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This analysis uses Suburbs and Localities (SAL) boundaries, which can materially differ from Statistical Areas (SA2) even when sharing the same name.
SAL boundaries are defined by Australia Post and the Australian Bureau of Statistics to represent commonly-known suburb names used in postal addresses.
Statistical Areas (SA2) are designed for census data collection and may combine multiple suburbs or use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
est. as @ -- *
2021 Census | -- people
Sales Activity
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Population
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
As of November 2025, the Smithfield Plains statistical area (Lv2) has an estimated population of around 3,595. This reflects a growth of 290 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,305. The increase is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 3,579 following their examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, along with an additional 75 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 2,396 persons per square kilometer, placing Smithfield Plains (SA2) in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The area's growth rate of 8.8% since the 2021 census exceeded the state's rate of 8.7%, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Natural growth contributed approximately 42.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, with all drivers including interstate migration and overseas migration being positive factors.
AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, the SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections are adopted with adjustments made using a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Future population trends indicate a significant increase in the top quartile of Australian statistical areas, with Smithfield Plains (SA2) expected to grow by 1,499 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an overall increase of 42.7% over the 17-year period.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
Development
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 has experienced around 44 dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 224 homes. As of FY-26, 8 approvals have been recorded. The average population increase for each dwelling built in the area between FY-21 and FY-25 is 1.4 people per year. This indicates a balanced supply and demand market supporting stable conditions.
New properties are constructed at an average value of $284,000. In FY-26, there have been $3.6 million in commercial approvals, suggesting limited commercial development focus compared to Greater Adelaide. Smithfield Plains has around three-quarters the rate of new dwelling approvals per person compared to Greater Adelaide but places among the 92nd percentile nationally, reflecting strong developer confidence. New development consists of 93.0% detached houses and 7.0% medium and high-density housing, maintaining the area's traditional suburban character focused on family homes.
The location has approximately 68 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market. Population forecasts indicate Smithfield Plains will gain 1,534 residents by 2041 according to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Construction pace is reasonable with projected growth, but buyers may face growing competition as population increases.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Infrastructure
Smithfield Plains has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 33rdth percentile nationally
Area infrastructure significantly impacts local performance. AreaSearch identified six projects likely affecting the area. Notable projects are Tudor Vale Shopping Centre, Munno Para West, Playford North Urban Renewal Project, Playford Alive East, and Eyeington Estate. Relevant projects are listed below.
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Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Northern Adelaide Irrigation Scheme (NAIS)
The Northern Adelaide Irrigation Scheme (NAIS) is a massive recycled water initiative delivering high-quality water from the Bolivar Wastewater Treatment Plant to the Northern Adelaide Plains. The project provides over 12 gigalitres of recycled water annually to support high-tech agribusiness, greenhouse production, and open space irrigation for 25,000+ homes. It is a critical component of SA Water's broader $1.5 billion infrastructure program, which aims to unlock 40,000 new housing allotments by expanding trunk water mains, pump stations, and storage across Adelaide's northern growth front.
Northern Connector
Six-lane, 15.5 kilometre motorway providing vital freight and commuter link between Northern Expressway, South Road Superway and Port River Expressway. South Australia's first major concrete motorway and widest in the country. Includes 16 kilometres of shared cyclist and pedestrian paths connecting to Stuart O'Grady Bikeway. Features four major interchanges, intelligent transport systems, wetland restoration and Indigenous-inspired design elements. Opened March 7, 2020.
Angle Vale Water and Sewer Infrastructure
SA Water is delivering major trunk water and sewer infrastructure to support the Northern Adelaide growth corridor, including Angle Vale and the Riverlea estate. The project involves installing over 10km of new wastewater mains and several kilometers of trunk water mains, including significant works along Curtis and Heaslip Roads and a large vacuum sewer pump station. These upgrades replace interim tankering and unlock thousands of new housing allotments as part of the South Australian Government's $1.5 billion Housing Roadmap investment.
Tudor Vale Shopping Centre, Munno Para West
Construction is underway on the $60 million Coles-anchored Tudor Vale Shopping Centre, a key component of the $175 million retail precinct within the $400 million Tudor Vale master-planned community. The 6,420sqm shopping centre will feature a full-line Coles supermarket, Liquorland, Terry White Chemist, St Georges Bakery, and multiple specialty retailers. The development includes over 300 car parks and four EV charging stations, creating more than 200 jobs during the construction phase.
Tudor Vale Shopping Centre
A $175 million retail development within the $400 million Tudor Vale masterplanned community. The project includes a 6,420sqm shopping centre anchored by a Coles supermarket, Liquorland, and Terry White Chemist, alongside a 20,000sqm large-format retail precinct with showrooms and pad sites. It serves the rapidly growing northern Adelaide corridor, adjacent to an existing Aldi.
Playford Alive
One of Australia's largest urban renewal projects, revitalising northern Adelaide suburbs through new housing, community facilities, and improved transport. The project has expanded with 'Playford Alive East', a 71-hectare extension in Munno Para delivering approximately 1,480 new homes. Key features include the $250 million Town Centre, Newton Boulevard extension, and extensive parklands with a 25% tree canopy target. The development supports 590 jobs annually and is expected to house over 43,000 residents upon completion in the 2030s.
