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Smithfield suburb profile

Smithfield is a vibrant suburb located in the northern beaches region of Cairns, Queensland, known for its lush tropical surroundings and proximity to natural attractions. Situated approximately 15km north of the Cairns CBD, Smithfield offers a blend of suburban living with easy access to the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest. The suburb is home to James Cook University, making it a hub for students and academics. With a variety of shopping centers, cafes, and recreational facilities, Smithfield provides a convenient lifestyle while maintaining a relaxed, community-oriented atmosphere. Its strategic location and natural beauty make it a desirable place for families and outdoor enthusiasts.

Smithfield property market performance

Current median dwelling price$627,500Past 3 months

Property growth+14.5%Past 12 months

Smithfield's property market has experienced notable growth over the past 12 months. House values have surged by 13.9%, with the current median house price reaching $892,500. Although unit values have increased by 16.7%, the median unit price remains unavailable, indicating limited sales data.

Sales activity has been moderate, with 32 houses and only 2 units sold in the past 12 months. Houses are selling quickly, with a median of just 16 days on the market, while units are moving even faster at 13 days, suggesting strong demand despite the low volume of unit sales.

The rental market in Smithfield has also seen growth, with average rent for houses increasing by 5.1% to $720, and units rising by 3.5% to $590 over the last 12 months, reflecting a steady demand for rental properties in the area.

HousesUnits
Median price
Past 3 months
$880KN/A
Change in value
Past 12 months
12.3%16.7%
Sold
Past 3 months
311
Median days on market
Past 12 months
18N/A
Average rent
Past 12 months
$725$593
Change in rent
Past 12 months
5.4%4.0%

5 year median price trend for houses and units

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Smithfield demographics

Smithfield, located in the northern suburbs of Cairns, Queensland, offers a blend of suburban comfort and natural beauty, making it an appealing choice for families and professionals alike. With a population of 6,664 and a median age of 34, Smithfield is a vibrant community that balances youthful energy with family-friendly amenities. The suburb's proximity to the Great Barrier Reef and lush rainforests provides residents with ample opportunities for outdoor activities and exploration.

The housing landscape in Smithfield is characterized by a strong sense of homeownership, with 43.5% of properties owned with a mortgage and 23.5% owned outright. This reflects a stable community where families are investing in their future. The rental market, comprising 33% of properties, caters to those seeking flexibility, including young professionals and newcomers to the area. The suburb's family-oriented nature is evident, with 43.1% of households being couple families with children, and 39.1% being couple families without children, highlighting its appeal to both growing families and established couples.

Smithfield's community is diverse, with one-parent families making up 16.1% of the population, and a small percentage of other family types contributing to the suburb's inclusive atmosphere. The median total household income of $1,840 per week suggests a comfortable standard of living, supported by local employment opportunities and access to essential services. With its strategic location, community spirit, and access to natural wonders, Smithfield is a desirable suburb for those seeking a balanced lifestyle in the heart of Far North Queensland.

Smithfield infrastructure, key developments and investment opportunities

Smithfield continues to evolve as the key transport and infrastructure hub for northern Cairns, with newer estates such as Smithfield Village, Northpoint and Canopy’s Edge expanding local housing supply and modernising the suburb’s residential profile.[3] The established Smithfield Shopping Centre, with major supermarkets, discount department stores, cinemas and more than 100 specialty retailers, anchors the area as a strong retail and lifestyle node, supporting both local employment and sustained buyer and renter demand.[10]

Proximity to the Cairns Northern Beaches, the Kuranda Range and direct road links to the city positions Smithfield as a convenient base for commuters and tourism-related workers, which underpins rental appeal and long-term growth prospects.[3][8] Access to nearby schools and James Cook University within a short drive further enhances the suburb’s attractiveness for families and students, and ongoing road and infrastructure investment around northern Cairns is expected to support property values and livability in Smithfield over the coming years.[1][3]

Smithfield rental market trends

The rental market in Smithfield has experienced moderate growth, with house rents increasing 5.1% over the past year to $720 per week, while unit rents have risen 3.5% to $590 per week. This steady growth reflects the suburb's appeal, offering a balanced lifestyle with access to local amenities and natural attractions, making it an attractive option for both renters and investors.

Suburbs near Smithfield

Some popular suburbs near Smithfield include:

How does Smithfield compare to nearby suburbs?

