Fairfield

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

Fairfield's population was approximately 19,332 as of May 2026. This figure represents an increase of 1,084 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 18,248. The growth is inferred from ABS' estimated resident population of 19,304 in June 2025 and validated new addresses of 193 since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 4,570 persons per square kilometer, placing Fairfield in the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The area's growth rate of 5.9% since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area's rate of 2%. Overseas migration contributed approximately 90.3% of overall population gains during recent periods, driving Fairfield's primary population growth.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch uses NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, released in 2022 with a base year of 2021. Growth rates by age group are applied to all areas for the years 2032 to 2041. Future population trends indicate a significant increase in Fairfield's top quartile statistical area, forecasting an expansion of 5,765 persons by 2041 based on latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a gain of 29.7% over the 16-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 averaged approximately 154 new dwelling approvals annually. Between financial years FY21 and FY25770 homes were approved, with an additional 45 approved in FY26 as of the present time. Despite a decline in population during this period, housing supply has remained adequate relative to demand, indicating a balanced market with sufficient buyer choice.

The average construction cost value for new properties was $271,000, which is below the regional average, suggesting more affordable housing options for buyers. In FY26, commercial approvals totaling $32.2 million have been registered, reflecting strong local business investment. Compared to Greater Sydney, Fairfield has 82.0% more new home approvals per capita, providing ample choice for buyers. However, building activity has slowed in recent years, with new developments consisting of 17.0% detached dwellings and 83.0% townhouses or apartments. 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. Fairfield has approximately 320 people per dwelling approval, characteristic of a low-density area.

According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Fairfield is projected to gain 5,735 residents by 2041. Current development appears well-suited to meet future needs, supporting steady market conditions without extreme price pressure.

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

Changes in local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 20 projects that could affect the area. Notable ones include Fairfield Central Transformation (formerly Fairfield Chase), Fairfield Forum Redevelopment, Fairfield West Public Preschool, and 37-39 Pavesi Street Smithfield Development. The following list details those most likely to be 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. The unemployment rate was 12.8% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 8.7%. As of December 2025, 6,071 residents were employed, while the unemployment rate was 8.6%, significantly higher than Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%.

Workforce participation lagged at 42.5% compared to Greater Sydney's 68.8%. Notably, 26.9% of residents worked from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Leading employment industries were health care & social assistance, retail trade, and manufacturing, with a particularly high concentration in manufacturing at 1.9 times the regional average. However, professional & technical services had limited presence, with only 5.6% of employment compared to the regional average of 11.5%.

The predominantly residential area appeared to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the Census working population versus resident population count. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment levels increased by 8.7%, while the labour force grew by 5.0%, resulting in a 2.9 percentage point decrease in unemployment. In contrast, Greater Sydney saw employment rise by 2.2% and the labour force grow by 2.3%, with a marginal increase in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that Fairfield's local employment should increase by 6.1% over five years and 12.9% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to the local employment mix.

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 $44,428 in financial year 2023. The average income stood at $52,020 during the same period. These figures are lower than Greater Sydney's median and average incomes of $60,817 and $83,003 respectively. By March 2026, estimates suggest the median income will be approximately $49,013 and the average income will be around $57,388, based on a 10.32% growth in wages since financial year 2023. According to the 2021 Census, incomes in Fairfield fall between the 1st and 6th percentiles nationally for households, families, and individuals. The most common income bracket among locals is $800 - 1,499, with 29.5% of people (5,702) falling into this category. This differs from the surrounding region where the predominant income bracket is $1,500 - 2,999 at 30.9%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Fairfield, with only 73.0% of income remaining after housing costs, 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

The dwelling structure in Fairfield, as evaluated at the latest Census, consisted of 39.3% houses and 60.7% other dwellings such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This is compared to Sydney metro's dwelling structure which was 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings. The home ownership level in Fairfield was at 21.7%, with the remaining dwellings either mortgaged (18.3%) or rented (60.0%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Fairfield was $1,733, which is below the Sydney metro average of $2,427. The median weekly rent figure in Fairfield was recorded at $367, compared to Sydney metro's $470. Nationally, Fairfield's median monthly 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 account for 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 make up the remaining 25.5%, consisting of 23.2% lone person households and 2.5% group households. The median household size is 2.9 people, which 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'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

Fairfield has 72 active public transport stops, offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 55 individual routes, collectively facilitating 6,420 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 174 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to Fairfield's predominantly residential nature. Cars remain the dominant mode of transport at 78%, while trains account for 12%. The average vehicle ownership per dwelling is 0.9, below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, a high 26.9% of residents work from home, which 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 for Fairfield shows positive outcomes with mortality rates and health conditions similar to national averages. Common health conditions are low among the general population but higher among older, at-risk cohorts. Private health cover is low at 46%, compared to 59.9% in Greater Sydney and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common conditions are arthritis (7.4%) and diabetes (7.0%), with 73.7% reporting no medical ailments, similar to the 74.6% in Greater Sydney. Under-65 residents have better health outcomes than average. Fairfield has a higher proportion of residents aged 65 and over at 19.6% compared to 15.5% in Greater Sydney. Nationally, this percentage is lower 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 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 stands out as significantly overrepresented compared to Greater Sydney's average, comprising 12.8% of Fairfield's population.

Regarding ancestry, the top groups are Other (49.8%), Vietnamese (10.6%), and Chinese (9.9%), all substantially higher than regional averages. Notably, Serbian (1.8%), Spanish (1.1%), and Lebanese (1.8%) ethnicities are also overrepresented compared to regional figures.

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 national average of 38 years. Compared to the Greater Sydney average, Fairfield has a notably higher proportion of people aged 65-74 (11.6% locally), while those aged 35-44 are under-represented at 11.6%. Between 2021 and the present, the age group 15 to 24 has grown from 12.6% to 14.4%, and the 65 to 74 cohort has increased from 9.9% to 11.6%. Conversely, the age groups 5 to 14 have declined from 11.8% to 10.3%, and those aged 35 to 44 have dropped from 12.9% to 11.6%. Demographic projections suggest that Fairfield's age profile will significantly change by the year 2041, with the 75 to 84 age cohort projected to grow substantially, increasing by 1,040 people (a 96% rise) from 1,078 to 2,119.