Fawkner

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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Fawkner's population is around 15,169 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 1,167 people (8.3%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 14,002 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 14,960 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 233 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 2,986 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Fawkner's 8.3% growth since the census positions it within 0.4 percentage points of the SA3 area (8.7%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 81.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch is utilising the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023 with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are also applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Considering the projected demographic shifts, exceptional growth, placing it in the top 10 percent of national statistical areas, is predicted over the period, with the area expected to increase by 7,543 persons by 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 48.4% in total 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 around 81 new dwelling approvals per year, with 405 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 46 so far in FY-26. With an average of only 0.1 people per year moving to the area for each dwelling built over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), new supply is keeping pace with or exceeding demand, offering ample buyer choice and creating capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts, while new homes are being built at an average construction cost of $268,000 — under regional levels — indicating more accessible housing choices for buyers.

Relative to Greater Melbourne, Fawkner has 17.0% less new development (per person) while it places among the 54th percentile of areas assessed nationally. New development consists of 30.0% detached houses and 70.0% attached dwellings. This trend toward denser development provides accessible entry options and appeals to downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers. This represents a notable shift from the area's existing housing (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.

Population forecasts indicate Fawkner will gain 7,334 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially heightening buyer competition and supporting price increases.

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

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 10 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the John Fawkner Secondary College Upgrade and Modernisation, Suburban Rail Loop North - Fawkner Station, Goosnargh Housing Development, and Assembly Broadmeadows, with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

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.

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

Fawkner possesses a well-educated workforce, with essential services sectors well represented, an unemployment rate of 5.8%, and relative employment stability over the past year. As of December 2025, 6,879 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 1.0% above Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.8%, and workforce participation lags significantly (61.7% compared to Greater Melbourne's 71.3%). Based on Census responses, a moderate 25.0% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Leading employment industries among residents comprise health care & social assistance, retail trade, and education & training. The area demonstrates a particularly notable concentration in transport, postal & warehousing, with employment levels at 1.5 times the regional average. In contrast, professional & technical services employ just 7.8% of local workers, below Greater Melbourne's 10.1%. The predominantly residential area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of the Census working population versus the resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, during the year to December 2025, employment levels increased by 0.1% and the labour force decreased by 0.7%, resulting in unemployment falling by 0.8 percentage points. By comparison, Greater Melbourne recorded employment growth of 2.4% and labour force growth of 2.8%, with unemployment rising 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Fawkner. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Fawkner's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.4% over five years and 13.2% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

The Fawkner SA2 shows a median taxpayer income of $48,811 and an average of $59,054 according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY-23. This is lower than average on a national basis, contrasting with Greater Melbourne's median income of $57,688 and average income of $75,164. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $52,838 (median) and $63,926 (average) as of September 2025. According to 2021 Census figures, individual incomes lag at the 10th percentile ($594 weekly), while household income performs better at the 31st percentile. The data shows the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket dominates with 30.8% of residents (4,672 people), mirroring regional levels where 32.8% occupy this bracket. Housing affordability pressures are 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

Dwelling structure within Fawkner, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 84.1% houses and 15.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Melbourne metro's 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Fawkner was higher than that of Melbourne metro, at 37.5%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (30.9%) or rented (31.6%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was below the Melbourne metro average at $1,880, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $380, compared to Melbourne metro's $2,000 and $390. Nationally, Fawkner's mortgage repayments are higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents exceed the national figure of $375.

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

Family households dominate at 71.3% of all households, comprising 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% of the total. The median household size of 2.8 people is 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

At 32.1%, university qualification levels in Fawkner sit marginally below the Greater Melbourne average of 37.0%, though the modest gap indicates reasonable educational competitiveness. Bachelor degrees lead 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+ – advanced diplomas (9.3%) and certificates (14.9%).

Educational participation is notably 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

Public transport analysis reveals 77 active transport stops operating within Fawkner, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 3 individual routes, collectively providing 1,213 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 168 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 79%, with 13% by train. Vehicle ownership averages 1.2 per dwelling. Some 25.0% of residents work from home (2021 Census; 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

Health data indicates relatively positive outcomes for Fawkner residents, with AreaSearch's analysis of mortality rates and health conditions showing results broadly in line with national benchmarks. The prevalence of common health conditions is quite low among the general population, though higher than the national average across older, at-risk cohorts. The rate of private health cover is very low at approximately 48% of the total population (~7,341 people), compared to 56.7% across Greater Melbourne and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area were found to be arthritis and asthma, impacting 7.3% and 6.3% of residents, respectively, while 73.1% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 72.6% across Greater Melbourne. Working-age residents are notably healthy with low chronic condition prevalence. The area has 14.3% of residents aged 65 and over (2,163 people). Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, though ranking 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 is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country, with 48.2% of its population born overseas and 62.4% speaking a language other than English at home. The main religion in Fawkner is Christianity, which makes up 39.8% of people. However, there is a significant overrepresentation of Islam, which comprises 37.5% of the population, substantially higher than the Greater Melbourne average of 5.6%.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Fawkner are Other, comprising 31.0% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 14.6%, Italian, comprising 16.4% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 5.2%, and Australian, comprising 11.8% of the population, which is notably lower than the regional average of 18.4%. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Lebanese is notably overrepresented at 6.0% of Fawkner (vs 0.8% regionally), Maltese at 1.5% (vs 1.1%) and Greek at 3.5% (vs 2.7%).

Fawkner's population is younger than the national pattern

Fawkner's median age of 35 years stands slightly younger than Greater Melbourne's 37 as well as somewhat younger than the 38-year national average. The 5 - 14 age group shows strong representation at 13.9% compared to Greater Melbourne, whereas the 45 - 54 cohort is less prevalent at 10.3%. In the period since 2021, the 35 to 44 age group has grown from 15.0% to 15.8% of the population. Conversely, the 75 to 84 cohort has declined from 5.6% to 4.7%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Fawkner. The 45 to 54 age cohort is projected to rise substantially, expanding by 1,273 people (82%) from 1,560 to 2,834.