Fawkner
Statistical Area - sa2

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

Fawkner's population, as of August 2025, is around 14,996. This figure represents an increase of 994 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 14,002. The growth is inferred from ABS estimates showing an EPP of 14,960 in June 2024 and validated new addresses totalling 220 since the Census date. This results in a population density of 2,952 persons per square kilometer, placing Fawkner in the upper quartile nationally. The area's growth rate of 7.1% since the 2021 census exceeds that of its SA3 area (7.0%), indicating it as a growth leader. Overseas migration contributed approximately 81.0% to overall population gains recently.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered, AreaSearch employs 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. Based on these projections, Fawkner is expected to grow exceptionally over the period, increasing by 7,543 persons by 2041, reflecting a total increase of 50.1%.

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

Fawkner has averaged approximately 81 new dwelling approvals per year. Development approval data is produced by the ABS on a financial year basis, showing 405 homes over the past five financial years from FY-21 to FY-25, and 12 so far in FY-26. Over these five years, an average of only 0.1 people moved to the area per dwelling built, indicating that new supply has kept pace with or exceeded demand, providing ample buyer choice and creating capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts.

The average construction cost value of new properties is $387,000, which is under regional levels, suggesting more accessible housing choices for buyers. When compared to Greater Melbourne, Fawkner has 17.0% less new development per person but ranks among the 55th percentile nationally in terms of new development. The current composition of new development consists of 30.0% detached houses and 70.0% attached dwellings, reflecting a trend towards denser development that caters to downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers. This represents a notable shift from the area's existing housing stock, which is currently 84.0% houses, indicating decreasing availability of developable sites and changing lifestyles. With around 294 people per dwelling approval, Fawkner demonstrates a developing market.

According to population forecasts, Fawkner is expected to gain approximately 7,507 residents by 2041. If current development rates continue, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially leading to increased buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Fawkner has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

Ten projects are identified by AreaSearch as likely impacting the area, significantly influencing its performance. Key among these are John Fawkner Secondary College Upgrade and Modernisation, Goosnargh Housing Development, Assembly Broadmeadows, and Fawkner Leisure Centre Redevelopment.

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

Fawkner shows employment indicators that trail behind approximately 70% of regions assessed across Australia

Fawkner has an educated workforce with prominent representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 6.4%, with estimated employment growth of 4.1% over the past year as of June 2025.

There are 7,084 employed residents, with an unemployment rate of 1.8% higher than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.6%. Workforce participation is lower at 54.6%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. Leading employment industries include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and education & training. Transport, postal & warehousing has particularly high concentration with levels at 1.5 times the regional average.

Professional & technical employs only 7.8% of local workers, below Greater Melbourne's 10.1%. Employment opportunities locally may be limited as indicated by Census data comparing working population to resident population. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment levels increased by 4.1%, labour force by 4.6%, resulting in unemployment rising by 0.4 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Melbourne recorded employment growth of 3.5% with unemployment rising by 0.5 percentage points. State-level data to Sep-25 shows VIC employment grew by 1.08% year-on-year, with the state unemployment rate at 4.7%, compared to the national rate of 4.5%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 project overall growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Fawkner's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.4%% over five years and 13.2% over ten years, based on simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

Fawkner's median taxpayer income was $45,831 and average income was $56,080 in financial year 2022, according to AreaSearch's postcode level ATO data. This is lower than national averages, with Greater Melbourne's median income being $54,892 and average income of $73,761. As of March 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $50,465 (median) and $61,670 (average), based on Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2022. In 2021 Census figures, individual incomes were at the 11th percentile ($594 weekly), while household income was at the 32nd percentile. The majority of residents, 30.8% or 4,618 people, fell into the $1,500 - 2,999 income bracket, similar to regional levels (32.8%). Housing affordability pressures were severe, with only 82.3% of income remaining, ranking at the 29th percentile.

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

In Fawkner, as per the latest Census data, 84.1% of dwellings were houses while 15.9% consisted of semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. In contrast, Melbourne metropolitan area had 62.8% houses and 37.2% other dwellings. Home ownership in Fawkner stood at 37.5%, with mortgaged properties at 30.9% and rented dwellings at 31.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,880, lower than Melbourne's average of $2,000. Median weekly rent in Fawkner was $380, slightly higher than the national average of $375 but below Melbourne's figure of $381. Nationally, Fawkner's mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863.

Fawkner features high concentrations of group households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 71.3% of all households, including 37.0% couples with children, 20.3% couples without children, and 12.3% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 28.7%, with lone person households at 24.4% and group households comprising 4.4%. The median household size is 2.8 people, larger than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

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

University qualification levels in Fawkner stand at 32.1%, slightly below Greater Melbourne's average of 37.0%. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent at 19.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (10.1%) and graduate diplomas (2.5%). Vocational pathways account for 24.2% of qualifications among those aged 15 and above, with advanced diplomas making up 9.3% and certificates 14.9%.

Educational participation is high, with 33.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.3% in primary, 7.3% 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) offering balanced educational opportunities. The educational mix includes 4 primary, 2 secondary, and 1 K-12 school. As an education hub, Fawkner provides 17.7 school places per 100 residents, significantly above the regional average of 10.0, attracting students from surrounding communities. Note: for schools with 'n/a' enrolments, please refer to the parent campus.

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

Fawkner has 77 active public transport stops, offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 3 routes, which together facilitate 1,525 weekly passenger trips. The average distance to the nearest stop for residents is 167 meters, indicating excellent transport accessibility.

On average, there are 217 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 19 weekly trips per 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 demonstrates above-average health outcomes with prevalence of common health conditions low among the general population. However, it is higher than the national average across older, at-risk cohorts. The rate of private health cover in Fawkner is very low at approximately 48% of the total population (around 7,198 people).

This compares to 52.5% across Greater Melbourne and a national average of 55.3%. The most common medical conditions are arthritis and asthma, affecting 7.3 and 6.3% of residents respectively. About 73.1% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 72.2% in Greater Melbourne. As of June 2021, Fawkner has approximately 14.1% of residents aged 65 and over (around 2,121 people). Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges that 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 culturally diverse population, with 48.2% born overseas and 62.4% speaking languages other than English at home. Christianity is the dominant religion at 39.8%. Islam is overrepresented at 37.5%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 17.6%.

The top three ancestry groups are Other (31.0%), Italian (16.4%), and Australian (11.8%). Notably, Lebanese (6.0%) and Greek (3.5%) are overrepresented, while Maltese (1.5%) is slightly under the regional average.

Fawkner's population is younger than the national pattern

Fawkner's median age is 35 years, slightly younger than Greater Melbourne's 37 and the national average of 38. The 5-14 age group comprises 14.0%, higher than Greater Melbourne's percentage. The 45-54 cohort stands at 10.1%. Between 2021 and present, the 35 to 44 age group has increased from 15.0% to 15.8%. Conversely, the 75 to 84 age group has decreased from 5.6% to 4.8%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic shifts in Fawkner. The 45 to 54 cohort is projected to rise substantially, with an increase of 1,320 people (87%), from 1,513 to 2,834.