Fairfield (NSW)

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

As of Nov 2025, the population of the Fairfield (NSW) statistical area (Lv2) is estimated at around 19,961 people. This reflects an increase of 1,365 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 18,596 people in the area. The change is inferred from the resident population of 19,390 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2024) and an additional 119 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 4,526 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The Fairfield (NSW) (SA2) has seen a growth rate of 7.3% since the Census, positioning it within 0.3 percentage points of the state's growth rate of 7.6%. This growth was primarily driven by overseas migration, contributing approximately 92.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises the NSW State Government's SA2 level projections released in 2022 with a base year of 2021. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. By 2041, the Fairfield (NSW) (SA2) is forecasted to experience significant population growth, with an increase of 6,010 persons, reflecting a total increase of 27.3% over the 17-year period.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Fairfield recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

Fairfield has seen approximately 154 new home approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 770 homes. As of FY26, 36 approvals have been recorded. The area's population decline has been accompanied by adequate development activity relative to its size, which is beneficial for buyers. New properties are constructed at an average expected construction cost value of $409,000.

This financial year, $32.2 million in commercial approvals have been registered, indicating high levels of local commercial activity. Recent construction consists of 17.0% standalone homes and 83.0% townhouses or apartments, reflecting a trend towards denser development to cater to downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers. This shift is notable given the current housing mix of 40.0% houses. The location has approximately 325 people per dwelling approval, suggesting room for growth.

According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Fairfield is projected to add 5,451 residents by 2041. Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should meet demand, potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

Fairfield 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 20 projects likely affecting the region. Notable initiatives are Fairfield Central Transformation (formerly Fairfield Chase), Fairfield Forum Redevelopment, Fairfield West Public Preschool, and the development at 37-39 Pavesi Street Smithfield. The following list details those most relevant.

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

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

Fairfield has a skilled workforce with diverse sector representation. The unemployment rate was 13.0% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 7.8%.

As of September 2025, 6,088 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 8.8%, significantly higher than Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%. Workforce participation lags at 32.8% compared to Greater Sydney's 60.0%. Leading employment industries include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and manufacturing. Manufacturing has a particularly strong presence with an employment share 1.9 times the regional level.

However, professional & technical services have limited presence, with only 5.6% employment compared to the regional average of 11.5%. The area offers limited local employment opportunities as indicated by the Census working population vs resident population count. Over a 12-month period ending September 2025, employment increased by 7.8%, while labour force increased by 4.3%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 2.8 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Sydney recorded employment growth of 2.1% and unemployment rose slightly by 0.2%. State-level data from NSW shows employment contracted by 0.03% (losing 2,260 jobs) as of 25-Nov-25, with the state unemployment rate at 3.9%, favourably comparing to the national unemployment rate of 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that Fairfield's employment should increase by 6.1% over five years and 12.9% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to Fairfield's employment mix.

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

The suburb of Fairfield has a lower income level than the national average, based on the latest Australian Taxation Office (ATO) data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year 2023. The median income among taxpayers in Fairfield is $40,232, and the average income stands at $48,780. In comparison, Greater Sydney's median income is $60,817 and average income is $83,003. As of September 2025, estimates suggest that Fairfield's median income would be approximately $43,797 and the average income around $53,102, accounting for an 8.86% growth in wages since financial year 2023. According to the 2021 Census figures, incomes in Fairfield rank between the 1st and 7th percentiles nationally for households, families, and individuals. The earnings profile shows that 29.5% of the community (5,888 individuals) earns between $800 and $1,499 annually, contrasting with regional levels where the $1,500 to $2,999 bracket leads at 30.9%. Fairfield faces severe housing affordability pressures, with only 73.4% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 4th percentile nationally.

Fairfield features a more urban dwelling mix with significant apartment living, with a predominantly rental market

Fairfield's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 40.2% houses and 59.8% other dwellings including semi-detached properties, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. Home ownership in Fairfield stood at 21.9%, with 18.5% of dwellings mortgaged and 59.5% rented. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,733, while the median weekly rent was $365. Nationally, Fairfield's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were less than the national figure of $375.

Fairfield has a typical household mix, with a median household size of 2.9 people

Family households account for 74.5% of all households, consisting of 36.4% couples with children, 17.0% couples without children, and 18.5% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 25.5%, with lone person households at 23.1% and group households comprising 2.4%. The median household size is 2.9 people.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 16.7%, significantly lower than Greater Sydney's average of 38.0%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 13.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.6%) and graduate diplomas (1.0%). Vocational pathways account for 23.6% of qualifications among those aged 15 and above, with advanced diplomas at 9.6% and certificates at 14.0%. Educational participation is high, with 32.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 9.6% in primary education, 9.0% in secondary education, and 5.0% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Fairfield has 74 active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 55 different routes, facilitating 6,420 weekly passenger trips in total. Residents enjoy excellent transport accessibility, with an average distance of 175 meters to the nearest stop.

On average, there are 917 trips per day across all routes, translating to roughly 86 weekly trips per individual stop.

Fairfield'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 residents have relatively positive health outcomes. Prevalence of common health conditions is low among the general population but higher in older, at-risk cohorts compared to national averages.

Private health cover rate is extremely low at approximately 46% (9,241 people), while the national average is 55.7%. The most common medical conditions are arthritis and diabetes, affecting 7.4% and 7.0% of residents respectively. 73.7% report no medical ailments, compared to 0% in Greater Sydney. Fairfield has 19.2% (3,832 people) aged 65 and over, requiring more attention than the broader population.

Fairfield 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 has one of the highest levels of cultural diversity in the country, with 70.2% of its population born overseas and 82.5% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Fairfield, accounting for 62.1% of the population. Buddhism is significantly overrepresented in Fairfield compared to Greater Sydney, comprising 12.8% versus None%.

The top three ancestry groups are Other (49.4%), Vietnamese (10.8%), and Chinese (9.8%). There are notable disparities in the representation of certain ethnic groups: Serbian at 1.8% (versus None% regionally), Spanish at 1.1% (None%), and Lebanese at 1.8% (None%).

Fairfield's population is slightly older than the national pattern

Fairfield's median age is 40, which is slightly higher than Greater Sydney's figure of 37 and Australia's average of 38 years. The 65-74 age group is notably over-represented in Fairfield at 11.5%, while the 35-44 year-olds are under-represented at 11.8%. Between 2021 and present, the 15 to 24 age group has increased from 12.6% to 14.4%, and the 65 to 74 cohort has risen from 9.9% to 11.5%. Conversely, the 35 to 44 cohort has declined from 13.0% to 11.8%, and the 5 to 14 age group has dropped from 11.8% to 10.7%. By 2041, demographic projections suggest significant changes in Fairfield's age profile. The 75 to 84 age cohort is expected to grow by 1,113 people (100%), increasing from 1,117 to 2,231. Meanwhile, the 0 to 4 age group is projected to grow modestly by 8% (77 people).