suburb.guide

VIC · Yarra Council

Fairfield, 3078

Current weather

11.3°CLight drizzle

82% humidity · 23.4 km/h wind · 12.9° / 10.7° today · 8.3 mm rain

Updated

Desirability score

61.5/100
Good

Top 13% of Victoria's suburbs

89% data confidence

How this score is calculated
  • Dining hub
  • Premium
  • Top transport
  • Growing
  • Green space
What Fairfield is known for: Dining hub, Premium, Top transport, Growing, Green space

Suburb profile

At the heart of the metro area, Fairfield is a mid-sized suburb where cafés, culture and everyday convenience overlap. Sitting close to the city centre, it is easy to dip into neighbouring suburbs for work, dining and events. Leafy streets and shaded corners make the suburb feel greener and more established than many nearby.

Residents are mostly families and working professionals, with a strong presence of young families throughout. There is a genuine buzz to daily life, with restaurants, bars and cultural outings all within reach. Green space is a real strength, with parks and playgrounds woven through the suburb.

Buses and trains connect the area to surrounding suburbs, keeping the wider city within easy reach. Housing carries a premium, but residents tend to feel the lifestyle justifies the commitment.

On the desirability index, the suburb rates good overall, led by transport and access and community and employment, while housing affordability sit closer to the middle of the pack for similar metro suburbs.

Population

Population
6,535
Median age
37
Median household income / week
$1,967
Dwelling vacancy
11.4%
Unoccupied private dwellings
351 of 3,087
Median monthly mortgage
$2,167
Employment rate
67%
Dwelling mix (houses / semi / flats)
128 / 582 / 946

Contributes to desirability score · Community (5%)

Employment, household income and age diversity (2021 Census)

Data sources & freshness

  • 2021 Census — General Community Profile — Australian Bureau of Statistics · Period: 2021 · Updated on site · 2021 Census release

    The 2026 Census runs in August 2026; suburb-level updates are expected from mid-2027.

Crime & safety

Total offences (2026)
564
Against the person
41
Against property
477
Rate per 1,000 residents
86.3
Person-crime prevalence
About 1 in 159 residents
State safety percentile
70.5th (lower crime is better)
Decrease (daily rate)
-17.2%

Reported offences decreased compared with the previous period.

Reported offences by period

Most common offence types

  • B21 Criminal Damage43
  • B41 Motor Vehicle Theft53
  • B42 Steal From A Motor Vehicle108
  • B43 Steal From A Retail Store77
  • B49 Other Theft61

Contributes to desirability score · Safety (18%)

Crime rate and year-on-year trend

Data sources & freshness

Schools & preschools

Schools & preschools
1
Median school ICSEA
1,170
  • Fairfield Primary SchoolPrimary

Contributes to desirability score · Education (15%)

School and preschool counts, median school ICSEA

Data sources & freshness

Public transport

55 public transport stops in this suburb

  • Connex
  • Fairfield Rail Replacement Bus Stop
  • Fairfield Railway Station
  • Fairfield Station
  • Fairfield Station

Contributes to desirability score · Accessibility (15%)

