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 approximately 10,232 by November 2025. This figure indicates a rise of 212 individuals (2.1%) since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 10,020. The increase is inferred from the estimated resident population of 10,025 in June 2024 and an additional 216 validated new addresses post-Census. This results in a density ratio of 2.2 persons per square kilometer. Forbes' growth of 2.1% since the 2021 census surpassed the SA3 area's 0.4%, positioning it as a regional growth leader. Natural growth accounted for roughly 58.0% of overall population gains recently.

AreaSearch employs ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a 2022 base year. For uncovers areas, NSW State Government's SA2 level projections from 2022 with a 2021 base year are used. Growth rates by age group 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 FY-21 to FY-25, a total of 154 homes have been approved, with an additional 10 approved so far in FY-26. Despite a decrease in population during this period, new supply has likely kept pace with demand, providing good options for buyers.

The average expected construction cost value of new homes is $397,000, aligning with regional trends. In terms of commercial development, Forbes has registered $27.0 million in approvals this financial year, indicating balanced activity in this sector. Compared to the rest of NSW, Forbes shows comparable development activity per person, maintaining market balance consistent with the broader area. However, this is lower than national levels, suggesting market maturity and possible development constraints.

New development consists of 85% standalone homes and 15% attached dwellings, preserving the area's traditional low-density character focused on family homes. The location has approximately 286 people per dwelling approval, indicating a low-density market. Looking ahead, Forbes is expected to grow by 1,075 residents through to 2041, according to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Building activity appears to be keeping pace with growth projections, though buyers may face increased competition as the population grows.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified seven projects that could affect the area. Notable ones include Goldridge Estate, Forbes Development Project, Homemakers Centre Stage 2, and Forbes Multipurpose Equestrian Centre. The following list details those likely to be 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.

Employment performance in Forbes exceeds national averages across key labour market indicators

Forbes has a balanced workforce with diverse sector representation. As of June 2025, there are 5,270 residents employed, with an unemployment rate of 2.3%, which is 1.4% lower than Rest of NSW's rate of 3.7%.

Workforce participation in Forbes is similar to Rest of NSW at 56.4%. Dominant 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, below Rest of NSW's 16.9%.

Many residents may commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. Between Jun-24 and Jun-25, Forbes' labour force decreased by 2.4%, employment decreased by 3.2%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.7 percentage points. In comparison, Rest of NSW had an employment decline of 0.1% with a 0.3% labour force growth and a 0.4 percentage point increase in unemployment. State-level data from Nov-25 shows NSW employment contracted by 0.03%, losing 2,260 jobs, with the state unemployment rate at 3.9%. National forecasts from May-25 suggest total employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Forbes' employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 5.6% over five years and 12.1% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

Forbes SA2 had median income of $49,571 and average income of $59,241 in financial year 2022. This was lower than national averages of $53,684 (median) and $67,472 (average). Rest of NSW had median income of $49,459 and average income of $62,998 during the same period. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.61% from financial year 2022 to September 2025, estimated incomes for Forbes SA2 would be approximately $55,822 (median) and $66,711 (average). According to Census 2021 data, income levels in Forbes fell between the 17th and 31st percentiles nationally. The $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captured 27.1% of Forbes' population (2,772 individuals), similar to the region where 29.9% occupied this bracket. Housing costs were modest with 87.7% of income retained, but total disposable income ranked 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

In Forbes, as per the latest Census evaluation, 90.2% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 9.9% being semi-detached homes, apartments, or other types of dwellings. This is compared to Non-Metro NSW's figures of 92.0% houses and 8.0% other dwellings. Home ownership in Forbes stood at 40.9%, with mortgaged properties 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's mortgage repayments were notably 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 comprise 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 account for the remaining 33.3%, with lone person households at 31.1% and group households making up 2.2% of the total. The median household size is 2.3 people, which aligns with the average in 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 NSW's average of 32.2%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent at 11.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.3%) and graduate diplomas (1.5%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, 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, including 12.2% in primary, 8.6% in secondary, and 2.5% in 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 offering a mix of train and bus services. These are served by 45 routes that collectively provide 527 weekly passenger trips. 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 its health data. Both younger and older age groups have a notable prevalence of common health conditions.

Private health cover is relatively low, at approximately 49% of Forbes' total population (~5,023 people), compared to the national average of 55.3%. The most prevalent medical conditions in Forbes are arthritis (10.7%) and mental health issues (8.3%). A majority, 63.6%, report being free from medical ailments, slightly higher than the Rest of NSW's 62.4%. Forbes has a significant senior population, with 23.1% aged 65 and over (2,366 people). Health outcomes among seniors present challenges broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

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 had a lower than average cultural diversity, with 89.3% being Australian citizens, 95.2% born in Australia, and 97.6% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, making up 71.2%, slightly higher than the Rest of NSW's 70.4%. 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% compared to the regional average of 7.9%, while Macedonian (0.1%) and French (0.4%) showed slight increases over their respective regional averages.

Forbes's median age exceeds the national pattern

Forbes has a median age of 43, which matches the figure for the Rest of NSW and is higher than the national average of 38 years. The age profile shows that those aged 5-14 are notably prominent at 13.4%, while the 35-44 age group is smaller at 10.4% compared to the Rest of NSW figure. Between the 2021 Census and now, the population of Forbes has seen an increase in the 25 to 34 age group from 10.7% to 11.5%. Conversely, the 65 to 74 cohort has decreased from 12.2% to 11.4%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Forbes's age structure. Notably, the 45 to 54 group is expected to grow by 24%, adding 275 people and reaching a total of 1,412 from the current figure of 1,136. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 5 to 14 and 55 to 64 age cohorts.