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

Smithfield's population, as of Nov 2025, is estimated at around 8,219 people. This figure reflects a growth of 1,555 individuals since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6,664. The increase was inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 7,717 following examination of ABS' latest ERP data release in Jun 2024 and an additional 426 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 626 persons per square kilometer. Smithfield's growth rate of 23.3% since the 2021 census exceeded both the SA4 region (8.3%) and non-metro areas, positioning it as a growth leader. Interstate migration contributed approximately 60.0% to overall population gains during recent periods, with other factors such as overseas migration and natural growth also being positive contributors.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data or years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections released in 2023 and based on 2021 data are adopted, applying proportional growth weightings from ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort where necessary. Future population dynamics anticipate a significant increase in the top quartile of Australia's non-metropolitan areas, with Smithfield expected to gain an additional 2,470 persons by 2041, reflecting a total gain of 23.6% over 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 indicates Smithfield has had around 88 dwelling approvals per year. Between FY21 and FY25, approximately 443 homes were approved, with 9 more in FY26 as of the current date. On average, 2.9 people moved to the area annually for each new home constructed over these years.

New homes are being built at an average construction cost value of $433,000. This financial year has seen $18.3 million in commercial development approvals, showing moderate levels of commercial activity. Compared to Rest of Qld, Smithfield has 83.0% more development activity per person. Recent construction comprises 96.0% standalone homes and 4.0% medium-high density housing, maintaining the area's low-density character. There are around 178 people per dwelling approval in Smithfield, suggesting growth potential.

Future projections estimate Smithfield will add 1,942 residents by 2041 based on AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate. Current development patterns indicate new housing supply should meet demand, offering good 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 to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified nine projects likely to impact the area. Key projects include Half Moon Bay Estate, Woolworths Trinity Beach Shopping Centre, Seascape Terraces, Trinity Park, and Bluewater Living. The following list details those 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.

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

Smithfield has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. Its unemployment rate was 2.4% as of September 2025, based on AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

As of this date, 4,314 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 1.7% lower than Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation in Smithfield was high at 67.2%, compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Employment among residents was concentrated in health care & social assistance, accommodation & food, and education & training. Notably, employment in accommodation & food was at 1.4 times the regional average.

Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing employed only 1.1% of local workers, below Rest of Qld's 4.5%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work, indicated by the count of Census working population to local population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, Smithfield's labour force decreased by 1.2%, while employment decreased by 1.9%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.7 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Qld recorded employment growth of 1.7% and labour force growth of 2.1%, with unemployment rising by 0.3 percentage points. As of 25-Nov-25, state-level data showed Queensland's employment had contracted by 0.01% (losing 1,210 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 4.2%, closely aligned with the national rate of 4.3%. Job and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that over five years, national employment is projected to expand by 6.6% and by 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Smithfield's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 6.7% over five years and 13.8% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localised population projections.

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

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year ended June 2023, Smithfield suburb had a median income among taxpayers of $50,742. The average income stood at $61,545. These figures are below the national averages of $53,146 and $66,593 respectively for Rest of Qld. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since financial year ended June 2023, current estimates suggest approximately $55,771 (median) and $67,644 (average) as of September 2025. Census data indicates that incomes in Smithfield cluster around the 53rd percentile nationally for households, families, and individuals. Income analysis reveals that the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket dominates with 37.4% of residents (3,073 people), reflecting regional patterns where 31.7% similarly occupy this range. High housing costs consume 17.1% of income, but 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, was 91.3% houses and 8.7% other dwellings. Non-Metro Qld had 80.8% houses and 19.2% 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, above Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,733. Median weekly rent in Smithfield was $420, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $390. Nationally, Smithfield's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were higher at $420 versus the national figure of $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 make up the remaining 24.8%, with lone person households at 19.2% and group households comprising 5.7% of the total. 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 educational qualifications trail regional benchmarks, with 25.0% of residents aged 15+ holding university degrees compared to 30.4% in Australia. This gap indicates 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%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 38.7% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (12.3%) and certificates (26.4%).

Educational participation is high, with 34.6% of residents 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 operating. These are mixed bus services on nine different routes. They collectively provide 1,564 weekly passenger trips.

Transport accessibility is rated good with residents typically located 397 meters from the nearest stop. Service frequency averages 223 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 71 weekly trips per individual stop.

Smithfield's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Smithfield's health outcomes data shows excellent results across all age groups, with a very low prevalence of common health conditions.

Private health cover rate is relatively low at approximately 52%, covering around 4,240 people. The most prevalent medical conditions are mental health issues and arthritis, affecting 7.1% and 6.1% of residents respectively. About 76.7% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 73.1% in the rest of Queensland. Smithfield has 13.0% of its population aged 65 and over (1,068 people), which is lower than the 16.7% in the rest of Queensland. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, closely matching the general population's health profile.

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 had a higher cultural diversity than most local markets, with 27.9% of its population born overseas and 18.3% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Smithfield, comprising 43.7% of the population. The 'Other' religious category showed an overrepresentation in Smithfield at 1.7%, compared to 0.8% across the rest of Queensland.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (25.2%), Australian (22.6%), and Other (12.1%). Notably, Korean (1.0%) was overrepresented in Smithfield compared to the regional figure of 0.4%. French (0.7%) and New Zealand (0.9%) also showed notable divergences from their regional percentages.

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 Rest of Queensland's average of 41 and also substantially lower than Australia's median age of 38. Compared to Rest of Queensland, Smithfield has a higher proportion of residents aged 15-24 (16.1%) but fewer residents aged 55-64 (9.4%). Between the 2021 Census and the present day, the population aged 35-44 has grown from 14.7% to 15.5%, while the population aged 45-54 has declined from 13.1% to 11.6%. By the year 2041, Smithfield's age composition is expected to shift significantly. The 25-34 age group is projected to grow by 40% (an increase of 515 people), reaching a total of 1,789 from its current figure of 1,273. Meanwhile, the 15-24 age group is expected to grow at a more modest rate of 2%, adding only 25 residents.