suburb.guide

VIC · Surf Coast Council

Fairhaven, 3231

Est. population · Jun 2025

395

Growth (1 yr)

+0.8%

Growth (5 yr)

+7.0%

Median age

56

Median income

$2,023/wk

Employment rate

58.2%

Median house price · 4th Quarter 2025

$775,000

Languages at home

1.8%non-English

Most common: German

2021 Census · usual residence

Desirability score

31.7/100
Below average

1014th in VIC

Verified 71% confidence

How this score is calculated
  • Coastal
  • Excellent transport
  • High desirability
What Fairhaven is known for: Coastal, Excellent transport, High desirability

Suburb profile

Fairhaven is a coastal smaller community a long way from Melbourne, where beach life and a quieter rhythm set the tone. A mature community gives the area a calm, settled social fabric, with families and grandchildren still a visible part of community life. Fitness and outdoor sport options are a real part of local life, not just a distant club trip away.

Local green pockets are modest, with bigger outdoor outings usually found in neighbouring areas. Day-to-day life is more car-oriented here, with buses covering longer trips across the wider area. Homes cost more here than in most comparable suburbs.

Crime reports are up on the previous period. A busy pipeline of new development is gradually changing the look and feel of the streets.

Against similar coastal suburbs, the suburb sits below average overall, mainly because growth momentum lag behind, despite relative strength in community and employment. Limited access to some essential local services also trimmed the result.

At a glance

Fairhaven snapshot

A quick read of housing, growth, livability, and risk

Median house price

$775k

-59% change

Median rent

—

No data available

Population (ERP)

395

+0.8% annual growth

Dwelling vacancy

69.0%

Census unoccupied dwellings

Livability profile

Desirability pillars vs the peer median (50th percentile)

How it compares

Relative standing using percentiles, ranks, and national deciles

Desirability

#66

among Coastal & beach · Mature

Safety

5th

percentile in state (higher = safer)

Pop. growth

61st

percentile in VIC

Advantage (IRSAD)

10/10

national SEIFA decile

Population growth

Recent ERP change over 1 and 5 years

Housing mix

Dwelling types from the 2021 Census

Risks & flags

Quick scan — open a section below for full context

Living here

Desirability

Ranks & confidence
Desirability score
31.7/100 — Below average
National rank
5286th in Australia
State rank
1014th in VIC
Peer rank
#66 among Coastal & beach · Mature suburbs
Cohort rank
#111 among Coastal & beach suburbs
Data confidence
71%

Data sources & freshness

  • Suburb Guide desirability index — Suburb Guide (derived) · current · Updated

Housing

Median house price (4th Quarter 2025)
$775,000
Median price change
-59.2%

Contributes to desirability score · Housing (15%) · Future Growth (7%)

Median price, rental yield and vacancy Recent price momentum

Data sources & freshness

Population

Estimated resident population

395(June 2025)

+0.8% annual · +7.0% over 5 years · 61th percentile in VIC

Growth figures & methodology
Annual growth
+0.8%
5-year growth
+7.0%
Change in 1 year
+3
Change in 5 years
+26
Growth rank in VIC
61th percentile

ABS Estimated Resident Population allocated to this suburb from SA2-level data. Not an official ABS suburb count.

Methodology

Figures are allocated from ABS Estimated Resident Population at Statistical Area Level 2 (SA2), using 2021 Census share within overlapping SA2 regions. Where Census data is unavailable, area overlap is used instead.

The dashed chart line is a simple growth-trend estimate to June 2030 (~400), extrapolated at +1.4% average annual growth since 2011. It is illustrative only — not an official ABS forecast.

2021 Census figures

2021 Census

Population
390
Median age
56
Median household income / week
$2,023
Dwelling vacancy
69%
Unoccupied private dwellings
349 of 506
Median monthly mortgage
$1,993
Employment rate
58.2%
Dwelling mix (houses / semi / flats)
160 / 0 / 0

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 · Updated

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

  • Estimated Resident Population — Australian Bureau of Statistics · 2025 · Updated · SA2 ERP allocated to suburb boundaries

Community & culture

No 2021 Census cultural diversity data for this suburb yet.

Data sources & freshness

  • 2021 Census — General Community Profile — Australian Bureau of Statistics · Updated

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

Crime & safety

Reported offences increased compared with the previous period.

Offence counts & rates
Total offences (2026)
4
Against the person
1
Against property
3
Rate per 1,000 residents
10.1
Person-crime prevalence
About 1 in 390 residents
State safety percentile
4.6th (lower crime is better)
Increase (daily rate)
+33.3%

Most common offence types

  • A732 Non-Fv Threatening Behaviour1
  • B21 Criminal Damage1
  • B321 Residential Non-Aggravated Burglary1
  • B53 Obtain Benefit By Deception1

Contributes to desirability score · Safety (18%)

Crime rate and year-on-year trend

Data sources & freshness

Family & Lifestyle

Public transport

2 public transport stops in this suburb

  • Yarringa Rd/Great Ocean Rd
  • Yarringa Rd/Great Ocean Rd

Contributes to desirability score · Accessibility (15%)

