Penfield

SA 5121 • South Australia

422
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Income
10.41 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
SuburbanSemi-RuralAffordableOuter Metropolitan

About Penfield

Penfield is a northern suburb of Adelaide in South Australia, located within the City of Playford local government area approximately 30 kilometres north of the Adelaide CBD. With a 2021 Census population of 422 across 10 square kilometres, Penfield is a peri-urban locality that blends residential land with open rural and horticultural areas. The suburb takes its name from early settler William Penfold, who subdivided land here in 1856, and has a history closely tied to nearby military and defence facilities.

Penfield sits close to the Edinburgh RAAF base precinct and the industrial areas of northern Adelaide, with neighbouring suburbs including Virginia — well known for its market gardens and fresh produce. The area has traditionally been car-dependent and peri-urban in character, though the broader Playford corridor has experienced growth with new residential development. The northern expressway and Main North Road provide key commuting routes, with Elizabeth and Salisbury shopping centres offering the nearest major retail and services.

Penfield falls under postcode 5121 and is governed by the local council Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Taylor electorate.

📍 Location

Postcode
5121
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
N/A
Federal Electorate
State Electorate
Type
Locality
Timezone
Adelaide (UTC+9:30)
Coordinates
-34.68°, 138.62°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
10.41 km²
Elevation
0m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Adelaide Metro bus routes (northern suburbs) — Elizabeth / Salisbury / Adelaide City Approx. 45-60 min to Adelaide CBD

Commute to Adelaide CBD

Distance
30 km
By Train
No direct train; drive to nearest Gawler Central Line station (~10-15 km) then approx. 35-50 min to Adelaide City
By Car (Peak)
35-50 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
25-35 min

🛣️ Northern Expressway (Northern Connector) provides fast access to Adelaide CBD and Port River Expressway

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

A peri-urban locality with limited footpaths and no walkable retail; a car is required for all daily needs

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

No schools listed for this postcode.

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
422
0% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Income 2016
N/A
Income 2021
N/A
0% increase

Income Comparison

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

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Penfield known for? +

Penfield is known for its history as one of the earliest subdivided localities in northern Adelaide, established by settler William Penfold in 1856. The area is also associated with the nearby Edinburgh RAAF base and the broader Playford corridor's industrial and defence precinct.

How far is Penfield from Adelaide CBD? +

Penfield is approximately 30 kilometres north of the Adelaide CBD, typically a 25-50 minute drive depending on traffic, with access via the Northern Expressway or Main North Road.

Does Penfield have public transport? +

Penfield is served by Adelaide Metro bus routes connecting to Elizabeth, Salisbury, and Adelaide City, though services are limited. The nearest Gawler Central Line train stations are approximately 10-15 kilometres to the south; a car makes commuting significantly easier.

What is the population of Penfield? +

According to the 2021 Census, Penfield has a population of 422 residents across approximately 10 square kilometres in the City of Playford.

Is Penfield a good place to live? +

Penfield offers an affordable, peri-urban lifestyle in Adelaide's northern growth corridor, with access to the infrastructure of nearby Salisbury and Elizabeth. It suits those seeking affordable housing with reasonable proximity to Adelaide, and families comfortable with car-dependent suburban living.

What is the postcode for Penfield? +

The postcode for Penfield is 5121.