Fairfield Heights (NSW)

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According to calculations derived from ABS demographic releases for the surrounding region and recent residential locations verified by Districts after the Census, the suburb of Fairfield Heights has an estimated residency of approximately 8,716 individuals as of May 2026. This represents a growth of 447 residents (5.4%) relative to the 2021 Census, which documented a total of 8,269 individuals. This shift is deduced from a resident base of 8,658 calculated by Districts following analysis of the latest ABS ERP release (June 2025) and an extra 37 verified new locations established post-Census. Such a headcount translates to a density of 5,929 persons per square kilometer, placing the locality within the highest 10% of countrywide territories evaluated by Districts, indicating residential space is extremely sought-after. The 5.4% expansion rate recorded in the suburb of Fairfield Heights since the 2021 Census outpaced the broader SA3 territory (2.0%), positioning it as a local growth pacesetter. Inward international migration was the primary engine of local expansion, accounting for roughly of the total demographic growth in recent times.

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Fairfield Heights maintains a diverse labor pool that includes both white and blue collar roles, with strong representation in manufacturing and industrial fields, an unemployment rate of 13.0%, and an estimated employment growth of 5.6% over the previous year according to Districts aggregated statistical area data. As of March 2026, 2,555 residents are employed while the local unemployment rate stands at 8.9%, which is 4.1% higher than the Greater Sydney average, indicating potential for improvement, and workforce participation is notably lower at 41.1% versus 69.1% in Greater Sydney. Census data indicates that a moderate 24.5% of residents work from home, although the lingering effects of Covid-19 lockdowns should be taken into account when interpreting these figures.

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According to the most recent postcode-based ATO tax statistics published for financial year 2023, the suburb of Fairfield Heights has a median taxpayer income of $37,903 and an average taxpayer income of $45,956. This stands below the national benchmark, and compares to a median of $60,817 and an average of $83,003 in Greater Sydney. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since financial year 2023, updated estimates suggest figures of approximately $41,815 (median) and $50,699 (average) as of March 2026. Under the 2021 Census data, household income sits at the 19th percentile ($1,285 per week), while personal earnings place at the 1st percentile. Income distribution statistics show the largest bracket contains 29.4% of residents (2,562 citizens) earning between - which closely aligns with the regional distribution of in this bracket. Financial strains related to housing are acute, with only of household earnings remaining after housing costs, ranking in the th percentile.

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The mix of housing types in the suburb of Fairfield Heights, recorded during the most recent Census, consisted of 56.5% freestanding homes and 43.5% alternative residential styles such as duplexes, townhouses, apartments, and other dwellings, compared to the Greater Sydney breakdown of 55.9% houses and 44.1% alternative formats. At the same time, the rate of home ownership in the suburb of Fairfield Heights was slightly lower than the Sydney metropolitan level, standing at 26.0%, with the remaining properties occupied by residents with a mortgage (23.9%) or renters (50.1%). The median monthly home loan payment in the area was significantly lower than the Sydney metropolitan average at $2,167, and the median weekly rental cost was recorded at $450, compared to regional benchmarks of $2,427 and $470. On a national scale, mortgage commitments in the suburb of Fairfield Heights are notably higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rental costs are significantly higher than the national median of .

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Domestic units consisting of families account for 80.5% of all local residences, comprised of 47.0% married or de facto partners raising children, 14.4% partners without children, and 17.3% single parent households. Non-family living arrangements account for the remaining 19.5%, with individuals living alone representing 18.0% and shared households making up 1.6% of the total. The median size of local households is 3.4 individuals, which exceeds the Greater Sydney average of 2.7.

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The locality demonstrates significant educational needs, with tertiary graduation rates standing at 14.5%, which is well below the Greater Sydney standard of 38.0%. This highlights both an area of concern and a focus area for customized learning programs. Bachelor degrees represent the largest segment at 11.7%, followed by postgraduate diplomas at 2.1% and graduate certificates at 0.7%. Professional and trade programs account for 22.6% of qualifications among residents aged 15+ – consisting of advanced diplomas at 9.2% and certificates at 13.4%.

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Public transport analysis identifies 18 active transit points within the suburb of Fairfield Heights, which are comprised of bus services. These locations are connected to 21 distinct routes, which combine to support 1,370 passenger journeys each week. Local transit connectivity is classified as good, with residents living an average of 204 meters from their closest transit point. Given the predominantly residential character of the neighborhood, the majority of working residents commute to other districts, with private cars remaining the primary choice at 84%, and 9% opting for train services. Household vehicle ownership averages 1.3 cars per home. Approximately 24.5% of working residents performed their jobs from home, according to the 2021 Census, which may show the influence of pandemic conditions.

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Medical statistics present relatively favorable results for residents of the suburb of Fairfield Heights, with Districts analysis of mortality statistics and physical ailments indicating outcomes that align closely with national averages, showing standard occurrences of prevalent medical issues across both younger and older demographic brackets, while the rate of private health insurance is particularly low at roughly 45% of the total population (~3,939 individuals). This compares with a coverage rate of 59.9% across Greater Sydney and a nationwide average of 55.7%.

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The suburb of Fairfield Heights ranks among the most ethnically diverse localities in Australia, with 68.9% of its residents born in other countries and 82.4% communicating in a language other than English in their homes. The principal religious affiliation in the suburb of Fairfield Heights was identified as Christianity, representing 69.6% of the population. The most pronounced concentration relative to the wider region was in Buddhism, which accounts for 12.1% of residents, representing a significantly larger share than the Greater Sydney benchmark of 4.1%.

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The median age of 38 years in the suburb of Fairfield Heights is very close to the Greater Sydney average of 37 and matches the Australian national median of 38. Compared with Greater Sydney, the suburb of Fairfield Heights has a higher proportion of residents in the 55 - 64 bracket (13.4%) but fewer people in the 25 - 34 age range (12.3%). Since the 2021 Census, the 15 to 24 age bracket has risen from 14.0% to 16.2% of the population. In contrast, the 5 to 14 cohort has dropped from 14.4% to 13.2% and the 0 to 4 group declined from 5.5% to 4.4%. By the suburb of Fairfield Heights is projected to experience major shifts in its age structure. Leading this change, the to demographic is forecast to expand by ( individuals), growing to from . The aging demographic trend is prominent, with citizens aged + representing of the projected growth. Conversely, demographic reductions are forecast for the to and to age cohorts.

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Fairfield Heights currently has an estimated 383 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 248 children aged 0-2 and 164 children aged 3-4. This cohort declined by an estimated 16% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future decline, with an anticipated decrease of 11% by 2041 (to approximately 339 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 917. Birth rates in the area have averaged 8.9 per 1,000 residents over the latest two-year period, a moderate rate (within the middle tier nationally). This rate has slowed down slightly in recent years however.