Fawkner

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

Fawkner's population is 15,126 as of May 2026. This shows an increase of 1,124 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 14,002. The change is inferred from ABS data: 15,096 in June 2025 and 241 new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 2,977 persons per square kilometer, placing Fawkner in the upper quartile nationally according to AreaSearch's assessment. Fawkner's growth rate of 8.0% since the 2021 census exceeds its SA3 area's growth rate of 7.9%, indicating it is a growth leader regionally. Overseas migration contributed approximately 79.4% of 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 by this data, AreaSearch utilises VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusted using weighted aggregation 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 experience exceptional growth, placing it in the top 10 percent of national statistical areas. By 2041, its population is projected to increase by 7,303 persons, reflecting a total increase of 48.1% over the 16 years.

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 annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25405 homes were approved, with an additional 55 approved so far in FY26.

The average population increase per year for each dwelling built over these five years was 0.1 people. This suggests that new supply has been keeping pace with or exceeding demand, providing ample buyer choice and creating capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts. The average construction cost value of new homes being built is $268,000, which is under regional levels, indicating more accessible housing choices for buyers. Comparatively, Fawkner has 16.0% less new development per person than Greater Melbourne. Nationally, it ranks in the 54th percentile of areas assessed for new development.

The composition of new development consists of 30.0% detached houses and 70.0% attached dwellings. This trend towards denser development provides accessible entry options, appealing to downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers. This represents a shift from the area's existing housing, which is currently 84.0% houses, indicating decreasing availability of developable sites and reflecting changing lifestyles and the need for more diverse, affordable housing options. With around 294 people per dwelling approval, Fawkner shows a developing market. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Fawkner is forecasted to gain approximately 7,273 residents by 2041. If current development rates continue, there may be a struggle to match population growth with housing supply, potentially heightening buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Fawkner has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 10 projects likely influencing this region. Notable ones are John Fawkner Secondary College Upgrade and Modernisation, Suburban Rail Loop North - Fawkner Station, Goosnargh Housing Development, and Assembly Broadmeadows.

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

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The labour market performance in Fawkner lags significantly behind most other regions nationally

Fawkner has an educated workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 5.8%. Over the past year, it has shown relative employment stability.

As of December 2025, 6,879 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 1.0% higher than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.8%. Workforce participation in Fawkner lags at 61.2%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 69.9%. According to Census responses, 25.0% of residents work from home. Leading employment industries include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and education & training.

The area has a notable concentration in transport, postal & warehousing, with employment levels at 1.5 times the regional average. However, professional & technical services employ only 7.8% of local workers, below Greater Melbourne's 10.1%. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment levels increased by 0.1%, while labour force decreased by 0.7%, leading to a fall in unemployment by 0.8 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Melbourne recorded employment growth of 2.4% and unemployment rose by 0.3 percentage points during the same period. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, published in May-25, project national employment expansion by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Fawkner's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.4% over five years and 13.2% over ten years.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

The Fawkner SA2 had a median taxpayer income of $48,811 and an average income of $59,054 in the financial year 2023, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This is lower than the national average, with Greater Melbourne having a median income of $57,688 and an average income of $75,164 in the same period. By March 2026, estimated incomes would be approximately $53,507 (median) and $64,735 (average), based on a 9.62% growth rate since financial year 2023. In 2021 Census figures, individual incomes were at the 10th percentile ($594 weekly), while household income was at the 31st percentile. The $1,500 - 2,999 income bracket dominated in Fawkner SA2, with 30.8% of residents (4,658 people). This is similar to regional levels, where 32.8% occupy this bracket. 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

Fawkner's dwellings, as per the latest Census, were 84.1% houses and 15.9% other dwellings. Compared to Melbourne metro's 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Fawkner was 37.5%, with mortgaged dwellings at 30.9% and rented at 31.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,880, below Melbourne metro's $2,000. Median weekly rent in Fawkner was $380, compared to Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, Fawkner's mortgage repayments exceeded the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were higher than the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 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 make up 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 are at 32.1%, slightly below Greater Melbourne's average of 37.0%. Bachelor degrees are the most common (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+, with advanced diplomas at 9.3% and certificates at 14.9%.

Educational participation is high, with 33.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.3% in primary education, 7.3% in secondary education, and 6.1% pursuing tertiary education.

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, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by three routes that collectively facilitate 1,213 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 168 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward from this primarily residential area. Car remains the dominant mode of transport at 79%, while 13% use the train. On average, there are 1.2 vehicles per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, 25.0% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 173 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 15 weekly trips per individual stop.

Fawkner's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with prevalence of common health conditions quite low among the general population though higher than the nation's average across older, at risk cohorts

Fawkner residents show positive health outcomes, aligned with national benchmarks. Common health conditions are low among the general population but higher among at-risk older cohorts. Private health cover is low, at 48% (7,320 people), compared to Greater Melbourne's 56.7%.

Nationally, it stands at 55.7%. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (7.3%) and asthma (6.3%), with 73.1% reporting no medical ailments, similar to Greater Melbourne's 72.6%. Working-age residents have low chronic condition prevalence. Fawkner has 13.9% of residents aged 65 and over (2,102 people), lower than Greater Melbourne's 15.0%. Health outcomes among seniors present challenges but rank lower nationally 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 population where 48.2% were born overseas and 62.4% speak a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion, with 39.8% of people identifying as Christian. Islam is notably overrepresented, comprising 37.5%, compared to Greater Melbourne's average of 5.6%.

In terms of ancestry, the top groups are Other (31.0%), Italian (16.4%), and Australian (11.8%). The representation of Lebanese (6.0%) and Maltese (1.5%) is notably higher than regional averages of 0.8% and 1.1%, respectively. Greek representation is also higher at 3.5%.

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% of Fawkner's population, higher than Greater Melbourne's proportion. The 65-74 cohort makes up 6.1%, which is lower compared to other regions. Between 2021 and the present, the 35-44 age group has increased from 15.0% to 15.8%. Conversely, the 75-84 cohort has decreased from 5.6% to 4.5%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic changes in Fawkner. The 45-54 age group is projected to rise substantially, with an increase of 1,280 people (an 81% expansion) from 1,574 to 2,855.