Fairfield East

Fairfield East has seen population growth performance typically on par with national averages when looking at short and medium term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, the estimated population of Fairfield East is around 5,472 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 274 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 5,198 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 5,366 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 31 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 2,749 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Fairfield East's 5.3% growth since census positions it within 2.5 percentage points of the state (7.8%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 95.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch is utilising the NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, as released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are also applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. A significant population increase in the top quartile of Australian statistical areas is forecast, with the suburb expected to grow by 1,925 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 33.2% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in Fairfield East, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area data shows Fairfield East had approximately 22 new homes approved each year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 111 homes. As of FY-26, 42 approvals have been recorded. Despite population decline in the area, development activity has been relatively adequate, which is positive for buyers. The average expected construction cost value of new homes in Fairfield East is $302,000, aligning with regional trends.

This financial year, $6.7 million in commercial approvals have been registered, indicating the area's primarily residential nature. Compared to Greater Sydney, Fairfield East records about 58% of the building activity per person and ranks among the 46th percentile nationally, suggesting somewhat limited buyer options while demand for established dwellings strengthens. New development consists of 76.0% detached dwellings and 24.0% medium and high-density housing, maintaining Fairfield East's traditional suburban character focused on family homes appealing to those seeking space.

With around 355 people per approval, Fairfield East indicates a mature market. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, the area is forecasted to gain 1,819 residents by 2041. At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially heightening buyer competition and supporting price increases.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 15 projects likely affecting the area. Notable ones are Villawood East Masterplan Precinct (Lansvale & Lansdowne), Villawood Town Centre Redevelopment (Kinara Place), Fairfield Central Transformation (Former Fairfield Chase), and The Foundry Villawood.

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Employment drivers in Fairfield East are experiencing difficulties, placing it among the bottom 20% of areas assessed across Australia

Fairfield East has a skilled workforce with strong representation in manufacturing and industrial sectors. The unemployment rate was 14.8% as of the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 4.5%. As of December 2025, 1,853 residents were employed while the unemployment rate stood at 10.6%, higher than Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%.

Workforce participation was lower at 49.9% compared to Greater Sydney's 70.2%. A significant number, 26.1%, of residents worked from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Key industries of employment included health care & social assistance, manufacturing, and retail trade, with notable concentration in manufacturing at 2.1 times the regional average. However, professional & technical services had limited presence at 6.4% compared to the regional average of 11.5%.

Many residents commuted elsewhere for work based on Census data. In the 12-month period ending in May-25, employment increased by 4.5%, alongside labour force growth of 4.5%, with unemployment remaining essentially unchanged. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Fairfield East's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.0% over five years and 12.8% over ten years, though this is an illustrative extrapolation not accounting for localised population projections.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 indicates that Fairfield East's median income is $38,069 and average income is $46,162. This is below Greater Sydney's median of $60,817 and average of $83,003. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes for September 2025 would be approximately $41,442 (median) and $50,252 (average). Census 2021 data shows Fairfield East's household, family, and personal incomes fall between the 1st and 14th percentiles nationally. Income distribution in Fairfield East is predominantly in the $1,500 - $2,999 category, with 27.5% of locals (1,504 people). This aligns with surrounding regions' trend of 30.9% in the same category. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 78.6% of income remaining, ranking at the 11th percentile nationally.

Fairfield East is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Fairfield East's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census evaluation, consisted of 71.2% houses and 28.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In contrast, Sydney metro had 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Fairfield East was at 26.3%, with mortgaged dwellings at 27.4% and rented ones at 46.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,900, below Sydney metro's average of $2,427. Median weekly rent in Fairfield East was $300, compared to Sydney metro's $470. Nationally, Fairfield East's mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were lower at $300 compared to the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 75.6% of all households, including 39.0% couples with children, 17.3% couples without children, and 18.0% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 24.4%, with lone person households at 21.3% and group households comprising 3.2%. The median household size is 3.2 people, which is larger than the Greater Sydney average of 2.7.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 18.2%, significantly lower than the SA4 region average of 39.1%. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 14.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.6%) and graduate diplomas (0.9%). Vocational pathways account for 24.8% of qualifications among those aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 9.0% and certificates at 15.8%. Educational participation is high, with 34.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 11.0% in secondary education, 10.6% in primary education, and 6.7% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis shows 55 active transport stops operating within Fairfield East, consisting of a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 16 individual routes, providing a total of 787 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 112 meters from the nearest transport stop. In this primarily residential area, most residents commute outward. Car remains the dominant mode of transport at 88%, with 7% using the train. Vehicle ownership averages 1.3 per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, a high 26.1% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 112 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 14 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health outcomes in Fairfield East are marginally below the national average with the level of common health conditions among the general population somewhat typical, though higher than the nation's average among older cohorts

Fairfield East shows below-average health indicators based on AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are somewhat typical but higher than the national average among older cohorts. Only 45% (~2,477 people) have private health cover, compared to Greater Sydney's 59.9% and the national average of 55.7%.

Diabetes (6.8%) and arthritis (6.3%) are the most common medical conditions. 73.4% of residents declare no medical ailments, compared to 74.6% in Greater Sydney. Under-65s have better health outcomes than average. The area has 15.8% (864 people) aged 65 and over. Health outcomes among seniors present challenges but rank lower nationally than the broader population.

Fairfield East 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 East's population is predominantly diverse, with 57.1% born overseas and 77.5% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the main religion in Fairfield East, comprising 39.1%. Buddhism is significantly higher here compared to Greater Sydney average, standing at 21.2%.

In terms of ancestry, 'Other' tops at 27.0%, followed by Vietnamese (22.9%) and Chinese (11.6%), all substantially higher than regional averages. Notably, Lebanese (7.5% vs 2.6%), Spanish (0.9% vs 0.6%), and Samoan (0.9% vs 0.5%) are overrepresented in Fairfield East compared to regional figures.

Fairfield East's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Fairfield East has a median age of 37, matching Greater Sydney's figure and closely resembling Australia's median age of 38. The 15-24 age group comprises 16.9%, higher than Greater Sydney's percentage, while the 25-34 cohort stands at 12.0%. Between 2021 and present, the 15 to 24 age group has increased from 14.6% to 16.9%. Conversely, the 85+ age group has decreased from 2.4% to 1.3%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant changes in Fairfield East's age structure, with the 45-54 cohort expected to grow by 44%, reaching 1,023 people from its current total of 711.