Smithfield (SA)

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According to the analysis of population updates from the ABS for the wider region, combined with new addresses validated by Districts since the Census, the suburb of Smithfield (SA) is calculated to have approximately 2,743 residents in May 2026. This represents an expansion of 261 people (10.5%) relative to the 2021 Census, which documented a population of 2,482 people. The transition is derived from the resident population of 2,729, computed by Districts following analysis of the most recent ERP data release by the ABS (June 2025) and a further 86 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level translates to a density ratio of 1,306 persons per square kilometer, which exceeds the average observed across national spots examined by Districts. The 10.5% growth rate of the suburb of Smithfield (SA) since the 2021 census was greater than that of the state (7.5%) and Greater Adelaide, positioning it as a growth leader in the vicinity. Natural growth was the primary driver of population growth for the area, contributing about 50.0% of the overall population gains in recent times.

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Smithfield has a balanced labor force consisting of white and blue collar jobs across diverse sectors, an unemployment rate of 13.0%, and a relatively stable employment situation over the past year, according to Districts aggregations of statistical area data. In March 2026, 1,048 residents are employed, while the unemployment rate is 9.2% higher than the Greater Adelaide level of 3.8%, showing potential for improvement, and workforce participation remains low (55.1% compared to 66.6% in Greater Adelaide). Census data indicates that a low 6.1% of residents worked from home, although the influence of Covid-19 lockdown restrictions should be taken into account.

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Taxpayer income levels in the suburb of Smithfield are lower than the national average according to the latest ATO data aggregated by Districts for financial year 2023. The median taxpayer income in the suburb of Smithfield is $45,691, and the average income is $49,247, which compares to Greater Adelaide figures of $54,808 and $66,852 respectively. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 10.17% since financial year 2023, contemporary estimates would stand at approximately $50,338 (median) and $54,255 (average) as of March 2026. Census data indicates that household, family, and personal incomes in Smithfield all rank between the 5th and 5th percentiles nationwide. Looking at the distribution of income, the largest cohort consists of 31.4% of residents (861 people) in the $800 - 1,499 range, unlike the broader region where the - bracket is the largest at . Housing affordability is under severe pressure, with only of income remaining after housing costs, placing it in the th percentile.

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The mix of housing in Smithfield at the time of the latest Census consisted of 79.9% houses and 20.1% other dwellings (semi-detached properties, apartments, and 'other' dwellings), compared to the Adelaide metro split of 75.2% houses and 24.9% other dwellings. Furthermore, home ownership in Smithfield lagged behind the Adelaide metro average at 16.9%, with the remaining properties being mortgaged (33.0%) or rented (50.1%). The median monthly mortgage payment in the area was significantly below the Adelaide metro average at $1,100, while the median weekly rent was recorded at $260, compared to Adelaide metro figures of $1,562 and $320 respectively. Nationally, mortgage repayments in Smithfield are much lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents are also substantially below the national average of $375.

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Family households constitute the majority at 65.7% of all households, consisting of 22.2% couples with children, 19.2% couples without children, and 22.4% single parent families. Non-family households represent the remaining 34.3%, with single person households at 30.3% and group households making up 4.3% of the total. The median household size is 2.5 people, which matches the Greater Adelaide average.

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The locality experiences educational hurdles, with university qualification rates (9.1%) sitting significantly below the Australian average of 30.4%. This represents both a difficulty and a chance for targeted educational programs. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 7.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.5%) and graduate diplomas (0.6%). Practical and technical skills are common, with 37.0% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, which include advanced diplomas (7.1%) and certificates (29.9%).

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Public transport analysis indicates there are 18 active transport stops in Smithfield, consisting of a combination of train stations and bus stops. These stops are served by 22 individual routes, which collectively provide 2,783 weekly passenger trips. Access to transport is classified as good, with residents generally situated 233 meters from the nearest stop. Because it is a primarily residential area, most residents travel outwards to work, with the car remaining the main mode of transport at 90%, followed by bus at 8%. Car ownership averages 1.0 per dwelling, which is below the regional average. A relatively low 6.1% of residents work from home (2021 Census; this may reflect conditions during COVID-19).

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Significant health issues are apparent in Smithfield, based on Districts' evaluation of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence, with various health conditions impacting both younger and older cohorts, and the proportion of people with private health insurance is extremely low at approximately 47% of the total population (~1,276 people). This compares to 52.7% across Greater Adelaide and a national average of 55.7%.

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Smithfield exhibits greater cultural diversity than the vast majority of local markets, with 28.4% of its population born overseas and 20.5% speaking a language other than English at home. The leading religion in Smithfield is Christianity, accounting for 36.1% of the population. However, the most notable overrepresentation is Islam, which accounts for 8.6% of the population, substantially higher than the Greater Adelaide average of 3.0%.

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At 34 years, the median age in Smithfield is considerably lower than the Greater Adelaide average of 39 and also below the Australian median of 38. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Smithfield has a higher proportion of residents aged 15 - 24 (15.8%) but fewer people aged 75 - 84 (5.1%). Since the 2021 Census, the 15 to 24 age bracket has expanded from 13.5% to 15.8% of the population, while the 35 to 44 age bracket increased from 11.6% to 12.7%. In contrast, the 55 to 64 cohort declined from 11.4% to 10.2%. Demographic modeling indicates that Smithfield's age distribution will change significantly by . The to cohort has the strongest projected growth at , adding residents to reach a total of .

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Smithfield currently has an estimated 183 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 108 children aged 0-2 and 72 children aged 3-4. This cohort grew by an estimated 3% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future growth, with an anticipated increase of 14% by 2041 (to approximately 208 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 311. Recent growth has been driven by high birth rates observed in the area, with approximately 15.6 births per 1,000 residents recorded over the latest two-year period analysed which ranks the area among the top 20% of areas assessed nationally. This rate has slowed down slightly in recent years however.