Fairfield (Vic.)

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

The population of the Fairfield (Vic.) statistical area (Lv2) is estimated to be around 7,125 as of November 2025. This reflects an increase of 590 people since the census in 2021, which reported a population of 6,535. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 7,031 following examination of ABS data released in June 2024 and an additional 118 validated new addresses since the census date. This results in a density ratio of 2,133 persons per square kilometer, above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The area's population growth rate of 9.0% since the census is within 0.7 percentage points of the national average (9.7%), indicating competitive growth fundamentals. Overseas migration contributed approximately 76.0% 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 VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023, adjusted using a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Based on these projected demographic shifts, the Fairfield (Vic.) (SA2) is predicted to experience exceptional growth, placing it in the top 10 percent of Australian statistical areas. By 2041, the area is expected to increase by 3,240 persons, reflecting an overall increase of 45.1% 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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area data indicates Fairfield averaged around 33 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 167 homes. As of FY26, 13 approvals have been recorded. Over these five years (FY21 to FY25), an average of 1.5 new residents per year was associated with each new home. However, this figure has accelerated to 6.5 people per dwelling over the past two financial years, suggesting increasing demand and tightening supply. New properties are constructed at an average expected cost of $962,000, reflecting a focus on the premium market by developers.

In FY26, commercial development approvals totalling $6.9 million have been recorded, indicative of the area's residential character. Building activity shows 45% detached houses and 55% attached dwellings, suggesting a trend towards denser development that caters to downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers. Fairfield reflects a transitioning market with approximately 223 people per approval.

According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Fairfield is expected to grow by 3,217 residents through to 2041. If current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and supporting price growth.

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 35 projects likely affecting the region. Notable initiatives include Alphington Village, Paper House Alphington, Samma Place, Ivanhoe, and Fairfield Station Precinct Redevelopment. 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 performance in Fairfield has been broadly consistent with national averages

Fairfield has a highly educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. The unemployment rate was 4.4% as of September 2025.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 5.3%. Residents' employment rate is higher than Greater Melbourne's by 0.3%, with a participation rate of 69.9% compared to Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. Leading industries include health care & social assistance, professional & technical services, and education & training. The area specialises in professional & technical services, with an employment share 1.4 times the regional level.

However, construction has limited presence at 5.5% compared to the regional average of 9.7%. Employment opportunities locally may be limited as indicated by Census data. Over the year to September 2025, employment increased by 5.3%, while labour force grew by 4.8%, reducing the unemployment rate by 0.4 percentage points. Greater Melbourne recorded employment growth of 3.0% and an increase in unemployment by 0.3 percentage points during this period. Statewide, Victoria's employment grew by 1.13% year-on-year as of 25-November, with an unemployment rate of 4.7%. National forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project total employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Fairfield's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.3% over five years and 14.8% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2023 shows Fairfield's median income among taxpayers is $66,311, with an average of $98,909. This places Fairfield in the top percentile nationally. In comparison, Greater Melbourne has a median income of $57,688 and an average of $75,164. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Fairfield would be approximately $71,782 (median) and $107,069 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data indicates individual earnings in Fairfield stand out at the 85th percentile nationally with weekly earnings of $1,093. Distribution data shows that 27.2% of residents (1,938 people) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 weekly income bracket, reflecting patterns seen in the metropolitan region where 32.8% similarly occupy this range. Economic strength is evident with 33.3% of households achieving high weekly earnings exceeding $3,000, supporting elevated consumer spending. High housing costs consume 15.2% of income, however strong earnings still place disposable income at the 64th percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 9th decile.

Fairfield displays a diverse mix of dwelling types

Fairfield's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 43.9% houses and 56.1% other dwellings such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and others. Home ownership stood at 29.2%, with mortgaged dwellings accounting for 28.5% and rented dwellings at 42.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,167, and the median weekly rent was $369. Nationally, Fairfield's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were lower than the national figure of $375.

Fairfield features high concentrations of lone person households and group households, with a median household size of 2.2 people

Family households account for 57.1% of all households, including 25.8% couples with children, 23.0% couples without children, and 6.9% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 42.9%, with lone person households at 37.9% and group households making up 5.2%. The median household size is 2.2 people.

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 higher than national averages. Among residents aged 15 and above, 54.4% hold university qualifications, compared to Australia's 30.4% and Victoria's 33.4%. This high level of attainment indicates strong potential for knowledge-based opportunities in the area. Bachelor degrees are most common at 31.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (15.5%) and graduate diplomas (7.0%).

Vocational pathways account for 18.6% of qualifications, with advanced diplomas at 8.5% and certificates at 10.1%. Educational participation is high, with 30.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.2% in tertiary education, 7.9% in primary education, and 6.2% pursuing secondary education.

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

Fairfield has 41 active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 10 different routes that together facilitate 2,761 weekly passenger trips. The average distance from residents to the nearest stop is 133 meters, indicating excellent accessibility.

On average, there are 394 daily trips across all routes, which translates to approximately 67 weekly trips per individual stop.

The level of general health in Fairfield is notably higher than the national average with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Fairfield shows better-than-average health results, with both younger and older age groups having low rates of common health conditions. About 66% of its total population of 4,685 has private health cover, higher than the national average of 55.7%.

The most frequent medical issues are mental health problems (11.6%) and asthma (8.5%), with 69.2% reporting no medical conditions at all, compared to 0% in Greater Melbourne. Around 14.5%, or 1,033 people, are aged 65 and over. Health outcomes for seniors are above average, similar to the overall population's health profile.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Fairfield was found to be slightly above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Fairfield's population showed higher cultural diversity than most local markets, with 23.4% born overseas and 19.5% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Fairfield, accounting for 36.2%. The Jewish population stood out at 0.4%, compared to none across Greater Melbourne.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (23.5%), Australian (19.7%), and Irish (11.3%). Notably, Greeks made up 5.7% of Fairfield's population, Italians 7.2%, and Polish 1.0%, all higher than regional averages.

Fairfield's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Fairfield has a median age of 37, matching Greater Melbourne and closely resembling Australia's median age of 38. The 25-34 age group constitutes 18.8%, higher than Greater Melbourne, while the 5-14 cohort is less prevalent at 9.0%. Between 2021 and present, the 15 to 24 age group has increased from 10.1% to 11.2%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has decreased from 13.9% to 12.7%, and the 5-14 group has dropped from 10.2% to 9.0%. By 2041, projections indicate significant shifts in Fairfield's age structure. Notably, the 45-54 age group is projected to grow by 60%, adding 547 people and reaching a total of 1,452 from its previous figure of 904.