Alphington - Fairfield
Statistical Area - sa2

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

Alphington-Fairfield's population, as of August 2025, is approximately 9,722, reflecting an increase of 728 people since the 2021 Census. This growth represents an 8.1% rise from the previous figure of 8,994 people. The estimated resident population in June 2024 was 9,688, with an additional 70 validated new addresses contributing to this increase. This results in a population density ratio of 3,364 persons per square kilometer, placing the area in the upper quartile nationally according to AreaSearch's assessments. The growth rate of 8.1% since the 2021 Census exceeds that of the SA3 area (6.5%), indicating Alphington-Fairfield as a growth leader in its region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 76.2% of overall population gains during recent periods, driving this growth.

AreaSearch uses 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 employs the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusting them using a method of weighted aggregation from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Looking ahead, exceptional population growth is predicted over the period, with Alphington-Fairfield expected to grow by 4,308 persons to 2041 based on the latest numbers. This reflects an overall increase of 44.0% in total population over the 17-year span.

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 74 new homes approved annually. The Australian Bureau of Statistics produces development approval data on a financial year basis, showing 372 homes approved between FY20 and FY25, with 6 approvals so far in FY26. An average of 1.1 new residents per year was associated with each dwelling constructed over the past five financial years (FY20-FY25), indicating balanced supply and demand conditions. However, recent data shows an increase to 8.1 people per dwelling over the past two financial years, suggesting growing popularity and potential undersupply. New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost of $962,000, targeting the premium market segment with higher-end properties.

Additionally, $13.8 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, indicating steady commercial investment activity. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Alphington-Fairfield records elevated construction levels, measuring 29.0% above the regional average per person over the past five years. This maintains good buyer choice while supporting existing property values, although building activity has slowed in recent years. New building activity shows a trend towards denser development, with 42.0% detached houses and 58.0% medium to high-density housing, providing accessible entry options for downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers.

With approximately 318 people per dwelling approval, Alphington-Fairfield exhibits developing market dynamics. Projections indicate the suburb is expected to grow by 4,274 residents by 2041. If current development rates continue, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Alphington - Fairfield has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 12 projects likely to impact the area. Key projects include Alphington Village (Time & Place), YarraBend, Samma Place, Ivanhoe, and Greenfield Apartments. The following details those most relevant.

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

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

Alphington-Fairfield has a highly educated workforce with professional services prominently represented. The unemployment rate was 4.7% in June 2025, aligning with Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.6%.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 7.0%. As of June 2025, 6,171 residents were employed, with a workforce participation rate of 71.2%, higher than Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. Key employment industries include health care & social assistance, professional & technical services, and education & training. The area specializes in professional & technical jobs, with an employment share 1.4 times the regional level.

Conversely, construction shows lower representation at 5.5% compared to the regional average of 9.7%. While local opportunities exist, many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data analysis. Over the year to June 2025, employment increased by 7.0%, labour force by 7.1%, with unemployment remaining essentially unchanged. In contrast, Greater Melbourne had employment growth of 3.5% and labour force growth of 4.0%, with a 0.5 percentage point rise in unemployment. State-level data to Sep-25 shows VIC employment grew by 1.08% year-on-year, adding 39,880 jobs, with the state unemployment rate at 4.7%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 suggest Alphington-Fairfield's employment could grow by approximately 7.3% over five years and 14.8% 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

AreaSearch's aggregation of latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2022 shows Alphington - Fairfield had a median taxpayer income of $67,612 and an average income of $100,763. Nationally, these figures are exceptionally high, with Greater Melbourne having median and average incomes of $54,892 and $73,761 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.11% from financial year 2022 to March 2025, estimated current incomes would be approximately $74,448 (median) and $110,950 (average). According to the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in Alphington - Fairfield rank highly nationally, between the 73rd and 86th percentiles. Income analysis reveals that 26.3% of residents (2,556 people) fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 income bracket, consistent with broader regional trends 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, and strong earnings place 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, consisted of 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, below Melbourne metro's average of $2,300. Median weekly rent in Alphington-Fairfield was $381, compared to Melbourne metro's $421. Nationally, mortgage repayments were higher at $1,863 and rents were $375.

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

Family households constitute 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 comprise the remaining 39.5%, with lone person households at 33.5% and group households making up 5.9%. The median household size is 2.3 people, which matches the Greater Melbourne average.

Alphington - Fairfield shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

Educational attainment in Alphington-Fairfield is notably high, with 54.8% of residents aged 15 years and above holding university qualifications. This figure exceeds the national average of 30.4% and the Victorian average of 33.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 31.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (15.9%) and graduate diplomas (7.2%). Vocational pathways account for 17.9%, with advanced diplomas at 8.4% and certificates at 9.5%.

Educational participation is high, with 29.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.1% in tertiary education, 8.0% in primary education, and 6.8% pursuing secondary education. The area's schools include Fairfield Primary School and St Anthony's School, serving a total of 693 students as of the latest data. Alphington-Fairfield demonstrates significant socio-educational advantages with an ICSEA score of 1148. Both schools focus on primary education, with secondary options available in nearby areas. Local school capacity is limited at 7.2 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 22.6, resulting in many families travelling for schooling.

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

Alphington-Fairfield has 60 operational public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 13 different routes that facilitate 6,480 weekly passenger trips combined. The area boasts excellent transport accessibility with residents generally residing just 131 meters away from the nearest stop.

On average, service frequency stands at 925 trips daily across all routes, translating to roughly 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, with both young and elderly seeing low prevalence of common conditions. The private health cover rate is approximately 72% of its total population (6,970 people), compared to Greater Melbourne's 66.6%. Nationally, it stands at 55.3%.

Mental health issues affect 10.3%, and asthma impacts 8.0% of residents. 70.7% report no medical ailments, compared to 69.1% across Greater Melbourne. The area has 14.9% aged 65 and over (1,446 people). Senior health outcomes align with the general population's profile.

Alphington - Fairfield 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

Alphington-Fairfield, surveyed in the period from July 2016 to June 2021, showed higher cultural diversity compared to most local areas, with 23.3% of its population born overseas and 19.9% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Alphington-Fairfield, accounting for 37.1% of the population, but Judaism showed an overrepresentation compared to Greater Melbourne figures, standing at 0.3%. The top three ancestry groups were English (23.2%), Australian (20.3%), and Irish (10.9%).

Among other ethnic groups, Greek (5.6%) and Italian (7.4%) showed notable representation in Alphington-Fairfield, matching regional figures, while Macedonian was also present at 0.9%.

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

The median age in Alphington-Fairfield was 38 years in 2021, close to Greater Melbourne's average of 37 and similar to Australia's median of 38. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Alphington-Fairfield had 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 increased from 3.9% to 4.6%. Meanwhile, the proportion of those aged 45-54 decreased from 14.4% to 13.2%, and the 5-14 age group dropped from 10.8% to 9.7%. By 2041, Alphington-Fairfield's population is projected to see significant shifts in its age composition. Notably, the 45-54 age group is expected to grow by 55%, reaching 1,982 from 1,280.