Fairfield Heights

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

As of Feb 2026, the estimated population of Fairfield Heights is around 8,895, reflecting a growth of 626 people since the 2021 Census. This increase represents a 7.6% rise from the previous population count of 8,269. The latest resident population estimate by AreaSearch, following examination of ABS ERP data released in June 2024, was 8,734. An additional 34 validated new addresses since the Census date contributed to this increase. This results in a density ratio of 6,051 persons per square kilometer, placing Fairfield Heights in the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The suburb's population growth rate of 7.6% exceeded that of its SA3 area (4.4%), making it a growth leader in the region.

Overseas migration contributed approximately 79.0% of overall population gains during recent periods. AreaSearch projections for Fairfield Heights, based on ABS/Geoscience Australia data released in 2024 with a 2022 base year, indicate a median-level population increase by 2041. This is expected to result in an expansion of 466 persons, reflecting a total increase of 3.4% over the 17-year period.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Fairfield Heights when compared nationally

Fairfield Heights has seen approximately 77 dwelling approvals annually based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS data. This totals around 386 homes over the past five financial years, with 38 approvals recorded so far in FY26. On average, 0.8 people have moved to the area per year for each dwelling built between FY21 and FY25. The average construction cost of new properties is $321,000.

In FY26, commercial approvals totalled $668,000, indicating minimal commercial development activity. Compared to Greater Sydney, Fairfield Heights has 99.0% more new home approvals per person. Building activity shows 47.0% detached houses and 53.0% medium and high-density housing. With around 176 people per dwelling approval, Fairfield Heights exhibits growth area characteristics. AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate projects a resident increase of 305 by 2041.

Current development patterns suggest new housing supply should meet demand, benefiting buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond projections.

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

Area infrastructure changes significantly impact local performance. AreaSearch identified eight projects potentially affecting the area. Notable ones are The Vale - Fairfield Heights (Stage 3), Fairfield Heights Town Centre Public Domain Upgrades, Fairfield Heights Residential Infill - 120-130 Stella Street, and EVO Fairfield.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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

Fairfield Heights has a balanced workforce with both white and blue collar jobs. Manufacturing and industrial sectors are prominent. The unemployment rate was 12.4% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 8.1%.

As of December 2025, 2,522 residents are employed, but the unemployment rate is higher than Greater Sydney's at 8.3%. Workforce participation is lower too, at 40.1% compared to Greater Sydney's 70.2%. About a quarter (24.5%) of residents work from home. Leading industries include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and manufacturing.

Manufacturing is particularly strong, with an employment share 2.1 times the regional level. Conversely, professional & technical jobs are lower at 6.3% compared to the regional average of 11.5%. The area offers limited local employment opportunities. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment increased by 8.1%, while labour force grew by 4.7%, reducing unemployment by 2.7 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Sydney had employment growth of 2.2% and marginal labour force growth. National employment forecasts from May-25 suggest Fairfield Heights' employment should increase by 6.1% over five years and 13.0% over ten years, based on industry-specific 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 shows Fairfield Heights' median income among taxpayers is $37,903 and the average is $45,956. This is below the national average. Greater Sydney's median income is $60,817 and average is $83,003. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes for September 2025 are approximately $41,261 (median) and $50,028 (average). According to 2021 Census figures, household income ranks at the 19th percentile ($1,285 weekly), while personal income is at the 1st percentile. Distribution data shows that 29.4% of locals (2,615 people) fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 income bracket, similar to regional levels where 30.9% occupy this category. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 73.2% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 10th percentile.

Fairfield Heights displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

In Fairfield Heights, as per the latest Census evaluation, 56.5% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 43.5% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. This is similar to Sydney's metropolitan area, where 55.9% of dwellings are houses and 44.1% are other dwellings. Home ownership in Fairfield Heights stood at 26.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 23.9% and rented ones at 50.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,167, lower than Sydney's average of $2,427. The median weekly rent figure for Fairfield Heights was $450, compared to Sydney's $470. Nationally, Fairfield Heights' mortgage repayments are higher at $2,167 versus the Australian average of $1,863, and rents are higher at $450 compared to the national figure of $375.

Fairfield Heights features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 80.5% of all households, including 47.0% couples with children, 14.4% couples without children, and 17.3% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 19.5%, with lone person households at 18.0% and group households comprising 1.6%. The median household size is 3.4 people, larger than the Greater Sydney average of 2.7.

The educational profile of Fairfield Heights exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

The area's university qualification rate is 14.5%, significantly lower than Greater Sydney's average of 38.0%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 11.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.1%) and graduate diplomas (0.7%). Vocational pathways account for 22.6% of qualifications among those aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 9.2% and certificates at 13.4%.

Educational participation is high, with 34.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.3% in secondary education, 10.7% in primary education, and 4.8% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Fairfield Heights has 18 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 21 different routes that together facilitate 1,370 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents on average located 204 meters from the nearest stop. Residents primarily commute outward due to its residential nature. Car remains the most dominant mode of transportation at 84%, while train usage stands at 9%. On average, there are 1.3 vehicles per dwelling in Fairfield Heights.

According to the 2021 Census, 24.5% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages 195 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 76 weekly trips per individual stop.

Fairfield Heights's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with a fairly standard level of common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts

Fairfield Heights residents show positive health outcomes, matching national benchmarks for mortality rates and common health conditions across all age groups. Private health cover stands at approximately 45%, lower than Greater Sydney's 59.9% and the national average of 55.7%. Diabetes and arthritis are the most prevalent conditions, affecting 6.6% and 6.5% respectively, while 76.8% report no medical ailments, slightly higher than Greater Sydney's 74.6%.

Under-65 residents have better health outcomes. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 17.3%, compared to Greater Sydney's 15.4%. Senior health outcomes are above average, aligning with national rankings for the general population.

Fairfield Heights 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 Heights has a high level of cultural diversity, with 68.9% of its population born overseas and 82.4% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Fairfield Heights, making up 69.6% of the population. Buddhism is notably overrepresented compared to Greater Sydney's average, comprising 12.1% of Fairfield Heights' population.

Regarding ancestry, the top three groups are Other (53.4%), Vietnamese (10.6%), and Chinese (8.5%), all substantially higher than regional averages. Additionally, Serbian (2.0%), Lebanese (1.9%), and Croatian (1.1%) ethnicities are notably overrepresented in Fairfield Heights compared to regional figures.

Fairfield Heights's population aligns closely with national norms in age terms

The median age in Fairfield Heights is close to Greater Sydney's average of 37 years and equivalent to Australia's median of 38 years. Compared to Greater Sydney, Fairfield Heights has a higher percentage of residents aged 15-24 (16.6%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (11.6%). Between the 2016 Census and the 2021 Census, the proportion of residents aged 15 to 24 increased from 14.0% to 16.6%. During this period, the proportion of residents aged 35 to 44 decreased from 12.7% to 11.5%, and the proportion of residents aged 45 to 54 dropped from 12.8% to 11.7%. By 2041, Fairfield Heights is expected to experience significant changes in its age composition. The number of residents aged 75-84 is projected to grow by 46%, reaching 725 from 498. This growth is part of a broader trend of an aging population, with those aged 65 and above comprising 82% of the projected population growth. Conversely, declines in population are projected for residents aged 0-4 and 5-14.