Fairfield (Qld)

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

As of Nov 2025, Fairfield's population is estimated at around 3,237, reflecting a 4.2% increase from the 2021 Census figure of 3,106 people. This growth was primarily driven by overseas migration contributing approximately 81.0%. The latest ABS ERP data release (June 2024) and additional validated new addresses since the Census date were used to estimate this population level. This results in a density ratio of 2,743 persons per square kilometer, placing Fairfield in the upper quartile relative to other locations assessed by AreaSearch. AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year.

For areas not covered and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections released in 2023 based on 2021 data are used. Proportional growth weightings from ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023) are applied where necessary due to lack of age category splits. Considering these projections, Fairfield is expected to grow by approximately 450 persons to reach a population of around 3,687 by 2041. This reflects an increase of 18.1% over the 17-year period.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in Fairfield, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally

Fairfield has seen around 53 dwelling approvals annually since FY-21. This totals approximately 269 homes over the past five financial years. As of FY-26, there is one recorded approval. On average, 0.6 new residents arrive per year for each new home built between FY-21 and FY-25.

The supply meets or exceeds demand, offering greater buyer choice while supporting potential population growth above projections. The average construction value of these homes is $1,593,000, indicating a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties. In FY-26, Fairfield has registered $92.4 million in commercial approvals, demonstrating high levels of local commercial activity. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Fairfield has 135.0% more construction activity per person, offering buyers greater choice. However, building activity has slowed in recent years.

This level is significantly above the national average, indicating robust developer interest in the area. Recent development in Fairfield has been entirely standalone homes, maintaining its traditional suburban character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. Interestingly, developers are building more traditional houses than the current mix suggests (63.0% at Census), indicating continued strong demand for family homes despite density pressures. With around 3330 people per dwelling approval, Fairfield reflects a highly mature market. Population forecasts indicate Fairfield will gain 585 residents through to 2041. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population 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 has identified 18 projects that could affect this region. Notable initiatives include Cross River Rail, Princess Alexandra Hospital Expansion, Cross River Rail - Dutton Park Station, and Coles Annerley Supermarket. The following list details those expected to have the most relevance.

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

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The labour market in Fairfield demonstrates typical performance when compared to similar areas across Australia

Fairfield has a highly educated workforce with professional services well represented. The unemployment rate was 4.3% in the past year, showing an estimated growth of 2.2%.

As of June 2025, 2,195 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 0.2% higher than Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation was high at 75.0%, compared to Greater Brisbane's 64.5%. The dominant employment sectors among residents included health care & social assistance, education & training, and professional & technical services, with education & training showing a notable concentration at 1.5 times the regional average. Conversely, construction was under-represented, with only 5.1% of Fairfield's workforce compared to Greater Brisbane's 9.0%.

Employment opportunities locally appeared limited, as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment levels increased by 2.2%, labour force by 1.9%, resulting in a unemployment rate drop of 0.3 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Brisbane experienced employment growth of 4.4% and labour force growth of 4.0%, with a 0.4 percentage point drop in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 suggest potential future demand within Fairfield. These projections estimate national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying rates across industry sectors. Applying these projections to Fairfield's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.1% over five years and 14.5% over ten years.

Income metrics indicate excellent economic conditions, with the area achieving higher performance than 75% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch

Fairfield's median taxpayer income was $58,533 and average was $74,320 according to AreaSearch's postcode level ATO data for the financial year 2022. This is higher than Greater Brisbane's median of $55,645 and average of $70,520. By September 2025, estimates suggest median income will be approximately $66,722 and average $84,717, based on a 13.99% Wage Price Index growth since 2022. The 2021 Census shows Fairfield's incomes rank between the 76th and 81st percentiles nationally for households, families, and individuals. Income analysis reveals that 33.7% of locals (1,090 people) earn between $1,500 - 2,999 weekly, similar to surrounding regions at 33.3%. The area displays affluence with 34.2% earning over $3,000 per week, supporting premium retail and services. Housing accounts for 15.1% of income, while strong earnings place residents in the 81st percentile for disposable income. Fairfield's SEIFA income ranking is in the 8th decile.

