Fairfield (NSW)

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

As of Feb 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Fairfield (NSW) is around 19,970, reflecting an increase of 1,374 people since the 2021 Census. This growth represents a 7.4% increase from the previous census figure of 18,596 people. The latest resident population estimate by AreaSearch is 19,390, based on examination of the ABS's June 2024 ERP data release and validation of an additional 122 new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 4,528 persons per square kilometer, placing Fairfield (NSW) within the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The suburb's 7.4% growth since census is close to the state average of 7.8%, indicating strong growth fundamentals. Overseas migration contributed approximately 92.0% of overall population gains in recent periods, driving primary population growth for the area.

AreaSearch projections, based on ABS/Geoscience Australia data released in 2024 with a 2022 base year and NSW State Government SA2-level projections from 2022 with a 2021 base year, forecast significant demographic shifts. By 2041, the suburb of Fairfield (NSW) is projected to increase by 6,012 persons, reflecting a total increase of 27.2% 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 around 154 dwelling approvals annually based on AreaSearch analysis. From FY-21 to FY-25, approximately 770 homes were approved, with a further 39 in FY-26 so far. Despite population decline, development activity has been adequate relative to population changes.

The average expected construction cost of new dwellings is $409,000. This year, commercial development approvals totalled $32.2 million, indicating strong commercial development momentum. New building activity comprises 17.0% detached dwellings and 83.0% medium to high-density housing, a significant shift from the current 40.0% houses. The location has approximately 325 people per dwelling approval, suggesting room for growth.

AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate projects Fairfield's population to grow by 5,432 residents by 2041. At current development rates, new housing supply should meet demand comfortably, potentially supporting population growth beyond current projections.

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

Changes in local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 20 projects likely influencing the area. Notable ones are Fairfield Central Transformation (formerly Fairfield Chase), Fairfield Forum Redevelopment, Fairfield West Public Preschool, and 37-39 Pavesi Street Smithfield Development. The following list details those 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.

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 12.9% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 8.6%. As of December 2025, 6,185 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 8.7%, significantly higher than Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%.

Workforce participation lagged at 43.0% compared to Greater Sydney's 70.2%. A high proportion of residents, 26.7%, worked from home, potentially due to Covid-19 lockdown impacts. Key industries of employment were health care & social assistance, retail trade, and manufacturing. Fairfield had a particular specialization in manufacturing, with an employment share 1.9 times the regional level.

Conversely, professional & technical services were under-represented at 5.6% compared to Greater Sydney's 11.5%. The area appeared to offer limited local employment opportunities based on Census data. In the 12-month period ending in May-25, employment increased by 8.6%, labour force grew by 5.0%, and unemployment fell by 2.9 percentage points. By comparison, Greater Sydney recorded lower employment growth of 2.2% with a marginal rise in unemployment. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia projected national employment to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Fairfield's employment mix suggested local employment should increase by 6.1% over five years and 12.9% over ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes and do not account for localized population projections.

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

The suburb of Fairfield's median income among taxpayers was $40,232 and average income stood at $48,780 in the financial year 2023. This compares to Greater Sydney's figures of $60,817 and $83,003 respectively. By September 2025, current estimates project median income to be approximately $43,797 and average income at around $53,102, factoring in an 8.86% growth since financial year 2023. According to Census 2021 data, incomes in Fairfield fall between the 1st and 7th percentiles nationally for households, families, and individuals. The earnings profile shows that 29.5% of the community earns within the $800 - 1,499 range (5,891 individuals), differing from regional levels where the $1,500 - 2,999 category is predominant at 30.9%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Fairfield, 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 higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Fairfield's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census data, consisted of 40.2% houses and 59.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In contrast, Sydney metro had 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Fairfield stood at 21.9%, with mortgaged dwellings at 18.5% and rented ones at 59.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,733, below Sydney metro's average of $2,427. The median weekly rent in Fairfield was $365, compared to Sydney metro's $470. 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 higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 74.5% of all households, including couples with children (36.4%), couples without children (17.0%), and single parent families (18.5%). Non-family households constitute the remaining 25.5%, comprising lone person households at 23.1% and group households at 2.4%. The median household size is 2.9 people, larger than the Greater Sydney average of 2.7.

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 prevalent 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 making up 9.6% and certificates 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 routes, collectively providing 6,420 weekly passenger trips. Residents have excellent transport accessibility, with an average distance of 175 meters to the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward from this primarily residential area. Car remains the dominant mode of transport at 78%, while train usage is 12%. The average vehicle ownership per dwelling is 0.9, below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, a high 26.7% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 917 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 86 weekly trips per individual stop.

Fairfield's residents are relatively healthy in comparison to broader Australia with common health conditions slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age cohorts

Fairfield's health metrics are close to national benchmarks. Common health conditions are slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age cohorts. Private health cover is extremely low, at approximately 46% of the total population (9,246 people), compared to 59.9% in Greater Sydney and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions are arthritis and diabetes, impacting 7.4% and 7.0% of residents respectively. 73.7% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 74.6% in Greater Sydney. The under-65 population has better than average health outcomes. The area has 20.2% of residents aged 65 and over (4,033 people), which is higher than the 15.4% in Greater Sydney. National rankings are broadly in line with the general 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. However, Buddhism is significantly overrepresented, making up 12.8% compared to Greater Sydney's average of 4.1%.

The top three ancestry groups are Other (49.4%), Vietnamese (10.8%), and Chinese (9.8%), all substantially higher than regional averages. Notably, Serbian (1.8%) and Spanish (1.1%) ethnicities are overrepresented in Fairfield compared to regional averages, while Lebanese (1.8%) is slightly under the regional average of 2.6%.

Fairfield's population is slightly older than the national pattern

Fairfield's median age of 40 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 12.0%, compared to the Greater Sydney average, while the 35-44 cohort is under-represented at 11.5%. Between 2021 and present, the 65-74 age group has increased from 9.9% to 12.0% of the population, and the 15-24 cohort has risen from 12.6% to 14.5%. Conversely, the 35-44 cohort has declined from 13.0% to 11.5%, and the 5-14 group has dropped from 11.8% to 10.5%. Demographic modeling indicates significant changes in Fairfield's age profile by 2041. The 75-84 cohort is projected to grow significantly, increasing by 90% from 1,178 to 2,242 people. Meanwhile, the 0-4 cohort grows modestly by 9%, adding 80 people.