Fawkner

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

The population of the Fawkner statistical area (Lv2) was estimated at around 15,418 as of November 2025, reflecting an increase of 1,144 people since the 2021 Census. The population in 2021 was reported to be 14,274 people. This increase is inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of the resident population at 15,230 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 223 validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density ratio was 2,948 persons per square kilometer, placing Fawkner (SA2) in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The area's 8.0% growth since census is within 1.7 percentage points of the national average (9.7%). Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration contributing approximately 81.0% 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, and uses VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023 with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels for areas not covered by ABS data. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Based on aggregated SA2-level projections, the Fawkner (SA2) is expected to increase by 7,657 persons to 2041, reflecting an increase of 48.5% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Fawkner recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

Fawkner has seen approximately 81 new homes approved annually, with 405 homes approved between financial years FY21-FY25 and 43 so far in FY26. Each dwelling constructed over the past five financial years has contributed an average of 0.1 new residents per year.

The average construction cost value for new dwellings is $387,000. Building activity comprises 30% standalone homes and 70% townhouses or apartments. This shift from the existing housing composition of 84% houses reflects decreasing developable sites and changing lifestyles. Fawkner's population density is around 288 people per approval.

By 2041, Fawkner is projected to grow by 7,476 residents. At current development rates, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Fawkner has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

Ten projects identified by AreaSearch are expected to impact the area significantly. These include John Fawkner Secondary College Upgrade and Modernisation, Suburban Rail Loop North - Fawkner Station, Goosnargh Housing Development, and Assembly Broadmeadows. The following list details those likely to be 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 Fawkner lags significantly behind most other regions nationally

Fawkner has an educated workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 6.8% as of the past year, with estimated employment growth of 1.5%.

As of September 2025, 7,009 residents are employed, while the unemployment rate is 2.1% higher than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.7%. Workforce participation in Fawkner is 54.4%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, retail trade, and education & training. The area has a particular specialization in transport, postal & warehousing, with an employment share 1.6 times the regional level.

Conversely, professional & technical services have lower representation at 7.6% compared to the regional average of 10.1%. Limited local employment opportunities are indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. In the past year, employment increased by 1.5%, labour force by 1.8%, and unemployment rose by 0.3 percentage points. Greater Melbourne experienced employment growth of 3.0% and labour force growth of 3.3%, with a 0.3 percentage point rise in unemployment. State-level data to 25-Nov shows Victoria's employment grew by 1.13% year-on-year, adding 41,950 jobs, with an unemployment rate of 4.7%. National forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.2% over ten years for Fawkner, based on its employment mix.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 indicates Fawkner's median income among taxpayers is $45,814. The average income in this suburb is $55,976. Both figures are below the national average. In Greater Melbourne, the median income is $57,688 and the average is $75,164. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Fawkner's median and average incomes would be approximately $49,594 and $60,594 respectively by September 2025. Census data reveals household income ranks at the 30th percentile with a weekly income of $1,428. Personal income sits at the 10th percentile. Distribution data shows that 30.6% of Fawkner residents earn between $1,500 and $2,999 per week (4,717 individuals), which is similar to regional levels where 32.8% fall into this bracket. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Fawkner, with only 82.3% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 28th percentile.

Fawkner is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with strong rates of outright home ownership

Fawkner's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 83.7% houses and 16.3% other dwellings such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and others. Home ownership in Fawkner stood at 37.4%, with mortgaged dwellings accounting for 30.7% and rented ones at 31.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,876, while the median weekly rent was recorded as $376. Nationally, Fawkner's mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, with rents exceeding the national figure of $375.

Fawkner features high concentrations of group households, with a median household size of 2.8 people

Family households constitute 71.0% of all households, including 36.8% couples with children, 20.3% couples without children, and 12.3% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 29.0%, with lone person households at 24.5% and group households making up 4.5%. The median household size is 2.8 people.

Educational attainment in Fawkner aligns closely with national averages, showing typical qualification patterns and performance metrics

University qualification levels in Fawkner are at 32.1%, slightly below Greater Melbourne's average of 37.0%. Bachelor degrees are the most common (19.5%), followed by postgraduate qualifications (10.2%) and graduate diplomas (2.4%). Vocational pathways account for 24.3% of qualifications among those aged 15+.

Advanced diplomas make up 9.3%, while certificates are at 15.0%. Educational participation is high, with 33.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.3% in primary education, 7.2% in secondary education, and 6.1% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Fawkner has 79 active public transport stops, served by a mix of train and bus routes. These stops are serviced by 5 individual routes, providing a total of 1,652 weekly passenger trips. The average distance from residents to the nearest transport stop is 167 meters, indicating excellent transport accessibility.

Service frequency averages 236 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 20 weekly trips per individual stop.

The level of general health in Fawkner is notably higher than the national average with prevalence of common health conditions low among the general population though higher than the nation's average across older, at risk cohorts

Fawkner exhibits above-average health outcomes with a low prevalence of common health conditions among its general population compared to national averages, particularly in older cohorts at higher risk. Approximately 49% (~7,559 people) have private health cover, lower than the national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis and asthma, affecting 7.3 and 6.4% of residents respectively. Conversely, 73.0% report no medical ailments compared to 0% across Greater Melbourne. Fawkner has 14.4% (2,220 people) of its population aged 65 and over, with health outcomes among seniors needing more attention than the broader population.

Fawkner is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Fawkner has a culturally diverse population, with 48.3% born overseas and 62.4% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Fawkner, accounting for 39.9% of its population. Islam is significantly overrepresented compared to Greater Melbourne, comprising 37.4%.

The top three ancestry groups are Other (30.8%), Italian (16.4%), and Australian (11.9%). Notably, Lebanese (6.1%), Maltese (1.5%), and Indian (5.8%) ethnicities are overrepresented in Fawkner compared to the regional average of None%.

Fawkner's population is younger than the national pattern

Fawkner's median age is 35 years, which is slightly younger than Greater Melbourne's 37 and the national average of 38. The 5-14 age group comprises 14.0% of Fawkner's population, higher than Greater Melbourne's percentage. Conversely, the 45-54 cohort makes up 10.1%, which is less prevalent compared to other areas. Between 2021 and present, the 35-44 age group has increased from 15.0% to 15.7%. Meanwhile, the 75-84 cohort has decreased from 5.6% to 4.9%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic shifts in Fawkner. The 45-54 age cohort is projected to rise substantially, with an increase of 1,311 people (84%), from 1,557 to 2,869.