Forbes

Forbes is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

Statistical evaluations by AreaSearch indicate that the population of Forbes stands at approximately 10,032 as of May 2026. This represents a minor rise of 12 people (0.1%) from the 2021 Census, which recorded 10,020 people. This variation is derived from the ABS estimated resident population of 10,019 in June 2025 alongside an additional 227 validated new addresses registered since the Census. Such a population size results in a density of 2.2 persons per square kilometer, offering residents substantial space. While growth remains conservative, the 0.1% increase in Forbes since the 2021 census was higher than the SA3 region average of -0.6%. The main driver of this expansion was overseas migration, which accounted for roughly 87.7% of the total population growth over recent timeframes.

Projections from the ABS and Geoscience Australia, published in 2024 with a 2022 baseline, are implemented by AreaSearch for each SA2 region. For locations lacking this coverage, SA2 projections from the NSW State Government released in 2022 using a 2021 baseline are applied. Age bracket growth trends from these data collections are also projected forward for the years 2032 to 2041. Future demographic outlooks suggest that regional areas across the nation will experience population growth above the median, with Forbes projected to increase by 1,298 persons by 2041 according to the most recent annual ERP statistics, representing an overall expansion of 12.8% over the 16 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in Forbes, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally

Residential building approvals in Forbes average approximately 30 properties annually, totaling 154 homes over the previous 5 financial years (from FY-21 to FY-25) and 23 registered so far during FY-26. Because the population has decreased in recent times, this supply level has likely satisfied local demand, ensuring suitable options for purchasers, with new dwellings being constructed at an average cost of $392,000. Additionally, commercial development projects worth $27.0 million have been approved during the current financial year, showing moderate commercial activity.

Per capita development activity in Forbes aligns closely with the Rest of NSW, supporting property market consistency consistent with regional trends. This rate falls below the national benchmark, highlighting the established nature of the area and indicating potential planning restrictions. Single-family homes make up 85.0% of the new construction, while attached residences account for the remaining 15.0%, preserving the historically low-density layout and focusing on larger layouts for families. There are roughly 286 people for every dwelling approval, reflecting a low-density property market.

Demographic forecasts suggest that Forbes is set to add 1,285 residents by 2041, based on the latest quarterly calculations from AreaSearch. Should building rates persist at current levels, residential construction may fall short of population gains, which could heighten buyer competition and stimulate faster price appreciation.

Forbes has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 28thth percentile nationally

Local performance is strongly affected by updates to regional infrastructure, key projects, and planning policies. AreaSearch has identified 8 active initiatives expected to influence the community. Notable developments include the Forbes Development Project, Goldridge Estate, Homemakers Centre Stage 2, and the Forbes Multipurpose Equestrian Centre, with detailed relevance outlined in the following records.

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Despite maintaining a low unemployment rate of 3.4%, Forbes has experienced recent job losses, resulting in a below average employment performance ranking when compared nationally

The local economy in Forbes is supported by a balanced mix of professional and manual labour across multiple industries, with a low unemployment rate of 3.4%. Jobholders total 5,170 residents as of March 2026, with the unemployment rate tracking 0.7% below the Regional NSW average of 4.1%. Furthermore, participation in the labour force is exceptionally high at 66.5%, compared to 60.6% in Regional NSW. Census data indicates that a modest 11.6% of the workforce operated from home, though this figure may have been influenced by COVID-19 lockdowns.

The primary sectors employing local residents are agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and education & training. The agricultural, forestry, and fishing sector is heavily represented, with its share of employment reaching 3.6 times the regional benchmark. Conversely, health care & social assistance accounts for only 13.2% of the local workforce, which is lower than the 16.9% recorded across Regional NSW. A comparison of the Census working population against the resident population suggests that a significant portion of local workers travel outside the area to reach their jobs.

AreaSearch evaluations of SALM and ABS statistics show that over the 12-month period, the local labour force contracted by 1.2% while total employment fell by 2.3%, leading to a 1.1 percentage point rise in the unemployment rate. In comparison, Regional NSW experienced a 0.9% decrease in employment, a 0.4% contraction in the labour force, and a 0.5 percentage point increase in unemployment. National workforce projections from Jobs and Skills Australia published in May-25 provide context for future employment demand in Forbes. These five and ten-year projections have been integrated with local employment structures to model future trends. Although overall national employment is expected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, the rates of change differ by industry. Projecting these trends onto the industry mix of Forbes suggests local employment could grow by 5.6% over five years and 12.1% over ten years, representing a basic weighted extrapolation that does not incorporate local population forecasts.

Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch

The most recent ATO postcode records from AreaSearch for financial year 2023 show that personal earnings within the Forbes SA2 are below national averages, with a median of $50,901 and a mean of $58,526. By comparison, Regional NSW registered a median income of $52,390 and a mean income of $65,215. Incorporating the Wage Price Index increase of 10.32% since financial year 2023, updated projections estimate the median at $56,154 and the mean at $64,566 as of March 2026. The 2021 Census reports that household, family, and individual earnings in Forbes are positioned between the 17th and 31st percentiles nationwide. The $1,500 - 2,999 weekly wage bracket contains 27.1% of residents (2,718 individuals), which is close to the regional rate of 29.9%. Although housing costs are low enough that residents keep 87.7% of their earnings, total disposable income sits at the 21st percentile nationally.