Public transport stop coverage

Data sources & freshness

Roadworks & transport

35 active roadworks / incidents

  • Building / 3rd Party Works activities occurring between 19/06/2026 and 31/05/2027 during the following times: Weekdays 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM, Weekends 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Impact to traffic will be lanes closed both directions. Altered speed limit during operation will be Nil and the traffic delay is expected to be 0 to 5 min.STATION STREET, SEPARATION STREET18 Jun 2026 – 30 May 2027
  • Building / 3rd Party Works activities occurring between 19/06/2026 and 31/05/2027 during the following times: Weekdays 9:30 AM to 7:30 AM, Weekends 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Impact to traffic will be lanes closed southbound. Altered speed limit during operation will be 40 and the traffic delay is expected to be 0 to 5 min.STATION STREET, SEPARATION STREET18 Jun 2026 – 30 May 2027
  • Maintenance Works activities occurring between 18/07/2025 and 30/11/2026 during the following times: Weekdays 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Weekends 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Impact to traffic will be lanes closed both directions. Altered speed limit during operation will be 40 and the traffic delay is expected to be 0 to 5 min.EASTERN FREEWAY, CHANDLER-EASTERN IN RAMP ON17 Jul 2025 – 29 Nov 2026
  • Maintenance Works activities occurring between 18/07/2025 and 30/11/2026 during the following times: Weekdays 9:00 PM to 5:00 AM, Weekends 9:00 PM to 5:00 AM. Impact to traffic will be lanes closed both directions. Altered speed limit during operation will be 40 and the traffic delay is expected to be 0 to 5 min.EASTERN FREEWAY, CHANDLER-EASTERN IN RAMP ON17 Jul 2025 – 29 Nov 2026
  • Maintenance Works activities occurring between 26/04/2026 and 31/07/2026 during the following times: Weekdays 9:00 PM to 5:00 AM, Weekends 9:00 PM to 5:00 AM. Impact to traffic will be lanes closed westbound. Altered speed limit during operation will be 40 and the traffic delay is expected to be 0 to 5 min.HEIDELBERG ROAD, COATE AVENUE25 Apr 2026 – 30 Jul 2026
  • Maintenance Works activities occurring between 29/01/2026 and 31/07/2026 during the following times: Weekdays 7:00 PM to 4:00 AM, Weekends 7:00 PM to 4:00 AM. Impact to traffic will be lanes closed both directions. Altered speed limit during operation will be 40 and the traffic delay is expected to be 0 to 5 min.WINGROVE STREET, STATION STREET29 Jan 2026 – 30 Jul 2026
  • Maintenance Works activities occurring between 29/01/2026 and 31/07/2026 during the following times: Weekdays 7:00 PM to 4:00 AM, Weekends 7:00 PM to 4:00 AM. Impact to traffic will be lanes closed both directions. Altered speed limit during operation will be 40 and the traffic delay is expected to be 0 to 5 min.RAILWAY PLACE, STATION STREET29 Jan 2026 – 30 Jul 2026
  • Maintenance Works activities occurring between 29/01/2026 and 31/07/2026 during the following times: Weekdays 7:00 PM to 4:00 AM, Weekends 7:00 PM to 4:00 AM. Impact to traffic will be lanes closed both directions. Altered speed limit during operation will be 40 and the traffic delay is expected to be 0 to 5 min.STATION STREET29 Jan 2026 – 30 Jul 2026
  • Maintenance Works activities occurring between 29/01/2026 and 31/07/2026 during the following times: Weekdays 7:00 PM to 4:00 AM, Weekends 7:00 PM to 4:00 AM. Impact to traffic will be lanes closed both directions. Altered speed limit during operation will be 40 and the traffic delay is expected to be 0 to 5 min.STATION STREET, DUNCAN STREET29 Jan 2026 – 30 Jul 2026
  • Maintenance Works activities occurring between 29/01/2026 and 31/07/2026 during the following times: Weekdays 7:00 PM to 4:00 AM, Weekends 7:00 PM to 4:00 AM. Impact to traffic will be lanes closed multiple directions. Altered speed limit during operation will be 40 and the traffic delay is expected to be 6 to 10 min.STATION STREET29 Jan 2026 – 30 Jul 2026

Data sources & freshness

  • Road incidents & closures — State road authority open-data feeds · Period: current · Updated on site · Hourly refresh where supported

Planning & development

Development applications from PPARS statewide register (lodged 2020–2022). Free public PPARS MapServer — applications through ~2022 (service last updated Feb 2024).

