Alphington - Fairfield

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

Alphington-Fairfield's population was 9,844 as of November 2025, an increase of 850 people since the 2021 Census. This growth represents a 9.5% rise from the previous count of 8,994. The change is inferred from ABS data showing an estimated resident population of 9,688 in June 2024 and 123 validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density ratio was 3,406 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile nationally according to AreaSearch's assessments. Alphington-Fairfield's growth exceeded both its SA3 area (7.4%) and the national average, making it a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 76.2% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered, they utilise VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023 with adjustments made using weighted aggregation methods. Future trends predict exceptional growth, placing it in the top 10% of Australian statistical areas by 2041. Based on latest ERP numbers, the area is expected to grow by 4,308 persons by 2041, reflecting a total increase of 42.2% over the 17-year period.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Alphington - Fairfield recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

Alphington-Fairfield has seen approximately 41 new homes approved annually. Between FY21 and FY25, around 206 homes were approved, with an additional 11 approved so far in FY26. Over the past five financial years, an average of 1.1 people moved to the area per dwelling built. However, this figure has increased to 8.1 people per dwelling over the past two financial years, suggesting growing demand and tightening supply.

The average construction value for development projects is $513,000, indicating a focus on premium market developments. This year, $13.8 million in commercial approvals have been registered, demonstrating steady commercial investment activity. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Alphington-Fairfield has had elevated construction activity, with 28.0% more dwellings approved per person over the past five years. This has maintained good buyer choice and supported existing property values.

However, building activity has slowed in recent years. The new building activity shows a trend towards denser development, with 42.0% detached houses and 58.0% medium to high-density housing. This shift caters to downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers. With approximately 318 people per dwelling approval, Alphington-Fairfield indicates a growing market. By 2041, the area is expected to grow by 4,152 residents. If current development rates continue, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially increasing buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Alphington - Fairfield has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 39thth percentile nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 17 projects that could impact this region. Notable ones include Alphington Village (Time & Place), Fairfield Station Precinct Redevelopment, Paper House Alphington, and Samma Place, Ivanhoe. 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.

Employment performance in Alphington - Fairfield has been broadly consistent with national averages

Alphington-Fairfield has an educated workforce with professional services well-represented. Its unemployment rate was 4.6% in September 2025, aligning with Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.7%.

Workforce participation is high at 71.2%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. Key employment industries include health care & social assistance, professional & technical services, and education & training. The area specialises in professional & technical services, with an employment share 1.4 times the regional level. Conversely, construction shows lower representation at 5.5% versus the regional average of 9.7%.

Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. Over September 2024 to September 2025, employment increased by 5.2%, labour force by 4.7%, reducing unemployment by 0.4 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Melbourne had employment growth of 3.0% and a slight rise in unemployment. State-wide, Victoria's employment grew by 1.13% year-on-year to 25-November 2025, with an unemployment rate of 4.7%. National forecasts suggest total employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Alphington-Fairfield's employment mix indicates local employment could increase by 7.3% over five years and 14.8% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2022, Alphington - Fairfield SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $67,612 and an average income of $100,763. Nationally, these figures are exceptionally high compared to the national median of $54,892 and average of $73,761 across Greater Melbourne. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.16% since financial year 2022, estimated current incomes would be approximately $75,834 (median) and $113,016 (average) as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in Alphington - Fairfield rank highly nationally, between the 73rd and 85th percentiles. Income analysis shows that the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket dominates with 26.3% of residents (2,588 people), consistent with broader trends across regional levels showing 32.8% in the same category. Economic strength is evident through 36.7% of households achieving high weekly earnings exceeding $3,000, supporting elevated consumer spending. Housing accounts for 14.2% of income. Strong earnings rank residents within the 75th percentile for disposable income. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 9th decile.

Alphington - Fairfield displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Alphington-Fairfield's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, comprised 51.9% houses and 48.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Melbourne metro's 50.4% houses and 49.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Alphington-Fairfield stood at 31.5%, with mortgaged dwellings at 30.2% and rented ones at 38.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,200, lower than Melbourne metro's $2,300. Median weekly rent was $381, compared to Melbourne metro's $421. Nationally, Alphington-Fairfield's mortgage repayments were higher at $2,200 than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents exceeded the national figure of $375 at $381.

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

Family households comprise 60.5% of all households, including 28.8% couples with children, 23.2% couples without children, and 7.6% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 39.5%, with lone person households at 33.5% and group households comprising 5.9%. The median household size is 2.3 people, which matches the Greater Melbourne average.

Educational achievement in Alphington - Fairfield places it within the top 10% nationally, reflecting strong academic performance and high qualification levels across the community

Educational attainment in Alphington-Fairfield is notably higher than broader benchmarks. As of 2016, 54.8% of residents aged 15 and above held university qualifications, compared to 30.4% nationally and 33.4% statewide (VIC). This high level of educational attainment positions the area favourably for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 31.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 15.9% and graduate diplomas at 7.2%.

Vocational pathways account for 17.9% of qualifications among those aged 15 and above, with advanced diplomas at 8.4% and certificates at 9.5%. Educational participation is also high, with 29.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education as of 2016. This includes 9.1% in tertiary education, 8.0% in primary education, and 6.8% pursuing secondary education.

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

Alphington-Fairfield has 60 active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 13 routes, collectively handling 6,480 weekly passenger trips. Residents enjoy excellent transport accessibility, with an average distance of 131 meters to the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 925 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 108 weekly trips per individual stop.

The level of general health in Alphington - Fairfield is notably higher than the national average with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Alphington-Fairfield shows above-average health outcomes for both young and elderly residents. Common health conditions have low prevalence: mental health issues affect 10.3%, asthma impacts 8.0%, while 70.7% report no medical ailments. Private health cover is high at 72% (7,058 people), compared to Greater Melbourne's 66.6% and the national average of 55.3%.

The area has 14.9% residents aged 65 and over (1,464 people). Seniors' health outcomes align with the general population's profile.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Alphington - Fairfield was found to be slightly above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Alphington-Fairfield, as per the 2016 Census, had a higher cultural diversity than most local areas with 23.3% of its population born overseas and 19.9% speaking languages other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Alphington-Fairfield, comprising 37.1% of the population. Notably, Judaism was overrepresented compared to Greater Melbourne, making up 0.3% versus 0.5%.

The top three ancestry groups were English (23.2%), Australian (20.3%), and Irish (10.9%). Some ethnic groups showed notable differences: Greeks were slightly overrepresented at 5.6%, Italians had similar representation at 7.4%, and Macedonians also had the same representation as the region at 0.9%.

Alphington - Fairfield's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

The median age in Alphington-Fairfield as of 2021 is 38 years, which is close to Greater Melbourne's average of 37 and equivalent to Australia's median of 38. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Alphington-Fairfield has a higher proportion of residents aged 55-64 (12.3%) but fewer residents aged 5-14 (9.7%). Between the 2016 and 2021 censuses, the population aged 75-84 grew from 3.9% to 4.6%, while the 45-54 cohort declined from 14.4% to 13.2% and the 5-14 group decreased from 10.8% to 9.7%. By 2041, Alphington-Fairfield's age composition is projected to change significantly, with the 45-54 age group expected to grow by 53%, reaching 1,982 people from 1,296.