Smithfield Plains

SA 5114 • Greater Adelaide

3,305
Population (2021)
$26,572
Median Income
1.50 km²
Area
$251/wk
Median Rent
AffordableGrowth SuburbMulticulturalFamily-FriendlySuburban

About Smithfield Plains

Smithfield Plains is a northern Adelaide suburb located approximately 26 kilometres north of the Adelaide CBD within the City of Playford, one of South Australia's fastest-growing and most diverse local government areas. The suburb sits on the flat coastal plain at around 37 metres elevation and covers 1.5 square kilometres of predominantly residential land. With a population of 3,305 and a notably young median age of just 29, Smithfield Plains is a dynamic community with a significant proportion of young families, a sizable Aboriginal population, and a growing refugee and migrant community.

Smithfield Plains offers some of Adelaide's most affordable housing, with median rents of around $251 per week attracting first-home buyers and young families. The suburb is served by the Gawler Central Line with Smithfield and nearby Elizabeth stations providing access to Adelaide CBD. The Elizabeth City Centre, one of South Australia's major regional shopping destinations, is close by and provides a full range of retail, health, and government services. Local schools, community centres, and parks support a close-knit neighbourhood, and ongoing urban renewal investment in the Elizabeth area is bringing improved infrastructure and amenities.

Smithfield Plains falls under postcode 5114 and is governed by Playford Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Taylor electorate.

📍 Location

Postcode
5114
Urban Area
Playford - Central West
LGA / Council
Federal Electorate
State Electorate
Type
Major Urban
Timezone
Adelaide (UTC+9:30)
Coordinates
-34.68°, 138.68°
Statistical Area
Greater Adelaide
Area
1.50 km²
Elevation
37m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Nearest Train Stations

Smithfield
1.2 km
15 min
Elizabeth City Centre
2 km
25 min

Bus Services

  • Route 700-series — Elizabeth City Centre / Adelaide CBD 45-60 min to city

Commute to Adelaide CBD

Distance
26 km
By Train
50-60 min to Adelaide Station via Gawler Central Line from Smithfield
By Car (Peak)
35-50 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
25-35 min

🛣️ Close to Main North Road and Northern Expressway for city access; Elizabeth City Centre is the main local hub

Walkability Car-Dependent

Mostly car-dependent with some walkability near local shops; train station within walking distance for some residents

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$251
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,092
Avg Household Size
2.6 people
Median Age
29 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
14.5%

147 state housing + 19 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
2,873
Census 2021
3,305
15.0% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Income 2016
$22,776
Income 2021
$26,572
16.7% increase

Income Comparison

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021
💰 Income: ABS Census 2021

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 2,344
Born Overseas 643

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 151
  • 2. Afghanistan 72
  • 3. Philippines 25
  • 4. New Zealand 22
  • 5. Scotland 16
  • 6. India 15
  • 7. Vietnam 15
  • 8. Netherlands 12
  • 9. Cambodia 11
  • 10. Indonesia 11

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 1,287
Australian 1,214
Scottish 217
Australian Aboriginal 204
German 180
Irish 174
Italian 70
Dutch 53
Filipino 46
Indian 24

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

1,639
Both parents born in Australia
985
Both parents born overseas
377
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

No Religion
52.2%
Christianity
30.4%
Islam
4.4%
Buddhism
0.8%
Hinduism
0.7%
Sikhism
0.5%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
286 (8.7%)
5-14 years
601 (18.2%)
15-19 years
235 (7.1%)
20-24 years
228 (6.9%)
25-34 years
576 (17.4%)
35-44 years
449 (13.6%)
45-54 years
352 (10.7%)
55-64 years
268 (8.1%)
65-74 years
198 (6.0%)
75-84 years
92 (2.8%)
85+ years
21 (0.6%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Smithfield Plains known for? +

Smithfield Plains is known as one of Adelaide's most affordable northern suburbs, offering low-cost housing and a young, diverse community. It sits within the City of Playford, an area undergoing significant urban renewal and population growth.

How far is Smithfield Plains from Adelaide CBD? +

Smithfield Plains is approximately 26 kilometres north of the Adelaide CBD, around 35–50 minutes by car depending on traffic.

Does Smithfield Plains have public transport? +

Yes, Smithfield railway station on the Gawler Central Line is within walking distance and provides rail services to Adelaide Station in approximately 50–60 minutes. Bus routes also connect the suburb to Elizabeth City Centre and surrounding areas.

What is the population of Smithfield Plains? +

According to the 2021 Census, Smithfield Plains has a population of approximately 3,305 with a median age of just 29 — one of the youngest demographics in Adelaide. The suburb includes a notable Aboriginal population of around 6.4% of residents.

Is Smithfield Plains a good place to live? +

Smithfield Plains appeals to first-home buyers and young families drawn to its affordable housing, with median rents around $251 per week. Access to Elizabeth City Centre, improving local infrastructure, and strong community support services make it a practical and improving suburb for those on modest incomes.

What is the postcode for Smithfield Plains? +

The postcode for Smithfield Plains is 5114, shared with Smithfield and nearby localities.