62 planning-related records

2021· 22 proposals

  • August 2021

  • Construction of three double storey dwellings on the lot, in accordance with the endorsed plans.
    102 PERRY STREET FAIRFIELD 3078Refusal issued by the Resp. Authority
  • Upgrading of the existing telecommunications facility as shown on the plans accompanying the application.
    72A STATION STREET FAIRFIELD 3078Refusal issued by a delegate

  • July 2021

  • Construction of a single storey extension to an existing dwelling on a lot less than 300 square metres as shown on the plans accompanying the application
    112 PERRY STREET FAIRFIELD 3078Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Four (4) Lot Subdivision as shown on the plans accompanying the application
    189 RATHMINES STREET FAIRFIELD 3078Permit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • June 2021

  • Three (3) Lot Subdivision as shown on the plans accompanying the application
    250 ARTHUR STREET FAIRFIELD 3078Permit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • May 2021

  • Construction of two dwellings on a lot, in accordance with the endorsed plans.
    35 SPARKS AVENUE FAIRFIELD 3078NOD issued by a delegate
  • In accordance with endorsed plans: - Construction of a two storey extension on a lot less than 300 square metres in area in the General Residential Zone - Schedule 2.
    73 ARTHUR STREET FAIRFIELD 3078NOD issued by a delegate
  • Proposed partial demolition, alterations and extension to an existing dwelling as shown on the plans accompanying the application.
    35 ARTHUR STREET FAIRFIELD 3078Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Use of the land for the purpose of industry (bakery) and a reduction to the car parking requirements
    172 Perry StreetPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Use of the premises (ground floor) as a restricted recreation facility (gymnasium) and alteration of access to a road in a Road Zone, Category 1, in accordance with the endorsed plans.
    324 DAREBIN ROAD FAIRFIELD 3078Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Creation of access to a road (crossover to Station Street) in a Road Zone, Category 1
    187 Station StreetPermit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • April 2021

  • Proposed new single storey dwelling on a lot less than 300 square metres as shown on the plans accompanying the application
    432 CLARKE STREET FAIRFIELD 3078Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Proposed carport to the side of the existing dwelling as shown on the plans accompanying the application
    146 PERRY STREET FAIRFIELD 3078Withdrawn
  • Vic Smart application proposing Two (2) Lot Subdivision as shown on the plans accompanying the application
    229 Rathmines StreetPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Construct a medium density housing development comprised of two (2) dwellings (one single storey and one double storey) and associated works in accordance with the endorsed plans.
    37 GILLIES STREET FAIRFIELD 3078Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Use as Industry (manufacturing and storage) in an industrial zone and car parking reduction as shown on the plans accompanying the application
    49 SPARKS AVENUE FAIRFIELD 3078Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Construction of an extension to a single dwelling on a lot less than 300 square metres as shown on the endorsed plans.
    54 Rathmines StreetPermit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • March 2021

  • Proposed development of a dwelling as shown on the plans accompanying the application.
    110 STATION STREET FAIRFIELD 3078Withdrawn
  • Section 72 amendment to Planning Permit PLN19/0646 to amend condition 1(c) of the permit to allow for the rear roller door to be open, and to extend the use into the rear outdoor space.
    404 Heidelberg RdLapsed
  • Two (2) lot subdivision (VicSmart) as shown on the plans accompanying the application
    164 Rathmines StreetPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Construction of a shed at the rear of the dwelling
    49 Park CresPermit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • January 2021

  • Section 72 Amendment to planning permit PLN15/0757 that includes (amongst other changes) changes to setbacks, lengths and heights to new walls associated with both dwellings; changes to the location of windows associated with both dwellings; and the addition of a rear verandah to Town house 2.
    5 AUSTIN ST FAIRFIELD 3078NOD issued by a delegate
2020· 18 proposals

  • December 2020

  • Construction of a medium density housing development comprising of two (2) double storey dwellings in accordance with the endorsed plans
    229 Gillies StreetPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Proposed construction of two (2), fully detached, two storey dwellings as shown on the plans accompanying the application.
    226 Arthur StreetPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Use and development of the land for the purpose of a two (2) storey warehouse and office building and a reduction in the car parking requirement, in accordance with the endorsed plans.
    287 Arthur StreetWithdrawn
  • Proposed alterations and additions to existing dwelling as shown on the plans accompanying the application.
    2 Hall StreetNo permit required

