Fairy Meadow

Fairy Meadow has seen population growth performance typically on par with national averages when looking at short and medium term trends

The suburb of Fairy Meadow's population was estimated at around 7,729 as of Nov 2025, reflecting an increase of 217 people since the 2021 Census. The ABS ERP estimate for surrounding areas applied to Fairy Meadow by AreaSearch in June 2024 indicated a resident population of 7,713, with an additional 11 validated new addresses contributing to this growth. This results in a population density ratio of 2,259 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Fairy Meadow's 2.9% population growth since the Census positions it close to the SA3 area's 4.0%, indicating strong growth fundamentals. Overseas migration contributed approximately 87.0% of overall population gains during recent periods in the suburb. For future projections, AreaSearch is using ABS/Geoscience Australia data for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a 2022 base year, and NSW State Government's SA2-level projections for areas not covered by this data, released in 2022 with a 2021 base year.

Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. By 2041, the suburb is projected to expand by 1,623 persons based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a total increase of 21.4% over the 17-year period.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Fairy Meadow according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers indicates Fairy Meadow experienced approximately 17 dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 89 homes. In FY26 so far, 10 approvals have been recorded. Over these five years, an average of 1.3 people moved to the area per dwelling built. However, this figure has intensified to 4.5 people per dwelling over the past two financial years.

Development projects averaged $555,000 in construction value. Compared to the Rest of NSW, Fairy Meadow had significantly less development activity, 60.0% below the regional average per person. This constrained new construction typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing homes, although building activity has accelerated recently. New building activity showed 48.0% detached dwellings and 52.0% townhouses or apartments. With around 315 people per dwelling approval, Fairy Meadow exhibits characteristics of a low-density area. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, the population is forecasted to grow by 1,651 residents by 2041.

If current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag behind population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and supporting price growth.

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

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified ten projects that could impact this region. Notable projects include Mount Ousley Interchange, 68-74 Princes Highway Mixed-Use Development, Fairy Meadow Ambulance Station, and Elements at IRT Towradgi Beach. The following list details those likely to be 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 Fairy Meadow lags significantly behind most other regions nationally

Fairy Meadow has an educated workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 5.3%, with an estimated employment growth of 0.9% over the past year (AreaSearch data).

As of June 2025, there are 3,897 residents employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.6% higher than Rest of NSW's rate of 3.7%. Workforce participation is similar to Rest of NSW at 56.4%. Leading employment industries include health care & social assistance, education & training, and retail trade. The area has a strong specialization in finance & insurance with an employment share twice the regional level.

However, agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented, with only 0.3% of Fairy Meadow's workforce compared to 5.3% in Rest of NSW. Employment opportunities locally may be limited as indicated by Census data comparing working population and resident population. Over the 12 months to June 2025, employment increased by 0.9%, labour force grew by 0.5%, causing unemployment rate to fall by 0.3 percentage points (AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data). In contrast, Rest of NSW experienced employment decline of 0.1% and labour force growth of 0.3%, with a rise in unemployment rate by 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 suggest potential future demand within Fairy Meadow. These projections estimate local employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.6% over ten years, based on industry-specific growth rates applied to Fairy Meadow's employment mix.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

As per AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2022, Fairy Meadow's median income among taxpayers is $48,852. The average income in the area during this period was $65,661. Nationally, the median income was approximately the same at $48,793, with an average of $65,050. In comparison, Rest of NSW had a median income of $49,459 and an average of $62,998 during this time. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.61% since financial year 2022, current estimates for Fairy Meadow would be approximately $55,012 (median) and $73,941 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals that household, family, and personal incomes in Fairy Meadow all rank modestly, between the 23rd and 29th percentiles. Distribution data shows that the $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captures 29.0% of the community (2,241 individuals), which aligns with the broader area where this cohort likewise represents 29.9%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Fairy Meadow, with only 80.3% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 24th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

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

The dwelling structure in Fairy Meadow, as per the latest Census, consisted of 57.4% houses and 42.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Non-Metro NSW had a structure of 58.9% houses and 41.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Fairy Meadow was at 35.4%, similar to Non-Metro NSW's level. The remaining dwellings were either mortgaged (22.5%) or rented (42.1%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,167, lower than Non-Metro NSW's average of $2,189. The median weekly rent figure was recorded at $390, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $400. Nationally, Fairy Meadow's mortgage repayments were higher at $2,167 versus the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were also higher at $390 compared to the national figure of $375.

Fairy Meadow features high concentrations of group households and lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 61.1% of all households, including 23.8% couples with children, 23.3% couples without children, and 12.7% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 38.9%, with lone person households at 30.9% and group households comprising 7.9% of the total. The median household size is 2.4 people, which is smaller than the Rest of NSW average of 2.5.

The educational profile of Fairy Meadow exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

The area's educational profile is notable regionally, with university qualification rates of 28.1% among residents aged 15+, surpassing the Rest of NSW average of 21.3%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 17.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (8.3%) and graduate diplomas (2.1%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 36.1% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas being 10.6% and certificates 25.5%.

Educational participation is high at 31.9%, including 10.6% in tertiary education, 8.1% in primary education, and 6.3% pursuing secondary education. Fairy Meadow's four schools have a combined enrollment of 1,010 students as of 2021, operating under typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 1040) with balanced educational opportunities. These four schools cater exclusively to primary education, with secondary options available in nearby areas.

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

Fairy Meadow has 61 active public transport stops, offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 43 different routes, collectively facilitating 2,568 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents located an average of 161 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 366 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 42 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Fairy Meadow is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Fairy Meadow faces significant health challenges, with common health conditions being somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is approximately 53% of the total population (~4,089 people), which compares to 56.6% across Rest of NSW.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 9.3 and 9.2% of residents respectively. Meanwhile, 66.2% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 68.6% across Rest of NSW. The area has 18.0% of residents aged 65 and over (1,391 people). Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

Fairy Meadow 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

Fairy Meadow exhibited higher cultural diversity than most local markets, with 27.3% of its population born overseas and 23.4% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Fairy Meadow, accounting for 51.9% of residents. However, Islam showed significant overrepresentation, comprising 5.1% compared to Rest of NSW's 2.5%.

The top three ancestry groups were English (23.7%), Australian (23.3%), and Other (10.6%). Notably, Serbian (1.0%) was slightly overrepresented compared to the regional average of 0.8%, Italian was more prevalent at 7.2% versus 4.5%, and Macedonian stood out at 1.0% compared to 1.5%.

Fairy Meadow's population aligns closely with national norms in age terms

The median age in Fairy Meadow is 37 years, which is lower than Rest of NSW's average of 43 and close to the national average of 38 years. The age profile shows that those aged 15-24 are prominent at 18.0%, while those aged 65-74 make up a smaller proportion at 8.4%. This is higher than the national percentage for the 15-24 age group, which is 12.5%. Between 2021 and present, the median age has decreased by 1.1 years from 38 to 37, indicating a shift towards a younger demographic. During this period, the 15-24 age group grew from 15.7% to 18.0%, while the 25-34 cohort increased from 14.8% to 17.0%. Conversely, the 45-54 cohort declined from 12.0% to 10.4%, and the 55-64 group dropped from 11.4% to 10.0%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic changes in Fairy Meadow. Notably, the 25-34 age group is projected to grow by 49% (647 people), reaching 1,961 from 1,313. Conversely, the 55-64 cohort is expected to decline by 82 people.