Smithfield (NSW)

Population growth drivers in Smithfield are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for Smithfield, as of November 2025, the suburb's population is estimated at around 14,198. This reflects an increase of 1,038 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 13,160. The change was inferred from the resident population of 14,030, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, along with an additional 105 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,593 persons per square kilometer, above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Smithfield's growth rate of 7.9% since the 2021 census exceeded both the state's (6.7%) and metropolitan area's growth rates, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 77.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting 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. According to aggregated SA2-level projections, the suburb is expected to grow by 577 persons to 2041, reflecting a decline of 0.2% in total over the 17-year period.

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 shows Smithfield has experienced around 88 dwellings receiving development approval each year. Over the past 5 financial years, between FY-21 and FY-25, an estimated 441 homes were approved, with a further 36 approved so far in FY-26. This suggests supply is meeting or surpassing demand, providing greater buyer choice while supporting potential for population growth above projections.

The average value of new homes being built is $337,000, below the regional average, indicating more affordable housing options for buyers. In FY-26, $3.5 million in commercial approvals have been registered, demonstrating the area's primarily residential nature. New development consists of 56.0% detached dwellings and 44.0% attached dwellings, showing an expanding range of medium-density options creating a mix of opportunities across price brackets from traditional family housing to more affordable compact alternatives.

This reflects a considerable change from the current housing mix, which is currently 78.0% houses, potentially addressing shifting lifestyle demands and affordability requirements. With around 125 people per dwelling approval, Smithfield shows characteristics of a growth area. However, with population expected to remain stable or decline, Smithfield should see reduced pressure on housing, potentially 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 identified 24 projects likely affecting the region. Notable initiatives include ALS Sydney Smithfield Refurbishment, 106-128 Woodpark Road Smithfield Stage 3 Redevelopment, Greater Sydney Cycling Network Improvements, and Woolworths Warehouse Distribution Centre Wetherill Park. 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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The labour market performance in Smithfield lags significantly behind most other regions nationally

Smithfield's workforce comprises both white and blue-collar jobs, with manufacturing and industrial sectors prominent. The unemployment rate was 8.2% as of June 2025, with an estimated employment growth of 6.0% in the preceding year, according to AreaSearch data aggregation.

As of June 2025, 5,076 residents were employed, while the unemployment rate stood at 4.0%, slightly above Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%. Workforce participation was lower, at 38.3% compared to Greater Sydney's 60.0%. Key employment sectors among residents included health care & social assistance, manufacturing, and retail trade. Manufacturing had a notable concentration, with employment levels at twice the regional average.

Professional & technical services had limited presence, at 4.9% compared to the regional average of 11.5%. The worker-to-resident ratio was 0.9 as of the Census, indicating substantial local employment opportunities. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment levels increased by 6.0%, and labour force grew by 4.9%, reducing the unemployment rate by 1.0 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Sydney saw employment growth of 2.6%, labour force expansion of 2.9%, and a slight rise in unemployment by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 project overall employment 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 only.

Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch

Smithfield's median taxpayer income was $44,364 and average was $57,010 in financial year 2022. This is lower than national averages, contrasting with Greater Sydney's median income of $56,994 and average income of $80,856. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.61% since financial year 2022, estimated median income as of September 2025 is approximately $49,958 and average is $64,199. According to the 2021 Census, household income ranks at the 20th percentile ($1,300 weekly) and personal income sits at the 2nd percentile. Income distribution shows that 28.2% of locals (4,003 people) fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 category, mirroring the surrounding region where 30.9% occupy this bracket. 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, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Smithfield's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 77.5% houses and 22.5% other dwellings. In contrast, Sydney metro had 0.0% houses and 0.0% other dwellings. Home ownership in Smithfield stood at 28.4%, with mortgaged dwellings at 27.1% and rented ones at 44.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,167, aligning with Sydney metro's average, while the median weekly rent was $400, compared to Sydney metro's figures of $0 for both. Nationally, Smithfield's mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents exceeded the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 75.1% of all households, including 39.8% that are couples with children, 16.7% that are couples without children, and 16.9% that are 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.

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 such qualifications, including advanced diplomas (9.4%) and certificates (18.4%). Educational participation is high at 32.4%, comprising primary education (10.3%), secondary education (9.6%), and tertiary education (4.7%).

Smithfield's four schools have a combined enrollment of 1,432 students, operating under typical Australian school conditions with balanced educational opportunities. These schools focus on primary education, with secondary options available in nearby areas.

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

The analysis of public transport in Smithfield shows that there are currently 124 active transport stops operating within the area. These stops primarily serve buses, with a total of 39 individual routes running through them. Together, these routes facilitate approximately 2,515 weekly passenger trips.

The accessibility of transport in Smithfield is rated as excellent, with residents typically living just 133 meters away from their nearest transport stop on average. On a daily basis, service frequency averages around 359 trips across all routes, which equates to about 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

Health data shows Smithfield residents have relatively positive health outcomes with low prevalence of common conditions in the general population but higher than national averages among older cohorts at risk. Approximately 50% (~7,030 people) have private health cover, lower than the national average of 55.3%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (8.0%) and diabetes (6.6%), with 72.4% reporting no medical ailments compared to 0% in Greater Sydney. Smithfield has 19.2% residents aged 65 and over (2,726 people), requiring more health attention than 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 culturally diverse population, with 55.1% born overseas and 66.5% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Smithfield, accounting for 68.6% of its population. Buddhism is notably overrepresented compared to Greater Sydney, comprising 8.5%.

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 also significantly represented in Smithfield compared to the regional average of None% each.

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

The median age in Smithfield is 38 years, closely resembling Greater Sydney's average of 37 years and matching Australia's median age of 38 years. 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 increased from 13.3% to 14.7%, while the 75-84 age group has risen from 5.8% to 6.9%. Conversely, the 25-34 age group has decreased 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 111%, reaching 870 people from the current 411. 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 anticipated for the 45-54 and 55-64 age groups.