Forrest

Population growth drivers in Forrest are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Forrest's population is around 1,897 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 70 people (3.8%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,827 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 1,897 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 5 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 1,193 persons per square kilometer, which is relatively in line with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Forrest's 3.8% growth since the census positions it within 2.9 percentage points of the state (6.7%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 87.7% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and for years post-2032, age group growth rates from the ACT Government's SA2 area projections, with 2022 as a base, are adopted. As we examine future population trends, an above-median population growth of Australian statistical areas is projected, with the area expected to expand by 288 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a gain of 15.2% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Forrest recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

Forrest has experienced around 8 dwellings receiving development approval per year, totalling 40 homes over the past 5 financial years. So far in FY-26, 3 approvals have been recorded. With an average of 2.9 new residents per year gained for each dwelling built over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), suggesting solid demand that supports property values, new homes are being built at an average value of $659,000, demonstrating a developer focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties. Additionally, $21.1 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, demonstrating moderate levels of commercial development.

When measured against the Australian Capital Territory, Forrest records markedly lower building activity (51.0% below regional average per person). This constrained new construction usually reinforces demand and pricing for existing homes. Recent construction comprises 43.0% standalone homes and 57.0% medium and high-density housing. This trend toward denser development provides accessible entry options and appeals to downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers. At around 341 people per approval, Forrest reflects a low density area.

Population forecasts indicate Forrest will gain 288 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Construction is maintaining a reasonable pace with projected growth, although buyers could encounter growing competition as population increases.

Forrest has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 23rdth percentile nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 2 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the Kingston Arts Precinct, Griffith-Narrabundah Community Centre & Oval Upgrade, Cromwell Office Building Development, and Yarra Rossa, with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

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

Denotes AI-based impression for illustrative purposes only, not to be taken as definitive under any circumstances. Please follow links and conduct other investigations from the project's source for actual imagery. Developers and project owners wishing us to use original imagery please Contact Us and we will do so.

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

Forrest features a highly educated workforce, with professional services showing strong representation, an unemployment rate of just 0.7%, and 0.8% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 1,196 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 3.1% below the Australian Capital Territory's rate of 3.8%, and workforce participation is somewhat below standard (69.6% compared to the Australian Capital Territory's 72.6%). Based on Census responses, a moderate 19.3% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

The dominant employment sectors among residents include public administration & safety, professional & technical, and health care & social assistance. The area demonstrates a particularly notable concentration in professional & technical, with employment levels at 1.4 times the regional average. Conversely, accommodation & food shows lower representation at 2.7% versus the regional average of 6.5%. With 2.6 workers for every resident, as at the Census, the area functions as an employment hub, hosting more jobs than residents and attracting workers from surrounding areas.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, over the 12 months to December 2025, employment increased by 0.8% while the labour force increased by 1.1%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.2 percentage points. In contrast, the Australian Capital Territory experienced employment growth of 0.9% and labour force growth of 1.2%, with a 0.3 percentage point rise. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Forrest. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Forrest's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.9% over five years and 14.0% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

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

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for FY-23, the Forrest SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $101,443 with the average level standing at $163,704. This is among the top percentile nationally and compares to levels of $72,206 and $85,981 across the Australian Capital Territory respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.26% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $110,837 (median) and $178,863 (average) as of September 2025. According to 2021 Census figures, household, family and personal incomes all rank highly in Forrest, between the 99th and 99th percentiles nationally. Looking at income distribution, 42.0% of the population (796 individuals) fall within the $4000+ income range, unlike trends in the region where 34.3% fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 range. The locality demonstrates considerable affluence with 54.2% earning over $3,000 per week, supporting premium retail and service offerings. After housing costs, residents retain 89.4% of income, reflecting strong purchasing power, and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 10th decile.

Forrest features a more urban dwelling mix with significant apartment living, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Dwelling structure within Forrest, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 36.5% houses and 63.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to the Australian Capital Territory's 63.3% houses and 36.7% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Forrest was well beyond that of the Australian Capital Territory, at 38.2%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (31.3%) or rented (30.5%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well above the Australian Capital Territory average at $2,520, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $570, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's $2,080 and $450. Nationally, Forrest's mortgage repayments are significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially above the national figure of $375.

Forrest features high concentrations of group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households dominate at 67.2% of all households, comprising 23.7% couples with children, 37.0% couples without children, and 4.9% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 32.8%, with lone person households at 29.2% and group households comprising 4.3% of the total. The median household size of 2.2 people is smaller than the Australian Capital Territory average of 2.5.

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

Educational attainment in Forrest significantly surpasses broader benchmarks, with 64.6% of residents aged 15+ holding university qualifications compared to 30.4% in Australia and 46.8% in the SA4 region. This substantial educational advantage positions the area strongly for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees lead at 32.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (25.3%) and graduate diplomas (7.2%). Technical qualifications represent 14.4% of educational achievements for residents aged 15+; advanced diplomas (7.9%) and certificates (6.5%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 25.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 8.6% in tertiary education, 7.4% in secondary education, and 6.2% pursuing primary education.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 13 active transport stops operating within Forrest, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 36 individual routes, collectively providing 2,679 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 282 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 70%, with 18% walking and 4% cycling. Vehicle ownership averages 1.3 per dwelling. Some 19.3% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 382 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 206 weekly trips per individual stop.

Forrest's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Health outcomes data demonstrates outstanding results across Forrest, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. There is a very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups, and the rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 87% of the total population (1,657 people). This compares to 62.4% across the Australian Capital Territory. The national average is 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area were found to be arthritis and asthma, impacting 7.8% and 7.8% of residents, respectively, while 68.9% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 70.2% across the Australian Capital Territory. The under-65 population demonstrates better than average health outcomes. The area has 27.7% of residents aged 65 and over (525 people), which is higher than the 14.3% in the Australian Capital Territory. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Forrest was found to be above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Forrest is more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets, with 25.9% of its population born overseas and 20.0% speaking a language other than English at home. The main religion in Forrest is Christianity, which makes up 49.0% of the population. However, the most apparent overrepresentation is in Judaism, which comprises 0.8% of the population, compared to 0.2% across the Australian Capital Territory.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Forrest are English, comprising 23.7% of the population, Australian, comprising 20.2% of the population, and Irish, comprising 10.5% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Polish is notably overrepresented at 1.4% of Forrest (vs 0.8% regionally), French at 1.1% (vs 0.5%) and Scottish at 9.6% (vs 7.3%).

Forrest hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

The 48-year median age in Forrest is notably higher than the Australian Capital Territory's average of 35 and similarly well above the Australian median of 38. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory average, the 55 - 64 cohort is notably over-represented (16.7% locally), while 5 - 14 year-olds are under-represented (6.4%). This 55 - 64 concentration is well above the national 11.2%. Since the 2021 Census, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 8.1% to 10.5% of the population, while the 55 to 64 cohort increased from 14.7% to 16.7%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 15.4% to 12.1% and the 5 to 14 group dropped from 8.9% to 6.4%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Forrest. The 65 to 74 age cohort is projected to see notable expansion, expanding by 121 people (44%) from 274 to 396. The aging population dynamic is clear, with those 65+ comprising 66% of projected growth. Conversely, the 0 to 4 and 5 to 14 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.