Fairfield displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

In Fairfield, as recorded in the latest Census, 62.9% of dwellings were houses while 37.1% consisted of other types such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This contrasts with Brisbane metro's figures of 47.7% houses and 52.3% other dwellings. Home ownership in Fairfield stood at 22.6%, higher than Brisbane metro's figure. The remaining dwellings were either mortgaged (34.7%) or rented (42.7%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,100, aligning with Brisbane metro's average. However, Fairfield had a lower median weekly rent of $410 compared to Brisbane metro's $390. Nationally, Fairfield's median monthly mortgage repayments were higher at $2,100 against Australia's average of $1,863. Similarly, rents in Fairfield exceeded the national figure of $375 by $35.

Fairfield features high concentrations of group households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 60.5% of all households, including 25.4% couples with children, 24.8% couples without children, and 7.6% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 39.5%, with lone person households at 24.9% and group households comprising 14.9%. The median household size is 2.5 people, larger than the Greater Brisbane average of 2.3.

Fairfield demonstrates exceptional educational outcomes, ranking among the top 5% of areas nationally based on AreaSearch's comprehensive analysis of qualification and performance metrics

Fairfield's residents aged 15+ have a higher educational attainment than Queensland (QLD) and Australian averages. 52.6% hold university qualifications compared to QLD's 25.7% and Australia's 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 31.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 15.8% and graduate diplomas at 4.9%. Vocational pathways account for 21.1%, with advanced diplomas at 7.8% and certificates at 13.3%.

Educational participation is high, with 34.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 15.3% in tertiary, 6.6% in primary, and 5.5% in secondary education. Educational facilities may be outside Fairfield's immediate catchment boundaries.

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

The analysis of public transportation in Fairfield shows that there are currently 30 active transport stops operating within the area. These stops offer a mix of train and bus services. In total, these stops are serviced by 23 individual routes which collectively provide 3,632 weekly passenger trips.

The accessibility of these transport services is rated as excellent, with residents typically located just 132 meters from their nearest transport stop. On average, there are 518 trips per day across all routes, which equates to approximately 121 weekly trips per individual stop.

Fairfield's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with younger cohorts in particular seeing very low prevalence of common health conditions

Health outcomes data shows excellent results across Fairfield, with younger cohorts experiencing very low prevalence of common health conditions. The rate of private health cover stands at approximately 57% of the total population (~1,833 people), compared to 61.3% across Greater Brisbane.

Mental health issues and asthma are the most common medical conditions in the area, affecting 10.2 and 8.2% of residents respectively. A total of 72.9% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 71.8% across Greater Brisbane. Fairfield has 8.7% of residents aged 65 and over (281 people), lower than the 12.4% in Greater Brisbane. Health outcomes among seniors require more attention than those in the broader population.

Fairfield was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Fairfield's population showed high cultural diversity, with 28.1% born overseas and 18.7% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 36.0%. Judaism, while small at 0.2%, was proportionally similar to Greater Brisbane (0.2%).

The top three parental ancestry groups were English (25.5%), Australian (20.3%), and Other (11.4%). Notable differences existed for French (1.1% vs regional 0.5%), Welsh (0.8% vs 0.6%), and Russian (0.6% vs 0.5%) ancestry groups in Fairfield compared to the broader region.

Fairfield hosts a very young demographic, ranking in the bottom 10% of areas nationwide

Fairfield's median age is 32 years, which is lower than Greater Brisbane's average of 36 and significantly below Australia's median of 38. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Fairfield has a higher proportion of residents aged 25-34 (21.6%) but fewer residents aged 5-14 (8.8%). This concentration of 25-34 year-olds is notably higher than the national average of 14.5%. Between 2021 and present, the proportion of Fairfield's population aged 35-44 has increased from 15.3% to 16.5%, while the proportion of those aged 25-34 has decreased from 23.1% to 21.6%. By 2041, demographic projections suggest significant changes in Fairfield's age profile. The 45-54 age cohort is expected to grow by 154 people (43%), from 362 to 517. Meanwhile, the 0-4 age cohort is projected to grow by a modest 4% (5 people).