Fairfield - Dutton Park
Statistical Area - sa2

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

Fairfield - Dutton Park's population was around 5,440 as of November 2025. This showed an increase of 432 people from the 2021 Census figure of 5,008. The change was estimated based on ABS data of 5,440 in June 2024 and additional validated new addresses since the Census date. This resulted in a population density ratio of 2,615 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile nationally according to AreaSearch's assessment. The area's growth rate of 8.6% since the census was close to the SA3 area's rate of 8.8%, indicating strong growth fundamentals. Overseas migration contributed approximately 80.7% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections from 2023 based on 2021 data are used, applying proportional growth weightings for age cohorts using ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 with a base year of 2022. Based on projected demographic shifts, the area is expected to have an above median population growth, increasing by 783 persons to 2041 and recording a total gain of 14.4% over the 17 years.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Fairfield - Dutton Park according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

Fairfield - Dutton Park has granted around 84 residential property approvals annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, approximately 420 homes were approved, with an additional three approved so far in FY26. On average, about 0.6 new residents have been arriving per new home each year during this period.

This suggests that supply is meeting or exceeding demand, offering greater buyer choice and supporting potential population growth beyond projections. The average construction value of new dwellings has been $121,000, which is below the regional average, indicating more affordable housing options for buyers. In FY26, commercial development approvals totaled $115.5 million, reflecting robust local business investment. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Fairfield - Dutton Park shows 127.0% higher construction activity per person, offering buyers greater choice and indicating strong developer interest in the area. Recent construction comprises 17.0% standalone homes and 83.0% townhouses or apartments, marking a shift from the area's existing housing makeup of 53.0% houses. This trend towards denser development provides accessible entry options for downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers. With around 1349 people per dwelling approval, Fairfield - Dutton Park reflects a highly mature market.

By 2041, the area is expected to grow by approximately 783 residents. 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 - Dutton Park has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

Infrastructure changes significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 33 projects likely impacting the region. Notable initiatives include Cross River Rail, Princess Alexandra Hospital Expansion, Riverside Yeronga, and Cross River Rail - Dutton Park Station. The following details projects considered 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.

Fairfield - Dutton Park has seen below average employment performance when compared to national benchmarks

Fairfield - Dutton Park has an educated workforce with strong professional services representation. Its unemployment rate was 5.2% in the past year, with estimated employment growth of 2.2%.

As of June 2025, 3419 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 6.3%, compared to Greater Brisbane's 4.1%. Workforce participation was 72.0%, higher than Greater Brisbane's 64.5%. Leading industries for residents are health care & social assistance, education & training, and professional & technical services. Education & training is particularly strong, with an employment share of 1.5 times the regional level.

However, construction is under-represented at 4.6%, compared to Greater Brisbane's 9.0%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment levels increased by 2.2% while labour force grew by 1.9%, reducing the unemployment rate by 0.4 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia (May 2025) project growth of approximately 7.2% over five years and 14.6% over ten years for Fairfield - Dutton Park, based on its industry mix.

Income analysis reveals strong economic positioning, with the area outperforming 60% of locations assessed nationally by AreaSearch

Fairfield - Dutton Park has a median taxpayer income of $54,984 and an average income of $69,814 according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2022. This is higher than the national average, with Greater Brisbane having a median income of $55,645 and an average income of $70,520. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022, current estimates would be approximately $62,676 (median) and $79,581 (average) as of September 2025. Census data shows household, family and personal incomes in Fairfield - Dutton Park cluster around the 69th percentile nationally. Income brackets indicate that 32.6% of locals (1,773 people) fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 category, similar to the region where 33.3% occupy this bracket. Economic strength is evident through 30.7% of households achieving high weekly earnings exceeding $3,000, supporting elevated consumer spending. High housing costs consume 17.0% of income, but strong earnings still place disposable income at the 68th percentile and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 8th decile.

