Fairfield (NSW)

Population growth drivers in Fairfield are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for Fairfield (NSW), and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the suburb's population is estimated at around 19,537 as of November 2025. This reflects an increase of 941 people (5.1%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 18,596 people. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimated resident population of 19,384 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 119 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 4,430 persons per square kilometer, placing Fairfield in the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The suburb's 5.1% growth since census is within 1.6 percentage points of the state (6.7%), indicating competitive growth fundamentals. Population 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, AreaSearch utilises 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. Future population trends forecast significant increases, with Fairfield expected to grow by 6,010 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a total increase of 30.1% 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 received around 154 dwelling approvals per year on average over the past five financial years ending FY26. This totals an estimated 770 homes. As of FY26, 25 approvals have been recorded. The population decline in recent years has maintained adequate housing supply relative to demand, resulting in a balanced market with good buyer choice.

The average construction cost value for new dwellings is $409,000, below regional norms, indicating more affordable housing options. In FY26, commercial approvals totaled $32.2 million, reflecting robust local business investment. New development consists of 17.0% standalone homes and 83.0% medium and high-density housing, creating more affordable entry points for downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. This shift contrasts with the current 40.0% houses in Fairfield, suggesting decreasing developable sites and changing lifestyles.

With around 325 people per approval, Fairfield reflects a low density area. By 2041, Fairfield is expected to grow by 5,875 residents. Current construction levels should meet demand adequately, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially exceeding current growth forecasts.

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

The performance of an area can significantly be influenced by changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified a total of twenty projects that are likely to impact the area. Notable among these are the Fairfield Chase Shopping Centre Expansion, Fairfield Forum Redevelopment, Fairfield West Public Preschool, and the 37-39 Pavesi Street Smithfield Development. The following list details those projects deemed most relevant.

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

Denotes AI-based impression for illustrative purposes only, not to be taken as definitive under any circumstances. Please follow links and conduct other investigations from the project's source for actual imagery. Developers and project owners wishing us to use original imagery please Contact Us and we will do so.

The labour market performance in Fairfield lags significantly behind most other regions nationally

Fairfield has a skilled workforce with diverse sector representation. Its unemployment rate was 13.3% as of an unspecified past year.

Employment grew by 7.3% in the same period. As of June 2025, 6,029 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 9.1%, significantly higher than Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%. Workforce participation in Fairfield is lower at 32.8%, compared to Greater Sydney's 60.0%. The dominant employment sectors among residents include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and manufacturing.

Manufacturing stands out with employment levels at 1.9 times the regional average. However, professional & technical services are under-represented, accounting for only 5.6% of Fairfield's workforce compared to 11.5% in Greater Sydney. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities based on Census data. In the year ending June 2025, employment increased by 7.3%, while labour force grew by 4.8%, leading to a decrease in unemployment rate of 2.1 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Sydney saw employment grow by 2.6% and labour force expand by 2.9%, with a slight increase in unemployment of 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 suggest that Fairfield's local employment should increase by 6.1% over five years and 12.9% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to Fairfield's current employment mix.

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

Fairfield's median income among taxpayers was $40,233 in financial year 2022, with an average income of $48,781. This compares to Greater Sydney's figures of $56,994 and $80,856 respectively. By September 2025, current estimates project median incomes to be approximately $45,306 and averages at around $54,932, based on a 12.61% growth in the Wage Price Index since financial year 2022. Census data indicates that household, family, and personal incomes in Fairfield fall between the 1st and 7th percentiles nationally. Income analysis shows that 29.5% of Fairfield's community earns between $800 - 1,499, differing from the broader area where earnings of $1,500 - 2,999 are predominant at 30.9%. Housing affordability pressures in Fairfield are severe, with only 73.4% of income remaining after expenses, ranking at the 4th percentile nationally.

Fairfield features a more urban dwelling mix with significant apartment living, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

In Fairfield, as per the latest Census evaluation, 40.2% of dwellings were houses while 59.8% consisted of other types such as semi-detached homes and apartments. In contrast, Sydney metropolitan area had no houses or other dwellings recorded at that time. Home ownership in Fairfield stood at 21.9%, with mortgaged properties accounting for 18.5% and rented dwellings making up the remaining 59.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Fairfield was $1,733, aligning with Sydney metro's average. The median weekly rent in Fairfield was $365, while Sydney metro had no recorded figures for these metrics at that time. 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, including 36.4% couples with children, 17.0% couples without children, and 18.5% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 25.5%, comprising 23.1% lone person households and 2.4% group households. 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+, 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. There are 8 schools operating within Fairfield, educating approximately 5,062 students. The area's ICSEA score is 926. Educational provision consists of 4 primary and 4 secondary institutions. The area has a strong educational infrastructure with 25.9 school places per 100 residents, serving both local and surrounding communities. Note: for schools with 'n/a' in enrolments, please refer to the parent campus.

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

Fairfield has 69 active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 55 unique routes that facilitate 5,940 weekly passenger trips in total. The accessibility of these transport options is rated as excellent, with residents typically residing just 175 meters from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 848 trips per day across all routes, which translates to about 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

Fairfield residents show relatively positive health outcomes, with low prevalence rates for common conditions among the general population, but higher in older cohorts at risk. Private health cover is extremely low at approximately 46% of Fairfield's total population (~9,045 people), compared to the national average of 55.3%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (7.4%) and diabetes (7.0%). A majority of residents (73.7%) report no medical ailments, higher than Greater Sydney's 0%. Fairfield has a larger proportion of residents aged 65 and over at 19.2% (3,751 people), 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 a high level of cultural diversity, 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, comprising 62.1% of the population. Buddhism is significantly overrepresented in Fairfield, making up 12.8% of the population compared to None% across Greater Sydney.

The top three ancestry groups are Other (49.4%), Vietnamese (10.8%), and Chinese (9.8%). There are notable divergences in the representation of certain ethnic groups: Serbian is overrepresented at 1.8%, Spanish at 1.1%, and Lebanese at 1.8%.

Fairfield's median age exceeds the national pattern

Fairfield has a median age of 40, which is slightly higher than Greater Sydney's figure of 37 and Australia's median age of 38. Compared to the Greater Sydney average, Fairfield has an over-representation of the 65-74 age cohort (11.5% locally) and an under-representation of the 35-44 year-olds (11.8%). Between 2021 and present, the 15 to 24 age group increased from 12.6% to 14.4%, while the 65 to 74 cohort rose from 9.9% to 11.5%. During this period, the 35 to 44 cohort decreased from 13.0% to 11.8%, and the 5 to 14 group fell from 11.8% to 10.7%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Fairfield's age profile will change significantly, with the 75 to 84 age cohort projected to grow dramatically by 1,136 people (104%), from 1,094 to 2,231.