Fawkner

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

As of May 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Fawkner is around 15,396. This reflects an increase of 1,122 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 14,274. The current resident population estimate of 15,366, validated by AreaSearch following examination of ABS data from June 2025, includes an additional 243 new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 2,943 persons per square kilometer, placing Fawkner in the upper quartile nationally according to AreaSearch assessments. The suburb's growth rate of 7.9% since the census is within 1.4 percentage points of the state average of 9.3%. Overseas migration contributed approximately 81.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch projections for Fawkner are based on ABS/Geoscience Australia data released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, and VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023 adjusted using weighted aggregation methods for areas not covered by the former data. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. According to these projections, Fawkner is expected to experience exceptional growth, placing it in the top 10 percent nationally over the period from 2026 to 2041. The suburb is projected to increase by 7,410 persons by 2041, reflecting a total increase of 47.9% over the 16-year period.

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 a total of 405 approvals in the past five financial years from FY21 to FY25, and an additional 55 so far in FY26. On average, each dwelling constructed over these years accommodates around 0.1 new residents yearly.

The average construction cost value for new dwellings is approximately $387,000. The recent building activity comprises 30% standalone homes and 70% townhouses or apartments, indicating a shift from the area's current housing composition of 84% houses. This higher-density living trend creates more affordable entry points, appealing to downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. Fawkner currently reflects around 288 people per approval, suggesting a transitioning market.

By 2041, AreaSearch estimates an increase of 7,380 residents in Fawkner. If current development rates persist, housing supply may struggle to 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. Key projects 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 prominent representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 5.9%. Over the past year, it has shown relative employment stability.

As of December 2025, 6,986 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 1.2% higher than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.8%. Workforce participation in Fawkner lags at 60.9%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 69.9%. According to Census responses, 24.9% of residents work from home. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, retail trade, and education & training.

The area has a high specialization in transport, postal & warehousing, with an employment share 1.6 times the regional level. Conversely, professional & technical services show lower representation at 7.6% compared to the regional average of 10.1%. Limited local employment opportunities are suggested by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Over a 12-month period ending December 2025, employment in Fawkner increased by 0.2%, while labour force decreased by 0.7%, resulting in an unemployment rate drop of 0.8 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Melbourne experienced employment growth of 2.4% and labour force growth of 2.8%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, released in May-25, project national employment to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Fawkner's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.4% over five years and 13.2% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows Fawkner's median income among taxpayers is $45,814. The average income in the suburb is $55,976. This is below the national average. In comparison, Greater Melbourne has a median income of $57,688 and an average of $75,164. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Fawkner's median income would be approximately $50,221 as of March 2026, with the average being around $61,361. Census data indicates that household income ranks at the 30th percentile ($1,428 weekly), while personal income is at the 10th percentile. Distribution data shows that 30.6% of Fawkner's community earns between $1,500 and $2,999 (4,711 individuals), which is similar to regional levels where 32.8% fall into this bracket. Housing affordability pressures are severe in the suburb, with only 82.3% of income remaining, ranking at the 28th percentile.

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

In Fawkner, as recorded in the latest Census, 83.7% of dwellings were houses with the remaining 16.3% being semi-detached, apartments, or other types. In comparison, Melbourne metropolitan area had 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Fawkner stood at 37.4%, with mortgaged dwellings at 30.7% and rented ones at 31.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,876, lower than Melbourne metro's average of $2,000. Median weekly rent in Fawkner was $376, compared to Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, Fawkner's mortgage repayments were higher at $1,876 against the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were slightly higher at $376 compared to the national figure of $375.

Fawkner features high concentrations of group households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 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 constitute the remaining 29.0%, with lone person households at 24.5% and group households comprising 4.5%. The median household size is 2.8 people, larger than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

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

In Fawkner, the proportion of residents with university qualifications is 32.1%, slightly below Greater Melbourne's average of 37.0%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 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 and above, with advanced diplomas at 9.3% and certificates 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, all of which are bus routes. These stops are serviced by five different routes, collectively providing 1652 weekly passenger trips. The average distance from a resident's home to the nearest transport stop is 167 meters. Most residents commute outwards, with cars being the dominant mode at 79%, while 13% use trains. On average, there are 1.2 vehicles per dwelling. According to the 2021 Census, 24.9% of residents work from home, which may be due to COVID-19 conditions.

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

Health performance in Fawkner is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across the board, though to a considerably higher degree among older age cohorts

Fawkner faces significant health challenges based on AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are high, with common health conditions prevalent across all age groups but more so among older cohorts. Private health cover is relatively low at approximately 49% of the total population (around 7,548 people), compared to 56.7% in Greater Melbourne and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions are arthritis and asthma, affecting 7.3% and 6.4% of residents respectively. About 73.0% of residents report no medical ailments, similar to the 72.6% rate in Greater Melbourne. Working-age residents have low chronic condition prevalence. There are 14.3% of residents aged 65 and over (around 2,201 people). Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges but rank lower nationally 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's population is culturally diverse, with 48.3% born overseas and 62.4% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion, making up 39.9%. Islam is overrepresented at 37.4%, compared to Greater Melbourne's average of 5.6%.

The top three ancestry groups are Other (30.8%), Italian (16.4%), and Australian (11.9%). Notably, Lebanese (6.1%) and Maltese (1.5%) are overrepresented, while Indian (5.8%) is slightly higher than the regional average of 4.2%.

Fawkner's population is younger than the national pattern

Fawkner's median age of 35 years is slightly younger than Greater Melbourne's 37 and the national average of 38. The 5-14 age group comprises 14.0%, higher than Greater Melbourne's percentage, while the 65-74 cohort makes up 6.2%. Between 2021 and present day, the 35 to 44 age group has grown from 15.0% to 15.8%. Conversely, the 75 to 84 cohort has decreased from 5.6% to 4.7%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic changes for Fawkner. The 45 to 54 age cohort is projected to rise substantially, with an increase of 1,289 people (81%), from 1,601 to 2,891.