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 November 2025, the population of the Fairfield Heights statistical area (Lv2) is estimated at around 8,892 people. This reflects an increase of 623 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 8,269 people. The change was inferred from the resident population of 8,734, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, and an additional 28 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 6,049 persons per square kilometer, placing Fairfield Heights (SA2) among the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The area's population growth of 7.5% since the 2021 Census exceeded the SA3 area's growth rate of 4.3%, marking 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 (SA2).

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Considering these projections, Fairfield Heights (SA2) is expected to expand by 446 persons to 2041, reflecting an increase of 1.4% in total over the 17 years.

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

Fairfield Heights has seen approximately 76 dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling around 384 homes. As of FY26, 29 approvals have been recorded. On average, 0.8 people per year moved to the area for each dwelling built between FY21 and FY25. This suggests that new construction is meeting or exceeding demand, providing more options for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth.

The average expected construction cost of new properties is $321,000. In FY26, commercial approvals valued at $668,000 have been registered, indicating minimal commercial development activity. Compared to Greater Sydney, Fairfield Heights has 99.0% more new home approvals per person. This should offer buyers ample choice, although building activity has slowed in recent years. Recent trends show 48.0% detached houses and 52.0% medium and high-density housing being constructed.

This shift towards denser development provides accessible entry options for downsizers, investors, and first-time buyers. With around 179 people per dwelling approval, Fairfield Heights exhibits characteristics of a growth area. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, the suburb is expected to grow by 129 residents by 2041. Based on current development patterns, new housing supply 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

Eight projects have been identified by AreaSearch as potentially impacting the area. Key projects include 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.

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 diverse workforce with both white and blue collar jobs, prominently featuring manufacturing and industrial sectors. Its unemployment rate was 12.3% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 7.5%.

As of September 2025, 2,491 residents are employed while the unemployment rate stands at 8.1%, significantly higher than Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%. Workforce participation is lower, at 31.7% compared to Greater Sydney's 60.0%. Key employment industries include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and manufacturing, with a strong specialization in manufacturing at 2.1 times the regional level. However, professional & technical services have lower representation, at 6.3% versus the regional average of 11.5%.

Employment opportunities locally may be limited, as indicated by the census working population count compared to resident population. In the year up to September 2025, employment increased by 7.5%, while labour force grew by 4.0%, leading to a decrease in unemployment by 2.9 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Sydney saw employment growth of 2.1% and labour force growth of 2.4%. State-level data from NSW up to 25-Nov-25 shows employment contracted by 0.03%, with an unemployment rate of 3.9%, slightly lower than the national rate of 4.3%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia indicate a projected growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Fairfield Heights' employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.1% over five years and 13.0% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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 Fairfield Heights' median taxpayer income is $37,903 and average is $45,956. This is below national averages of $61,857 (median) and $94,292 (average). Greater Sydney's figures are $60,817 (median) and $83,003 (average). Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023, estimates for September 2025 would be approximately $41,261 (median) and $50,028 (average). According to 2021 Census figures, Fairfield Heights' household income ranks at the 19th percentile ($1,285 weekly), with personal income at the 1st percentile. Distribution data shows 29.4% of locals (2,614 people) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 category, similar to regional levels at 30.9%. 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' dwellings, as per the latest Census, consisted of 56.5% houses and 43.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other'). In comparison, Sydney metro had 73.3% houses and 26.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Fairfield Heights was at 26.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 23.9% and rented at 50.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,167, above Sydney metro's average of $2,000. Median weekly rent was $450, compared to Sydney metro's $400. Nationally, Fairfield Heights' mortgage repayments were higher at $2,167 versus the Australian average of $1,863. Rents were also 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 3.2.

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 making up 9.2% and certificates 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

Analysis shows 18 active transport stops in Fairfield Heights, served by buses on 21 routes. These provide 1,370 weekly passenger trips. Residents are typically 204 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 195 trips per day, or about 76 weekly trips per stop.

Fairfield Heights's residents are extremely healthy with prevalence of common health conditions low among the general population and nearer the nation's average across older, at risk cohorts

Analysis shows strong health metrics throughout Fairfield Heights. Prevalence of common health conditions is low among its general population and near national averages for older, at-risk cohorts. Approximately 45% (~4,019 people) have private health cover, compared to Greater Sydney's 47.9%.

Nationally, this figure stands at 55.7%. Diabetes and arthritis are the most common conditions, affecting 6.6 and 6.5% of residents respectively. 76.8% report no medical ailments, slightly higher than Greater Sydney's 75.6%. Fairfield Heights has 16.6% (1,476 people) aged 65 and over, lower than Greater Sydney's 19.0%. Health outcomes among seniors require more attention despite being above average.

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 population where 68.9% were born overseas and 82.4% speak a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion, making up 69.6% of the population. Buddhism comprises 12.1%, which is lower than Greater Sydney's average of 21.7%.

The top three ancestry groups are Other (53.4%), Vietnamese (10.6%), and Chinese (8.5%). Notably, Serbian (2.0%) and Lebanese (1.9%) populations are higher in Fairfield Heights compared to regional averages, while Croatian is lower at 1.1% versus the region's 1.7%.

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 at 37 years and equivalent to Australia's median at 38 years. Compared to Greater Sydney, Fairfield Heights has a higher proportion of residents aged 15-24 (16.2%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (11.8%). Between the 2016 Census and the 2021 Census, the percentage of residents aged 15-24 increased from 14.0% to 16.2%, while the percentage of those aged 45-54 decreased from 12.8% to 11.7%. By 2041, Fairfield Heights is expected to see significant shifts in its age composition. The 75-84 age group is projected to grow by 47%, reaching 705 people from 480. The aging population trend is evident, with those aged 65 and above comprising 90% of the projected growth. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 25-34 and 55-64 age groups.