Fawkner

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

As of Feb 2026, the population of the suburb of Fawkner is estimated to be around 15,448. This reflects an increase of 1,174 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 14,274. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of the resident population at 15,230 following examination of the ABS's latest ERP data release in June 2024 and an additional 235 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 2,953 persons per square kilometer, placing Fawkner in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The suburb's 8.2% growth since census is within 1.7 percentage points of the national average (9.9%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration contributing approximately 81.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023, adjusting employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. According to these trends, exceptional growth is predicted over the period with the suburb expected to increase by 7,653 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 48.2% 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 based on AreaSearch analysis. Between FY-21 and FY-25, around 405 homes were approved, with an additional 43 approved in FY-26.

On average, each dwelling constructed over these years accommodates about 0.1 new residents yearly. This pace suggests that supply is meeting or exceeding demand, providing ample buyer choice and capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts. The average construction cost of new dwellings is approximately $387,000. Building activity comprises around 30% standalone homes and 70% townhouses or apartments, indicating a shift from the area's existing housing composition, which is currently 84% houses.

This change reflects decreasing developable sites and evolving lifestyles seeking diverse, affordable housing options. Fawkner's population density stands at approximately 288 people per approval. By 2041, AreaSearch estimates indicate a growth of around 7,445 residents. If current development rates persist, housing supply may struggle to keep up 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

AreaSearch has identified ten infrastructure projects that could significantly impact a particular region. Among these key projects are the John Fawkner Secondary College Upgrade and Modernisation, Suburban Rail Loop North - Fawkner Station, Goosnargh Housing Development, and Assembly Broadmeadows. The following list details those expected to have the most relevance.

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 Fawkner lags significantly behind most other regions nationally

Fawkner's workforce is well-educated with significant representation from essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 6.8% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 1.5%. As of September 2025, 7,012 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 2.1% higher than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.7%.

Workforce participation was lower at 62.4%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 71.0%. Approximately 24.9% of residents worked from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. 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%. Local employment opportunities appear limited, as indicated by the working population vs resident population count. Over a 12-month period ending September 2025, employment increased by 1.5% while labour force rose by 1.8%, resulting in a slight increase in unemployment rate of 0.3 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Melbourne experienced higher growth rates for both employment and labour force, with a similar rise in unemployment rate. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, published in May-25, project national employment growth of 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.

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 that Fawkner had a median income among taxpayers of $45,814 and an average of $55,976. This is below the national average. In Greater Melbourne, the median was $57,688 with an average of $75,164. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Fawkner would be approximately $49,594 (median) and $60,594 (average) as of September 2025. According to census data, household income ranks at the 30th percentile ($1,428 weekly), while personal income sits at the 10th percentile. Distribution data shows that 30.6% of the community earns between $1,500 and $2,999 (4,727 individuals), mirroring regional levels where 32.8% occupy 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 above-average rates of outright home ownership

Fawkner's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 83.7% houses and 16.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Melbourne metro's 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, below 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 than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents exceeded the national figure of $375.

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

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, which is 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

University qualification levels in Fawkner are at 32.1%, slightly below Greater Melbourne's average of 37.0%. Bachelor degrees are the 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+, 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 stops. These stops are served by five different routes that together facilitate 1,652 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of public transport in Fawkner is rated as excellent, with residents typically living just 167 meters from the nearest stop. As a predominantly residential area, most residents commute outwards, primarily by car at a rate of 79%. Train use accounts for 13% of commutes. On average, there are 1.2 vehicles per dwelling in Fawkner.

According to the 2021 Census, 24.9% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency across all routes averages 236 trips per day, 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, as assessed by AreaSearch's analysis of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions are somewhat 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 7,574 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. Around 73.0% of residents report being completely free from medical ailments, compared to 72.6% in Greater Melbourne. Working-age residents show lower chronic condition prevalence. The area has 14.4% of residents aged 65 and over (around 2,224 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 has a population where 48.3% were born overseas and 62.4% speak a language other than English at home. Christianity is the main religion in Fawkner, with 39.9% of people adhering to it. Islam comprises 37.4% of the population, significantly higher than Greater Melbourne's average of 5.6%.

In terms of ancestry, the top groups are Other (30.8%), Italian (16.4%), and Australian (11.9%). The representation of Lebanese (6.1%) is notably higher than the regional average of 0.8%, Maltese (1.5% vs 1.1%), and Indian (5.8% vs 4.2%).

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 years. The 5-14 age group comprises 13.9% of Fawkner's population, higher than Greater Melbourne's percentage. Conversely, the 45-54 age cohort makes up 10.3%, lower than Greater Melbourne's. Between 2021 and present, the 35-44 age group has increased from 15.0% to 15.8%. Meanwhile, the 75-84 age cohort has declined from 5.6% to 4.8%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic shifts in Fawkner. The 45-54 age cohort is projected to rise substantially, with an increase of 1,277 people (80%), from 1,591 to 2,869.