per approval. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Smithfield is expected to grow by 452 residents through to 2041. Current development rates should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

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 25 projects that could affect the region. Notable ones include ALS Sydney Smithfield Refurbishment, Lifestyle Connection Woodpark - Stage 3, Greater Sydney Cycling Network Improvements, and Woolworths Warehouse Distribution Centre Wetherill Park. The following list details those most likely to be 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.

AreaSearch assessment indicates Smithfield faces employment challenges relative to the majority of Australian markets

Smithfield's workforce comprises both white and blue-collar jobs, with manufacturing and industrial sectors prominent. The unemployment rate in December 2025 was 7.3%, indicating room for improvement compared to Greater Sydney's 4.2%. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 8.9%.

As of December 2025, 5,554 residents were employed, with a workforce participation rate of 51.5%, significantly lower than Greater Sydney's 68.8%. A high proportion, 28.4%, worked from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Dominant employment sectors include health care & social assistance, manufacturing, and retail trade. Manufacturing is particularly specialized, with an employment share of 2.0 times the regional level.

Conversely, professional & technical services employ only 4.9% of local workers, below Greater Sydney's 11.5%. The ratio of 0.9 workers per resident suggests substantial local employment opportunities. Between December 2024 and 2025, employment increased by 8.9%, while the labour force grew by 6.5%, leading to a 2.0 percentage point decrease in unemployment. In contrast, Greater Sydney saw employment grow by 2.2% and unemployment rise marginally during this period. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project growth of 6.6% 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 this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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

The suburb of Smithfield's median income among taxpayers was $44,364 in financial year 2023. The average income stood at $57,010 during the same period. In comparison, Greater Sydney had a median income of $60,817 and an average income of $83,003. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Smithfield's median income would be approximately $48,942 as of March 2026. The average income estimate for the same period is $62,893. According to the 2021 Census, household income in Smithfield ranked at the 20th percentile with a weekly income of $1,300. Personal income was at the 2nd percentile. Income brackets showed that 28.2% of locals (4,008 people) fell into the $1,500 - 2,999 category, similar to the metropolitan region where this cohort represented 30.9%. Housing affordability pressures were severe in Smithfield, with only 75.9% of income remaining, ranking at the 13th percentile.

Smithfield is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Smithfield's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, were 77.5% houses and 22.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In contrast, Sydney metro had 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Smithfield was at 28.4%, similar to Sydney metro's level. Dwellings were either mortgaged (27.1%) or rented (44.5%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Smithfield was $2,167, lower than Sydney metro's $2,427. Median weekly rent in Smithfield was $400, compared to Sydney metro's $470. Nationally, Smithfield's mortgage repayments were higher at $2,167 against the Australian average of $1,863. Rents in Smithfield exceeded the national figure of $375.

Smithfield has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 75.1% of all households, including 39.8% couples with children, 16.7% couples without children, and 16.9% single parent families. Non-family households make up 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, larger than the Greater Sydney average of 2.7.

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 prevalent, with 27.8% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (9.4%) and certificates (18.4%). Educational participation is 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 area's transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically living just 133 meters from the nearest stop. As a predominantly residential zone, most commutes are outward-bound, and cars remain the primary mode of transportation for 90% of residents. On average, there are 1.3 vehicles per dwelling in Smithfield. According to the 2021 Census, 28.4% of residents work from home, a figure that may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions.

The service frequency across all routes averages 388 trips per day, equating to roughly 20 weekly trips per stop. A map accompanies this data and displays the 100 nearest stops to the location's centerpoint.

Health performance in Smithfield is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Smithfield faces significant health challenges based on AreaSearch's assessment conducted in June 2021. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence were high, with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. Private health cover was found to be relatively low at approximately 50% of the total population (~7,039 people), compared to 59.9% in Greater Sydney and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions were arthritis (8.0%) and diabetes (6.6%). 72.4% of residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 74.6% across Greater Sydney. The under-65 population demonstrated better than average health outcomes. As of June 2021, the area had 19.0% of residents aged 65 and over (2,701 people), higher than Greater Sydney's 15.5%. Health outcomes among seniors presented some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general 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 population where 55.1% were born overseas, with 66.5% speaking languages other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Smithfield, accounting for 68.6%. Buddhism is notably higher in Smithfield at 8.5%, compared to Greater Sydney's 4.1%.

The top three ancestry groups are Other (38.9%), Australian (11.3%), and English (8.9%). Spanish (1.2%) Vietnamese (8.2%), and Lebanese (4.0%) ethnicities are overrepresented in Smithfield compared to regional averages of 0.6%, 1.8%, and 2.6% respectively.

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 years and equivalent to Australia's median of 38 years. Compared to Greater Sydney, Smithfield has a higher percentage of residents aged 75-84 (6.9%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (12.3%). Between the 2021 Census and the present, the population aged 15-24 has grown from 13.3% to 14.6%, while the 45-54 age group increased from 12.4% to 13.6%. Conversely, the 5-14 age group declined from 13.3% to 12.1%, and the 55-64 age group decreased from 11.9% to 10.8%. By 2041, Smithfield's age composition is expected to change significantly. The 85+ age group is projected to grow by 108% (446 people), reaching 859 from 412. The aging population trend is evident, with those aged 65 and above comprising 96% of the projected growth. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 55-64 and 15-24 age groups.