  • November 2020

  • Construction of two (2), double-storey dwellings and associated works
    166 Rathmines StreetPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Construction of two (2) double storey dwellings in accordance with the endorsed plans
    1 Hall StreetPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Proposed use of premises as a restaurant with liquor license, display of signs, buildings and works and reduction of car parking requirement to zero as shown on the plans accompanying the application. Amendments include: Extend hours of operation including times when alcohol can be served
    72 Station StreetPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Additions and alterations to the existing dwelling in a Commercial 1 Zone and associated works, as shown on the plans accompanying the application.
    46 Gillies StreetPermit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • October 2020

  • VICSMART: Demolition and construction of new front fence to the dwelling.
    47 Park CresPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Early works associated with the redevelopment of the Thomas Embling Hospital including: - Demolition within a Heritage Overlay - Buildings and works within a Heritage Overlay - Removal of vegetation within a Heritage Overlay (HO344) and the Significant Landscape Overlay (SLO1) - Removal of native vegetation (Clause 52.17)
    201 Yarra Bend RoadWithdrawn
  • Two (2) Lot Subdivision as shown on the plans accompanying the application
    136 Christmas StreetPermit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • September 2020

  • The construction of a carport to the rear of an existing dwelling on a lot with an area of less than 300 square metres
    52 Langridge StreetPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Removal of one (1) tree
    2B Station StPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • - Partial demolition and alterations to the existing 'Carmalea' building; - buildings and works comprising the construction of a four (4) storey residential development incorporating a total of 37 dwellings (social housing) on the site in conjunction with the existing heritage building; - a reduction in the car parking requirements, and - alteration of access to a road in a Road Zone, Category 1. on land located in the Residential Growth Zone and affected by a Heritage Overlay and Design and Dev
    43 Station StreetPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Construction of buildings and works to extend the existing dwelling (ensuite addition) in a Special Building Overlay, in accordance with the endorsed plans.
    119 Rathmines StreetPermit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • August 2020

  • Proposed use of the land for manufacturing sales (pasta making), the construction of additional toilets, a storage facility and pergola extension and a reduction of the on-site car parking to two (2) spaces requirements as shown on the plans accompanying the application
    86 Station StreetPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Use of the site as a Warehouse and reduce the number of car parking spaces in accordance with the endorsed plans.
    1/8 Chingford StreetPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Single storey extension to an existing dwelling on land affected by the Special Building Overlay (SBO)
    119 Gillies StreetPermit issued by a delegate of the RA

Contributes to desirability score · Future Growth (7%)

Development and planning activity

Data sources & freshness

  • PPARS planning permit activity (statewide) — Department of Transport and Planning (Victoria) · Period: 2020–2022 · Updated on site · Public MapServer last updated Feb 2024 — applications through FY 2022–23 only; newer PPARS data requires council/API access

Amenities

248 nearby amenities within ~1.5 km

  • All Class WinesAlcohol

    107 Station Street, Fairfield

  • Liquorland Fairfield;LiquorlandAlcohol

    Unit Shop 1 & 2 149-153 Station Street, Fairfield

  • Thirsty CamelAlcohol

    429 Heidelberg Road

  • CATAArt

    135 Station Street

  • BOMATM
  • A1 Bakery FairfieldBakery

    122 Station Street, Fairfield

  • Bakers DelightBakery

    88B Station Street, Fairfield

  • Gusto BakeryBakery

    139A Station Street, Fairfield

  • Kneadful ThingsBakery
  • Tasty Banh MiBakery

Names and addresses from OpenStreetMap. Unnamed venues show as their type (e.g. Cafe).