  • Median house prices: Smithfield’s median house price is 4.1% higher than Trinity Park’s.
  • Median unit prices: Smithfield’s median unit price is 3.4% higher than Yorkeys Knob’s.
  • House price growth: Over the past 12 months, house prices in Smithfield have grown 4.2% higher than in Trinity Park.
  • Unit price growth: Over the past 12 months, unit prices in Smithfield have grown 1.9% higher than in Kewarra Beach.
  • Selling speed for houses: Properties in Smithfield are selling 25.0% faster than in Trinity Park.

Common questions about Smithfield

  • Is Smithfield a nice place to live?

    Smithfield is a delightful suburb that offers a harmonious blend of suburban comfort and natural beauty, making it a lovely place to call home. Nestled in the northern beaches region, it provides a peaceful environment with lush tropical surroundings that are perfect for families and nature enthusiasts. The suburb is known for its relaxed, community-oriented atmosphere, which is complemented by its proximity to the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest, offering residents endless opportunities for outdoor adventures and exploration.

    The suburb's vibrant community is enriched by the presence of James Cook University, which brings a youthful energy and a diverse cultural vibe. Families will appreciate the variety of amenities available, including shopping centers, cafes, and recreational facilities, ensuring that all daily needs are conveniently met. Safety is generally not a concern, and the strong sense of community makes it an inviting place for families to settle down.

    While Smithfield offers a fantastic lifestyle, there are some trade-offs to consider. The suburb's popularity and strategic location mean that property prices can be higher compared to more remote areas, and the demand for housing is strong. However, this is balanced by the suburb's excellent infrastructure and transport links, making commuting to Cairns or exploring the surrounding natural wonders a breeze.

    Overall, Smithfield is a charming suburb that offers a balanced lifestyle with its combination of suburban amenities and access to natural beauty. It's an ideal choice for families seeking a community-focused environment with plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities and a comfortable standard of living.

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  • Is it expensive to live in Smithfield?

    Living in Smithfield can be considered relatively expensive, especially when you compare it to the average income levels in Queensland. The median house price in Smithfield is currently $892,500, which is quite high, especially considering that the average annual wage in Queensland is around $82,000. This means that purchasing a home in Smithfield could take a significant chunk of your income, making it a considerable financial commitment.

    For those considering renting, the average rent for houses is $720 per week, while units are slightly more affordable at $590 per week. When you compare these rental prices to the median total household income in Smithfield, which is $1,840 per week, it's clear that a substantial portion of income would be allocated towards housing costs. This can make living in Smithfield a bit of a stretch for those earning around the Queensland average wage.

    Overall, while Smithfield offers the appeal of being close to Cairns with its beautiful surroundings and lifestyle benefits, the cost of living, particularly in terms of housing, can be quite demanding. If you're thinking of living in Smithfield, it's important to carefully evaluate your financial situation to ensure that you can comfortably manage the expenses associated with residing in this suburb.

    Disclaimer: To assess whether a suburb is considered expensive, we’ve looked at mortgage and rental costs as a proportion of the average local salary. That said, everyone’s financial situation is different, so it's important to consider your own circumstances when deciding which suburb is right for you.
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  • Is Smithfield a good place to invest?

    Smithfield is showing promising signs as a good place to invest, thanks to its impressive growth in property values over the past year. The suburb has seen a 13.9% increase in median house values and an even more significant 16.7% rise in median unit values. This upward trend indicates strong demand and a healthy real estate market, making it an attractive option for investors looking for capital growth.

    In addition to property value appreciation, Smithfield's rental market is also on the rise, with house rents increasing by 5.1% and unit rents by 3.5% over the last 12 months. This suggests a steady demand for rental properties, providing investors with the potential for reliable rental income. The combination of rising property values and rental yields makes Smithfield a suburb worth considering for those interested in real estate investment.

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Choose the right real estate agents in Smithfield

Currently, there are 55 real estate agents working in Smithfield—but not all agents deliver the same results. The right agent could make a huge difference to your final sale price.

Only 5 out of these 55 agents sold 39.7% of all properties in Smithfield over the past year. Choosing one of these top-performing agents means tapping into proven expertise for a better sale outcome.

Real estate agents in Smithfield typically charge a commission of 2.5% to 3.13%. Negotiating a fair commission rate and the right structure can motivate your agent to work even harder, helping you sell for more and potentially saving you thousands of dollars.

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