🔍

Smithfield

QLD 4878 • Rest of QLD

6,664
Population (2021)
$95,680
Median Household Income
13.13 km²
Area
$420/wk
Median Rent
SuburbanFamily-FriendlyMulticulturalGrowth Suburb

About Smithfield

Smithfield is a suburban locality on the northern outskirts of Cairns, situated in the Cairns Regional Council area in Far North Queensland. Home to approximately 6,664 residents across 13 square kilometres at low elevation near the base of the Great Dividing Range, it serves as a key residential hub for the Cairns northern corridor. The median household income of $1,840 per week and a median age of 34 reflect a relatively young, working-age community.

Smithfield is well-known as a major retail and commercial node for north Cairns, anchored by the Smithfield Shopping Centre at the intersection of the Cook and Kennedy Highways, which includes a Woolworths supermarket and a wide range of specialty stores. The suburb offers convenient access to James Cook University's Cairns campus and is close to the northern beaches. Its diverse community includes a significant proportion of Indigenous Australians, alongside residents from English, Irish, German, and Filipino backgrounds.

Smithfield falls under postcode 4878 and is governed by Cairns Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Barron River electorate.

📍 Location

State
Queensland
Postcode
4878
Urban Area
Barron
LGA / Council
Cairns
Federal Electorate
Leichhardt
State Electorate
Barron River
Type
Major Urban
Timezone
Brisbane (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-16.82°, 145.69°
Statistical Area
Rest of QLD
Area
13.13 km²
Elevation
18m

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$420
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,755
Avg Household Size
2.6 people
Median Age
34 years

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Local bus services — Brisbane CBD 4209-5612 min

Commute to Brisbane CBD

Distance
1403 km
By Train
Train access via local station; check Transport NSW/PTV/Translink for times
By Car (Peak)
2+ hours
By Car (Off-Peak)
1.5+ hours

🛣️ Located 1403 km from Brisbane CBD

Walkability Somewhat Walkable

Some errands can be done on foot near the local centre, but most residents rely on a car for daily needs

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

  • Woolworths
    Cnr Cook And Kennedy Highways Smithfield 4878 QLD

🎓 Schools

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

These are the latest rates for the Cairns Local Government Area, which contains Smithfield. Rates are per 100,000 residents for calendar year 2025; trends compare 2 and 10 year periods.

Break & enter (dwelling)
2,489.3 / 100k
2yr Down 18.8% 10yr Up 19.6%
Motor vehicle theft
602.7 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Up 51.9%
Non-FV assault
2,214 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Up 207.8%
Robbery (unarmed)
53.6 / 100k
2yr Down 36.0% 10yr Up 49.4%
Steal from vehicle
529.2 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Down 39.5%
View all offence categories for Cairns →

Source: Queensland Police Service via data.qld.gov.au

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
5,303
Census 2021
6,664
▲ 25.7% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Personal Income 2016
$37,232
Personal Income 2021
$42,432
▲ 14.0% increase

2021 Census income breakdown

Personal = median for one earner. Household = all members of a dwelling pooled. Family = related members only. Annual = weekly × 52.

Personal
$42,432 / yr
$816/wk
Household
$95,680 / yr
$1840/wk
Family
$110,188 / yr
$2119/wk

Personal Income Comparison (2016 vs 2021)

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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 4,569
Born Overseas 1,766

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 294
  • 2. New Zealand 170
  • 3. India 146
  • 4. Papua New Guinea 108
  • 5. Philippines 76
  • 6. China 72
  • 7. South Korea 60
  • 8. Japan 54
  • 9. South Africa 52
  • 10. Germany 48

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 2,314
Australian 2,073
Irish 676
Scottish 674
Australian Aboriginal 346
German 340
Italian 327
Chinese 215
Indian 166
Dutch 142

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

3,181
Both parents born in Australia
2,225
Both parents born overseas
912
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

No Religion
47.4%
Christianity
40.4%
Buddhism
1.6%
Sikhism
1.4%
Hinduism
1.1%
Islam
1.0%
Judaism
0.1%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
436 (6.5%)
5-14 years
873 (13.1%)
15-19 years
531 (8.0%)
20-24 years
528 (7.9%)
25-34 years
984 (14.8%)
35-44 years
983 (14.8%)
45-54 years
876 (13.1%)
55-64 years
671 (10.1%)
65-74 years
487 (7.3%)
75-84 years
232 (3.5%)
85+ years
65 (1.0%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Smithfield known for? +

Smithfield is a well-established residential suburb in Cairns, QLD, with a population of approximately 6,664 residents. The suburb is valued for its range of local schools, parks, and shopping facilities.

How far is Smithfield from Brisbane CBD? +

Smithfield is approximately 1403 kilometres from Brisbane CBD. The drive typically takes 1.5+ hours outside peak hours, though most residents use local regional centres rather than commuting to the capital CBD.

Does Smithfield have public transport? +

Smithfield is served by local bus services connecting to the broader network. Train access is available via nearby stations.

What is the population of Smithfield? +

According to the 2021 Census, Smithfield has a population of approximately 6,664 residents.

Is Smithfield a good place to live? +

Smithfield offers a practical and liveable lifestyle with access to local schools, parks, and shopping. With a median income around $47,815, it attracts a broad demographic mix. Like most QLD suburbs, its appeal depends on proximity to work and preferred amenities.

What is the postcode for Smithfield? +

The postcode for Smithfield, QLD is 4878.

What is the average income in Smithfield? +

Based on the 2021 Census, the median personal income in Smithfield is about $816 per week (around $42,400 per year). The median household income is $1,840 per week and the median family income is $2,119 per week.

What is the age profile of Smithfield? +

The median age in Smithfield is 34. The largest age group is 25–34 (984 residents, around 15%). Around 28% of residents are under 20 and about 12% are aged 65 or older. (2021 Census)

Is Smithfield a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Smithfield is part of the Cairns LGA — see the Crime Statistics section on this page for the latest recorded offence rates per 100,000 residents, along with 2-year and 10-year trends.

How much is rent in Smithfield? +

In Smithfield, the median weekly rent is $420, and the median monthly mortgage repayment is $1,755 (2021 Census).