Smithfield Plains

Smithfield Plains lies within the top 10% of areas nationally in terms of population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of short and medium-term trends

The suburb of Smithfield Plains had an estimated population of around 3,575 as of November 2025, according to AreaSearch's analysis of ABS population updates and new addresses validated by them. This figure represents a growth of 270 people (8.2%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,305. The estimated resident population of 3,561, calculated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ABS ERP data release in June 2024, along with an additional 75 validated new addresses since the Census date, contributed to this increase. This results in a population density ratio of 2,383 persons per square kilometer, placing Smithfield Plains in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The suburb's population growth rate of 8.2% since the 2021 census exceeded both the state's (7.1%) and metropolitan area's rates, indicating it as a growth leader in the region. Natural growth was the primary driver of this growth, contributing approximately 42.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including interstate migration and overseas migration were positive factors.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, the SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections by age category, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data, are adopted after adjustments employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Future population trends forecast a significant increase for Smithfield Plains, with an expected growth of 1,498 persons by 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 43.4% in total over the 17 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area data shows Smithfield Plains averaged approximately 47 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 238 homes. As of FY-26, 8 approvals have been recorded. On average, 1.3 new residents per year arrived per new home between FY-21 and FY-25, suggesting balanced supply and demand dynamics. New properties were constructed at an average value of $284,000, below the regional average, indicating more affordable housing options for buyers.

In FY-26, commercial approvals totalled $492,000, reflecting the area's residential nature. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Smithfield Plains had around three-quarters the rate of new dwelling approvals per person and ranked among the 88th percentile nationally, indicating robust developer interest. New building activity comprised 92.0% detached houses and 8.0% attached dwellings, sustaining the area's suburban identity with a concentration of family homes suited to buyers seeking space. With approximately 93 people per approval, Smithfield Plains reflects a developing area.

According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, the area is expected to grow by 1,553 residents through to 2041. Development appears to be keeping pace with projected growth, though increasing competition among buyers may arise as the population expands.

Smithfield Plains has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 43rdth percentile nationally

Area infrastructure changes significantly influence local performance. AreaSearch identified five projects potentially impacting the area: Tudor Vale Shopping Centre, Munno Para West, Playford North Urban Renewal Project, Playford Alive East, and Eyeington Estate. Key details follow for projects deemed most 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 Plains faces employment challenges relative to the majority of Australian markets

Smithfield Plains has a balanced workforce with diverse sector representation. The unemployment rate was 13.9% as of June 2025, higher than Greater Adelaide's rate of 4.0%.

Employment grew by 1.2% over the past year. As of June 2025, 1,319 residents were employed with workforce participation at 50.3%, significantly lower than Greater Adelaide's 61.7%. Major employment sectors are health care & social assistance, retail trade, and manufacturing. Retail trade has a particularly notable concentration, with employment levels at 1.4 times the regional average.

Education & training has limited presence, with only 4.1% of residents employed in this sector compared to the regional average of 9.3%. The area offers limited local employment opportunities. Over the 12 months to June 2025, employment increased by 1.2%, while labour force grew by 1.5%, causing unemployment to rise slightly. In contrast, Greater Adelaide saw employment and labour force grow by 2.1% each. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 project a 6.6% increase in employment over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Smithfield Plains' employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.9% over five years and 12.7% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes only and does not consider localised population projections.

Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis

Smithfield Plains' income level is below the national average according to the latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2022. Smithfield Plains' median income among taxpayers is $40,173 and the average income stands at $43,788, compared to Greater Adelaide's figures of $52,592 and $64,886 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.83% since financial year 2022, current estimates would be approximately $45,327 (median) and $49,406 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes in Smithfield Plains all fall between the 3rd and 4th percentiles nationally. Looking at income distribution, 31.7% of the population (1,133 individuals) fall within the $800 - $1,499 income range, differing from patterns across the surrounding region where $1,500 - $2,999 dominates with 31.8%. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 78.3% of income remaining, ranking at the 4th percentile.

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

In Smithfield Plains, as per the latest Census evaluation, 84.8% of dwellings were houses with the remaining 15.2% being semi-detached properties, apartments, or other types. This compares to Adelaide metro's 83.7% houses and 16.2% other dwellings. Home ownership in Smithfield Plains stood at 12.8%, with mortgaged dwellings at 36.1% and rented ones at 51.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,092, below Adelaide metro's average of $1,300. Median weekly rent in Smithfield Plains was $251, compared to Adelaide metro's $265. Nationally, Smithfield Plains' mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Smithfield Plains features high concentrations of group households, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households compose 66.5% of all households, including 23.7% couples with children, 14.8% couples without children, and 26.0% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 33.5%, with lone person households at 29.3% and group households comprising 4.5%. The median household size is 2.6 people, aligning with the Greater Adelaide average.

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

The area has educational challenges, with university qualification rates at 7.1%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most common at 5.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (0.9%) and graduate diplomas (0.8%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 41.0% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas (6.4%) and certificates (34.6%).

Educational participation is high, with 36.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 16.3% in primary, 9.3% in secondary, and 3.7% in tertiary education. John Hartley School B-6 serves the local educational needs within Smithfield Plains, enrolling 638 students as of a specific date. The school focuses exclusively on primary education, with secondary options available in surrounding areas. The area exhibits varied educational conditions, with an ICSEA score of 913.

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

Transport analysis shows 13 active stops operating within Smithfield Plains, consisting of bus services only. These stops are served by 12 individual routes, offering a total of 587 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated good, with residents typically located 224 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 83 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 45 weekly trips per stop.

Health performance in Smithfield Plains is well below average with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Smithfield Plains faces significant health challenges, as indicated by health data. A variety of health conditions affect both younger and older residents. The rate of private health cover is notably low at approximately 44% (around 1,586 people), compared to Greater Adelaide's 47.2%.

Nationally, the average stands at 55.3%. Mental health issues and asthma are the most prevalent conditions in Smithfield Plains, affecting 13.4% and 10.9% of residents respectively. Conversely, 62.8% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to Greater Adelaide's 63.4%. The area has a lower proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 9.9% (353 people), compared to Greater Adelaide's 13.3%. Health outcomes among seniors generally align with the broader population's health profile.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Smithfield Plains was found to be above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Smithfield Plains had a higher than average cultural diversity, with 21.5% of its population born overseas and 16.9% speaking a language other than English at home. The dominant religion in Smithfield Plains was Christianity, comprising 34.1% of the population. Islam was notably more prevalent in Smithfield Plains compared to Greater Adelaide, making up 5.0% versus 4.0%.

In terms of ancestry, the top groups were English (30.4%), Australian (28.7%), and Other (13.9%). There were significant differences in the representation of certain ethnic groups: Australian Aboriginal was overrepresented at 4.8% compared to 3.0%, German was slightly higher at 4.3% versus 4.4%, and Russian remained consistent at 0.3%.

Smithfield Plains hosts a very young demographic, ranking in the bottom 10% of areas nationwide

Smithfield Plains has a median age of 29 years, which is lower than the Greater Adelaide average of 39 and the Australian median of 38. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Smithfield Plains has a higher proportion of residents aged 5-14 (16.5%) but fewer residents aged 55-64 (7.8%). Between 2021 and present, the population aged 35-44 grew from 13.6% to 15.0%, while the 15-24 cohort increased from 14.0% to 15.1%. Conversely, the 5-14 age group decreased from 18.2% to 16.5%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Smithfield Plains's age profile will change significantly. The 25-34 age cohort is projected to grow steadily, increasing by 254 people (43%) from 589 to 844.