Fawkner (Vic.)

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Based on demographic evaluations from the ABS for the region and new address listings verified by Districts since the Census, Fawkner's population is estimated at around 15,396 as of May 2026. This marks an expansion of 1,122 people (7.9%) relative to the 2021 Census, which counted a population of 14,274 people. The calculation stems from a resident population of 15,366, calculated by Districts using the latest ABS ERP release (June 2025) combined with an additional 243 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population scale translates to a density ratio of 2,943 persons per square kilometer, placing the locality in the highest quartile among nationwide spots analyzed by Districts. Fawkner's 7.9% growth since census is within 1.4 percentage points of the state (9.3%), showing competitive local expansion. Growth in the local population was heavily driven by overseas migration, which made up approximately 81.0% of overall population increases during recent intervals.

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Fawkner features an educated workforce with notable representation in essential services, an unemployment rate of 5.8%, and steady job counts over the past year, according to Districts aggregations of statistical area datasets. As of March 2026, 7,009 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 1.0% above Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.8%, and workforce participation lags significantly (61.0% compared to Greater Melbourne's 70.2%). Census responses indicate that a moderate 24.9% of residents worked from home, although Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be kept in mind.

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According to the latest postcode level ATO data released by Districts for financial year 2023, the suburb of Fawkner's median income among taxpayers is $45,814, with an average of $55,976. This is below the national average, and compares to Greater Melbourne's median of $57,688 and average of $75,164. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $50,221 (median) and $61,361 (average) as of March 2026. Census data reveals household income ranks at the 30th percentile ($1,428 weekly), while personal income sits at the 10th percentile. Distribution data shows the $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captures 30.6% of the community (4,711 individuals), mirroring regional levels where occupy this bracket. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only of income remaining, ranking at the th percentile.

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Dwelling structure within Fawkner, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 83.7% houses and 16.3% 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 well beyond that of Melbourne metro, at 37.4%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (30.7%) or rented (31.9%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was below the Melbourne metro average at $1,876, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $376, 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 are exceeding the national figure of $375.

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Family households dominate at 71.0% of all households, comprising 36.8% couples with children, 20.3% couples without children, and 12.3% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 29.0%, with lone person households at 24.5% and group households comprising 4.5% of the total. The median household size of 2.8 people is larger than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

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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 (10.2%) and graduate diplomas (2.4%). Vocational pathways account for 24.3% of qualifications among those aged 15+ – advanced diplomas (9.3%) and certificates (15.0%).

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Public transport analysis reveals 79 active transport stops operating within Fawkner comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 5 individual routes, collectively providing 1,652 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 167 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward - car remains the dominant mode at 79%, with 13% by train. Vehicle ownership averages 1.2 per dwelling. Some 24.9% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

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Fawkner faces significant health challenges, based on Districts' assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across the board, though to a considerably higher degree among older age cohorts , and the rate of private health cover found to be relatively low at approximately 49% of the total population (~7,548 people). This compares to 56.7% across Greater Melbourne. The national average is 55.7%.

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Fawkner is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country, with 48.3% of its population born overseas and 62.4% speaking a language other than English at home. The main religion in Fawkner was found to be Christianity, which makes up 39.9% of people in Fawkner. However, the most apparent overrepresentation was in Islam, which comprises 37.4% of the population, substantially higher than the Greater Melbourne average of 5.6%.

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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 14.0% compared to Greater Melbourne, whereas the 65 - 74 cohort is less prevalent at 6.2%. 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 people () from to .

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Fawkner currently has an estimated 1,046 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 634 children aged 0-2 and 423 children aged 3-4. This cohort declined by an estimated 4% since the previous census. though population forecasts indicate future growth, with an anticipated increase of 36% by 2041 (to approximately 1,426 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 1,728. Birth rates in the area have averaged 16.3 per 1,000 residents over the latest two-year period, a high rate (among the top 20% of areas assessed nationally).