Fairfield (Qld)

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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, the Fairfield (Qld) statistical area (Lv2)'s population is estimated at around 2,792 as of Nov 2025. This reflects a decrease of 314 people (10.1%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,106 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 2,789 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional four validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 2,366 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 81.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

For projections, AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections released in 2023 based on 2021 data are adopted. Considering projected demographic shifts, the Fairfield (Qld) (SA2) is expected to grow by 454 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 37.0% in total over the 17 years.

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

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, Fairfield has experienced around 53 dwellings receiving development approval each year over the past five financial years. This totals an estimated 267 homes from FY-18 to FY-22. So far in FY-23, 0 approvals have been recorded. On average, 0.6 new residents per year arrived for each new home constructed between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating supply meeting or surpassing demand.

In FY-23, $1.4 million in commercial approvals were registered, suggesting a predominantly residential focus. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Fairfield has 133.0% more construction activity per person. This high level of development activity reflects strong developer confidence in the location and should provide ample buyer choice, although recent periods have seen some moderation. All new construction since FY-18 has been standalone homes, maintaining Fairfield's 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.

With around 2220 people per dwelling approval, Fairfield reflects a highly mature market. Future projections show Fairfield adding 1,034 residents by 2041, based on AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate. Given current construction levels, housing supply should adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 18 projects that may impact the region. Key initiatives include Princess Alexandra Hospital Expansion, Cross River Rail, Cross River Rail - Dutton Park Station, and Coles Annerley Supermarket. The following list details those likely most relevant.

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

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Employment performance in Fairfield has been broadly consistent with national averages

Fairfield has a highly educated workforce with professional services well represented. The unemployment rate was 4.1% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 0.9%.

As of September 2025, 2,228 residents were employed, and the unemployment rate aligned with Greater Brisbane's at 4.0%. Workforce participation was higher than Greater Brisbane's at 75.0% compared to 64.5%. The dominant employment sectors were health care & social assistance, education & training, and professional & technical services. Education & training had particularly notable concentration, being 1.5 times the regional average.

Construction was under-represented, with only 5.1% of Fairfield's workforce compared to Greater Brisbane's 9.0%. The area offered limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the Census working population vs resident population count. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment increased by 0.9%, while labour force increased by 0.9%, with unemployment remaining essentially unchanged. In contrast, Greater Brisbane experienced employment growth of 3.8% and labour force growth of 3.3%, with a 0.5 percentage point drop in unemployment. State-level data to 25-Nov-25 showed Queensland's employment contracted by 0.01% (losing 1,210 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 4.2%, broadly in line with the national rate of 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 projected national employment to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with growth rates differing significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Fairfield's employment mix suggested local employment should increase by 7.1% over five years and 14.5% over ten years.

The area exhibits notably strong income performance, ranking higher than 70% of areas assessed nationally through AreaSearch analysis

The median taxpayer income in Fairfield was $58,533 in financial year 2023. The average income was $74,320. This is higher than the national average of $58,236 and $72,799 respectively for Greater Brisbane. By September 2025, estimates suggest the median income could reach approximately $64,334 and the average could be around $81,685, based on a 9.91% growth in wages since financial year 2023. According to the 2021 Census, incomes in Fairfield rank highly nationally, between the 76th and 81st percentiles for households, families, and individuals. Income analysis shows that 33.7% of locals (940 people) earn between $1,500 and $2,999 per week, similar to the surrounding region where 33.3% fall into this category. Fairfield demonstrates affluence with 34.2% earning over $3,000 per week, supporting premium retail and service offerings. Housing accounts for 15.1% of income. Residents rank highly in disposable income, at the 81st percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 8th decile.

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

The latest Census evaluated Fairfield's dwelling structures as 62.9% houses and 37.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). Brisbane metro had 47.7% houses and 52.3% other dwellings. Home ownership in Fairfield was 22.6%, with mortgaged dwellings at 34.7% and rented ones at 42.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,100, aligning with Brisbane metro's average. The median weekly rent figure was $410, compared to Brisbane metro's $390. Nationally, Fairfield's mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents exceeded the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 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 make up 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 educational attainment is notably high, with 52.6% of residents aged 15 and above holding university qualifications, compared to 25.7% in Queensland and 30.4% nationally as of the latest available data. Bachelor degrees are the most common, at 31.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (15.8%) and graduate diplomas (4.9%). Vocational pathways account for 21.1% of qualifications among those aged 15 and above - advanced diplomas comprise 7.8%, while certificates make up 13.3%. Educational participation is high, with 34.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education as of the reported period: 15.3% in tertiary education, 6.6% in primary education, and 5.5% pursuing secondary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 34.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 15.3% in tertiary education, 6.6% in primary education, and 5.5% pursuing secondary education.

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

Transport analysis shows 30 active stops operating in Fairfield, including trains and buses. These are served by 27 routes providing 3,968 weekly passenger trips. Residents' average distance to the nearest stop is 132 meters.

Service frequency averages 566 trips per day across all routes, equating to around 132 weekly trips per 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. Approximately 57% (~1,581 people) have private health cover, compared to 61.4% in Greater Brisbane.

Mental health issues and asthma are the most prevalent conditions, affecting 10.2% and 8.2% of residents respectively. 72.9% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 71.8% in Greater Brisbane. Fairfield has 8.7% (242 people) aged 65 and over, lower than the 12.4% in Greater Brisbane. While health outcomes among seniors are above average, they require more attention than the broader population.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Fairfield was found to be above average when compared nationally for a number 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 in Fairfield, accounting for 36.0%. While Judaism represented only 0.2%, this figure matched Greater Brisbane's rate.

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

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

Fairfield has a median age of 32 years, which is lower than the Greater Brisbane average of 36 and the Australian 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 above the national average of 14.5%. Between 2021 and present, the proportion of residents aged 35-44 has increased from 15.3% to 16.6%, while the proportion of those aged 25-34 has decreased from 23.1% to 21.6%. By 2041, Fairfield's age profile is projected to change significantly. The number of residents aged 45-54 is expected to increase by 204 people (65%), from 312 to 517.