Fairfield
Statistical Area - sa2

Population growth drivers in Fairfield are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Fairfield's population, as of Aug 2025, is approximately 19,197. This figure represents an increase of 949 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 18,248. The estimated resident population in June 2024 was 19,044, with an additional 119 validated new addresses contributing to this growth. This results in a population density ratio of 4,538 persons per square kilometer, placing Fairfield in the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The area's 5.2% growth since the 2021 Census exceeds the SA3 area's 2.0%, indicating Fairfield as a regional growth leader. Overseas migration accounted for approximately 92.3% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections released in 2024 with a base year of 2022 for each SA2 area, and NSW State Government's SA2 level projections released in 2022 with a base year of 2021 for areas not covered by this data. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for the years 2032 to 2041. By 2041, Fairfield's population is forecasted to increase significantly in the top quartile of national statistical areas, with an expected expansion of 5,879 persons, representing a total gain of 29.8% 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 approximately 96 new dwelling approvals annually. Development approval data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) shows 484 homes over the past five financial years, from FY20 to FY25, with 18 approvals so far in FY26. Despite population decline, development activity has been adequate relative to demand, maintaining a balanced market with good buyer choice. The average new home construction cost is $409,000, below the regional average, suggesting more affordable housing options for buyers.

There have been $32.2 million in commercial approvals this financial year, indicating robust local business investment. Relative to Greater Sydney, Fairfield has 76.0% more construction activity per person. New building activity comprises 17.0% detached dwellings and 83.0% townhouses or apartments, offering affordable entry pathways for downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. This shift reflects reduced development site availability and changing lifestyle demands. With around 320 people per dwelling approval, Fairfield exhibits low-density characteristics. By 2041, Fairfield is projected to grow by 5,726 residents.

Building activity is aligning with growth projections, though buyers may face increased competition as the population grows.

Fairfield has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 18 projects likely impacting the area. Notable projects include Nelson Park, Fairfield Upgrade, Fairfield Forum Redevelopment, Proposed Major Alterations to Fairfield Chase, and Fairfield West Public Preschool. The following list details those expected to be most relevant.

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

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 13.2% in June 2025, which is 9.0% higher than Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%.

The employment growth over the past year was estimated at 7.6%. As of June 2025, 5,920 residents were employed, but workforce participation lagged significantly at 32.6%, compared to Greater Sydney's 60.0%. Leading industries include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and manufacturing, with manufacturing notably concentrated at 1.9 times the regional average. Professional & technical services had limited presence with 5.6% employment compared to 11.5% regionally.

Employment opportunities locally appeared limited based on Census data comparison of working population versus resident population. During June 2024 to June 2025, employment levels increased by 7.6%, labour force grew by 4.8%, and unemployment fell by 2.2 percentage points in Fairfield, contrasting with Greater Sydney's trends. State-level data from Sep-25 shows NSW employment contracted by 0.41% (losing 19,270 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 4.3%. Nationally, unemployment was 4.5%, and employment growth was 0.26%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 suggest potential future demand in Fairfield. These projections estimate national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with industry-specific growth rates varying significantly. Applying these projections to Fairfield's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.1% over five years and 12.9% over ten years, though these are simple weighted extrapolations for illustrative purposes and do not account for localized population projections.

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

Fairfield's median income among taxpayers was $40,190 in financial year 2022, according to latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. The average income stood at $48,729 during the same period. In comparison, Greater Sydney's median and average incomes were $56,994 and $80,856 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.6% since financial year 2022, current estimates suggest a median income of approximately $44,450 and an average income of $53,894 as of March 2025. As per the 2021 Census figures, incomes in Fairfield fall between the 2nd and 7th percentiles nationally for households, families, and individuals. The majority of locals (29.5%, or 5,663 people) earn between $800 and $1,499 annually, unlike the surrounding region where earnings predominantly lie in the $1,500 to $2,999 range at 30.9%. Income pressures are severe due to housing affordability issues, 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 structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 39.3% houses and 60.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Sydney metro had 73.3% houses and 26.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Fairfield was at 21.7%, with the remainder being mortgaged (18.3%) or rented (60.0%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,733, below Sydney metro's average of $2,000 and Australia's national average of $1,863. The median weekly rent in Fairfield was $367, lower than Sydney metro's $400 and the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 74.5% of all households, composed of 36.4% couples with children, 17.0% couples without children, and 18.5% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 25.5%, with lone person households at 23.2% and group households comprising 2.5% of the total. The median household size is 2.9 people, 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

Fairfield has lower university qualification rates at 16.7%, compared to 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+, 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, 9.1% in secondary, and 5.0% in tertiary education. Fairfield has a robust network of 7 schools educating approximately 3,893 students, comprising 4 primary and 3 secondary schools serving distinct age groups.

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

Fairfield has 67 active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 55 distinct routes, collectively facilitating 5,940 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent with residents typically residing 174 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 848 trips daily 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 shows better-than-average health outcomes, with fewer common health conditions among its general population compared to national averages. However, among older and at-risk cohorts, condition prevalence is higher.

Only about 46% (~8,811 people) of Fairfield's population has private health cover, lower than the national average of 55.3%. Arthritis and diabetes are the most prevalent conditions in Fairfield, affecting 7.4% and 7.0% of residents respectively. About 73.7% of residents report no medical ailments, slightly less than Greater Sydney's 75.6%. As of a recent study (date not specified), about 19.2% (~3,691 people) of Fairfield's population is aged 65 and over.

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, making up 62.3% of people. Buddhism comprises 12.8%, lower than Greater Sydney's average of 21.7%.

The top three ancestral groups are Other (49.8%), Vietnamese (10.6%), and Chinese (9.9%). Notably, Serbian is overrepresented at 1.8% compared to the regional average, while Spanish and Lebanese representations align with their respective averages.

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 average of 38 years. Compared to the Greater Sydney average, Fairfield has an over-representation of the 65-74 cohort (11.6%) and an under-representation of the 35-44 age group (11.8%). Between 2021 and the present day, the population aged 15 to 24 increased from 12.6% to 14.4%, while those aged 65 to 74 rose from 9.9% to 11.6%. Conversely, the age group of 5 to 14 decreased from 11.8% to 10.7%, and the 35-44 cohort dropped from 12.9% to 11.8%. By 2041, demographic projections suggest a significant shift in Fairfield's age profile, with the 75 to 84 age group expected to surge by 1,119 people (105%), growing from 1,069 to 2,189.