Fairfield

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

Fairfield's population, as of November 2025, is approximately 19,197 people. This figure represents an increase of 949 individuals since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 18,248. The growth can be inferred from the estimated resident population of 19,044 in June 2024 and the addition of 119 validated new addresses post-Census. This results in a population density ratio of 4,538 persons per square kilometer, placing Fairfield within the top 10% of locations assessed by AreaSearch. The area's growth rate of 5.2% since the Census exceeds that of its SA3 region (2.2%), indicating it is a growth leader in the area. Overseas migration contributed approximately 92.3% of overall population gains during recent periods, driving Fairfield's growth.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, NSW State Government's SA2 level projections from 2022 using a base year of 2021 are utilized. Growth rates by age group are applied to all areas for the years 2032 to 2041. Future population trends indicate significant growth in Fairfield, with an expected increase of 5,879 persons by 2041 based on latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a total gain of 29.8% over the 17-year period.

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 approximately 154 new dwelling approvals annually. Between FY21 and FY25770 homes were approved, with an additional 34 approved so far in FY26. Despite a decline in population during this period, housing supply has remained adequate relative to demand, maintaining a balanced market with good buyer choice.

The average construction cost of new properties is $271,000, below the regional average, suggesting more affordable housing options for buyers. This financial year, $32.2 million in commercial approvals have been registered, indicating robust local business investment. Compared to Greater Sydney, Fairfield has 81.0% more new home approvals per person, providing ample choice for buyers. However, building activity has slowed in recent years, with 17.0% detached dwellings and 83.0% townhouses or apartments approved. This shift towards compact living offers affordable entry pathways and attracts downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers, marking a significant change from the current housing mix of 39.0% houses. With around 320 people per dwelling approval, Fairfield exhibits characteristics of a low density area.

According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Fairfield is projected to gain 5,726 residents by 2041. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers and potentially supporting population growth beyond current projections.

Fairfield has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified a total of twenty projects likely to impact the area. Notable projects include Fairfield Chase Shopping Centre Expansion, Fairfield Forum Redevelopment, Fairfield West Public Preschool, and 37-39 Pavesi Street Smithfield Development. The following list details those most relevant.

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 has a skilled workforce with diverse sector representation. Its unemployment rate was 12.9% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 8.0%.

As of September 2025, 5,979 residents are employed, and the unemployment rate is 8.7%, which is higher than Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%. Workforce participation in Fairfield lags at 32.6% compared to Greater Sydney's 60.0%. Leading employment industries among residents include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and manufacturing. Manufacturing has a particularly notable concentration with employment levels at 1.9 times the regional average.

Professional & technical services have limited presence, with only 5.6% of employment compared to the regional average of 11.5%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 8.0%, while labour force grew by 4.4%, resulting in a decrease in unemployment by 2.9 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Sydney saw employment rise by 2.1% and the labour force grow by 2.4%, with unemployment rising by 0.2 percentage points. State-level data from NSW to November 25 shows employment contracted by 0.03%, losing 2,260 jobs, with an unemployment rate of 3.9%. This compares favourably to the national unemployment rate of 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years nationally. Applying these projections to Fairfield's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.1% over five years and 12.9% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localised population projections.

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

The Fairfield SA2's median income among taxpayers was $40,190 and average income stood at $48,729 in financial year 2022. These figures are below Greater Sydney's respective median of $56,994 and average of $80,856. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.61% since financial year 2022, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $45,258 (median) and $54,874 (average). According to the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in Fairfield fall between the 1st and 6th percentiles nationally. The predominant income cohort spans 29.5% of locals (5,663 people) with incomes between $800 - 1,499, differing from surrounding regions where the $1,500 - 2,999 category predominates at 30.9%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Fairfield, with only 73.0% of income remaining, ranking at the 4th percentile nationally.

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

Fairfield's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census data, consisted of 39.3% houses and 60.7% other dwellings such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This contrasts with Sydney metro's dwelling structure, which was 73.3% houses and 26.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Fairfield stood at 21.7%, with mortgaged dwellings at 18.3% and rented dwellings at 60.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Fairfield was $1,733, lower than Sydney metro's average of $2,000. The median weekly rent figure for Fairfield was $367, compared to Sydney metro's $400. Nationally, Fairfield's mortgage repayments were below the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were less than the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 74.5% of all households, including 36.4% couples with children, 17.0% couples without children, and 18.5% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 25.5%, with lone person households at 23.2% and group households comprising 2.5%. The median household size is 2.9 people, which is smaller than the Greater Sydney average of 3.2.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 16.7%, significantly lower than Greater Sydney's average of 38.0%. Bachelor degrees are the most common 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 and above, with advanced diplomas at 9.6% and certificates at 13.9%. Educational participation is 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

Analysis of public transport in Fairfield shows 67 active transport stops operating within the area, offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 55 individual routes, collectively facilitating 5,940 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 174 meters from the nearest transport stop.

Service frequency averages 848 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 88 weekly trips per individual stop.

The level of general health in Fairfield is notably higher than the national average with prevalence of common health conditions low among the general population though higher than the nation's average across older, at risk cohorts

Fairfield exhibits above-average health outcomes with low prevalence of common health conditions among its general population compared to national averages. However, higher rates are observed among older and at-risk cohorts.

Approximately 46% (~8,811 people) of Fairfield's total population has private health cover, significantly lower than the national average of 55.3%. The most prevalent medical conditions in Fairfield are arthritis (7.4%) and diabetes (7.0%), while 73.7% of residents report being completely free from medical ailments compared to 75.6% across Greater Sydney. Fairfield has a higher proportion of elderly residents, with 19.2% (3,691 people) aged 65 and over, indicating a greater need for health services tailored to this demographic.

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 has a high level of cultural diversity, with 70.4% of its population born overseas and 82.7% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Fairfield, comprising 62.3% of people. Buddhism makes up 12.8%, lower than Greater Sydney's average of 21.7%.

The top three ancestry groups are Other (49.8%), Vietnamese (10.6%), and Chinese (9.9%). Notably, Serbian (1.8%) is overrepresented compared to the regional average, while Spanish (1.1%) and Lebanese (1.8%) have similar representation in Fairfield as regionally.

Fairfield's population is slightly older than the national pattern

Fairfield has a median age of 40, which is slightly higher than Greater Sydney's figure of 37 and Australia's figure of 38. Compared to the Greater Sydney average, Fairfield has an over-representation of the 65-74 age group (11.6% locally) and an under-representation of the 35-44 age group (11.8%). Between 2021 and present, the 15 to 24 age group has increased from 12.6% to 14.4%, while the 65 to 74 cohort has risen from 9.9% to 11.6%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 age group has decreased from 11.8% to 10.7%, and the 35 to 44 age group has dropped from 12.9% to 11.8%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests significant changes in Fairfield's age profile, with the 75 to 84 age cohort projected to surge dramatically, expanding by 1,119 people (105%) from 1,069 to 2,189.