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 at 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 15,230 residents following examination of 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 positions it within 1.7 percentage points of the national average (9.9%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed 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 with adjustments made 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. Moving forward, exceptional growth is predicted over the period with the suburb expected to increase by 7,656 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 48.1% 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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers in Fawkner shows around 81 new homes approved annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, approximately 405 homes were approved, with a further 46 approved so far in FY26.

On average, each dwelling constructed over these years accommodates about 0.1 new resident per year. This pace of supply meets or exceeds demand, providing ample buyer choice and capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts. The average construction cost of new dwellings is $387,000. Building activity comprises 30% standalone homes and 70% townhouses or apartments, shifting from the area's existing housing composition of 84% houses.

This transition reflects decreasing developable sites and changing lifestyles seeking more diverse, affordable housing options. Fawkner currently has around 288 people per approval. By 2041, AreaSearch estimates a population growth of 7,438 residents. If current development rates continue, housing supply may struggle to match this growth, potentially increasing buyer competition and supporting price increases.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified ten projects likely affecting the region; notable ones are John Fawkner Secondary College Upgrade and Modernisation, Suburban Rail Loop North - Fawkner Station, Goosnargh Housing Development, and Assembly Broadmeadows. The following list details those 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 Fawkner lags significantly behind most other regions nationally

Fawkner has an educated workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 5.9%. Employment stability over the past year is relatively high.

As of December 2025, 6,982 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 1.2% higher than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.8%. Workforce participation in Fawkner is lower at 61.5%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 71.3%. According to Census data, 24.9% of residents work from home. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, retail trade, and education & training sectors.

The area has a high specialization in transport, postal & warehousing (1.6 times the regional level), but lower representation in professional & technical services (7.6% vs regional average of 10.1%). Limited local employment opportunities are indicated by the resident population compared to working population. Over the past year, employment increased by 0.2%, labour force decreased by 0.7%, and unemployment fell by 0.8 percentage points in Fawkner. In contrast, Greater Melbourne experienced higher employment growth of 2.4%. National employment forecasts from May-25 suggest a 6.6% expansion over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Fawkner's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 6.4% over five years and 13.2% over ten years, assuming constant population projections for illustrative purposes.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2023 shows Fawkner's median income among taxpayers is $45,814. The average income in the suburb is $55,976. Both figures are below the national average. Comparing to Greater Melbourne, Fawkner's median income is lower at $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. 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's community earns between $1,500 and $2,999 per week (4,727 individuals), similar to regional levels where 32.8% occupy this bracket. Housing affordability pressures are severe in the suburb, 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), compared 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 account for 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

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 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 stops. These are served by five routes that together facilitate 1,652 weekly passenger trips. Residents enjoy excellent transport accessibility, with an average distance of 167 meters to the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward from this predominantly residential area. Cars remain the primary mode of transport for 79% of residents, 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 influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Across all routes, service frequency averages 236 trips per day, equating to approximately 20 weekly trips per 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 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 (~7,574 people), compared to 56.7% in Greater Melbourne and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions are arthritis (7.3%) and asthma (6.4%). 73.0% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, similar to the 72.6% across Greater Melbourne. Working-age residents have low chronic condition prevalence. The area has 14.6% of residents aged 65 and over (2,255 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, with 62.4% speaking languages other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion, accounting for 39.9%. Islam's representation in Fawkner is significantly higher at 37.4%, compared to Greater Melbourne's average of 5.6%.

The top three ancestral groups are 'Other' at 30.8% (regional average: 14.6%), Italian at 16.4% (regional average: 5.2%), and Australian at 11.9% (regional average: 18.4%). Notably, Lebanese ethnicity is overrepresented in Fawkner at 6.1%, compared to the regional average of 0.8%. Maltese ethnicity stands at 1.5% in Fawkner versus 1.1% regionally, and Indian ethnicity is at 5.8% compared to 4.2%.

Fawkner's population is younger than the national pattern

Fawkner's median age is 35 years, slightly younger than Greater Melbourne's 37 and the national average of 38. The 5-14 age group comprises 13.9%, higher than Greater Melbourne's figure. The 45-54 cohort stands at 10.2%, lower compared to other regions. Between 2021 and present, the 35-44 age group has increased from 15.0% to 15.7%. Conversely, the 75-84 age group 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 1,294 people (82%), from 1,575 to 2,870.