Public transport stop coverage

Data sources & freshness

Amenities

13 nearby amenities within ~1.5 km

10 swimming pools

Local character & venue list

Local character

  • Limited walkable amenities nearby
  • Strong local sport and recreation — 10 sport and outdoor facilities nearby
Walkability proxy
3/100
Cafés per 1,000 residents
0
Food & drink per 1,000 residents
0
Parks per 1,000 residents
0
Sport & outdoors(10)
  • Swimming pool (10)
Transport(2)

2 bus stops

Other(1)
  • The Pole HouseHotel

    60 Banool Road, Fairhaven

Names and addresses from OpenStreetMap. Unnamed venues show as their type (e.g. Cafe). Transport stops are summarised by type rather than listed individually.

Contributes to desirability score · Lifestyle (15%)

Food, shopping, recreation and sport (OpenStreetMap)

Data sources & freshness

  • Local amenity insights — Suburb Guide (derived) · current · Updated
  • OpenStreetMap amenities — OpenStreetMap contributors · current · Updated

Health access

Nearest hospital
Lorne Community Hospital (13.4 km)
Nearest hospital type
Hospital
Nearest hospital emergency
Emergency department

Contributes to desirability score · Accessibility (15%)

Hospitals and GP clinics

Data sources & freshness

NDIS participation

NDIS participants (31 March 2026)
6
Participants per 1,000 residents
15.2

Active NDIS participants allocated from NDIA Statistical Area Level 2 (SA2, ASGS 2016) counts to this suburb boundary. Not an official suburb-level NDIS figure · as at 31 March 2026.

For NDIS spend and service-demand exploration by SA2 or postcode, see the Care Sector Demand Map.

Data sources & freshness

Weather

Typical conditions by season for suburbs in the same ~44 km climate area. Rainfall totals are summed from monthly WorldClim layers; rainy-day counts are approximate.

Summer (Dec–Feb)

Usual max / min
26° / 12°
Rainfall
128 mm · ~16 rainy days

Autumn (Mar–May)

Usual max / min
21° / 10°
Rainfall
124 mm · ~16 rainy days

Winter (Jun–Aug)

Usual max / min
14° / 6°
Rainfall
149 mm · ~19 rainy days

Spring (Sep–Nov)

Usual max / min
19° / 8°
Rainfall
182 mm · ~23 rainy days

Contributes to desirability score · Lifestyle (15%)

Temperature and humidity comfort

Data sources & freshness

  • Seasonal climate normals — WorldClim 2.1 · Updated

Future & Planning

Planning & development

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

45 planning-related records

2021· 24 proposals

  • September 2021

  • Buildings and Works for a Shed Associated with the Horse Riding Business in accordance with the endorsed plan/s.
    115 BIMBADEEN DRIVE FAIRHAVEN 3231Permit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • August 2021

  • Alterations and Additions to existing dwelling and new spa
    26 BANOOL ROAD FAIRHAVEN 3231NOD issued by a delegate
  • Building and works associated with alterations and additions to the existing dwelling and removal of native vegetation
    35 SHE OAK CRESCENT FAIRHAVEN 3231Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Alterations and additions to the existing dwelling
    50 WYBELLENNA DRIVE FAIRHAVEN 3231NOD issued by a delegate
  • Construction of a Dwelling and Swimming Pool
    46 NARANI WAY FAIRHAVEN 3231Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Development of a single storey extension to an existing dwelling
    2 MERRAN GROVE FAIRHAVEN 3231Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Construct alterations and extensions to the existing dwelling
    4 LIALEETA ROAD FAIRHAVEN 3231Permit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • July 2021

  • Extension of balcony/deck
    3 YARRINGA ROAD FAIRHAVEN 3231Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Construction of alterations and extensions to the existing dwelling and an outdoor swimming pool and removal of native vegetation
    16 FOREST DRIVE FAIRHAVEN 3231NOD issued by a delegate
  • Residential extension to the existing House
    2 ORCHID GROVE FAIRHAVEN 3231Permit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • June 2021

  • Construction of a Dwelling
    20 Lialeeta RoadPermit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • May 2021

  • Use and Development of the Land for a Dwelling and Removal of Native Vegetation
    70 BIMBADEEN DRIVE FAIRHAVEN 3231In progress
  • Construction of a Dwelling.
    12 YARRINGA ROAD FAIRHAVEN 3231Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Retrospective Amendment to Balustrade
    44 Narani WayPermit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • April 2021

  • Construction of a Concrete Swimming Pool, Safety Barrier and associated works & removal of native vegetation
    313 GREAT OCEAN ROAD FAIRHAVEN 3231Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Construction of a Dwelling
    1 IRONBARK AVENUE FAIRHAVEN 3231NOD issued by a delegate
  • Alterations and extensions to the existing dwelling
    34 She Oak CrescentPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Buildings and Works Associated with Alterations and Additions to Existing Dwelling
    2 YARRINGA ROAD FAIRHAVEN 3231NOD issued by a delegate
  • Buildings and works (driveway, path and steps)
    3 YARRINGA ROAD FAIRHAVEN 3231NOD issued by a delegate
  • Construction of a Shed and removal of native vegetation
    19 RIDGE ROAD FAIRHAVEN 3231NOD issued by a delegate

