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 15,139 as of November 2025. This shows an increase of 1,137 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 14,002. The change is inferred from ABS data: 14,960 in June 2024 and 221 new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 2,980 persons per square kilometer, placing Fawkner in the upper quartile nationally. Its 8.1% growth is close to the SA3 area's 8.3%. Overseas migration contributed approximately 81.0% of population gains recently.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For uncovers areas, it utilises VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusted using weighted aggregation. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. By 2041, Fawkner is projected to grow by 7,543 persons, reflecting a 48.6% increase over the 17-year period based on latest annual ERP population numbers.

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. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, a total of 405 homes were approved, with an additional 43 approved in FY26 so far.

Each year, on average, only 0.1 person has moved to the area for each dwelling built during these five financial years. This suggests that new supply is 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 being built in Fawkner is $268,000, which is under regional levels, indicating more accessible housing choices for buyers. Comparatively, Fawkner has 17.0% less new development per person relative to Greater Melbourne. Nationally, it places at the 54th percentile of areas assessed.

The new development consists of 30.0% detached houses and 70.0% attached dwellings, showing a trend towards denser development that appeals to downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers. This represents a notable shift from the area's existing housing composition, which is currently 84.0% houses, indicating decreasing availability of developable sites. With around 294 people per dwelling approval, Fawkner demonstrates a developing market. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, the population is forecasted to grow by 7,364 residents through to 2041. If current development rates continue, housing supply may struggle to match this population growth, potentially increasing buyer competition and supporting price increases.

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

Ten projects identified by AreaSearch are expected to impact the area significantly. These 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 likely to be most relevant.

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 notable representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 6.6% as of a year ago, with estimated employment growth of 1.5%. As of September 2025, 6911 residents are employed, and the unemployment rate is 1.9% higher than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.7%.

Workforce participation in Fawkner stands at 62.6%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 71.0%. 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 shows a significant 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%. Employment opportunities locally appear limited, as indicated by the difference between Census working population and resident population counts. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 1.5%, while labour force grew by 1.8%, leading to a rise in unemployment of 0.3 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Melbourne recorded employment growth of 3.0% and labour force growth of 3.3%, with unemployment rising by 0.3 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia (May-25) project national employment growth of 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 simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes only and does not account for localized population projections.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

The Fawkner SA2 has a median taxpayer income of $48,811 and an average income of $59,054 based on the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. This is lower than national averages, with Greater Melbourne having a median income of $57,688 and an average income of $75,164. By September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $52,838 (median) and $63,926 (average), considering Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023. According to the 2021 Census, individual incomes at the 10th percentile are $594 weekly, while household income is at the 31st percentile. The majority of residents (30.8%, or 4,662 people) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income bracket, similar to regional levels where 32.8% occupy this bracket. Housing affordability pressures are 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 evaluation, consisted of 84.1% houses and 15.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compared to Melbourne metro's 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 was $1,880, lower than Melbourne metro's average of $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 constitute the remaining 28.7%, with lone person households at 24.4% and group households making up 4.4%. The median household size is 2.8 people, larger than Greater Melbourne's 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, accounting for 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. 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 are served by three different routes that together facilitate 1,213 weekly passenger trips. Residents enjoy excellent transport accessibility, with an average distance of 168 meters to the nearest stop. Most residents commute outwards from Fawkner, primarily by car (79%), followed by train (13%). On average, there are 1.2 vehicles per dwelling in the area. According to the 2021 Census, 25% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions.

The service frequency is 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's health data shows positive results, aligning with national mortality rate benchmarks. Common health conditions are low in prevalence among the general population but higher among older cohorts at risk. Private health cover is low, at approximately 48% of Fawkner's total population (~7,327 people), compared to Greater Melbourne's 56.7% and Australia's national 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 have low chronic condition prevalence. Fawkner has 14.1% of residents aged 65 and over (2,142 people). 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 culturally diverse population, with 48.2% born overseas and 62.4% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the main religion in Fawkner, comprising 39.8% of people. Islam is overrepresented, making up 37.5%, significantly higher than Greater Melbourne's average of 5.6%.

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

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 age group of 5-14 years has a strong representation at 14.0%, compared to Greater Melbourne, while the 45-54 cohort is less prevalent at 10.1%. Between 2021 and present, the population aged 35-44 has grown from 15.0% to 15.8%. Meanwhile, the 75-84 age group has declined from 5.6% to 4.8%. By 2041, demographic forecasts indicate significant changes in Fawkner's population structure. The 45-54 age cohort is projected to increase substantially by 1,306 people (86%), rising from 1,527 to 2,834.