Contributes to desirability score · Lifestyle (15%)

Food, shopping, recreation and sport (OpenStreetMap)

Data sources & freshness

  • OpenStreetMap amenities — OpenStreetMap contributors · Period: current · Updated on site · Weekly refresh

Parks & reserves

3 parks and public open space in this suburb

  • Breavington ReservePark
  • Loop Picnic AreaPark
  • Susan Walsh ReservePark

Data sources & freshness

Health access

Hospitals & GP clinics
19
Emergency department
On site
  • Chapters Occupational TherapyStation Streetoccupational_therapist
  • Chemist WarehouseStation Streetpharmacy
  • Classic ChiropracticRailway Placealternative
  • Direct Radiology FairfieldStation Streetclinic
  • Dorevitch Pathology FairfieldStation Streetclinic
  • Dr Adele CarmadyRailway Placepsychotherapist
  • Fairfield City Medical CentreStation Streetclinic
  • Fairfield Dermatology ClinicWingrove Streetclinic
  • Fairfield Optical ServicesStation Streetoptometrist
  • Fairfield PaediatricsStation Streetclinic

Contributes to desirability score · Accessibility (15%)

Hospitals and GP clinics

Data sources & freshness

Socio-economic (SEIFA)

IRSAD decile (2021)
10/10
IRSD decile (2021)
9/10

SEIFA indexes from ABS 2021. Decile 10 = most advantaged / least disadvantaged in Australia.

Contributes to desirability score · Community (5%)

Socio-economic advantage (IRSAD decile)

Data sources & freshness

Heritage

4 state heritage places

  • FAIRFIELD HOSPITALNH1878
  • FAIRFIELD PARK AMPHITHEATRE COMPLEXNH2412
  • PORTER PREFABRICATED IRON STOREYH2243
  • YARRA BEND PARKNH2398

Data sources & freshness

  • State heritage register — State heritage authority · Period: current · Updated on site

Childcare

3 childcare services from OpenStreetMap

  • Alfred Nuttall Memorial KindergartenSeparation Streetkindergarten
  • St Andrews Uniting Church KindergartenGillies Streetkindergarten
  • The Hive Early Learning Centreschildcare

Contributes to desirability score · Education (15%)

Childcare centre count

Data sources & freshness

  • Childcare services — OpenStreetMap · Period: current · Updated on site

Hazards

Bushfire planning zone
No overlay at centroid

Bushfire overlay checked at suburb centroid via Victorian Bushfire Management Overlay mapping.

Contributes to desirability score · Safety (18%)

Bushfire hazard overlays

Data sources & freshness

  • Hazard planning overlays — State government hazard layers · Period: current · Updated on site

Green cover

Parks & woodland (OSM)
16
Parks (OSM)
5

OpenStreetMap parks and natural woodland features mapped within the suburb boundary.

Contributes to desirability score · Environment (10%)

Parks and green cover (OpenStreetMap)

Data sources & freshness

  • OpenStreetMap green cover features — OpenStreetMap contributors · Period: current · Updated on site · Weekly refresh

Desirability Index

Desirability score
61.5/100 — Good
State standing
Top 13% of Victoria's suburbs
National rank
603rd in Australia
State rank
153rd in VIC
Peer rank
#44 among Metro Melbourne · Growth area suburbs
Cohort rank
#113 among Metro Melbourne suburbs
Data confidence
89%

Data sources & freshness

  • Suburb Guide desirability index — Suburb Guide (derived score) · Period: current · Updated on site · Derived from source metrics

Recent changes

  • B21 Criminal Damagecrime43
  • B41 Motor Vehicle Theftcrime53
  • B42 Steal From A Motor Vehiclecrime108
  • B43 Steal From A Retail Storecrime77
  • B49 Other Theftcrime61
  • Alfred Nuttall Memorial KindergartenchildcareSeparation Streetkindergarten
  • St Andrews Uniting Church KindergartenchildcareGillies Streetkindergarten
  • The Hive Early Learning Centreschildcarechildcare
  • FAIRFIELD HOSPITALheritageNH1878
  • FAIRFIELD PARK AMPHITHEATRE COMPLEXheritageNH2412

Data sources & freshness

  • Childcare services — OpenStreetMap · Updated on site
  • Recorded offences by suburb/town — Crime Statistics Agency (Victoria) · Updated on site · Year ending March release
  • State heritage register — State heritage authority · Updated on site

More in Yarra Council

Other suburbs in the same local government area.

Comparable suburbs

Similar population and socio-economic profile in other parts of Victoria.