Prairiewood

Prairiewood has seen population growth performance typically on par with national averages when looking at short and medium term trends

As of November 2025, Prairiewood's population is estimated at approximately 3411 people. This figure reflects a decrease from the 2021 Census total of 3457 people, representing a decline of 46 individuals (1.3%). The latest estimate by AreaSearch, based on examination of the ABS ERP data release in June 2024 and validation of new addresses since the Census date, indicates a resident population of 3410 persons. This results in a density ratio of approximately 1601 persons per square kilometer, surpassing the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Over the past decade ending in 2025, Prairiewood has exhibited resilient growth patterns with an annual compound growth rate of 0.7%, outperforming the SA3 area. Overseas migration contributed significantly to population growth in recent periods, accounting for approximately 76% of overall population gains.

AreaSearch's projections for Prairiewood are based on ABS/Geoscience Australia data released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, and NSW State Government SA2-level projections released in 2022 with a base year of 2021 for areas not covered by the former. Applying growth rates by age group from these aggregations to Prairiewood for years 2032 to 2041, AreaSearch anticipates a population increase just below the median of national statistical areas. By 2041, Prairiewood's population is expected to rise by approximately 175 persons, reflecting an overall increase of about 6.9% over the 17-year period.

The level of residential development activity in Prairiewood is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch

Prairiewood averaged approximately 5 new dwelling approvals annually based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers. Between FY-21 and FY-25, an estimated 26 homes were approved, with a further 2 approved in FY-26. The average construction value for these dwellings was $254,000, indicating more affordable housing options compared to regional levels.

In FY-26, there have been $9.3 million in commercial approvals, suggesting moderate commercial development activity. Compared to Greater Sydney, Prairiewood has significantly lower construction levels, at 68.0% below the regional average per person. This constrained new construction can reinforce demand and pricing for existing homes. Nationally, Prairiewood's construction levels are also lower, reflecting market maturity and potential development constraints. All approved constructions since FY-21 have been standalone homes, maintaining the area's suburban character with a focus on family homes.

This is notable as it indicates continued strong demand for traditional houses, despite them making up 76.0% of dwellings at Census. Prairiewood has an established market, with approximately 866 people per dwelling approval. Population forecasts suggest Prairiewood will gain 236 residents by 2041. Building activity is currently in line with growth projections, though increased competition among buyers can be expected as the population grows.

Prairiewood 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 has identified six projects that may impact the area. Key projects are Fairfield Hospital Redevelopment, Fairfield Showground Community and Events Centre, Villawood Town Centre Redevelopment Stage 2, and EVO Fairfield. 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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Employment conditions in Prairiewood remain below the national average according to AreaSearch analysis

Prairiewood has a skilled workforce with diverse sector representation. The unemployment rate was 4.4% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 6.4%.

As of June 2025, 1,454 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 4.6%, which is 0.2% higher than Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%. Workforce participation in Prairiewood is 40.6%, significantly lower than Greater Sydney's 60.0%. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, retail trade, and manufacturing, with a strong specialization in manufacturing at 1.7 times the regional level. Professional & technical employment is lower at 6.2% compared to the regional average of 11.5%.

The worker-to-resident ratio is 0.7, indicating local employment opportunities above the norm. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment increased by 6.4%, while labour force grew by 5.5%, resulting in a 0.9 percentage point decrease in unemployment. In contrast, Greater Sydney experienced employment growth of 2.6% and labour force growth of 2.9%, with a slight rise in unemployment of 0.3 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, published in Sep-22, project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Prairiewood's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.3% over five years and 13.3% over ten years.

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

Prairiewood's median taxpayer income was $42,880 and average income was $54,911 in financial year 2022, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This is lower than the national average of $56,994 for median income and $80,856 for average income in Greater Sydney. By September 2025, estimated median income would be approximately $48,287 and average income $61,835, based on a 12.61% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2022. The 2021 Census showed individual incomes at the 3rd percentile ($496 weekly) but household incomes at the 34th percentile. Income distribution data indicates that 29.1% of residents (992 people) fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket, similar to the metropolitan region's 30.9%. Economic stratification is evident, with 30.3% in modest circumstances and 20.2% in high-earning categories. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 81.1% of income remaining, ranking at the 30th percentile.

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

The latest Census data shows that Prairiewood's dwelling structure comprised 75.9% houses and 24.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Sydney metro had 73.3% houses and 26.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Prairiewood was at 39.5%, with the rest either mortgaged (26.4%) or rented (34.1%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Prairiewood was $2,167, above Sydney metro's average of $2,000. The median weekly rent figure for Prairiewood was $433, compared to Sydney metro's $400. Nationally, Prairiewood's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Prairiewood features high concentrations of family households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 81.8% of all households, including 41.7% couples with children, 22.7% couples without children, and 15.7% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 18.2%, with lone person households at 16.9% and group households comprising 1.5%. The median household size is 3.1 people, smaller than the Greater Sydney average of 3.2.

Prairiewood faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area's university qualification rate is 17.3%, notably lower than Greater Sydney's average of 38.0%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 14.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.4%) and graduate diplomas (0.8%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 27.2% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (9.0%) and certificates (18.2%). Educational participation is high at 28.3%, comprising secondary education (9.4%), primary education (8.7%), and tertiary education (4.3%).

Prairiewood High School serves as the area's anchor educational institution, with 1,303 students. The area has typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 981) and balanced educational opportunities. Secondary education dominates with one school, while primary students often attend schools in nearby areas. The area functions as an education hub with 38.2 school places per 100 residents, significantly higher than the regional average of 17.4, attracting students from surrounding communities.

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

The transport analysis indicates 21 active stops operating within Prairiewood, consisting of bus services. These stops are served by 31 individual routes, collectively facilitating 1,450 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 150 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 207 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 69 weekly trips per stop.

Prairiewood's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with prevalence of common health conditions quite low across both younger and older age cohorts

Health data shows Prairiewood residents have relatively positive health outcomes. The prevalence of common health conditions is low across both younger and older age groups.

Approximately 49% (~1,661 people) have private health cover, which is lower than the national average of 55.3%. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (8.0%) and diabetes (7.1%). About 72.6% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 75.6% in Greater Sydney. Prairiewood has 24.5% (835 people) of residents aged 65 and over, higher than the 19.0% in Greater Sydney. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, even better than those of the general population.

Prairiewood is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Prairiewood has a population where 54.5% were born overseas, with 69.9% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Prairiewood, practiced by 72.2%, compared to 55.7% across Greater Sydney. The top three ancestry groups are Other (38.4%), Italian (9.1%), and Vietnamese (8.0%).

Notably, Croatian (4.1%) and Spanish (1.6%) are overrepresented in Prairiewood compared to regional averages of 1.7% and 1.0%, respectively, while Serbian is slightly underrepresented at 1.4% versus the regional average of 1.8%.

Prairiewood hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

The median age in Prairiewood is 43 years, which is higher than Greater Sydney's average of 37 years and exceeds the national average of 38 years. The age profile shows that individuals aged 75-84 make up 9.3% of the population, while those aged 35-44 constitute 10.1%. Between 2021 and present, the percentage of individuals aged 75-84 has increased from 7.7% to 9.3%, while the 15-24 age group has grown from 12.6% to 13.9%. Conversely, the 5-14 age group has decreased from 11.9% to 10.2%, and the 35-44 age group has dropped from 11.5% to 10.1%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Prairiewood's age structure. The 85+ age cohort is projected to grow by 161 people (148%), from 109 to 271. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 91% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. Conversely, the 15-24 and 0-4 age cohorts are expected to experience population declines.