  • March 2021

  • Replace deck
    1 Ridge RoadPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Construction of a Dwelling and Outbuilding.
    61 LIALEETA ROAD FAIRHAVEN 3231NOD issued by a delegate
  • Variation of a Restrictive Covenant & Buildings and Construction of a Single Step.
    24 Narani WayPermit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • February 2021

  • Alteration and Additions Existing Dwelling
    7 Lialeeta RoadPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
2020· 16 proposals

  • November 2020

  • Alterations and Additions to Existing Dwelling
    50 BANOOL ROADPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Alterations and Additions to Existing Dwelling
    59 LIALEETA ROADPermit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • October 2020

  • Removal of Native Vegetation
    2 BANOOL ROAD FAIRHAVEN 3231Withdrawn
  • Construct Two Replacement Buildings Reason for Revision: Use of the land for a dwelling and short term accommodation.
    425 GREAT OCEAN ROAD FAIRHAVEN 3231In progress

  • September 2020

  • Construction of an Outbuilding
    2C YANDANAH ROADPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Amendment to Roof, Cladding, Window and Staircase
    13 BIMBADEEN DRIVEPermit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • August 2020

  • Amendment to Endorsed Plan
    115 BIMBADEEN DRIVEPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Construction of new attached garage & deck and construction of a new detached carport
    6 WERONA ROADPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Construction of a Dwelling
    20 NARANI WAYPermit issued by the RA

  • July 2020

  • Construction of a Dwelling
    17 BIMBADEEN DRIVEPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Development of a Dwelling
    7 RIDGE ROADPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Alterations and additions to the existing dwelling and installation of a spa
    21 WYBELLENNA DRIVEPermit issued by the RA

  • June 2020

  • Buildings and Works Associated with an Addition to Existing Dwelling
    7 TIMBARA CLUSTER FAIRHAVEN 3231NOD issued by a delegate
  • Alterations and Additions Existing Dwelling
    7 LIALEETA ROADPermit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • May 2020

  • Additions to Existing Dwelling
    58 FOREST DRIVEPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Construct a fence
    20 KALBARU DRIVEPermit issued by a delegate of the RA

Contributes to desirability score · Future Growth (7%)

Development and planning activity

Data sources & freshness

Hazards

Bushfire planning zone
Overlay applies

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 · current · Updated

Politics & representation

Federal electorate
Wannon
Member of Parliament
Dan TEHAN (Liberal)
Results from
2025 federal election
Electorate enrolment (2025)
121,788
Turnout (2025)
94.0%
Swing since 2022 (2025)
-2.3 pp toward Coalition

Two-party preferred (2025)

Coalition 60.9%Labor 39.1%

Estimated suburb voting profile

Estimated from 8 nearby ordinary polling places (up to 29.1 km away).

Coalition 29.7%Labor 70.3%

31.2 percentage points more Labor-leaning than the electorate

Estimated swing since 2022: +70.3 pp toward Labor

Nearest polling places

  • Aireys InletLabor 71.6% · Coalition 28.4% TPP (2025)2.1 km away
  • AngleseaLabor 66.5% · Coalition 33.5% TPP (2025)11.4 km away
  • LorneLabor 52.1% · Coalition 47.9% TPP (2025)13.2 km away
  • Deans MarshLabor 62.6% · Coalition 37.4% TPP (2025)18.4 km away
  • Winchelsea SouthLabor 45.3% · Coalition 54.7% TPP (2025)24.9 km away

Federal electorate from AEC federal division boundaries (2025 redistribution). Division-level results are official AEC figures from the latest general election, with by-election updates where applicable. The estimated suburb profile blends up to eight nearest ordinary polling booths in the same electorate using inverse-distance weighting from the suburb centroid — an approximation, not official AEC data. Nearest polling places are shown for reference.

Data sources & freshness

Socio-economic

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

ABS Socio-Economic Indexes for Areas (SEIFA), 2021 release — the latest available, derived from the 2021 Census. Deciles rank suburbs nationally from 1 (lowest) to 10 (highest).

What do IRSAD and IRSD measure?

IRSAD — Index of Relative Socio-economic Advantage and Disadvantage. Combines indicators of advantage (e.g. high income, skilled occupations) and disadvantage. Higher decile = more advantaged relative to other Australian areas.

IRSD — Index of Relative Socio-economic Disadvantage. Focuses on disadvantage only (e.g. low income, unemployment, limited education). Higher decile = less disadvantage nationally.

A new SEIFA edition typically follows each census; the ABS has not announced a release date beyond 2021.

Contributes to desirability score · Community (5%)

Socio-economic advantage (IRSAD decile)

Data sources & freshness

Compare with

Similar suburbs to weigh up side by side — scores, safety, schools, and lifestyle.

More in Surf Coast Council

Other suburbs in the same local government area.

Comparable suburbs

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