Fitzroy (Vic.)

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

By Nov 2025, the estimated population of the Fitzroy (Vic.) statistical area (Lv2) was around 12,578. This reflected an increase of 2,147 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 10,431. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 11,984 following examination of ABS's latest ERP data release in June 2024 and an additional 281 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population resulted in a density ratio of 8,920 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the top 10% nationally according to AreaSearch. The Fitzroy (Vic.) (SA2) experienced a growth rate of 20.6% between the 2021 Census and Nov 2025, exceeding both national (9.7%) and state averages. Overseas migration contributed approximately 87.0% of overall population gains during this period.

AreaSearch's projections for the Fitzroy (Vic.) (SA2) are based on ABS/Geoscience Australia projections released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch uses 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 the years 2032 to 2041. According to these projections, a significant population increase is forecasted for the Fitzroy (Vic.) (SA2), with an expected expansion of 5,220 persons by 2041. This reflects a gain of 36.8% in total over the 17-year period.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Fitzroy among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, shows Fitzroy recorded around 77 residential properties granted approval per year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 387 homes. So far in FY-26, 40 approvals have been recorded. On average, 1.6 new residents arrived per new home annually between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating balanced supply and demand with stable market conditions. However, this figure accelerated to 5.8 people per dwelling over the past two financial years, suggesting increasing demand and tightening supply. New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost value of $484,000, reflecting a developer focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties.

This year, $35.8 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, indicating robust local business investment. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Fitzroy displays comparable development activity per person, maintaining market balance consistent with the broader area, although building activity has accelerated in recent years. New development consists of 1.0% detached houses and 99.0% attached dwellings, promoting higher-density living that creates more affordable entry points for downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. With around 116 people per approval, Fitzroy reflects a developing area.

According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Fitzroy is expected to grow by 4,626 residents through to 2041. If current construction levels persist, housing supply could lag population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

Fitzroy 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 42 projects likely impacting the area. Notable projects include Brenan Place, Fitzroy Gasworks, Palladian (26-56 Queens Parade), and Fitzroy Fitzroy. The following list details those most relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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AreaSearch analysis reveals Fitzroy recording weaker employment conditions than most comparable areas nationwide

Fitzroy has an educated workforce with notable representation in the technology sector. Its unemployment rate was 8.9% in the past year, with estimated employment growth of 4.5%.

As of September 2025, 7,664 residents are employed, while the unemployment rate is 4.3%, higher than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.7%. Workforce participation is high at 69.2% compared to Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. Leading employment industries include professional & technical, health care & social assistance, and education & training. The area has a strong specialization in professional & technical services, with an employment share 2.1 times the regional level.

In contrast, construction employs only 3.6% of local workers compared to Greater Melbourne's 9.7%. There are 1.5 workers for every resident, indicating that Fitzroy hosts more jobs than residents and attracts workers from nearby areas. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 4.5%, while the labour force grew by 5.2%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.7 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Melbourne experienced employment growth of 3.0% and a 0.3 percentage point rise in unemployment rate. State-wide, Victoria's employment grew by 1.13% year-on-year as of 25-November, with an unemployment rate of 4.7%. National employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that Fitzroy's employment should increase by 7.5% over five years and 15.0% over ten years based on industry-specific projections.

Income metrics indicate excellent economic conditions, with the area achieving higher performance than 75% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch

The suburb of Fitzroy had a median taxpayer income of $66,739 and an average income of $96,670 in the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year 2023. This places Fitzroy among the top percentile nationally, contrasting with Greater Melbourne's median income of $57,688 and average income of $75,164. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $72,245 (median) and $104,645 (average) as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census, individual earnings in Fitzroy stood out at the 93rd percentile nationally with a weekly income of $1,265. Distribution data shows that 27.5% of residents (3,458 people) fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 weekly income bracket, mirroring the broader area where 32.8% occupy this bracket. Economic strength is evident with 37.0% of households achieving high weekly earnings exceeding $3,000, supporting elevated consumer spending. High housing costs consume 17.9% of income, however strong earnings still place disposable income at the 74th percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 8th decile.

