Fawkner

Population growth drivers in Fawkner are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

As of November 2025, Fawkner's population is estimated at around 15,262, reflecting a 988 person increase since the 2021 Census. This growth represents a 6.9% rise from the previous population count of 14,274 people. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 15,218, based on examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2024), and an additional 223 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 2,918 persons per square kilometer, placing Fawkner in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The suburb's growth rate of 6.9% is within 2.0 percentage points of the national average (8.9%), indicating competitive growth fundamentals. Overseas migration contributed approximately 81.0% of overall population gains during recent periods in Fawkner.

AreaSearch adopts 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 from 2023, adjusted using weighted aggregation methods to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Projecting forward, exceptional growth is predicted for Fawkner over the period, with an expected increase of 7,657 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a total increase of 50.0% 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 indicates Fawkner averaged around 81 new dwelling approvals per year. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, an estimated 405 homes were approved, with another 31 approved so far in FY26.

On average, 0.1 new residents arrived per new home over these years, suggesting supply met or exceeded demand. New properties had an average construction cost of $387,000, lower than regional levels. Building activity showed 30% standalone homes and 70% medium to high-density housing, indicating a shift from the area's existing housing composition, which is currently 84% houses. This trend offers more accessible entry options for buyers.

Fawkner had around 288 people per dwelling approval, reflecting a developing market. By 2041, AreaSearch estimates Fawkner will grow by 7,632 residents. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing buyer competition and supporting stronger price growth.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified ten projects likely impacting the area. 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's workforce is well-educated with significant representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 6.6% as of an unspecified past year, with estimated employment growth of 4.1%.

As of June 2025, 7,182 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 6.6%, which is 2.0% higher than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.6%. Workforce participation in Fawkner was 54.4%, significantly lower than Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. Leading employment industries among residents included health care & social assistance, retail trade, and education & training. The area showed strong specialization in transport, postal & warehousing, with an employment share of 1.6 times the regional level.

However, professional & technical services were under-represented, with only 7.6% of Fawkner's workforce compared to Greater Melbourne's 10.1%. Over the 12 months to June 2025, employment in Fawkner increased by 4.1%, while labour force increased by 4.6%, resulting in an unemployment rise of 0.4 percentage points. By comparison, Greater Melbourne recorded employment growth of 3.5%, labour force growth of 4.0%, with unemployment rising by 0.5 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, published in Sep-22, 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.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

Fawkner's median income among taxpayers in financial year 2022 was $45,808. The average income stood at $55,970 during the same period. For Greater Melbourne, these figures were $54,892 and $73,761 respectively. Based on a 12.16% growth in Wage Price Index since financial year 2022, current estimates for Fawkner would be approximately $51,378 (median) and $62,776 (average) as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census, household income ranks at the 30th percentile ($1,428 weekly), while personal income sits at the 10th percentile. In Fawkner, 30.6% of the population (4,670 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, similar to the surrounding region where 32.8% occupy this bracket. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Fawkner, 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

The dwelling structure in Fawkner, as per the latest Census, consisted of 83.7% houses and 16.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In contrast, Melbourne metro had no data for houses or other dwellings at that time. 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, aligning with Melbourne metro's average. The median weekly rent was $376, whereas Melbourne metro had no data for rents. Nationally, Fawkner's mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents exceeded 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 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 make up 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: 11.3% in primary, 7.2% in secondary, and 6.1% pursuing tertiary education. Fawkner has a robust network of 7 schools educating approximately 2,658 students, with typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 1012) and balanced educational opportunities. The educational mix includes 4 primary, 2 secondary, and 1 K-12 school. There are 17.4 school places per 100 residents, indicating strong educational infrastructure serving local and surrounding communities. Note: where schools show 'n/a' for enrolments, please refer to the parent campus.

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

Fawkner has 79 active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These are served by 5 routes that facilitate 2,403 weekly passenger trips in total. Residents enjoy excellent transport accessibility, with an average distance of 167 meters to the nearest stop.

The service frequency is 343 trips per day across all routes, translating to about 30 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 shows above-average health outcomes with low prevalence of common health conditions among its general population, although higher than the national average in older, at-risk cohorts. Approximately 49% (~7,482 people) have private health cover, lower than the national average of 55.3%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (7.3%) and asthma (6.4%). 73.0% report no medical ailments, compared to 0% in Greater Melbourne. Fawkner has 14.4% residents aged 65 and over (2,197 people). Health outcomes among seniors require 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 highly 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, making up 39.9% of its population. Islam is significantly overrepresented in Fawkner 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.

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 makes up 14.0% of Fawkner's population, compared to Greater Melbourne. The 45-54 cohort is less prevalent in Fawkner at 10.1%. Between 2021 and the present, the 35-44 age group has increased from 15.0% to 15.7% of the population. Conversely, the 75-84 age group has decreased from 5.6% to 4.9%. By 2041, Fawkner's population is forecasted to undergo significant demographic changes. The 45-54 age cohort is projected to rise substantially, with an increase of 1,327 people (86%) from 1,541 to 2,869.