Playford North Urban Renewal Project
A major $300m+ Renewal SA master-planned urban renewal project, often referred to as Playford Alive, delivering over 2,500 new homes, parklands, and infrastructure upgrades across 120 hectares in Davoren Park. Recent 2025-2026 expansions include the Wattle Precinct and an eastern extension expected to add a further 1,480 homes to the broader region. The project integrates social housing renewal with new greenfield development, supported by a $250 million town centre and major road improvements like the Stebonheath Road extension.
Playford Alive East
A 71-hectare expansion of the Playford Alive project in Munno Para, delivering approximately 1,300 new residential allotments and five medium-density sites. The project is fast-tracked and targets a minimum of 30% affordable homes. It includes provision for public parks, walkways, and a 25% minimum tree canopy, supported by a $25 million State Government commitment for infrastructure upgrades, including on Curtis Road. Civil works and the first land releases are underway.
Employment
Employment conditions in Smithfield Plains face significant challenges, ranking among the bottom 10% of areas assessed nationally
Smithfield Plains has a diverse workforce with both white and blue collar jobs. The unemployment rate was 14.0% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 2.1%.
As of September 2025, 1,336 residents are employed, while the unemployment rate is 10.1% higher than Greater Adelaide's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation is lower at 50.3%, compared to Greater Adelaide's 61.7%. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, retail trade, and manufacturing. Retail trade has a particularly high concentration, with employment levels at 1.4 times the regional average.
However, 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. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 2.1%, while the labour force grew by 1.9%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.2 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Adelaide saw employment rise by 3.0% and unemployment fall by 0.1 percentage points during the same period. State-level data from 25-Nov-25 shows SA employment grew by 1.19%, with an unemployment rate of 4.0%. This compares favourably to the national unemployment rate of 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts, released in May-25, project a 6.6% increase 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.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Income
Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis
Smithfield Plains suburb's income level is below national average according to latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. Suburb's median income among taxpayers is $40,173 and average income stands at $43,788, compared to Greater Adelaide's figures of $54,808 and $66,852 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.8% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $43,708 (median) and $47,641 (average) as of September 2025. Census data shows household, family and personal incomes in Smithfield Plains all fall between 3rd and 4th percentiles nationally. Income distribution reveals 31.7% of population (1,139 individuals) fall within $800 - $1,499 range, differing from 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 4th percentile.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Housing
Smithfield Plains is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region
Smithfield Plains' dwellings, as per the latest Census, consisted of 84.8% houses and 15.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other'). Compared to Adelaide metro's 83.7% houses and 16.2% other dwellings. Home ownership in Smithfield Plains was at 12.8%, with mortgaged dwellings at 36.1% and rented at 51.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,092, lower than Adelaide metro's $1,300. Median weekly rent 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.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Household Composition
Smithfield Plains features high concentrations of group households, with a fairly typical median household size
Family households constitute 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, which aligns with the Greater Adelaide average.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
Local Schools & Education
Smithfield Plains faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally
The area's university qualification rate is 7.1%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. This discrepancy presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent 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 at 6.4% and certificates at 34.6%.
Educational participation is high, with 36.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 16.3% in primary education, 9.3% in secondary education, and 3.7% pursuing tertiary education.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Nearby Services & Amenities
Transport
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, offering mixed bus services. These stops are served by 12 separate routes, collectively facilitating 587 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated good, with residents typically situated 224 meters from the nearest stop.
Service frequency averages 83 trips daily across all routes, equating to approximately 45 weekly trips per individual stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
Health
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% of the total population (around 1,595 people), compared to 47.5% across Greater Adelaide and a national average of 55.7%.
Mental health issues and asthma are the most prevalent conditions in the area, affecting 13.4% and 10.9% of residents respectively. Approximately 62.8% of residents report having no medical ailments, compared to 63.4% across Greater Adelaide. The area has a lower proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 9.9% (355 people), compared to 13.3% in Greater Adelaide. Health outcomes among seniors generally align with the overall population's health profile.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Cultural Diversity
The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Smithfield Plains was found to be slightly 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. Christianity was the predominant religion in Smithfield Plains, accounting for 34.1% of people. Islam's representation stood out at 5.0%, higher than Greater Adelaide's 4.0%.
The top three ancestral groups were English (30.4%), Australian (28.7%), and Other (13.9%). Notably, Australian Aboriginals were overrepresented at 4.8% compared to the regional average of 3.0%. German ancestry was also slightly higher at 4.3%, while Russian ancestry remained similar at 0.3%.
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
Age
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 increased from 13.6% to 15.1%, while those aged 15-24 rose from 14.0% to 15.1%. Conversely, the proportion of residents aged 5-14 decreased from 18.2% to 16.5%. Demographic projections suggest significant changes in Smithfield Plains' age profile by 2041. The population aged 25-34 is expected to grow steadily, increasing by 251 people (42%) from 593 to 845.