Smithfield (SA)

Smithfield has seen population growth performance typically on par with national averages when looking at short and medium term trends

Smithfield's population was estimated at 2,482 people as of Nov 2021. By Nov 2025, this had increased to around 2,954, a rise of 472 people (19.0%). This growth is inferred from AreaSearch's validation of new addresses and examination of ABS ERP data released in Jun 2024, which estimated the resident population at 2,941. The suburb's population density was 1,406 persons per square kilometer as of Nov 2025. Smithfield's growth since the 2021 Census exceeded both state (7.1%) and metropolitan area averages, making it a regional growth leader. Natural growth contributed approximately 50.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

For projections, AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia data released in 2024 with a base year of 2022 for each SA2 area. Beyond 2032 and for areas not covered by this data, the SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections are adopted with adjustments made using weighted aggregation methods. By 2041, Smithfield is projected to grow by 609 persons, reflecting a total increase of 7.8% over the 17-year period.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Smithfield when compared nationally

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, indicates Smithfield has experienced around 59 dwellings receiving development approval per year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 297 homes. As of FY-26, 25 approvals have been recorded. On average, 0.3 new residents are associated with each dwelling constructed annually between FY-21 and FY-25. The average construction cost for new dwellings is $277,000, below the regional average.

In FY-26, $4.5 million in commercial approvals have been registered. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Smithfield shows moderately higher construction activity, with 31.0% above the regional average per person over the five-year period. Recent construction comprises 90.0% standalone homes and 10.0% medium and high-density housing. With around 41 people per dwelling approval, Smithfield exhibits characteristics of a growth area.

Future projections suggest Smithfield will add approximately 232 residents by 2041, based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, potentially supporting population growth beyond current projections and providing good conditions for buyers.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified three major projects that could influence this region. Notable projects include Tudor Vale Shopping Centre, Munno Para West, Riverbanks College Angle Vale, Playford North Urban Renewal Project, and Playford Alive. The following list details those most likely to be relevant.

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

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AreaSearch assessment indicates Smithfield faces employment challenges relative to the majority of Australian markets

Smithfield's workforce spans various sectors and includes both white and blue-collar jobs. The unemployment rate was 11.5% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 2.3%.

As of June 2025, 1,026 residents are employed, while the unemployment rate is 7.5% higher than Greater Adelaide's rate of 4.0%. Workforce participation in Smithfield is lower at 48.2%, compared to Greater Adelaide's 61.7%. Key employment industries among residents include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and manufacturing. Manufacturing shows notable concentration with levels at 1.6 times the regional average.

Conversely, education & training has lower representation at 4.4% versus the regional average of 9.3%. The worker-to-resident ratio is 0.9, indicating substantial local employment opportunities. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment levels increased by 2.3%, while labour force grew by 1.8%, reducing the unemployment rate by 0.3 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Adelaide saw employment rise by 2.1% and unemployment increase marginally. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, issued in 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 5.9% over five years and 12.8% over ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes only.

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

Smithfield's median income among taxpayers was $45,685 in financial year 2022, according to ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. The average income stood at $49,242 during the same period. In comparison, Greater Adelaide had a median income of $52,592 and an average income of $64,886 in financial year 2022. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.83% since then, current estimates for Smithfield would be approximately $51,546 (median) and $55,560 (average) as of September 2025. Census data shows that incomes in Smithfield fall between the 5th and 5th percentiles nationally for households, families, and individuals. In terms of income distribution, 31.4% of locals (927 people) earn between $800 and $1,499, while this bracket leads at 31.8% in the region. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Smithfield, with only 79.6% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 5th percentile nationally.

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, comprised 79.9% houses and 20.1% other dwellings. In comparison, Adelaide metro had 83.7% houses and 16.2% other dwellings. Home ownership in Smithfield was at 16.9%, with mortgaged dwellings at 33.0% and rented ones at 50.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,100, below Adelaide metro's average of $1,300, while the median weekly rent was $260, compared to Adelaide metro's $265. Nationally, Smithfield's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Smithfield features high concentrations of group households and lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 65.7% of all households, including 22.2% couples with children, 19.2% couples without children, and 22.4% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 34.3%, consisting of 30.3% lone person households and 4.3% group households. The median household size is 2.5 people, which is smaller than the Greater Adelaide average of 2.6.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 9.1%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 7.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.5%) and graduate diplomas (0.6%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 37.0% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (7.1%) and certificates (29.9%). Educational participation is high at 34.0%, comprising primary education (14.7%), secondary education (8.4%), and tertiary education (4.4%).

Schools appear to be located outside the immediate catchment boundaries, requiring residents to access them in neighboring areas.

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

The analysis indicates that 18 active public transport stops are currently operating within Smithfield. These stops offer a mix of train and bus services, with a total of 22 individual routes in operation. Collectively, these routes facilitate 2,783 weekly passenger trips.

The accessibility of the transport system is rated as good, with residents typically located approximately 233 meters from their nearest transport stop. On average, service frequency across all routes stands at 397 trips per day, which equates to around 154 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Smithfield is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Smithfield faces significant health challenges, with various conditions affecting both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is low at approximately 47%, covering around 1,374 people, compared to the national average of 55.3%.

Mental health issues and arthritis are the most common conditions, impacting 12.2% and 10.0% of residents respectively. Conversely, 60.6% of residents report no medical ailments, slightly lower than Greater Adelaide's 63.4%. Smithfield has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 16.4%, or 484 people, compared to Greater Adelaide's 13.3%. Health outcomes among seniors are broadly similar to 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 was found to have a higher cultural diversity than most local markets, with 28.4% of its population born overseas and 20.5% speaking a language other than English at home. The predominant religion in Smithfield is Christianity, comprising 36.1% of the population. However, Islam is notably overrepresented, making up 8.6% compared to the regional average of 4.0%.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups are English (30.4%), Australian (25.8%), and Other (15.2%). Some ethnic groups show notable differences: Hungarian at 0.4% in Smithfield versus 0.2% regionally, German at 4.3% versus 4.4%, and Welsh at 0.6% versus 0.5%.

Smithfield's population is younger than the national pattern

Smithfield's median age in 2021 was 35 years, which is younger than Greater Adelaide's figure of 39 years and slightly below Australia's national average of 38 years. The age group of 15-24 years showed strong representation in Smithfield at 15.4%, compared to Greater Adelaide. However, the 75-84 age cohort was less prevalent in Smithfield at 5.0%. Between 2021 and present day, the 15-24 age group has grown from 13.5% to 15.4% of the population, while the 45-54 age group has declined from 11.7% to 10.5%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Smithfield's age structure. The 75-84 age group is expected to grow by 53%, reaching 226 people from its current figure of 147. This growth will contribute significantly to the overall increase in the 65+ population, which is projected to comprise 52% of Smithfield's total growth by 2041. Conversely, the 55-64 and 5-14 age cohorts are expected to experience population declines.