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 May 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Fairfield Heights is around 8,716, reflecting a growth of 447 people since the 2021 Census. This increase represents a 5.4% rise from the previous population count of 8,269. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 8,658 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and an additional 37 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 5,929 persons per square kilometer, placing Fairfield Heights in the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The suburb's growth rate of 5.4% since the 2021 census exceeds that of its SA3 area at 2.0%, indicating it as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 79.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, driving primary population growth for Fairfield Heights.

AreaSearch's projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year, are adopted for demographic forecasting. For areas not covered by this data, NSW State Government's SA2 level projections released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year are utilized. Considering these projections, a population increase just below the median of national areas is expected by 2041, with Fairfield Heights anticipated to expand by 418 persons over this period, reflecting an increase of 4.1% in total.

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

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers in Fairfield Heights, around 77 dwellings received development approval each year over the past five financial years ending FY25. This totals an estimated 386 homes. By FY26 so far, 50 approvals have been recorded. On average, 1.1 people moved to the area for each dwelling built between FY21 and FY25, indicating balanced supply and demand dynamics.

New properties are constructed at an average cost of $321,000. In FY26, commercial approvals totalled $668,000, suggesting minimal commercial development activity. Compared to Greater Sydney, Fairfield Heights recorded 99.0% more new home approvals per person as of the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Fairfield Heights' building activity shows 47.0% detached houses and 53.0% medium and high-density housing between FY21 and FY25. This trend indicates accessible entry options for downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers.

With around 178 people per dwelling approval, the area displays characteristics of low density. Looking ahead, Fairfield Heights is projected to grow by 360 residents through to 2041 based on current development patterns. This growth should readily meet demand, offering favourable conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

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

AreaSearch has identified eight projects that could impact the area, with key ones being The Vale - Fairfield Heights (Stage 3), Fairfield Heights Town Centre Public Domain Upgrades, Fairfield Heights Residential Infill at 120-130 Stella Street, and EVO Fairfield. The following list details those most likely to be relevant.

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. The manufacturing and industrial sectors are prominent. As of December 2025, the unemployment rate is 12.4%.

There was an estimated employment growth of 8.6% in the past year. This is based on AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. In December 2025, 2,553 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 8.2%, which is higher than Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%. The workforce participation rate is significantly lower at 40.8% compared to Greater Sydney's 68.8%.

According to Census responses, a moderate 24.5% of residents work from home. However, Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. The leading employment industries among residents are health care & social assistance, retail trade, and manufacturing. The area has a strong specialization in manufacturing with an employment share of 2.1 times the regional level. Conversely, professional & technical services have lower representation at 6.3% 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. Over the 12 months to December 2025, employment increased by 8.6% while labour force increased by 5.1%, resulting in a decrease in unemployment by 2.8 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Sydney experienced employment growth of 2.2% and labour force growth of 2.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 offer insight into potential future demand within Fairfield Heights. These projections suggest that national employment should expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. However, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Fairfield Heights's employment mix suggests that local employment should increase by 6.1% over five years and 13.0% over ten years. It is important to note that this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localized 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 shows Fairfield Heights' median taxpayer income is $37,903 and average is $45,956. This is below the national average. Greater Sydney has a median of $60,817 and average of $83,003. By March 2026, estimated incomes are approximately $41,815 (median) and $50,699 (average), based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.32%. According to the 2021 Census, household income ranks at the 19th percentile ($1,285 weekly) and personal income at the 1st percentile. The predominant income cohort spans 29.4% (2,562 people), in the $1,500 - 2,999 category. This mirrors regional levels where 30.9% occupy this bracket. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 73.2% of income remaining, 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

Fairfield Heights' dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 56.5% houses and 43.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other'). In comparison, Sydney metro had 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Fairfield Heights stood at 26.0%, with the rest being mortgaged (23.9%) or rented (50.1%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,167, below Sydney metro's average of $2,427. Median weekly rent was $450, compared to Sydney metro's $470. Nationally, Fairfield Heights' mortgage repayments were higher at $2,167 versus the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above 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, which is 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 and above, 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

Transport analysis in Fairfield Heights shows 18 active public transport stops operating, 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 deemed good, with residents typically residing 204 meters from the nearest stop. Being predominantly residential, most inhabitants commute outward. Cars remain the primary mode of transportation at 84%, while trains account for 9%. On average, there are 1.3 vehicles per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, 24.5% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency across all routes averages 195 trips per day, equating to roughly 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 according to area data. Mortality rates and health conditions align with national benchmarks. Common health conditions are standard across age groups.

Private health cover is low at 45% (3,939 people), compared to Greater Sydney's 59.9% and the national average of 55.7%. Diabetes and arthritis are most common, affecting 6.6% and 6.5% respectively. 76.8% report no medical ailments, versus Greater Sydney's 74.6%. Under-65 health outcomes are better than average. The area has 17.1% seniors (1,490 people), higher than Greater Sydney's 15.5%. Senior health outcomes rank nationally in line with 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.

The top three ancestry groups are Other (53.4%), Vietnamese (10.6%), and Chinese (8.5%), all higher than their respective regional averages. There are also notable divergences in the representation of Serbian (2.0%), Lebanese (1.9%), and Croatian (1.1%) ethnic groups compared to regional averages.

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 55-64 (13.4%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (12.3%). Between the 2021 Census and the present day, the population aged 15-24 has increased from 14.0% to 16.2%. Conversely, the percentage of those aged 5-14 has decreased from 14.4% to 13.2%, and the percentage of those aged 0-4 has dropped from 5.5% to 4.4%. By 2041, Fairfield Heights is expected to experience significant shifts in its age composition. The population aged 75-84 is projected to grow by 47% (221 people), reaching a total of 692 from the previous figure of 470. This growth will contribute significantly to an overall aging population dynamic, with those aged 65 and above comprising 81% of the projected growth. Conversely, population declines are projected for the age groups 0-4 and 5-14.