Fitzroy

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

Fitzroy's population was around 12,578 as of February 2026. This reflected an increase of 2,147 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 10,431 people. The change was inferred from the estimated resident population of 11,984 from the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 281 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equated to a density ratio of 9,114 persons per square kilometer, placing Fitzroy in the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The area's 20.6% growth since the 2021 census exceeded both the national average (9.9%) and the state average, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 86.8% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises 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 are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, Fitzroy is forecasted to increase by 5,220 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 36.8% over the 17-year period.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Fitzroy among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

Fitzroy has recorded approximately 77 residential properties granted approval annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, around 387 homes were approved, with a further 40 approved in FY26 so far. On average, each dwelling constructed over these five years accommodated about 1.6 new residents yearly. However, this figure has increased to 5.8 people per dwelling over the past two financial years, suggesting growing demand and tightening supply.

The average construction value of development projects in Fitzroy is approximately $630,000, indicating a focus on premium market segments with higher-end properties. In terms of commercial development, around $35.8 million in approvals have been registered this financial year, demonstrating strong momentum. Despite similar construction rates per person compared to Greater Melbourne, recent periods have seen increased development activity in Fitzroy. The majority of new developments consist of medium and high-density housing (98%), with only 2% being detached dwellings.

This trend caters to downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers seeking more affordable options. Currently, there are approximately 118 people per dwelling approval in Fitzroy, suggesting a growing market. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Fitzroy's population is projected to increase by 4,626 residents by 2041. If current development rates persist, housing supply may struggle to keep pace with population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and supporting stronger price increases.

Fitzroy has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 41 projects likely impacting the area. Notable projects include Brenan Place, Fitzroy Gasworks, Palladian (26-56 Queens Parade), and Fitzroy Fitzroy. 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.

Employment performance in Fitzroy has been below expectations when compared to most other areas nationally

Fitzroy has a highly educated workforce with significant representation in the technology sector. The unemployment rate was 8.9% as of September 2025, with an estimated employment growth of 4.5% over the past year. As of that date, 7,664 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 4.3%, slightly higher than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.7%.

Workforce participation in Fitzroy was 77.5%, above Greater Melbourne's 71.0%. According to Census responses, 53.5% of residents worked from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. The key industries of employment among residents were professional & technical, health care & social assistance, and education & training. Fitzroy showed strong specialization in professional & technical services with an employment share 2.1 times the regional level, while construction had lower representation at 3.6% compared to the regional average of 9.7%.

There were 1.5 workers for every resident as per Census data, indicating that Fitzroy functions as an employment hub attracting workers from surrounding areas. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 4.5% and labour force grew by 5.2%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.7 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Melbourne experienced employment growth of 3.0% and labour force growth of 3.3%, with a 0.3 percentage point increase in unemployment rate. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that Fitzroy's local employment should increase by 7.5% over five years and 15.0% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to the area's employment mix.

Income metrics indicate excellent economic conditions, with the area achieving higher performance than 75% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data released on June 30, 2023, Fitzroy SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $68,972 and an average income of $101,517. These figures place Fitzroy in the top percentile nationally compared to Greater Melbourne's median of $57,688 and average of $75,164. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since June 30, 2023, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $74,662 (median) and $109,892 (average). Census 2021 data shows individual earnings in Fitzroy were at the 93rd percentile nationally with a weekly income of $1,265. Income distribution reveals that 27.5% of individuals earned between $1,500 and $2,999 per week (3,458 individuals), which aligns with the broader area where this cohort represents 32.8%. Economic strength is evident with 37.0% of households earning over $3,000 weekly, supporting elevated consumer spending. High housing costs consume 17.9% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 74th percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 8th decile.

Fitzroy features a more urban dwelling mix with significant apartment living, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

The dwelling structure in Fitzroy, as per the latest Census, consisted of 3.2% houses and 96.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In contrast, Melbourne metro had 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Fitzroy was at 18.7%, with mortgaged dwellings at 20.6% and rented ones at 60.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,500, compared to Melbourne metro's $2,000. The median weekly rent figure in Fitzroy was $451, while Melbourne metro had $390. Nationally, Fitzroy's mortgage repayments were higher at $2,500 versus Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Fitzroy features high concentrations of group households and lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 49.5% of all households, including 12.0% that are couples with children, 28.1% that are couples without children, and 7.7% that are single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 50.5%, with lone person households at 38.3% and group households comprising 12.2%. The median household size is 2.0 people, which is smaller than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

Educational attainment in Fitzroy aligns closely with national averages, showing typical qualification patterns and performance metrics

Fitzroy's residents aged 15 and above exhibit a notable educational advantage with 61.8% holding university qualifications compared to the national average of 30.4% and the Victorian average of 33.4%. The area's high educational attainment is led by bachelor degrees, held by 37.5% of residents, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 19.4%, and graduate diplomas at 4.9%. Vocational pathways account for 16.0% of qualifications among those aged 15 and above, with advanced diplomas at 8.0% and certificates also at 8.0%. Educational participation in Fitzroy is high, with 27.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 12.5% in tertiary education, 5.3% in primary education, and 3.6% pursuing secondary education.

Transport servicing is high compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility

Fitzroy has 35 active public transport stops, offering a mix of light rail and bus services. These stops are served by 32 unique routes, facilitating 14,407 weekly passenger trips in total. Transport accessibility is rated highly, with residents typically located 130 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to its residential nature. Car remains the primary mode of transport at 41%, followed by walking at 24% and cycling at 10%. Vehicle ownership averages 0.4 per dwelling, lower than the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, a high 53.5% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency across all routes averages 2,058 trips per day, equating to approximately 411 weekly trips per individual stop.

The level of general health in Fitzroy is notably higher than the national average with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Fitzroy demonstrates superior health outcomes, as assessed by AreaSearch through mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Both younger and older age groups exhibit low prevalence of common health conditions. Private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 71% of the total population (8980 people), compared to 56.7% in Greater Melbourne and a national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are mental health issues, affecting 12.0% of residents, followed by asthma at 8.2%. A significant majority, 70.5%, report being completely free from medical ailments, compared to 72.6% in Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes for the under-65 population are better than average. The area has a lower proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 11.9% (1494 people), compared to 15.1% in Greater Melbourne. Senior health outcomes are above average, aligning with national rankings for the general population.

Fitzroy was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Fitzroy's population, as per the 2016 Census, showed higher cultural diversity compared to most local areas. 25.1% spoke a language other than English at home, while 34.2% were born overseas. Christianity was the predominant religion, with 23.0%.

Judaism, however, had a slightly higher representation in Fitzroy at 0.8%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 1.0%. The top three ancestry groups were English (23.5%), Australian (15.6%), and Other (12.9%). Notable differences existed for Irish (11.7% vs regional 6.5%), French (0.9% vs 0.5%), and Vietnamese (2.8% vs 1.9%) groups.

Fitzroy's population is younger than the national pattern

Fitzroy's median age is 34 years, which is lower than Greater Melbourne's average of 37 and Australia's average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Fitzroy has a higher proportion of residents aged 25-34 (30.7%), but fewer residents aged 5-14 (5.3%). This concentration of 25-34 year-olds is significantly higher than the national average of 14.4%. Between the 2021 Census and present, the proportion of residents aged 25 to 34 has increased from 29.5% to 30.7%, while the proportion of residents aged 45 to 54 has decreased from 11.5% to 9.9%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate substantial demographic changes in Fitzroy. The 45-54 age group is projected to grow by 83%, adding 1,030 residents to reach a total of 2,274. In contrast, the 15-24 age group is projected to grow minimally by just 8% (94 people).