Fitzroy features a more urban dwelling mix with significant apartment living, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

The dwelling structure in Fitzroy, as per the latest Census, consisted of 3.2% houses and 96.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In contrast, Melbourne metro had 12.8% houses and 87.2% other dwellings. Home ownership in Fitzroy was at 18.7%, with mortgaged dwellings at 20.6% and rented ones at 60.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Fitzroy was $2,500, higher than Melbourne metro's average of $2,326. The median weekly rent in Fitzroy was $451, matching Melbourne metro's figure but significantly higher than the national average of $375. Nationally, Fitzroy's mortgage repayments were notably higher at $2,500 compared to Australia's average of $1,863.

Fitzroy features high concentrations of group households and lone person households, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households constitute 49.5% of all households, including 12.0% couples with children, 28.1% couples without children, and 7.7% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 50.5%, with lone person households at 38.3% and group households making up 12.2%. The median household size is 2.0 people, which matches the Greater Melbourne average.

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

Fitzroy's educational attainment is notably high, with 61.8% of residents aged 15 years and above having university qualifications, compared to Australia's 30.4% and Victoria's 33.4%. This advantage includes a leading 37.5% holding Bachelor degrees, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 19.4%, and graduate diplomas at 4.9%. Vocational pathways account for 16.0% of qualifications among those aged 15 years and above, with advanced diplomas at 8.0% and certificates also at 8.0%. Educational participation is high, with 27.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 12.5% in tertiary education, 5.3% in primary education, and 3.6% pursuing secondary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 27.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 12.5% in tertiary education, 5.3% in primary education, and 3.6% pursuing secondary education.

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

Fitzroy has 36 active public transport stops, operating a mix of light rail and bus services. These stops are served by 33 individual routes, offering a total of 14,675 weekly passenger trips. Residents enjoy excellent transport accessibility, with an average distance of 130 meters to the nearest stop.

Daily service frequency averages 2,096 trips across all routes, equating to approximately 407 weekly trips per individual stop.

Fitzroy's residents are extremely healthy with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Analysis of health metrics shows strong performance throughout Fitzroy. Both young and old age cohorts have low prevalence of common health conditions. The rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 65% of the total population (8,161 people), compared to 71.3% across Greater Melbourne and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues impacting 12.0% of residents and asthma affecting 8.2%. Seventy-point-five percent declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, similar to Greater Melbourne's 70.6%. Fitzroy has 11.3% of residents aged 65 and over (1,421 people). Health outcomes among seniors are above average, broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

Fitzroy was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Fitzroy's cultural diversity was higher than most local areas, with 25.1% speaking a language other than English at home and 34.2% born overseas. Christianity was the predominant religion in Fitzroy at 23.0%. Judaism, at 0.8%, was overrepresented compared to Greater Melbourne's 0.8%.

The top three ancestry groups were English (23.5%), Australian (15.6%), and Other (12.9%). Irish (11.7%) and French (0.9%) were notably overrepresented, while Vietnamese (2.8%) was slightly higher than the regional average of 2.4%.

Fitzroy's population is younger than the national pattern

Fitzroy's median age is 34 years, which is lower than Greater Melbourne's average of 37 and Australia's average of 38. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Fitzroy has a higher concentration of residents aged 25-34 at 31.1%, but fewer residents aged 5-14 at 5.5%. This concentration of 25-34 year-olds is well above the national average of 14.5%. According to the 2021 Census, the proportion of Fitzroy's population aged 25 to 34 has grown from 29.5% to 31.1%, while the proportion of residents aged 45 to 54 has declined from 11.5% to 9.9%. Population forecasts for 2041 suggest significant demographic changes in Fitzroy, with the strongest projected growth in the 45-54 age group, expected to grow by 83% and reach 2,274 residents. In contrast, the 15-24 age group is projected to show minimal growth of just 8%, adding only 97 people.