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 Feb 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Smithfield (NSW) is around 14,421. This reflects a growth of 1,261 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 13,160. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 13,728 following examination of the ABS' latest ERP data release in June 2024 and an additional 106 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population results in a density ratio of 1,618 persons per square kilometer, which is above the national average assessed by AreaSearch. Smithfield's growth rate of 9.6% since the 2021 census exceeded both the state (7.8%) and Greater Sydney averages, 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. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, 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 of Smithfield (NSW) is expected to grow by 575 persons to 2041, reflecting a reduction of 0.8% 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 indicates approximately 83 new homes approved annually in Smithfield over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 418 homes. As of FY-26, 49 approvals have been recorded. The average annual increase in residents per dwelling constructed between FY-21 and FY-25 is 0.7. This suggests that supply meets or exceeds demand, offering more buyer choices while supporting potential population growth above projections.

The average construction cost value of new homes is $337,000. In the current financial year, commercial approvals amount to $115.5 million, indicating high local commercial activity. New building activity comprises 56.0% detached houses and 44.0% townhouses or apartments, reflecting an increasing blend of attached housing types catering to various price ranges.

This shift from the area's existing housing composition (currently 78.0% houses) suggests decreasing availability of developable sites and changing lifestyles requiring more diverse, affordable housing options. Smithfield has around 160 people per approval, indicating a developing area with a 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 identified 24 projects likely affecting the 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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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 7.9%. Over the past year, employment grew by an estimated 7.3%.

As of this date, 5,167 residents were employed, but the unemployment rate stood at 3.7% higher than Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%, indicating room for improvement. Workforce participation was lower, at 50.4% compared to Greater Sydney's 70.2%. According to Census responses, 28.4% of residents worked from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Key employment sectors included health care & social assistance, manufacturing, and retail trade.

Manufacturing had a particularly high share of jobs, at twice the regional level. However, professional & technical services had limited presence, with only 4.9% of jobs compared to the regional average of 11.5%. The worker-to-resident ratio was 0.9, suggesting substantial local employment opportunities. Over the year to December 2025, employment increased by 7.3%, while labour force grew by 5.0%, leading to a 2.0 percentage point drop in unemployment rate. In comparison, Greater Sydney saw employment grow by 2.2% and unemployment rise marginally. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, released in May-25, project national 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 these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes and do not account for localized population projections.

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 in Smithfield, median income is $44,364 and average income is $57,010. This is lower than Greater Sydney's median income of $60,817 and average income of $83,003. By September 2025, estimated median income would be approximately $48,295 and average income $62,061, based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023. Census data indicates that household income ranks at the 20th percentile ($1,300 weekly) and personal income at the 2nd percentile. Income analysis reveals that 28.2% of Smithfield's community (4,066 individuals) earn between $1,500 - 2,999, similar to the metropolitan region where this cohort represents 30.9%. Housing affordability pressures are 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 structure, as per the latest Census, was 77.5% houses and 22.5% other dwellings. In comparison, Sydney metro had 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Smithfield was 28.4%, similar to Sydney metro's level. Dwellings were either mortgaged (27.1%) or rented (44.5%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,167, below the Sydney metro average of $2,427. The median weekly rent was $400, compared to Sydney metro's $470. Nationally, Smithfield's mortgage repayments were higher at $2,167 versus Australia's $1,863, and rents were higher at $400 compared to the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 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 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, 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 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 area's transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents living an average of 133 meters from the nearest stop. Most Smithfield residents commute outward, and cars remain the primary mode of transportation for 90% of them. On average, there are 1.3 vehicles per dwelling in the area. According to the 2021 Census, a significant 28.4% of residents work from home, which may be partly due to COVID-19 conditions.

The service frequency averages 388 trips per day across all routes, resulting in approximately 20 weekly trips per individual stop. A map accompanies the data, displaying 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 completed on June 3rd, 2021. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence were found to be somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover was relatively low at approximately 50% of the total population (~7,141 people), compared to 59.9% across Greater Sydney and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area were arthritis and diabetes, impacting 8.0 and 6.6% of residents respectively, while 72.4% declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 74.6% across Greater Sydney. The under-65 population demonstrates better than average health outcomes. The area has 19.7% of residents aged 65 and over (2,840 people), which is higher than the 15.4% in Greater Sydney. Health outcomes among seniors present 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 high level of cultural diversity, with 55.1% of its population born overseas and 66.5% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Smithfield, making up 68.6% of people there. However, Buddhism is more prevalent in Smithfield compared to Greater Sydney, comprising 8.5% versus 4.1%.

In terms of ancestry, the top groups are Other (38.9%), Australian (11.3%), and English (8.9%). These figures differ from regional averages: Other is substantially higher at 38.9% compared to 16.0%, while Australian and English are notably lower at 11.3% versus 17.8% and 8.9% versus 19.0% respectively. Some ethnic groups show notable differences in representation: Spanish (1.2% vs regional 0.6%), Vietnamese (8.2% vs 1.8%), and Lebanese (4.0% vs 2.6%) are overrepresented in Smithfield.

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 15-24 (14.9%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (11.9%). Between the 2021 Census and present day, the proportion of residents aged 15-24 increased from 13.3% to 14.9%, while those aged 75-84 rose from 5.8% to 7.2%. Conversely, the proportion of residents aged 25-34 decreased from 13.3% to 11.9%. By 2041, Smithfield's age composition is expected to shift significantly. The 85+ group is projected to grow by 103%, reaching 879 people from 432. The demographic shift is led by the aging population dynamic, with those aged 65 and above comprising all of the projected growth. Conversely, population declines are projected for residents aged 45-54 and 55-64.