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 November 2025, is approximately 14,999. This figure represents an increase of 997 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 14,002. The growth is inferred from ABS data showing an estimated resident population of 14,960 in June 2024 and the addition of 221 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 2,952 persons per square kilometer, placing Fawkner in the upper quartile nationally according to AreaSearch's assessments. Fawkner's growth rate of 7.1% since the 2021 census exceeded that of its SA3 area (7.0%), indicating it as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 81.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, driving this growth.

AreaSearch is using 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, adjusted using a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA 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 over the period. By 2041, the area's population is projected to increase by 7,543 persons, reflecting a total increase of 50.0% over the 17 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 from FY21-FY25, with a total of 405 homes approved during this period. In FY26 up to date, there have been 31 approvals.

The average population increase per year for each dwelling built over the same period was 0.1 people. This suggests that new supply has kept pace with or exceeded demand, providing ample buyer choice and capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts. The average construction cost value of new homes in Fawkner is $268,000, which is below regional levels, indicating more affordable housing options. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Fawkner has 17.0% less new development per person but ranks at the 55th percentile nationally for new development assessments. New development consists of 30.0% detached houses and 70.0% attached dwellings, representing a shift from the area's existing housing composition, which is currently 84.0% houses.

This denser development trend provides accessible entry options appealing to downsizers, investors, and first-time buyers. With around 294 people per dwelling approval, Fawkner shows a developing market with population forecasts indicating an increase of 7,504 residents by 2041. If current development rates continue, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and supporting price increases.

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

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

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

Fawkner has an educated workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 6.4%, with a 4.1% employment growth over the past year.

As of June 2025, 7,084 residents are employed, which is 1.8% higher than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.6%. However, workforce participation lags at 54.6%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. Key employment industries include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and education & training. Notably, transport, postal & warehousing has employment levels at 1.5 times the regional average.

Conversely, professional & technical services employ only 7.8% of local workers, below Greater Melbourne's 10.1%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by Census data comparing working population and resident population. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment levels increased by 4.1%, while labour force grew by 4.6%, resulting in a 0.4 percentage point rise in unemployment. In comparison, Greater Melbourne recorded employment growth of 3.5%, labour force growth of 4.0%, with unemployment rising by 0.5 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates vary significantly between industries. Applying these projections to Fawkner's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.4% over five years and 13.2% over ten years.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

Fawkner had a median taxpayer income of $45,831 and an average of $56,008 in financial year 2022, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This was lower than the national average, contrasting with Greater Melbourne's median income of $54,892 and average income of $73,761 during the same period. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.16% from financial year 2022 to September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $51,404 (median) and $62,819 (average). According to 2021 Census figures, individual incomes were at the 11th percentile ($594 weekly), while household income was at the 32nd percentile. The data showed that the $1,500 - 2,999 income bracket dominated with 30.8% of residents (4,619 people), mirroring regional levels where 32.8% occupied this bracket. Housing affordability pressures were severe, with only 82.3% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 29th percentile.

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

Fawkner's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 84.1% houses and 15.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This is compared to Melbourne metro's 62.8% houses and 37.2% other dwellings. Home ownership in Fawkner stood at 37.5%, with the remaining dwellings either mortgaged (30.9%) or rented (31.6%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,880, lower than Melbourne metro's average of $2,000. The median weekly rent figure for Fawkner was $380, compared to Melbourne metro's $381. Nationally, Fawkner's mortgage repayments were higher at $1,880, while rents exceeded the national figure of $375.

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

Family households comprise 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 common (19.5%), followed by postgraduate qualifications (10.1%) and graduate diplomas (2.5%). Vocational pathways make up 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: 11.3% in primary, 7.3% in secondary, and 6.1% in tertiary education. Fawkner has a robust network of 7 schools educating approximately 2,658 students, with typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 1012) and balanced educational opportunities. The area functions as an education hub with 17.7 school places per 100 residents, significantly above the regional average of 10.0, attracting students from surrounding communities.

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 are served by three routes which facilitate 1,525 weekly passenger trips in total. The average distance to the nearest stop for residents is 167 meters.

Daily service frequency averages 217 trips across all routes, translating to roughly 19 weekly trips per individual 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 exhibits above-average health outcomes with a low prevalence of common health conditions among its general population, although this is higher than the national average in older, at-risk cohorts. Approximately 48% of Fawkner's total population (~7,199 people) have private health cover, compared to Greater Melbourne's 52.5% and the national average of 55.3%. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (affecting 7.3%) and asthma (6.3%), with 73.1% of residents reporting no medical ailments.

This compares to 72.2% across Greater Melbourne. Fawkner has 14.1% of its population aged 65 and over (2,122 people), and health outcomes among seniors 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 population where 48.2% were born overseas, with 62.4% speaking languages other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Fawkner, comprising 39.8% of its population. Islam is significantly overrepresented in Fawkner compared to Greater Melbourne's average, making up 37.5%.

The top three ancestry groups are Other (31.0%), Italian (16.4%), and Australian (11.8%). Notably, Lebanese (6.0%) and Greek (3.5%) ethnicities are overrepresented in Fawkner compared to regional averages.

Fawkner's population is younger than the national pattern

Fawkner's median age is 35 years, which is 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 compared to Greater Melbourne. The 45-54 cohort represents 10.1%. Between 2021 and present, the 35-44 age group has increased from 15.0% to 15.8%, while the 75-84 cohort has decreased from 5.6% to 4.8%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic changes in Fawkner. The 45-54 age cohort is projected to rise substantially, increasing by 1,320 people (87%) from 1,513 to 2,834.