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

Forbes' population, as of November 2025, is approximately 10,232, showing a growth of 212 people since the 2021 Census. This increase represents a 2.1% rise from the previously reported figure of 10,020. The change is inferred from ABS's estimated resident population of 10,025 in June 2024 and an additional 216 validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density stands at 2.2 persons per square kilometer. Forbes' growth rate of 2.1% since the 2021 census is higher than that of its SA3 area, which recorded a growth of 0.4%. Natural growth contributed approximately 58.0% to the overall population gains in 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 by this data, AreaSearch employs NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, released in 2022 with a base year of 2021. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Future population trends project an above median growth for national regional areas, with Forbes expected to grow by 1,317 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a total increase of 10.5% over the 17 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

Forbes has recorded approximately 30 residential properties granted approval annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25154 homes have been approved, with a further 12 approved so far in FY26. The average construction cost value of new homes is $392,000.

In terms of commercial development, Forbes has registered $27.0 million in approvals this financial year. When compared to the rest of NSW, Forbes has similar development levels per person, indicating market stability consistent with regional patterns. Nationally, however, Forbes' development levels are below average, suggesting possible planning constraints and an area that is relatively mature. The new development consists of 85% standalone homes and 15% attached dwellings, maintaining the area's traditional low density character.

There are approximately 286 people per dwelling approval in Forbes, indicating a low density market. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Forbes' population is forecasted to gain 1,075 residents by 2041. Development pace appears reasonable given projected growth, but buyers may face increasing competition as the population expands.

Forbes has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 31stth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified seven projects likely to impact the area. Key projects include Goldridge Estate, Forbes Development Project, Homemakers Centre Stage 2, and Forbes Multipurpose Equestrian Centre. The following list details those most relevant.

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

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Despite maintaining a low unemployment rate of 2.9%, Forbes has experienced recent job losses, resulting in a below average employment performance ranking when compared nationally

Forbes has a balanced workforce with both white and blue collar jobs, diverse sector representation, and an unemployment rate of 2.9%. As of September 2025, there are 5,213 residents employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.0% lower than Rest of NSW's rate of 3.8%.

Workforce participation is similar to Rest of NSW's at 56.4%. Key employment sectors include agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and education & training. Forbes specializes in agriculture, forestry & fishing with an employment share 3.6 times the regional level. However, health care & social assistance employs only 13.2% of local workers, lower than Rest of NSW's 16.9%.

Many residents may commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. Over a 12-month period ending in September 2025, Forbes' labour force decreased by 3.7%, employment decreased by 4.6%, leading to an unemployment rate rise of 0.9 percentage points. In comparison, Rest of NSW had an employment decline of 0.5% and a labour force decline of 0.1%. Statewide in NSW, from November 2024 to November 2025, employment contracted by 0.03%, with the state unemployment rate at 3.9%. Nationally, the unemployment rate was 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that over five years, Forbes' employment could increase by 5.6% and over ten years by 12.1%, based on industry-specific projections applied to Forbes' employment mix.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows that income in Forbes SA2 is lower than average nationally. The median income is $49,571 and the average is $59,241. In comparison, Rest of NSW has a median income of $49,459 and an average of $62,998. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.61% since financial year 2022, estimated incomes as of September 2025 are approximately $55,822 (median) and $66,711 (average). Census 2021 data indicates that household, family, and personal incomes in Forbes fall between the 17th and 31st percentiles nationally. The income bracket of $1,500 - 2,999 captures 27.1% of Forbes' community (2,772 individuals), similar to the region where 29.9% occupy this bracket. Housing costs are modest with 87.7% of income retained, but total disposable income ranks at just the 21st percentile nationally.

Forbes is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Forbes' residential structures, as assessed in the latest Census, consisted of 90.2% houses and 9.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Non-Metro NSW's 92.0% houses and 8.0% other dwellings. Home ownership in Forbes stood at 40.9%, with mortgaged dwellings at 31.2% and rented ones at 27.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,257, exceeding Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,200. The median weekly rent in Forbes was $230, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $220. Nationally, Forbes' mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Forbes features high concentrations of lone person households, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households account for 66.7% of all households, including 23.7% couples with children, 30.4% couples without children, and 11.7% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 33.3%, with lone person households at 31.1% and group households comprising 2.2% of the total. The median household size is 2.3 people, which aligns with the average for the Rest of NSW.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 15.5%, significantly lower than the NSW average of 32.2%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 11.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.3%) and graduate diplomas (1.5%). Trade and technical skills are prevalent, with 40.3% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas (8.8%) and certificates (31.5%).

Educational participation is high, with 30.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 12.2% in primary education, 8.6% in secondary education, and 2.5% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Forbes has 865 active public transport stops. These are a mix of train and bus services. There are 45 routes in total, providing 527 weekly passenger trips collectively.

Transport accessibility is rated excellent with residents typically located 115 meters from the nearest stop. Service frequency averages 75 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 0 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Forbes faces significant health challenges, as indicated by health data. Both younger and older age groups have high prevalence rates of common health conditions.

Only approximately 49% (~5,023 people) of Forbes' population has private health cover, which is lower than the national average of 55.3%. The most prevalent medical conditions in Forbes are arthritis (10.7%) and mental health issues (8.3%). A total of 63.6% of residents report having no medical ailments, compared to 62.4% across the Rest of NSW. Forbes has a senior population of 23.1% (2,366 people), aged 65 and over. Health outcomes among seniors in Forbes align with those of the general population.

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 has a lower than average cultural diversity, with 89.3% of its population being Australian citizens and 95.2% born in Australia. The majority speak English only at home, at 97.6%. Christianity is the predominant religion in Forbes, practiced by 71.2%, which is slightly higher than the Rest of NSW average of 70.4%.

In terms of ancestry, Australian is the most common (34.3%), followed by English (30.7%) and Irish (9.5%). Notably, Australian Aboriginal people are overrepresented in Forbes at 9.0% compared to the regional average of 7.9%. Other ethnic groups with notable differences include Macedonian at 0.1% and French at 0.4%, both slightly higher than their respective regional averages of 0.0% and 0.3%.

Forbes's median age exceeds the national pattern

Forbes has a median age of 43, matching Rest of NSW's figure and exceeding Australia's national average of 38 years. The age distribution shows that children aged 5-14 make up 13.4% of the population, while adults aged 35-44 constitute 10.4%. According to the 2021 Census, Forbes' population in the 25 to 34 age group has grown from 10.7% to 11.5%, while the 65 to 74 cohort has decreased from 12.2% to 11.4%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Forbes' age structure. Notably, the 45 to 54 age group is expected to grow by 24%, reaching a population of 1,412 from its current figure of 1,136. Conversely, populations in the 5 to 14 and 55 to 64 age groups are projected to decline.