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 8,023 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 1,359 people (20.4%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6,664 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 7,910 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 426 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 612 persons per square kilometer. Smithfield's 20.4% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA4 region (7.8%), along with the non-metro area, 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.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, 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 are adopted, released in 2023 based on 2021 data. 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 for each age cohort, released in 2023 based on 2022 data. Anticipating future population dynamics, a significant population increase in the top quartile of Australia's non-metropolitan areas is forecast for Smithfield (Qld), with an expected increase of 2,503 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 27.1% in total over the 17 years.

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

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, Smithfield has experienced around 87 dwellings receiving development approval per year. An estimated 439 homes were approved over the past 5 financial years, between FY-21 and FY-25, with a further 8 approved so far in FY-26. On average, 3 people have moved to the area per new home constructed over these years, indicating solid demand that supports property values.

New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost of $433,000, under regional levels, suggesting more accessible housing choices for buyers. This financial year has seen $24.6 million in commercial approvals registered, indicating balanced commercial development activity. Compared to the Rest of Qld, Smithfield records 81.0% more development activity per person, creating greater choice for buyers, though construction activity has eased recently. This level is substantially higher than nationally, suggesting strong developer confidence in the location. Recent construction comprises 97.0% detached dwellings and 3.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space.

Smithfield reflects a developing area, with around 166 people per approval. Population forecasts indicate Smithfield will gain 2,171 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

Smithfield has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 9thth percentile nationally

Nine projects are identified by AreaSearch as potentially impacting the area. Key projects include James Cook University's Cairns Tropical Enterprise Centre (CTEC), Half Moon Bay Estate, Woolworths Shopping Centre at Trinity Beach, and Seascape Terraces in Trinity Park. 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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The labour market strength in Smithfield positions it well ahead of most Australian regions

Smithfield has a skilled workforce with prominent representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 2.0%, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data as of June 2025.

There are 4,235 residents employed, with an unemployment rate 2.0% lower than Rest of Qld's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation in Smithfield is high at 67.2%, compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. The dominant employment sectors among residents are health care & social assistance, accommodation & food, and education & training. Notably, the area has a significant concentration in accommodation & food, with employment levels at 1.4 times the regional average.

However, agriculture, forestry & fishing has limited presence, with only 1.1% of employment compared to the regional average of 4.5%. While there are local employment opportunities, many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census working population data. In the 12-month period ending Sep-22, Smithfield's labour force decreased by 1.5%, and employment decreased by 1.9%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate of 0.4 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Qld experienced employment growth of 1.8% and labour force growth of 2.0%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 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 6.7% over five years and 13.8% over ten years, although these estimates are illustrative and do not account for localised population projections.

Income levels align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2022 shows Smithfield had a median income among taxpayers of $50,742 with an average level of $61,545. This is below the national average and compares to levels of $50,780 and $64,844 across Rest of Qld respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022, current estimates would be approximately $57,841 (median) and $70,155 (average) as of September 2025. From the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes in Smithfield cluster around the 53rd percentile nationally. Looking at income distribution, the predominant cohort spans 37.4% of locals (3,000 people) in the $1,500 - 2,999 category, consistent with broader trends across the surrounding region showing 31.7% in the same category. High housing costs consume 17.1% of income, though strong earnings still place disposable income at the 54th percentile and 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

In Smithfield, as per the latest Census evaluation, 91.3% of dwellings were houses with the remaining 8.7% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. This differs from Non-Metro Qld's figures of 80.8% houses and 19.2% other dwellings. Home ownership in Smithfield stood at 23.3%, with mortgaged dwellings at 43.7% and rented ones at 33.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,755, exceeding Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,733. Weekly rent in Smithfield was recorded at $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 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, which is 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

Educational qualifications in Smithfield Trail exceed regional benchmarks, with 25.0% of residents aged 15+ holding university degrees compared to the national average of 30.4%. The most common qualification is bachelor degrees at 17.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 5.1% and graduate diplomas at 2.6%. Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 38.7% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications, including advanced diplomas (12.3%) and certificates (26.4%). Educational participation is high, with 34.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes primary education (10.2%), tertiary education (10.2%), and secondary education (7.9%). The area has several educational provisions including Newman Catholic College and Tropical North Learning Academy - Smithfield State High School, collectively serving 1,651 students. These schools serve typical Australian school conditions with balanced educational opportunities. Secondary education is well-represented with two schools, while primary students typically attend schools in adjacent catchments. The area has a high school capacity of 20.6 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 14.4, indicating that Smithfield Trail serves as an educational center for the broader region.

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

The analysis of public transport in Smithfield shows that there are currently 22 operational transport stops. These stops offer a variety of bus services, with a total of 9 different routes running through the area. Each week, these routes facilitate approximately 1,564 passenger trips.

The accessibility of transport in Smithfield is considered good, with residents on average located about 397 meters away from their nearest transport stop. On an average day, there are around 223 trips made across all routes, which translates to roughly 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 exhibits excellent health outcomes across all age groups, with a very low prevalence of common health conditions.

The rate of private health cover stands at approximately 52%, slightly lower than the average SA2 area (~4,139 people). Mental health issues and arthritis are the most prevalent medical conditions in the area, affecting 7.1% and 6.1% of residents respectively. A total of 76.7% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 73.1% across Rest of Qld. As of 2021, 13.0% of Smithfield's population is aged 65 and over (1,042 people), lower than the 16.7% in Rest of Qld. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors are strong, mirroring those of the general population.

Smithfield was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Smithfield's population was found to be more culturally diverse than most local markets, with 27.9% born overseas and 18.3% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Smithfield, comprising 43.7% of its population. Notably, the category 'Other' was overrepresented in Smithfield, making up 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%). Some ethnic groups showed notable differences: Korean was overrepresented at 1.0% in Smithfield compared to 0.4% regionally, French remained similar at 0.7%, and New Zealand also showed no significant difference at 0.9%.

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 for Rest of Qld (41) and Australia (38). Compared to Rest of Qld, 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 present, the age group 35-44 has increased from 14.7% to 15.5%, while the age group 45-54 has decreased from 13.1% to 11.6%. By 2041, Smithfield's age composition is expected to change significantly. The 25-34 age group is projected to grow by 45%, adding 557 people and reaching a total of 1,801 from the current 1,243. The 15-24 age group is expected to grow more modestly at 5%, adding only 60 residents.