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

Forrest's population, as of November 2025, is approximately 1,897 people. This figure represents an increase of 70 individuals since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,827 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 1,897 as of June 2024 and an additional five validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 1,193 persons per square kilometer, which aligns with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Forrest's growth rate of 3.8% since the census places it within 2.6 percentage points of the state's growth rate of 6.4%, indicating competitive growth fundamentals. Overseas migration contributed approximately 87.7% of overall population gains during recent periods, driving primary growth for the area.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, age group growth rates from the ACT Government's SA2 area projections are adopted, using 2022 as the base year. Demographic trends project an above median population growth for national statistical areas, with Forrest expected to increase by 288 persons to reach a total of 2,185 people by 2041, reflecting a 15.2% increase over the 17-year period.

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 approximately 8 dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling around 40 homes. In FY26 so far, 3 approvals have been recorded. Each dwelling built over these years has resulted in an average of 2.9 new residents annually, indicating strong demand that supports property values. New homes are being constructed at an average cost of $659,000, reflecting a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties.

This financial year, Forrest has seen $21.1 million in commercial development approvals, demonstrating moderate levels of commercial growth compared to its regional counterparts. Forrest's building activity is 51.0% below the Australian Capital Territory average per person, which typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing homes. Recent construction comprises 43.0% standalone homes and 57.0% medium and high-density housing, appealing to downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers. Forrest has a low density population of around 341 people per approval. By 2041, Forrest is projected to gain approximately 288 residents, with construction maintaining a reasonable pace alongside this growth.

However, increased competition among buyers may arise as the population increases.

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

Local infrastructure changes significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified two major projects likely impacting this area: Kingston Arts Precinct and Griffith-Narrabundah Community Centre & Oval Upgrade. Other notable projects include Cromwell Office Building Development and Yarra Rossa. The following details those considered most relevant.

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 has a highly educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. Its unemployment rate is 0.7%, lower than the Australian Capital Territory's (ACT) rate of 3.6%. In September 2025, Forrest had an estimated employment growth of 0.9% over the past year.

There were 1,194 residents in work at this time, with a workforce participation rate of 69.9%, slightly below ACT's rate of 72.5%. According to Census responses, 19.3% of Forrest residents worked from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. The dominant employment sectors in Forrest are public administration & safety, professional & technical, and health care & social assistance. Notably, the area has a high concentration of professional & technical jobs, with levels at 1.4 times the regional average.

Conversely, accommodation & food services show lower representation at 2.7% compared to the regional average of 6.5%. As of the Census, there are 2.6 workers for every resident in Forrest, indicating that it serves as an employment hub attracting workers from surrounding areas. Between September 2024 and September 2025, Forrest saw employment increase by 0.9% while the labour force increased by 1.2%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate of 0.2 percentage points. In contrast, ACT experienced employment growth of 1.4% with a drop in unemployment rate of 0.2 percentage points. For future insights into potential job demand within Forrest, Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can be considered. These projections estimate that national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. 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, assuming constant population growth for illustrative purposes.

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 ATO data released on June 30, 2023, Forrest SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $101,443 and an average level of $163,704. Nationally, these figures place Forrest in the top percentile. In comparison, the Australian Capital Territory had median and average incomes of $72,206 and $85,981 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth since June 30, 2023, estimated current incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $110,837 (median) and $178,863 (average). According to the 2021 Census, Forrest's household, family, and personal incomes rank highly nationally, between the 99th and 99th percentiles. Income distribution in Forrest shows that 42.0% of the population earns over $4,000 per week, unlike regional trends where 34.3% fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 range. Reflecting this affluence, 54.2% of residents earn over $3,000 weekly, supporting premium retail and service offerings. After housing costs, residents retain 89.4% of their income, indicating strong purchasing power. 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

Forrest's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 36.5% houses and 63.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compared to Australian Capital Territory's figures of 63.3% houses and 36.7% other dwellings. Forrest's home ownership rate was 38.2%, with mortgaged dwellings at 31.3% and rented ones at 30.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Forrest was $2,520, higher than the Australian Capital Territory average of $2,080. The median weekly rent figure for Forrest was $570, compared to Australian Capital Territory's $450. Nationally, Forrest's median mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $2,520 versus Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were substantially higher at $570 compared to the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 67.2% of all households, including 23.7% couples with children, 37.0% couples without children, and 4.9% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 32.8%, with lone person households at 29.2% and group households comprising 4.3%. The median household size is 2.2 people, which 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

Forrest's educational attainment exceeds national and regional averages significantly. Among residents aged 15+, 64.6% possess university qualifications, compared to Australia's 30.4% and the SA4 region's 46.8%. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 32.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (25.3%) and graduate diplomas (7.2%). Technical qualifications make up 14.4% of educational achievements, with advanced diplomas at 7.9% and certificates at 6.5%.

Educational participation is high, with 25.0% 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

Forrest has 13 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 36 different routes that together facilitate 2,679 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is deemed good, with residents typically living 282 meters from the nearest stop. As a primarily residential zone, most commuting is outward-bound. Cars remain the primary mode of transportation at 70%, while walking and cycling account for 18% and 4% respectively. On average, there are 1.3 vehicles per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, 19.3% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 382 trips daily 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

Forrest's health outcomes show notable results based on AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence were very low across all age groups. Private health cover was exceptionally high at approximately 87% of Forrest's total population (1,657 people), compared to 62.4% in the Australian Capital Territory and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions were arthritis and asthma, affecting 7.8% and 7.8% of residents respectively. 68.9% of Forrest's residents reported being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 70.2% in the Australian Capital Territory. Under-65 population health outcomes were better than average. Forrest has 26.3% of residents aged 65 and over (499 people), higher than the Australian Capital Territory's 14.1%. Health outcomes among seniors are 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's population was found to be more culturally diverse than most local markets, with 25.9% born overseas and 20.0% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Forrest, making up 49.0%. However, Judaism was significantly overrepresented at 0.8%, compared to 0.2% across Australian Capital Territory.

The top three ancestry groups were English (23.7%), Australian (20.2%), and Irish (10.5%). Notably, Polish (1.4%) and French (1.1%) ethnicities were overrepresented in Forrest compared to regional averages of 0.8% and 0.5%, respectively. Scottish ethnicity was also notably represented at 9.6%.

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

The median age in Forrest is 47 years, significantly higher than the Australian Capital Territory average of 35 years and Australia's national average of 38 years. Compared to Australian Capital Territory, Forrest has a higher proportion of residents aged 55-64 (16.3%) but fewer residents aged 5-14 (6.9%). This concentration of 55-64 year-olds is well above the national average of 11.2%. According to the 2021 Census, the proportion of Forrest's population aged 75-84 has grown from 8.1% to 10.3%, while the 55-64 age group increased from 14.7% to 16.3%. Conversely, the 45-54 age group declined from 15.4% to 12.8%, and the 5-14 age group dropped from 8.9% to 6.9%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Forrest's age structure. Notably, the 65-74 age group is projected to grow by 58% (145 people), reaching 396 from 250. The combined 65+ age groups are expected to account for 69% of total population growth, reflecting Forrest's aging demographic profile. In contrast, both the 0-4 and 5-14 age groups are projected to decrease in number.