Smithfield (Qld)

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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the Census, Smithfield's population is estimated at around 8,218 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 1,554 people (23.3%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6,664 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 7,718, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 429 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 626 persons per square kilometer, providing significant space per person and potential room for further development. Smithfield's 23.3% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA4 region (8.5%), along with the Rest of Qld, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by interstate migration that contributed approximately 60.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including overseas migration and natural growth were positive factors.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and for years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data, are adopted. It should be noted that these state projections do not provide age category splits; hence where utilised, AreaSearch is applying proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) for each age cohort. Anticipating future population dynamics, a significant population increase in the top quartile of Australia's non-metropolitan areas is forecast, with the suburb expected to increase by 2,463 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting recording a gain of 23.5% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Smithfield among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area data indicates Smithfield experienced approximately 88 dwelling approvals per year. Over the past five financial years, between FY-21 and FY-25, around 443 homes were approved, with an additional 9 approved in FY-26 to date. On average, about 2.9 people moved to the area per new home constructed over these five years, suggesting solid demand supporting property values.

New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost of $433,000. This financial year has seen $18.3 million in commercial development approvals, indicating moderate levels of commercial development. Compared to the Rest of Qld, Smithfield has 83.0% more development activity per person. However, building activity has slowed in recent years. This level is significantly above the national average, reflecting robust developer interest in the area.

Recent construction comprises 96.0% standalone homes and 4.0% medium to high-density housing, maintaining Smithfield's traditional low-density character focused on family homes. With around 178 people per dwelling approval, Smithfield exhibits characteristics of a growth area. Future projections estimate Smithfield will add 1,928 residents by 2041 based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Current development patterns suggest new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering favorable conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

Smithfield has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified nine projects expected to impact the region. Notable ones are Half Moon Bay Estate, Woolworths Trinity Beach Shopping Centre, Seascape Terraces, Trinity Park, and Bluewater Living. The following list details those likely to be most relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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Employment conditions in Smithfield demonstrate exceptional strength compared to most Australian markets

Smithfield has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. As of September 2025, the unemployment rate is 2.4%. The AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data shows that 4,297 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 1.7% below Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%.

Workforce participation stands at 70.1%, compared to Rest of Qld's 65.7%. According to Census responses, a moderate 14.7% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Employment among residents is concentrated in health care & social assistance, accommodation & food, and education & training. The area has a particularly notable concentration in accommodation & food, with employment levels at 1.4 times the regional average.

In contrast, agriculture, forestry & fishing employs just 1.1% of local workers, below Rest of Qld's 4.5%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on the count of Census working population to local population. During the year to September 2025, the labour force decreased by 1.3%, combined with employment decreasing by 2.0%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.7 percentage points. By comparison, Rest of Qld recorded employment growth of 1.7% and labour force growth of 2.1%, with unemployment rising 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Smithfield's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.7% over five years and 13.8% over ten years.

The area's income profile falls below national averages based on AreaSearch analysis

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2023, Smithfield had a median income among taxpayers of $50,742. The average income stood at $61,545. This was below the national average and compared to levels of $53,146 and $66,593 across Rest of Qld respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $55,771 (median) and $67,644 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes in Smithfield cluster around the 53rd percentile nationally. Income analysis shows that the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket dominates with 37.4% of residents (3,073 people). High housing costs consume 17.1% of income. Despite this, strong earnings place disposable income at the 54th percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 6th decile.

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, had 91.3% houses and 8.7% other dwellings. In comparison, Non-Metro Qld had 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Smithfield was at 23.3%, with mortgaged dwellings at 43.7% and rented ones at 33.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,755, higher than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,655. The median weekly rent was $420, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $345. Nationally, Smithfield's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,863, while rents were higher at $375.

Smithfield features high concentrations of group households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 75.2% of all households, including 32.9% couples with children, 29.0% couples without children, and 11.9% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 24.8%, with lone person households at 19.2% and group households comprising 5.7%. The median household size is 2.6 people, larger than the Rest of Qld average of 2.5.

The educational profile of Smithfield exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

Smithfield Trail's residents aged 15+ have educational qualifications that trail Australian benchmarks. Specifically, 25.0% hold university degrees compared to Australia's 30.4%. This difference suggests potential for educational development and skills enhancement. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 17.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.1%) and graduate diplomas (2.6%).

Vocational credentials are prominent, with 38.7% of residents holding them – advanced diplomas at 12.3% and certificates at 26.4%. Educational participation is high, with 34.6% currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.2% in primary education, 10.2% in tertiary education, and 7.9% pursuing secondary education.

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

Smithfield has 22 active public transport stops, all serving buses. These stops are covered by 9 different routes, together offering 1,564 weekly passenger trips. Transport access is considered good, with residents usually located 397 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outwards due to its residential nature; cars remain the primary mode at 92%. On average, there are 1.6 vehicles per dwelling. According to the 2021 Census, 14.7% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions.

Daily service frequency averages 223 trips across all routes, translating to roughly 71 weekly trips per individual stop.

Smithfield's residents are extremely healthy with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Analysis of health metrics shows strong performance throughout Smithfield.

AreaSearch's assessment found low prevalence of common health conditions across both young and old age cohorts. The rate of private health cover was relatively low at approximately 52% of the total population (~4,239 people). The most common medical conditions in the area were mental health issues and arthritis, impacting 7.1 and 6.1% of residents respectively. Seventy-six point seven percent declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 67.6% across Rest of Qld. Working-age residents showed low chronic condition prevalence. The area has 13.4% of residents aged 65 and over (1,101 people), lower than the 20.4% in Rest of Qld. Health outcomes among seniors were particularly strong, with national rankings even higher than the general population.

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

Smithfield's population showed high cultural diversity, with 27.9% born overseas and 18.3% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 43.7%. The 'Other' religious category was overrepresented in Smithfield (1.7%) compared to the rest of Queensland (0.8%).

In terms of ancestry, English (25.2%), Australian (22.6%), and Other (12.1%) were the top groups, with Other significantly higher than the regional average of 6.9%. Notably, Korean (1.0% vs 0.2%), French (0.7% vs 0.5%), and New Zealand (0.9% vs 0.9%) ethnicities showed distinct representation differences compared to regional averages.

Smithfield hosts a young demographic, positioning it in the bottom quartile nationwide

The median age in Smithfield is 34 years, which is lower than the average of 41 for the Rest of Queensland and also substantially lower than the Australian median of 38. Compared to the Rest of Queensland, Smithfield has a higher proportion of residents aged 15-24 (16.1%) but fewer residents aged 55-64 (9.3%). According to the 2021 Census, the population aged 25 to 34 grew from 14.8% to 15.8%. Conversely, the proportion of residents aged 45 to 54 decreased from 13.1% to 11.2%. By the year 2041, Smithfield's age composition is expected to change significantly. The 25 to 34 age group is projected to increase by 38%, adding 493 people and reaching a total of 1,792 from its previous size of 1,298. The 15 to 24 age group is expected to grow more modestly at 2%, with an addition of only 22 residents.