Forbes is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

According to the latest Census, the housing stock in Forbes consisted of 90.2% separate houses and 9.9% alternative housing styles (including semi-detached properties and apartments), compared to 82.6% separate houses and 17.4% alternative styles in Regional NSW. Home ownership rates in Forbes matched Regional NSW at 40.9%, with remaining households split between mortgaged properties (31.2%) and rental properties (27.8%). The median mortgage payment in the area was $1,257 per month, which is below the Regional NSW average of $1,733, while the median rent was $230 per week, compared to $330 in Regional NSW. Nationally, mortgage costs in Forbes are much lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rent prices are significantly below the national median of $375.

Forbes features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Families make up the majority of households at 66.7%, which includes couples with children at 23.7%, couples without children at 30.4%, and single-parent homes at 11.7%. Non-family households constitute 33.3% of the total, with single-person living arrangements representing 31.1% and group homes at 2.2%. The median household size of 2.3 individuals is slightly lower than the Regional NSW average of 2.4.

Forbes faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

Educational attainment levels present challenges for the area, as university degree holders make up just 15.5% of the population, compared to the NSW average of 32.2%. This discrepancy highlights an opportunity for targeted learning programs. Among those with higher education, bachelor degrees are most common at 11.7%, followed by postgraduate degrees at 2.3% and graduate diplomas at 1.5%. Vocational skills are highly prevalent, with 40.3% of individuals aged 15+ holding trade qualifications, consisting of advanced diplomas at 8.8% and certificates at 31.5%.

A high level of educational enrollment is observed locally, with 30.4% of residents registered in formal studies. This group includes 12.2% attending primary schools, 8.6% in secondary schools, and 2.5% in tertiary programs.

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

Analysis of the local transit network reveals 889 active transport stops in Forbes, including bus and rail options. These stops support 44 routes that together provide 579 weekly passenger journeys. Public transport accessibility is strong, with residents living an average of 116 meters from the nearest stop. The community is mainly residential, and the majority of workers travel outward for employment; private vehicles are the dominant mode of travel at 92%, while 6% of commuters walk. Dwellings average 1.5 vehicles each. A low 11.6% of residents worked from home, according to 2021 Census data, which may reflect pandemic-related conditions.

Public transport services run an average of 82 times daily across all routes, which corresponds to 0 weekly trips per stop. The accompanying mapping displays the 100 closest transit stops to the central coordinates of the area.

Health performance in Forbes is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Health assessments by AreaSearch indicate notable challenges in Forbes, particularly concerning mortality rates and the frequency of chronic conditions across different age brackets. Private health insurance coverage is low, with approximately 48% of the population (~4,855 people) holding policies, compared to 51.9% in Regional NSW and a national average of 55.7%.

Arthritis and mental health concerns are the most widely reported medical conditions, affecting 10.7% and 8.3% of the population respectively. Meanwhile, 63.6% of residents reported having no chronic medical conditions, compared to 63.3% in Regional NSW. Working-age residents experience higher than average rates of chronic health issues. Seniors aged 65 and over make up 23.3% of the population (2,333 people), with their health outcomes presenting challenges that mirror the broader population rankings.

The latest Census data sees Forbes placing among the least culturally diverse areas in the country when compared across a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Forbes exhibits lower levels of cultural diversity than average, with citizens making up 89.3% of the population, 95.2% of residents born in Australia, and 97.6% using only English at home. The main religious affiliation is Christianity, representing 71.2% of local residents, compared to 55.9% across Regional NSW.

With respect to parent birthplace, the largest groups in Forbes are Australian at 34.3%, English at 30.7%, and Irish at 9.5%. Specific ethnic demographics show distinct differences from broader patterns: Australian Aboriginal residents comprise 9.0% of the local population (compared to 4.6% regionally), Macedonian ancestry is at 0.1% (compared to 0.4% regionally), and French ancestry is at 0.4% (compared to 0.4% regionally).

Forbes's median age exceeds the national pattern

The median age in Forbes is 43, matching the Regional NSW median of 43 and tracking higher than the national median of 38. The age distribution shows a high proportion of children aged 5 - 14 years (13.2%), whereas the 35 - 44 age cohort is smaller (10.5%) than the regional average. The proportion of young people aged 15 to 24 grew from 10.9% to 12.1% since the 2021 Census, while the 45 to 54 group dropped from 11.4% to 10.6%. Demographers project significant structural changes by 2041, with the 45 to 54 cohort expected to increase by 29% (310 people) to reach 1,375 from 1,064, while the 55 to 64 group is projected to decrease by 1.