Forde

Forde has seen population growth performance typically on par with national averages when looking at short and medium term trends

Forde's population was 4,435 as of May 2021. By May 2026, it had increased to around 4,457, a rise of 22 people (0.5%). This increase is inferred from ABS data showing an estimated resident population of 4,457 in June 2025 and address validation since the Census date. The population density was approximately 2,321 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration contributed about 61.9% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered and years post-2032, age group growth rates from the ACT Government's SA2 area projections are adopted, also based on 2022. Future population trends indicate a decline by 2041, with the total population expected to decrease by 38 persons. However, specific age cohorts like the 55-64 group are projected to grow, with an increase of 118 people anticipated.

The level of residential development activity in Forde is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch

Forde has seen minimal dwelling approvals in recent years, totaling 4 homes over the past five financial years. As of FY26 so far, 0 approvals have been recorded. The area's population decline has led to adequate housing supply relative to demand, resulting in a balanced market with good buyer choice. New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost value of $398,000, indicating developers are targeting the premium market segment with higher-end properties.

In FY26, $2.8 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, suggesting limited commercial development focus compared to other areas like the Australian Capital Territory. Forde's reduced new dwelling supply typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties but has seen accelerated building activity in recent years. This is below average nationally, reflecting the area's maturity and possible planning constraints.

With population expected to remain stable or decline, Forde should see reduced pressure on housing, potentially creating opportunities for buyers.

Forde has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 13thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified eight projects that could affect this region. Notable ones are the Gungahlin Tennis Facility (Amaroo Tennis Centre), Amaroo Village Development - Block 9 Section 111, Moncrieff East Residential Estate, and Gungahlin Community Centre. The following list details those most likely to be relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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The exceptional employment performance in Forde places it among Australia's strongest labour markets

Forde has a highly educated workforce with professional services strongly represented. The unemployment rate was 1.9% in December 2025, lower than the Australian Capital Territory's (ACT) rate of 3.8%. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 1.4%.

As of December 2025, 2,702 residents were employed with an unemployment rate of 2.0% below ACT's rate and workforce participation at 80.0%, higher than ACT's 70.5%. According to Census responses, 14.0% of residents worked from home. Dominant employment sectors include public administration & safety, professional & technical, and education & training.

Health care & social assistance showed lower representation at 8.4% compared to the regional average of 11.7%. Employment opportunities locally may be limited as indicated by the working population vs resident population count. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment levels increased by 1.4%, labour force grew by 1.0%, reducing the unemployment rate by 0.3 percentage points. In comparison, ACT recorded employment growth of 0.9% with a rise in unemployment of 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest total employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Forde's employment mix, local employment growth is estimated at 6.3% over five years and 12.9% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

The economic profile demonstrates exceptional strength, placing the area among the top 10% nationally based on comprehensive AreaSearch income analysis

The Forde SA2 had a top percentile national income level according to AreaSearch aggregated ATO data for the financial year ended June 30, 2023. The median income among taxpayers was $90,368 and the average income stood at $102,483, compared to Australian Capital Territory's figures of $72,206 and $85,981 respectively. By March 2026, estimated incomes based on Wage Price Index growth would be approximately $99,802 (median) and $113,182 (average). Census data shows household, family, and personal incomes all rank highly in Forde, between the 98th and 99th percentiles nationally. The largest income segment comprises 41.7% earning over $4,000 weekly, with 1,858 residents, differing from regional patterns where $1,500 - $2,999 dominates at 34.3%. Affluence is evident with 61.6% earning over $3,000 per week, supporting premium retail and services. Housing accounts for 13.6% of income, while strong earnings rank residents in the 99th percentile for disposable income. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 10th decile.

Forde is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

Forde's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 84.9% houses and 15.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to the Australian Capital Territory's 63.3% houses and 36.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Forde stood at 16.4%, with mortgaged dwellings at 60.2% and rented ones at 23.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,481, higher than the Australian Capital Territory average of $2,080. The median weekly rent in Forde was $590, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's $450. Nationally, Forde's mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $2,481 versus the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Forde features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 87.0% of all households, including 56.3% couples with children, 20.9% couples without children, and 8.9% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 13.0%, with lone person households at 11.2% and group households comprising 1.9%. The median household size is 3.2 people, larger than the Australian Capital Territory average of 2.5.

Forde shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

In Forde, educational attainment is notably higher than national averages. Among residents aged 15 and above, 51.2% have university qualifications, compared to the Australian average of 30.4%. This significant educational advantage positions the area well for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 28.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (18.0%) and graduate diplomas (5.1%).

Vocational pathways account for 22.8% of qualifications among those aged 15 and above, with advanced diplomas making up 10.7% and certificates 12.1%. Educational participation is high, with 37.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 14.5% in primary education, 10.6% in secondary education, and 6.1% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Forde has 20 active public transport stops, all bus services. These are covered by 38 routes, offering a total of 2,187 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is high, with residents typically 185 meters from the nearest stop. Most commutes are outward-bound due to its residential nature. Cars are the primary mode at 91%, with an average of 1.8 vehicles per dwelling. In 2021 Census data, 14% worked from home, potentially influenced by COVID-19 conditions.

Daily service frequency averages 312 trips across all routes, equating to about 109 weekly trips per stop.

Forde's residents are extremely healthy with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Analysis shows strong health performance in Forde based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Both young and old age cohorts have low prevalence of common health conditions. Private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 72% of the total population, which is 3,222 people.

This compares to 62.4% in Australian Capital Territory and 55.7% nationally. The most common medical conditions are asthma and mental health issues, impacting 8.0 and 6.7% respectively. 77.0% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 70.2% across Australian Capital Territory. Working-age residents have low chronic condition prevalence. Forde has 8.2% of residents aged 65 and over, which is 363 people, lower than the 14.3% in Australian Capital Territory. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, broadly in line with national rankings for the general population.

Forde 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

Forde has a higher cultural diversity than most local markets, with 31.9% of its population born overseas and 31.8% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Forde, accounting for 48.8% of the population. Hinduism is notably overrepresented in Forde, making up 7.6% of the population compared to the Australian Capital Territory's average of 4.8%.

The top three ancestry groups are Australian (22.8%), English (20.3%), and Other (11.9%). There are significant differences in the representation of certain ethnic groups: Croatian is overrepresented at 2.2% in Forde compared to 0.9% regionally, Spanish at 0.8% versus 0.5%, and Indian at 5.9% compared to 3.3%.

Forde's population is younger than the national pattern

Forde's median age at present stands at 36 years, closely approaching the Australian Capital Territory average of 35 but still younger than Australia's median age of 38. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Forde has a higher proportion of residents aged 45-54 (18.2%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (9.9%). This concentration of 45-54 year-olds is notably higher than the national average of 12.0%. Between the censuses of 2021 and the present, Forde's residents have collectively aged by an average of 1.4 years, with the median age rising from 35 to 36. Specifically, the proportion of residents aged 55-64 has increased from 7.1% to 9.6%, while those aged 75-84 rose from 1.3% to 2.6%. Conversely, the proportion of residents aged 35-44 has decreased from 20.3% to 17.6%, and those aged 5-14 dropped from 19.5% to 17.3%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic shifts in Forde. The 55-64 age group is projected to grow by 22%, adding 93 residents to reach a total of 522. The aging population trend is evident, with those aged 65 and above comprising 55% of the projected growth. Meanwhile, the 0-4 and 25-34 age groups are expected to experience population declines.