Fairfield

Population growth drivers in Fairfield are slightly above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Fairfield's population is around 19,618 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 1,370 people (7.5%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 18,248 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 19,044 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 122 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 4,637 persons per square kilometer, which lies in the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch, making land in the area a highly sought resource. Fairfield's 7.5% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area (4.4%), marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 92.3% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch is utilising the NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, as released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are also applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. As we examine future population trends, a significant population increase in the top quartile of national statistical areas is forecast, with the area expected to expand by 5,879 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, recording a gain of 27.0% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Fairfield recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

Fairfield has averaged around 154 new dwelling approvals per year, with 770 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 39 so far in FY-26. Given population has fallen over the past period, housing supply has remained adequate relative to demand, creating a well-balanced market with good buyer choice, while new properties are constructed at an average value of $271,000—below the regional average—suggesting more affordable housing options for buyers. Additionally, $32.2 million in commercial approvals have been registered this financial year, suggesting robust local business investment.

When measured against Greater Sydney, Fairfield has 81.0% more new home approvals (per person), which should provide buyers with ample choice, though building activity has slowed in recent years. New building activity shows 17.0% detached dwellings and 83.0% townhouses or apartments. This skew toward compact living offers affordable entry pathways and attracts downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. This represents a considerable change from the current housing mix (currently 39.0% houses), reflecting reduced availability of development sites and addressing shifting lifestyle demands and affordability requirements. With around 320 people per dwelling approval, Fairfield shows a developing market.

Population forecasts indicate Fairfield will gain 5,305 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

Fairfield has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 20 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Fairfield Central Transformation (Former Fairfield Chase), Fairfield Forum Redevelopment, Fairfield West Public Preschool, and 37-39 Pavesi Street Smithfield Development, with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

Denotes AI-based impression for illustrative purposes only, not to be taken as definitive under any circumstances. Please follow links and conduct other investigations from the project's source for actual imagery. Developers and project owners wishing us to use original imagery please Contact Us and we will do so.

Employment drivers in Fairfield are experiencing difficulties, placing it among the bottom 20% of areas assessed across Australia

Fairfield possesses a skilled workforce with diverse sector representation, an unemployment rate of 12.8%, and 8.7% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 6,071 residents are in work, while the unemployment rate is 8.6% above Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%, showing room for improvement, and workforce participation lags significantly (43.0% compared to Greater Sydney's 70.2%). Based on Census responses, a high 26.9% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Leading employment industries among residents comprise health care & social assistance, retail trade, and manufacturing. The area demonstrates a particularly notable concentration in manufacturing, with employment levels at 1.9 times the regional average. Meanwhile, professional & technical services have a limited presence with 5.6% employment compared to 11.5% regionally. The predominantly residential area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of the Census working population versus the resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, during the year to December 2025, employment levels increased by 8.7% and the labour force increased by 5.0%, resulting in unemployment falling by 2.9 percentage points. This contrasts with Greater Sydney, where employment rose by 2.2%, the labour force grew by 2.3%, and unemployment rose marginally. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Fairfield. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Fairfield's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.1% over five years and 12.9% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis

The Fairfield SA2's income level is below the national average according to the latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY-23. The Fairfield SA2's median income among taxpayers is $44,428 and the average income stands at $52,020, which compares to figures for Greater Sydney's of $60,817 and $83,003 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $48,364 (median) and $56,629 (average) as of September 2025. According to 2021 Census figures, household, family and personal incomes in Fairfield all fall between the 1st and 6th percentiles nationally. The data shows the predominant cohort spans 29.5% of locals (5,787 people) in the $800 - 1,499 category, diverging from the surrounding region where the $1,500 - 2,999 category predominates at 30.9%. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 73.0% of income remaining, ranking at the 4th percentile.

Fairfield features a more urban dwelling mix with significant apartment living, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Dwelling structure within Fairfield, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 39.3% houses and 60.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Sydney metro's 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Fairfield lagged that of Sydney metro at 21.7%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (18.3%) or rented (60.0%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well below the Sydney metro average at $1,733, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $367, compared to Sydney metro's $2,427 and $470. Nationally, Fairfield's mortgage repayments are lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are less than the national figure of $375.

Fairfield has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households dominate at 74.5% of all households, comprising 36.4% couples with children, 17.0% couples without children, and 18.5% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 25.5%, with lone person households at 23.2% and group households comprising 2.5% of the total. The median household size of 2.9 people is larger than the Greater Sydney average of 2.7.

Fairfield faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (16.7%) substantially below the Greater Sydney average of 38.0%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 13.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.6%) and graduate diplomas (1.0%). Vocational pathways account for 23.5% of qualifications among those aged 15+ – advanced diplomas (9.6%) and certificates (13.9%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 32.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.6% in primary education, 9.1% in secondary education, and 5.0% pursuing tertiary education.

Transport servicing is high compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility

Public transport analysis reveals 72 active transport stops operating within Fairfield, comprising a mix of trains and buses. These stops are serviced by 55 individual routes, collectively providing 6,420 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 174 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 78%, with 12% by train. Vehicle ownership averages 0.9 per dwelling, which is below the regional average. A high 26.9% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 917 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 89 weekly trips per individual stop.

Fairfield's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with prevalence of common health conditions quite low among the general population though higher than the nation's average across older, at risk cohorts

Health data indicates relatively positive outcomes for Fairfield residents, with AreaSearch's analysis of mortality rates and health conditions showing results broadly in line with national benchmarks. The prevalence of common health conditions is quite low among the general population, though higher than the national average across older, at-risk cohorts. The rate of private health cover is extremely low at approximately 46% of the total population (~8,985 people), compared to 59.9% across Greater Sydney and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area were found to be arthritis and diabetes, impacting 7.4 and 7.0% of residents, respectively, while 73.7% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 74.6% across Greater Sydney. The under-65 population demonstrates better than average health outcomes. The area has 20.1% of residents aged 65 and over (3,951 people), which is higher than the 15.4% in Greater Sydney, though ranking lower nationally than the broader population.

Fairfield is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Fairfield is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country, with 70.4% of its population born overseas and 82.7% speaking a language other than English at home. The main religion in Fairfield is Christianity, which makes up 62.3% of the population. However, there is a notable overrepresentation of Buddhism, which comprises 12.8% of the population, substantially higher than the Greater Sydney average of 4.1%.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Fairfield are Other, comprising 49.8% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 16.0%, Vietnamese, comprising 10.6% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 1.8%, and Chinese, comprising 9.9% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of other ethnic groups: Serbian is overrepresented at 1.8% of Fairfield (vs 0.5% regionally), Spanish at 1.1% (vs 0.6%), and Lebanese at 1.8% (vs 2.6%).

Fairfield's population is slightly older than the national pattern

With a median age of 40, Fairfield is somewhat higher than the Greater Sydney figure of 37 and similarly marginally higher than Australia's 38 years. Compared to the Greater Sydney average, the 65 - 74 cohort is notably over-represented (12.1% locally), while 35 - 44 year-olds are under-represented (11.5%). In the period since 2021, the 65 to 74 age group has grown from 9.9% to 12.1% of the population, while the 15 to 24 cohort increased from 12.6% to 14.5%. Conversely, the 35 to 44 cohort has declined from 12.9% to 11.5% and the 5 to 14 group dropped from 11.8% to 10.4%. Demographic modeling suggests Fairfield's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 75 to 84 age cohort is projected to grow significantly, expanding by 1,051 people (92%) from 1,137 to 2,189. Meanwhile, the 0 to 4 cohort grows by a modest 9% (83 people).