Fairy Meadow

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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates, the Fairy Meadow statistical area's population is estimated at around 7,552 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 40 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 7,512 people. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 7,527 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 11 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 2,208 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration contributing approximately 87.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises NSW State Government's SA2 level projections released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Examining future population trends, an above median growth of national non-metropolitan areas is projected, with the Fairy Meadow (SA2) expected to expand by 1,600 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a total increase of 23.9% over the 17 years.

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

Fairy Meadow experienced around 12 dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years. This totals an estimated 61 homes from FY-21 to FY-25. As of FY-26, four approvals have been recorded. On average, 1.9 people moved to the area per dwelling built each year between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating balanced supply and demand. However, this figure increased to 14.8 people per dwelling over the past two financial years, suggesting growing popularity and potential undersupply.

The average construction value of development projects was $555,000, reflecting a focus on premium segment properties. In FY-26, $12.9 million in commercial development approvals were recorded, indicating moderate levels of commercial development activity. Compared to the Rest of NSW, Fairy Meadow has markedly lower building activity, which is 72.0% below the regional average per person. This scarcity typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. New building activity shows an equal split between detached dwellings and townhouses or apartments, promoting higher-density living and creating more affordable entry points for downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. With around 1029 people per dwelling approval, Fairy Meadow reflects a highly mature market.

According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Fairy Meadow is projected to add 1,805 residents by 2041. At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and supporting price increases.

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

Area infrastructure significantly impacts local performance. AreaSearch identified ten projects likely affecting the area. Key projects are 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 most relevant.

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

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The labour market performance in Fairy Meadow lags significantly behind most other regions nationally

Fairy Meadow has an educated workforce with prominent representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 5.8% as of September 2024.

Over the past year, employment stability was relative. As of September 2025, 3928 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 5.8%, compared to Rest of NSW's rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation is similar to Rest of NSW at 56.4%. Leading industries include health care & social assistance, education & training, and retail trade.

Finance & insurance has a strong presence, with employment share twice the regional level. Agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented, with only 0.3% of Fairy Meadow's workforce compared to 5.3% in Rest of NSW. The area offers limited local employment opportunities, indicated by Census data comparing working population to resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment increased by 0.2%, while labour force increased by 0.2%, leaving unemployment flat. In contrast, Rest of NSW saw employment decline of 0.5% and labour force decline of 0.1%, with a 0.4 percentage point rise in unemployment. State-level data to November 25 shows NSW employment contracted by 0.03%, losing 2260 jobs, with the state unemployment rate at 3.9%. National unemployment is 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest Fairy Meadow's employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.6% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to the local employment mix.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

As per AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released on financial year ended June 2023, Fairy Meadow's median income among taxpayers is $48,852. The average income is $65,661. This is slightly lower than the national average. Rest of NSW has a median income of $52,390 and an average of $65,215. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% from financial year ended June 2023 to September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $53,180 (median) and $71,479 (average). Census data shows household, family, and personal incomes rank modestly in Fairy Meadow, between the 23rd and 29th percentiles. Income distribution data reveals that 29% of individuals earn between $1,500 and $2,999 annually, aligning with broader area trends. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 80.3% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 24th percentile. Fairy Meadow's SEIFA income ranking places it in the fifth decile.

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

Fairy Meadow's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 57.4% houses and 42.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro NSW's 58.9% houses and 41.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Fairy Meadow was at 35.4%, similar to Non-Metro NSW. Dwellings were either mortgaged (22.5%) or rented (42.1%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,167, below the Non-Metro NSW average of $2,189. Median weekly rent in Fairy Meadow was $390, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $400. Nationally, Fairy Meadow's mortgage repayments were higher at $2,167 versus Australia's average of $1,863, and 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 comprise the remaining 38.9%, with lone person households at 30.9% and group households at 7.9%. 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 at 28.1% among residents aged 15+, surpassing the Rest of NSW average of 21.3%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 17.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (8.3%) and graduate diplomas (2.1%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 36.1% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas at 10.6% and certificates at 25.5%.

Educational participation is high, with 31.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.6% in tertiary education, 8.1% in primary education, and 6.3% pursuing secondary education.

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

Fairy Meadow has 67 active public transport stops. These include a mix of train and bus services. There are 43 different routes operating in total, providing 2,803 weekly passenger trips combined.

The accessibility of these services is rated as excellent, with residents typically located just 160 meters from the nearest stop. On average, there are 400 trips per day across all routes, which equates to approximately 41 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 prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is approximately 53% of the total population (~3,995 people), compared to 56.8% across Rest of NSW.

The most common medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 9.3 and 9.2% of residents respectively. 66.2% of residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 68.6% across Rest of NSW. As of 18 June 2021, 18.1% of residents are aged 65 and over (1,366 people). Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

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

Fairy Meadow exhibited higher cultural diversity than most nearby markets, with 27.3% of its residents born overseas and 23.4% using a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Fairy Meadow, accounting for 51.9% of the population. Islam, however, was notably overrepresented at 5.1%, compared to the regional average of 2.5%.

The top three parental birth countries were England (23.7%), Australia (23.3%), and Other (10.6%). Some ethnic groups showed significant differences: Serbian representation was higher at 1.0% in Fairy Meadow versus 0.8% regionally, Italian at 7.2% compared to 4.5%, and Macedonian 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 as of 2021 was 37 years, which is lower than Rest of NSW's average of 43 and close to the national average of 38. The age profile showed that individuals aged 15-24 were particularly prominent at 18.0%, while those aged 65-74 made up only 8.5% of the population, compared to Rest of NSW's figures. This concentration of young adults was higher than the national average of 12.5%. Between 2021 and the present day, the median age has decreased by 1.1 years to 37 years, indicating a shift towards a younger demographic. During this period, the proportion of individuals aged 15-24 increased from 15.7% to 18.0%, while those aged 25-34 grew from 14.8% to 17.0%. Conversely, the proportion of individuals aged 45-54 decreased from 12.0% to 10.4%, and those aged 55-64 dropped from 11.4% to 10.1%. Population forecasts for Fairy Meadow indicate significant demographic changes by 2041. Notably, the 25-34 age group is projected to grow by 53% (675 people), reaching 1,959 from a starting point of 1,283 in 2021. In contrast, the 55-64 age cohort is expected to decline by 73 individuals.