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

Fairfield - Dutton Park's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 53.2% houses and 46.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), contrasting with Brisbane metro's 47.7% houses and 52.3% other dwellings. Home ownership in Fairfield - Dutton Park was 19.6%, similar to Brisbane metro, with mortgaged dwellings at 28.2% and rented ones at 52.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,167, higher than Brisbane metro's average of $2,100. The median weekly rent figure was recorded at $400, compared to Brisbane metro's $390. Nationally, Fairfield - Dutton Park's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents exceeded the national figure of $375.

Fairfield - Dutton Park features high concentrations of group households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 57.8% of all households, including 23.4% couples with children, 24.2% couples without children, and 7.8% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 42.2%, with lone person households at 29.0% and group households making up 13.4% of the total. The median household size is 2.4 people, which is larger than the Greater Brisbane average of 2.3.

Fairfield - Dutton Park shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

Educational attainment in Fairfield - Dutton Park exceeds state and national averages. 52.3% of residents aged 15 and above hold university qualifications, compared to 25.7% in Queensland and 30.4% nationally. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 31.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (16.0%) and graduate diplomas (4.6%). Vocational pathways account for 21.1% of qualifications, with advanced diplomas at 8.2% and certificates at 12.9%.

Educational participation is high, with 34.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 15.7% in tertiary, 6.7% in secondary, and 6.0% in primary education. The area's three schools have a combined enrollment of 1,624 students. Fairfield - Dutton Park has significant socio-educational advantages and academic achievement (ICSEA: 1133). Education provision is balanced with two primary and one secondary school serving distinct age groups. School capacity exceeds typical residential needs, with 29.8 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 20.3, indicating the area serves as an educational center for the broader region.

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

Fairfield-Dutton Park has 53 active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 77 individual routes, collectively facilitating 8,717 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent with residents typically located 133 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 1,245 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 164 weekly trips per stop.

Fairfield - Dutton Park's residents are extremely healthy with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Analysis shows Fairfield - Dutton Park performed strongly on health metrics with low prevalence of common conditions across all ages. Private health cover was high at approximately 54%, compared to 61.3% in Greater Brisbane.

Mental health issues and asthma were most common, affecting 10.9% and 8.6% respectively. 72.0% reported no medical ailments, similar to Greater Brisbane's 71.8%. The area has 9.6% residents aged 65 and over (524 people), lower than Greater Brisbane's 12.4%. Seniors' health outcomes align with the general population's profile.

Fairfield - Dutton Park was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Fairfield-Dutton Park's population showed high cultural diversity, with 30.7% born overseas and 22.0% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 35.5%. Buddhism had a higher representation in Fairfield-Dutton Park compared to Greater Brisbane, at 3.5% versus 2.5%.

The top three ancestry groups were English (24.5%), Australian (19.8%), and Other (11.6%). Notably, French, Russian, and Welsh ethnicities had higher representations than the regional averages: French at 0.9% (regional average 0.5%), Russian at 0.6% (regional average 0.5%), and Welsh at 0.8% (regional average 0.6%).

Fairfield - Dutton Park hosts a very young demographic, ranking in the bottom 10% of areas nationwide

Fairfield - Dutton Park's median age is 32 years, which is lower than Greater Brisbane's average of 36 years and Australia's median of 38 years. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Fairfield - Dutton Park has a higher proportion of residents aged 25-34 (22.0%) but fewer residents aged 5-14 (8.9%). This concentration of 25-34 year-olds is significantly higher than the national average of 14.5%. Between 2021 and present, the proportion of residents aged 35-44 has increased from 14.5% to 15.8%, while the proportion of those aged 25-34 has decreased from 23.3% to 22.0%. By 2041, demographic projections suggest significant changes in Fairfield - Dutton Park's age profile. The 45-54 age cohort is expected to grow steadily, increasing by 236 people (38%) from 626 to 863. Conversely, the 0-4 and 25-34 age cohorts are projected to experience population declines.