Fairfield East

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

As of Nov 2025, the population of the Fairfield East statistical area (Lv2) is estimated at around 5,472 people. This reflects an increase of 274 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 5,198 people. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of the resident population at 5,366 as of June 2024, based on examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS 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. The Fairfield East (SA2) area's 5.3% growth since census positions it within 2.3 percentage points of the state (7.6%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, contributing 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. As we examine future population trends, a significant population increase is forecast for the Fairfield East (SA2) area, with an expected growth of 1,887 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 32.7% 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

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers from statistical area data, Fairfield East has seen approximately 22 new homes approved each year over the past five financial years ending June 2021. This totals an estimated 111 homes. As of April 2026, 41 approvals have been recorded in the current financial year. Despite population decline, development activity has been adequate relative to other areas.

New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost value of $302,000, aligning with regional trends. In the current financial year, $6.7 million in commercial approvals have been registered, indicating Fairfield East's primarily residential nature. Compared to Greater Sydney, Fairfield East records about 59% of the building activity per person.

Nationally, it ranks among the 46th percentile of areas assessed, suggesting somewhat limited buyer options while strengthening demand for established dwellings. New development consists of 76.0% detached dwellings and 24.0% medium and high-density housing, maintaining the area's traditional suburban character focused on family homes. With around 355 people per approval, Fairfield East indicates a mature market. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Fairfield East is forecasted to gain 1,791 residents by 2041. At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially increasing buyer competition and supporting price increases.

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

Changes in local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 15 projects likely to affect the region. Notable projects include 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 conditions in Fairfield East face significant challenges, ranking among the bottom 10% of areas assessed nationally

Fairfield East has a skilled workforce with strong representation in manufacturing and industrial sectors. The unemployment rate was 15.8% as of September 2025.

This is an improvement from the previous year but still higher than Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%. Workforce participation in Fairfield East is significantly lower at 38.0%, compared to Greater Sydney's 60.0%. Key industries of employment among residents are health care & social assistance, manufacturing, and retail trade. Manufacturing stands out with employment levels at 2.1 times the regional average.

However, professional & technical services have a limited presence at 6.4% compared to the regional average of 11.5%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work, as indicated by the count of Census working population to local population. Over the 12-month period ending September 2025, employment in Fairfield East increased by 0.1%, while labour force grew by 3.4%, resulting in an unemployment rise of 2.8 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Sydney recorded employment growth of 2.1% and a slight increase in unemployment. State-level data as of 25-Nov-25 shows NSW employment contracted by 0.03%, with the state unemployment rate at 3.9%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project national employment to expand by 6.6% over five years and 12.8% 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, assuming population projections remain constant.

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 shows median income in Fairfield East is $38,069. Average income stands at $46,162. This is below Greater Sydney's median of $60,817 and average of $83,003. By September 2025, estimated median income would be approximately $41,442 and average $50,252, based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023. Census 2021 data indicates incomes in Fairfield East fall between the 1st and 14th percentiles nationally. Income distribution shows 27.5% (1,504 people) earn $1,500 - 2,999 annually. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 78.6% of income remaining, ranking at the 11th percentile.

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

The dwelling structure in Fairfield East, as per the latest Census, comprised 71.2% houses and 28.9% other dwellings. In comparison, Sydney metro had 62.1% houses and 37.8% other dwellings. The home ownership level in Fairfield East was 26.3%, with mortgaged dwellings at 27.4% and rented ones at 46.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,900, lower than Sydney metro's $2,167. The median weekly rent figure was $300, compared to Sydney metro's $400. Nationally, Fairfield East's mortgage repayments were higher at $1,900 compared to 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 making up 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 3.1.

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 the most common 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 and above, 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

Fairfield East has 55 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 16 different routes that together facilitate 787 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these services is rated as excellent, with residents typically located just 112 meters from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 112 trips per day across all routes, which equates to approximately 14 weekly trips per individual stop.

Fairfield East'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 East residents have relatively positive health outcomes, with low prevalence of common conditions compared to the general population, but higher than national averages among older and at-risk groups. Private health cover is extremely low in Fairfield East, with approximately 45% (~2,477 people) having it, compared to Greater Sydney's 48.2% and the national average of 55.7%. The most common conditions are diabetes (6.8%) and arthritis (6.3%), while 73.4% claim to have no medical ailments, compared to Greater Sydney's 77.0%.

Fairfield East has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 15.4% (842 people), compared to Greater Sydney's 13.9%. Health outcomes among seniors require more attention 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 has a high level of cultural diversity, with 57.1% of its population born overseas and 77.5% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Fairfield East, making up 39.1% of the population. However, Buddhism is significantly overrepresented, comprising 21.2%, which is substantially higher than the Greater Sydney average of 5.3%.

The top three ancestry groups are Other (27.0%), Vietnamese (22.9%), and Chinese (11.6%). Notably, Lebanese representation is at 7.5% in Fairfield East compared to 16.2% regionally, Spanish at 0.9% versus 0.5%, and Samoan at 0.9% against the regional average of 0.7%.

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 aligning with Australia's median age of 38. The 15-24 age group comprises 16.5%, higher than Greater Sydney's percentage. Conversely, the 25-34 cohort makes up 12.4%. Between 2021 and present day, the 15-24 age group has increased from 14.6% to 16.5%, while the 85+ cohort 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 group expected to grow by 41%, reaching 1,019 people from 722.