Fawkner

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

As of Feb 2026, Fawkner's population is approximately 15,169. This figure reflects an increase of 1,167 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 14,002. The growth was inferred from ABS estimated resident population data of 14,960 in June 2024 and additional validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 2,986 persons per square kilometer, placing Fawkner in the upper quartile nationally according to AreaSearch's assessment. The area's 8.3% growth since the census is within 0.4 percentage points of its SA3 area (8.7%), indicating competitive growth fundamentals. Overseas migration contributed approximately 81.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

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 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 projected demographic shifts, exceptional growth is predicted over the period, with Fawkner expected to increase by 7,543 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 48.4%.

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

Fawkner averaged approximately 81 new dwelling approvals annually between FY21-FY25. A total of 405 homes were approved during these years, with an additional 43 approved in FY26 as of the latest figure.

The average population growth per year for each dwelling built was 0.1 over the same period, suggesting that new supply has been keeping pace with or exceeding demand, providing ample buyer choice and capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts. The average construction cost value of new homes was $268,000, under regional levels, indicating more accessible housing choices for buyers. Comparatively, Fawkner had 17.0% less new development per person than Greater Melbourne between FY21-FY25. Nationally, it ranked at the 54th percentile of areas assessed during this period. New development consisted 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 trend reflects decreasing availability of developable sites and changing lifestyles, with a growing need for diverse, affordable housing options. With around 294 people per dwelling approval, Fawkner shows a developing market. According to AreaSearch quarterly estimates, the area is projected to gain approximately 7,334 residents by 2041. If current development rates continue, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially increasing 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 influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified ten projects likely impacting the area. Key projects include 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.

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

Fawkner has an educated workforce with notable representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 6.6% as of the past year, with estimated employment growth at 1.5%. As of September 2025, 6,911 residents were employed, and the unemployment rate was 1.9% higher than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.7%.

Workforce participation in Fawkner was 62.5%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 71.0%. According to Census responses, 25.0% of residents worked from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Key employment industries included health care & social assistance, retail trade, and education & training. The area had a significant concentration in transport, postal & warehousing, with employment levels at 1.5 times the regional average.

However, professional & technical services employed only 7.8% of local workers, below Greater Melbourne's 10.1%. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels in Fawkner increased by 1.5%, and labour force grew by 1.8%, leading to a 0.3 percentage point rise in unemployment. In comparison, Greater Melbourne recorded employment growth of 3.0% and labour force growth of 3.3%, with a similar increase in unemployment. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, published in May-25, project national employment growth at 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, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localised population projections.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

The Fawkner SA2 had a median taxpayer income of $48,811 and an average of $59,054 in the financial year 2023, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This was lower than national averages, compared to Greater Melbourne's median income of $57,688 and average income of $75,164. By September 2025, estimates based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% suggest the median income would be approximately $52,838 and the average around $63,926. As per 2021 Census figures, individual incomes were at the 10th percentile ($594 weekly), while household incomes were at the 31st percentile. The dominant income bracket was $1,500 - 2,999 with 30.8% of residents (4,672 people). 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

In Fawkner, as per the latest Census evaluation, 84.1% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 15.9% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. In contrast, Melbourne metropolitan area had 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Fawkner stood at 37.5%, with mortgaged dwellings at 30.9% and rented ones at 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 in Fawkner was $380, compared to Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, Fawkner's mortgage repayments were higher at $1,880 against the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were also higher at $380 compared to the national figure of $375.

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% of the total. The median household size is 2.8 people, which 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

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 and above, 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 different routes that together facilitate 1,213 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these transport services is rated as excellent, with residents typically located just 168 meters from the nearest stop. As a primarily residential area, most Fawkner residents commute outward for work or other purposes. Cars are the dominant mode of transport, used by 79% of residents, while 13% use trains. On average, there are 1.2 vehicles per dwelling in the area.

According to the 2021 Census, 25.0% of Fawkner residents work from home, which may be partly attributed to COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency across all routes averages 173 trips per day, 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' health data shows positive results, aligning with national benchmarks for mortality rates and health conditions. Common health condition prevalence is low in the general population but higher among older, at-risk cohorts compared to national averages. Private health cover stands at approximately 48% of Fawkner's total population (~7,341 people), lower than Greater Melbourne's 56.7% and Australia's average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (7.3%) and asthma (6.3%), with 73.1% of residents reporting no medical ailments, similar to Greater Melbourne's 72.6%. Working-age residents exhibit low chronic condition prevalence. Fawkner has 14.3% of residents aged 65 and over (2,163 people), with health outcomes among seniors presenting some challenges but 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 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, accounting for 39.8% of its residents. Islam's representation stands out at 37.5%, significantly higher than Greater Melbourne's average of 5.6%.

In terms of ancestry, 'Other' comprises 31.0% of Fawkner's population, substantially more than the regional average of 14.6%. Italian ancestry is also notably high at 16.4%, compared to the region's 5.2%. Australian ancestry, however, is lower at 11.8%, below the regional average of 18.4%. Some other ethnic groups have significant divergences: Lebanese representation is 6.0% in Fawkner (vs 0.8% regionally), Maltese is 1.5% (vs 1.1%), and Greek is 3.5% (vs 2.7%).

Fawkner's population is younger than the national pattern

Fawkner's median age of 35 years is slightly younger than Greater Melbourne's 37 and the national average of 38. The percentage of residents aged 5-14 stands at 13.9%, higher than in Greater Melbourne, while those aged 45-54 constitute 10.3% of the population. Between 2021 and present, the proportion of individuals aged 35-44 has increased from 15.0% to 15.8%. Conversely, the percentage of residents aged 75-84 has decreased from 5.6% to 4.7%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic shifts in Fawkner. The number of individuals aged 45-54 is projected to rise substantially, increasing by 1,273 people (82%) from 1,560 to 2,834.