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 February 2026, is approximately 19,618. This figure reflects an increase of 7.5% since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 18,248. The growth was inferred from the estimated resident population of 19,044 in June 2024 and an additional 122 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 4,637 persons per square kilometer, placing Fairfield in the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The area's growth exceeded that of its SA3 region (4.4%), indicating it as a growth leader. Overseas migration contributed approximately 92.3% of overall population gains during recent periods.

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 from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. By 2041, Fairfield is forecasted to experience significant population growth, increasing by 5,879 persons and recording a total gain of 27.0% 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 averaged approximately 154 new dwelling approvals annually. Between FY2021 and FY2025770 homes were approved, with an additional 36 approved so far in FY2026. Despite population decline during this period, housing supply has remained adequate relative to demand, maintaining a balanced market with good buyer choice.

The average construction value of new properties was $271,000, below the regional average, suggesting more affordable housing options for buyers. In FY2026, commercial approvals totalled $32.2 million, indicating robust local business investment. Compared to Greater Sydney, Fairfield had 81.0% more new home approvals per person as of recent measurements. 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, attracting downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. This represents a significant change from the current housing mix of 39.0% houses, reflecting reduced development site availability and shifting lifestyle demands and affordability requirements.

With around 320 people per dwelling approval, Fairfield shows a developing market. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Fairfield is projected to gain 5,305 residents by 2041. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting population growth beyond current projections.

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 may affect this region. Notable initiatives include Fairfield Central Transformation (formerly Fairfield Chase), Fairfield Forum Redevelopment, Fairfield West Public Preschool, and the development at 37-39 Pavesi Street Smithfield. 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. As of September 2025, the unemployment rate is 12.9%. This represents an estimated employment growth of 8.0% over the past year.

There are 5,979 residents currently employed. The unemployment rate in Fairfield is 8.7% higher than Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%, indicating room for improvement. Workforce participation lags significantly at 42.4%, compared to Greater Sydney's 70.0%. According to Census responses, a high 26.9% of residents work from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdown impacts.

Leading employment industries among Fairfield residents include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and manufacturing. Manufacturing stands out with employment levels at 1.9 times the regional average. However, professional & technical services have limited presence, with only 5.6% of employment compared to the regional average of 11.5%. The predominantly residential 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 the 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 unemployment increase by 0.2 percentage points during the same period. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 offer insights into potential future demand within Fairfield. These projections suggest that national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these industry-specific projections to Fairfield's employment mix indicates 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 $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 income of $60,817 and average income of $83,020. By September 2025, current estimates project the median income to be approximately $48,364 and the average income around $56,629, based on a Wage Price Index growth rate of 8.86% 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 predominant income cohort in Fairfield is 29.5%, comprising 5,787 people with incomes ranging from $800 to $1,499. This differs from the surrounding region where the $1,500 to $2,999 category predominates at 30.9%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Fairfield, with only 73% 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, comprised 39.3% houses and 60.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Sydney metro's 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Fairfield was at 21.7%, with mortgaged dwellings at 18.3% and rented ones at 60.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,733, lower than Sydney metro's $2,427. The median weekly rent figure was $367, compared to Sydney metro's $470. Nationally, Fairfield's mortgage repayments are below the Australian average of $1,863, and 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 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 at 2.5%. The median household size is 2.9 people, 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+, 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 operational public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 55 unique routes, facilitating 6,420 weekly passenger trips in total. The area's transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents averaging just 174 meters from the nearest stop. As a predominantly residential zone, most commutes are outward-bound. Cars remain the primary mode of transport at 78%, while train usage stands at 12%. On average, there are 0.9 vehicles per dwelling, lower than the regional norm.

According to the 2021 Census, 26.9% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Across all routes, service frequency averages 917 trips per day, equating to approximately 89 weekly trips per 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 shows Fairfield residents have relatively positive health outcomes. AreaSearch's analysis found mortality rates and health conditions were largely similar to national averages. Common health conditions were less prevalent among the general population, but higher among older, at-risk cohorts compared to national figures.

Only 46% (~8,985 people) had private health cover, lower than Greater Sydney's 59.9% and the national average of 55.7%. The most common conditions were arthritis (7.4%) and diabetes (7.0%), with 73.7% reporting no medical ailments, compared to Greater Sydney's 74.6%. Under-65 residents had better health outcomes than average. Fairfield has a higher proportion of residents aged 65 and over (20.1%, 3,951 people) than Greater Sydney (15.4%), but ranks lower nationally.

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's population is significantly diverse, with 70.4% born overseas and 82.7% speaking languages other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Fairfield, comprising 62.3%. Buddhism is notably overrepresented, making up 12.8%, compared to Greater Sydney's average of 4.1%.

The top three parental ancestry groups are Other (49.8%), Vietnamese (10.6%), and Chinese (9.9%), all significantly higher than regional averages. There are notable divergences in Serbian (1.8% vs 0.5%), Spanish (1.1% vs 0.6%), and Lebanese (1.8% vs 2.6%) populations compared to regional averages.

Fairfield's population is slightly older than the national pattern

Fairfield's median age is 40, which is slightly higher than Greater Sydney's figure of 37 and Australia's figure of 38. The 65-74 age group is notably over-represented in Fairfield at 12.1%, compared to the Greater Sydney average, while the 35-44 age group is under-represented at 11.5%. Between 2021 and present, the 65-74 age group has grown from 9.9% to 12.1%, and the 15-24 cohort has increased from 12.6% to 14.5%. Conversely, the 35-44 cohort has declined from 12.9% to 11.5%, and the 5-14 group has dropped from 11.8% to 10.4%. By 2041, Fairfield's age profile is projected to change significantly. The 75-84 age cohort is expected to grow by 92%, increasing from 1,137 to 2,189 people. Meanwhile, the 0-4 cohort is projected to grow by a modest 9%, adding 83 people.