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 per AreaSearch's analysis, was around 10,032 by May 2026. This figure showed an increase of 12 people from the 2021 Census total of 10,020, indicating a growth rate of 0.1%. The change was inferred from ABS' estimated resident population of 10,019 in June 2025 and 227 validated new addresses since the Census date. This resulted in a population density of 2.2 persons per square kilometer. Forbes' growth exceeded that of its SA3 area (-0.6%) but remained modest overall. Overseas migration contributed approximately 87.7% of total population gains recently.

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, NSW State Government's SA2 level projections from 2022 with a base year of 2021 are utilized. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for the years 2032 to 2041. Future trends project an above median population growth for national regional areas, with Forbes expected to grow by 1,298 persons to 2041 based on latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a total increase 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

Forbes has recorded approximately 30 residential properties granted approval annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25154 homes have been approved, with a further 19 approved so far in FY-26. The average expected construction cost value of new homes is $392,000.

In terms of commercial development, $27.0 million in approvals have been registered this financial year. Forbes has similar development levels per person compared to the Rest of NSW, indicating market stability in line with regional patterns, but below average nationally, suggesting possible planning constraints. The new development consists of 85% standalone homes and 15% attached dwellings, maintaining the area's traditional low density character focused on family homes. There are approximately 286 people per dwelling approval, reflecting a low density market.

Population forecasts indicate Forbes will gain 1,285 residents by 2041. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

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

Infrastructure changes significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified eight projects likely impacting the area. Notable projects are Forbes Development Project, Goldridge Estate, Homemakers Centre Stage 2, and Forbes Multipurpose Equestrian Centre. The following details these projects in order of relevance.

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 3.3%, Forbes has experienced recent job losses, resulting in a below average employment performance ranking when compared nationally

Forbes maintains a balanced workforce with diverse representation across white and blue collar jobs. As of December 2025, the unemployment rate stands at 3.3%. In Forbes, 5,180 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 0.6% lower than Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%.

The workforce participation rate is 66.6%, exceeding Regional NSW's rate of 60.5%. According to Census responses, 11.6% of Forbes' residents work from home. Dominant employment sectors include agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and education & training. Agriculture, forestry & fishing employs a significant portion at 3.6 times the regional level.

However, health care & social assistance employs only 13.2% of local workers, below Regional NSW's 16.9%. Many Forbes residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. Between December 2024 and November 2025, Forbes' labour force decreased by 2.5%, employment decreased by 3.7%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate of 1.2 percentage points. In comparison, Regional NSW recorded an employment decline of 1.2%, labour force decline of 0.8%, and unemployment rose by 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 indicate overall employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Forbes' employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.6% over five years and 12.1% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year ending June 30, 2023 shows median income in Forbes SA2 is $50,901 and average income is $58,526. This is lower than national averages of $52,390 (median) and $65,215 (average) for Regional NSW. By March 2026, estimates suggest median income in Forbes will be approximately $56,154 and average income $64,566, based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since financial year ending June 30, 2023. According to Census 2021 data, incomes in Forbes fall between the 17th and 31st percentiles nationally for households, families, and individuals. Income brackets show 27.1% of Forbes residents earn $1,500 - 2,999 annually, similar to Regional NSW where 29.9% fall into this bracket. Despite modest housing costs allowing retention of 87.7% of income, Forbes' total disposable income ranks at the 21st percentile nationally.

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

Forbes' dwellings, as per the latest Census, consisted of 90.2% houses and 9.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other'). Regional NSW had 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Forbes was 40.9%, with mortgaged dwellings at 31.2% and rented ones at 27.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,257, lower than Regional NSW's average of $1,733. Median weekly rent in Forbes was $230, compared to Regional NSW's $330. Nationally, Forbes' mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,257 versus 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 lower-than-average 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 make up 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, smaller 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

The area's university qualification rate is 15.5%, significantly lower than the NSW average of 32.2%. This figure presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 11.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.3%) and graduate diplomas (1.5%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 40.3% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas account for 8.8% and certificates for 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 889 active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These are served by 44 routes, providing 579 weekly passenger trips in total. Transport accessibility is excellent, with residents typically living 116 meters from the nearest stop. Most commutes are outward-bound due to Forbes' residential nature. Cars remain the dominant mode at 92%, while 6% walk. Vehicle ownership averages 1.5 per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, only 11.6% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 82 trips daily across all routes, equating to approximately zero weekly trips per individual stop. The accompanying map displays the 100 nearest stops to the location's centrepoint.

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 according to AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are substantial across both younger and older age cohorts. Private health cover is low at approximately 48% of Forbes' total population (~4,855 people), compared to 51.9% in Regional NSW and the national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions are arthritis (10.7%) and mental health issues (8.3%). 63.6% of residents claim to be completely clear of medical ailments, similar to the 63.3% across Regional NSW. Working-age residents show a higher prevalence of chronic health conditions than average. Forbes has 23.3% of residents aged 65 and over (2,333 people). Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges but align with national rankings for 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' cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 89.3% of its population being Australian citizens, 95.2% born in Australia, and 97.6% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the main religion in Forbes, comprising 71.2% of people, compared to 55.9% across Regional NSW. The top three ancestry groups were Australian (34.3%), English (30.7%), and Irish (9.5%).

Notably, Australian Aboriginal representation was higher at 9.0% in Forbes than the regional average of 4.6%. Macedonian and French representations were notably lower at 0.1% each, compared to their respective regional averages of 0.4%.

Forbes's median age exceeds the national pattern

The median age of Forbes is 43, matching Regional NSW's figure and exceeding the national average of 38. The age profile shows that individuals aged 5-14 make up 13.2% of the population, a prominent group. Conversely, those aged 35-44 constitute only 10.5%, smaller than in Regional NSW. Between the 2021 Census and now, the 15 to 24 age group has increased from 10.9% to 12.1%. Meanwhile, the 45 to 54 cohort has decreased from 11.4% to 10.6%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant changes in Forbes's age structure. Notably, the 45 to 54 group is projected to grow by 29%, adding 310 people and reaching a total of 1,375 from its current figure of 1,064. Conversely, numbers in the 55 to 64 age range are expected to decrease by 1%.