Fairfield West

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

The estimated population of Fairfield West as of February 2026 is around 13,605, reflecting an increase of 624 people since the 2021 Census. This growth represents a 4.8% rise from the previous population count of 12,981. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 13,291 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 28 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population results in a density ratio of 4,212 persons per square kilometer, placing Fairfield West in the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration contributed approximately 79.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, driving primary growth for the suburb. According to projections released by ABS/Geoscience Australia in 2024 with a base year of 2022, Fairfield West is expected to expand by 649 persons to 2041, reflecting an increase of 2.5% over the 17-year period.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch is utilising the NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, as released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are also applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Anticipating future population dynamics, lower quartile growth of national areas is anticipated, with the area expected to expand by 649 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting reflecting an increase of 2.5% in total over the 17 years.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Fairfield West when compared nationally

Fairfield West has seen approximately 56 dwelling approvals annually based on AreaSearch analysis. From FY-21 to FY-25, around 280 homes were approved, with another 37 in FY-26 as of now. Each year, about 1.6 people move to the area per dwelling built over these past five financial years.

This balance indicates stable market conditions, with new properties constructed at an average expected cost of $321,000. In FY-26, there have been $246,000 in commercial approvals, reflecting Fairfield West's residential nature. Compared to Greater Sydney, the area maintains similar construction rates per capita, preserving market equilibrium with surrounding regions. Recent construction trends show 52.0% standalone homes and 48.0% townhouses or apartments, a shift from the current housing composition of 88.0% houses.

This change suggests decreasing developable sites and reflects evolving lifestyles requiring diverse, affordable housing options. The area has approximately 241 people per dwelling approval, indicating low density. Projected growth estimates suggest Fairfield West will add 335 residents by 2041 at current development rates, comfortably meeting demand and potentially supporting further population growth beyond current projections.

Fairfield West 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 21 projects likely to affect the region. Notable ones are EVO Fairfield, The Vale - Fairfield Heights (Stage 3), Fairfield Heights Town Centre Public Domain Upgrades, and 368 Hamilton Road Mixed-Use Development. Below is a list of 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.

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

Fairfield West has a diverse workforce with both white and blue-collar jobs, particularly in manufacturing and industrial sectors. The unemployment rate was 8.4% as of an unspecified past year. Employment growth over the previous year was estimated at 7.4%.

As of December 2025, 5,087 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 9.4%, which is higher than Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%. Workforce participation in Fairfield West was lower at 51.1% compared to Greater Sydney's 70.2%. According to Census responses, 27.4% of residents worked from home. The leading employment industries were manufacturing, retail trade, and health care & social assistance.

Manufacturing employed 2.2 times the regional average. Professional & technical services, however, employed only 5.3% of local workers, compared to Greater Sydney's 11.5%. Over a 12-month period ending in an unspecified date, employment increased by 7.4%, while the labour force grew by 5.2%, leading to a decrease in unemployment rate of 1.9 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Sydney recorded employment growth of 2.2% and labour force growth of 2.3%, with a marginal rise in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project overall employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Fairfield West's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.8% over five years and 12.4% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch

Fairfield West's median taxpayer income was $41,860 and average was $50,754 in financial year 2023, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This is lower than national averages, with Greater Sydney reporting a median of $60,817 and an average of $83,003. By September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $45,569 (median) and $55,251 (average), based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86%. In 2021 Census figures, individual incomes were at the 2nd percentile ($476 weekly), while household income was at the 30th percentile. The $1,500 - 2,999 income bracket dominated with 31.3% of residents (4,258 people). Housing affordability pressures were severe, with only 79.4% of income remaining, ranking at the 24th percentile.

Fairfield West is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

The dwelling structure in Fairfield West, as per the latest Census data, consisted of 88.4% houses and 11.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Sydney metropolitan area had 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Fairfield West was higher at 34.7%, with the remaining dwellings either mortgaged (29.0%) or rented (36.3%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,000, lower than Sydney metro's average of $2,427. The median weekly rent figure was recorded at $440, compared to Sydney metro's $470. Nationally, Fairfield West's mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 85.0% of all households, including 47.6% that are couples with children, 17.7% that are couples without children, and 18.0% that are single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 15.0%, with lone person households at 13.2% and group households comprising 1.9%. The median household size is 3.4 people, which is larger than the Greater Sydney average of 2.7.

Fairfield West faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area's university qualification rate is 14.2%, significantly lower than Greater Sydney's average of 38.0%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 11.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.0%) and graduate diplomas (0.6%). Vocational pathways account for 24.9% of qualifications among those aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 8.8% and certificates at 16.1%. Educational participation is high, with 34.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 10.6% in primary, 10.5% in secondary, and 5.5% in tertiary education.

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

Fairfield West has 61 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 42 different routes that together facilitate 1,465 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically living just 171 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outwards due to Fairfield West being primarily residential. Cars remain the dominant mode of transportation, used by 88% of residents, while trains are used by 7%. The average vehicle ownership per dwelling is 1.5, which exceeds the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census data, a high 27.4% of residents work from home, possibly due to COVID-19 conditions. On average, there are 209 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 24 weekly trips per individual stop.

Fairfield West's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with prevalence of common health conditions quite low across both younger and older age cohorts

Fairfield West residents show positive health outcomes, according to AreaSearch's analysis. Mortality rates and health conditions align with national benchmarks. Common health conditions prevalence is low across all age groups.

Private health cover stands at 47% (6,403 people), lower than Greater Sydney's 59.9%. Nationally, it averages 55.7%. Arthritis and diabetes are the most prevalent medical conditions, affecting 7.3% and 6.0% respectively. 75.5% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 74.6% in Greater Sydney. Under-65s have better health outcomes than average. The area has 17.1% seniors (2,326 people), higher than Greater Sydney's 15.4%. Senior health outcomes are above average and align with national rankings.

Fairfield West 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 West has a culturally diverse population, with 59.5% born overseas and 75.1% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Fairfield West, comprising 63.0% of its population. Buddhism is significantly overrepresented compared to Greater Sydney's average, making up 15.7%.

In terms of ancestry, 'Other' comprises 39.5%, Vietnamese 16.4%, and Australian 8.8%. Notably, Croatian (1.6%), Serbian (1.1%), and Spanish (1.0%) ethnicities are overrepresented compared to regional averages.

Fairfield West's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Fairfield West's median age is nearly 36 years, close to Greater Sydney's average of 37 years, which is slightly below Australia's median age of 38 years. Compared to Greater Sydney, Fairfield West has a higher proportion of residents aged 15-24 (17.0%) but fewer residents aged 35-44 (11.6%). Between the 2021 Census and now, the proportion of residents aged 15-24 has increased from 14.7% to 17.0%. Conversely, the proportion of residents aged 45-54 has decreased from 12.8% to 11.6%, and the proportion of residents aged 5-14 has dropped from 14.3% to 13.2%. By 2041, Fairfield West's age profile is projected to change significantly. The 75-84 age group is expected to grow by 44%, adding 374 residents to reach a total of 1,232. Residents aged 65 and above are projected to drive 85% of population growth. However, the 0-4 and 5-14 age groups are expected to experience population declines.