Forestville - Killarney Heights
Statistical Area - sa2

An assessment of population growth drivers in Forestville - Killarney Heights reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

Forestville - Killarney Heights' population is 13,431 as of November 2025. This figure represents an increase of 270 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 13,161. The growth is inferred from ABS estimated resident population of 13,425 in June 2024 and three additional validated addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 1,504 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The area's growth of 2.1% since the Census is within 1.1 percentage points of the SA4 region's 3.2%, indicating strong growth fundamentals. Overseas migration was the primary driver of population growth 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 utilises NSW State Government's SA2 level projections released in 2022 with a base year of 2021. Growth rates by age group are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Based on projected demographic shifts, Forestville - Killarney Heights is expected to grow by 537 persons to 2041, recording a total growth of 4.0% over the 17-year period.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Forestville - Killarney Heights according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

Forestville - Killarney Heights has seen approximately 28 residential properties granted approval annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, around 144 homes were approved, with an additional 11 approved in FY-26 so far. On average, over these five years, each dwelling constructed has resulted in approximately 0.6 new residents annually.

This matches or exceeds demand, providing buyers with more options and enabling population growth that could surpass current expectations. The average construction value of new properties is around $449,000, which is somewhat higher than regional norms, indicating quality-focused development. This financial year has seen approximately $10.9 million in commercial approvals, reflecting steady commercial investment activity. Comparatively, Forestville - Killarney Heights shows roughly 75% of the construction activity per person when measured against Greater Sydney.

Nationally, it ranks among the 35th percentile of areas assessed, suggesting limited choices for buyers and supporting demand for existing homes. This lower-than-average national activity reflects the area's maturity and potential planning constraints. Recent construction in Forestville - Killarney Heights comprises approximately 95% standalone homes and 5% townhouses or apartments, maintaining the area's suburban identity with a concentration of family homes suitable for buyers seeking space. The location has around 489 people per dwelling approval, indicating an established area. Looking ahead, Forestville - Killarney Heights is projected to grow by approximately 531 residents by 2041. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

Forestville - Killarney Heights has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 24 projects likely impacting the area. Notable projects include Forestway Shopping Centre Redevelopment, Forestville RSL Club Redevelopment, Angel Place Seniors Living, and Northern Beaches Hospital Infrastructure. The following list details those 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 employment environment in Forestville - Killarney Heights shows above-average strength when compared nationally

Forestville-Killarney Heights has a highly educated workforce with notable representation in the technology sector. Its unemployment rate as of June 2025 is 2.9%, which is 1.3% lower than Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%.

There are 6,936 residents employed, and workforce participation stands at 62.0%, slightly higher than Greater Sydney's 60.0%. Major employment sectors include professional & technical, health care & social assistance, and education & training. Professional & technical jobs are particularly concentrated, with levels at 1.4 times the regional average. Conversely, transport, postal & warehousing has lower representation at 2.8% compared to the regional average of 5.3%.

The area offers limited local employment opportunities as indicated by Census data. Between June 2024 and June 2025, labour force levels decreased by 0.0%, while employment declined by 0.6%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.5 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Sydney saw employment growth of 2.6% over the same period. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 project a 6.6% increase in employment over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Forestville-Killarney Heights' employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 7.2% over five years and 14.4% over ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes only.

Income metrics indicate excellent economic conditions, with the area achieving higher performance than 75% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year ended June 2022, Forestville - Killarney Heights had a median income among taxpayers of $60,918 with the average level standing at $102,665. Nationally, this places it in the top percentile. In Greater Sydney, these figures compare to levels of $56,994 and $80,856 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.61% from financial year ended June 2022 to September 2025, current estimates would be approximately $68,600 (median) and $115,611 (average). From the Census conducted in August 2021, household incomes rank exceptionally at the 95th percentile ($2,794 weekly). Income analysis reveals that the $4000+ earnings band captures 36.3% of the community (4,875 individuals), contrasting with the region where the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket leads at 30.9%. The district demonstrates considerable affluence with 47.7% earning over $3,000 per week, supporting premium retail and service offerings. High housing costs consume 15.5% of income, though strong earnings still place disposable income at the 95th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 10th decile.

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

Forestville - Killarney Heights' dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, had 85.3% houses and 14.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Sydney metro's 57.6% houses and 42.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Forestville - Killarney Heights was 43.5%, with mortgaged dwellings at 38.7% and rented ones at 17.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $3,400, higher than Sydney metro's average of $3,000. Median weekly rent in the area was $720, compared to Sydney metro's $592. Nationally, Forestville - Killarney Heights' mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $3,400 versus Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Forestville - Killarney Heights features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 80.8% of all households, consisting of 49.2% couples with children, 21.4% couples without children, and 9.4% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 19.2%, with lone person households at 18.3% and group households comprising 0.9% of the total. The median household size is 3.0 people, which is larger than the Greater Sydney average of 2.7.

Forestville - Killarney Heights demonstrates exceptional educational outcomes, ranking among the top 5% of areas nationally based on AreaSearch's comprehensive analysis of qualification and performance metrics

Forestville - Killarney Heights has an educational attainment rate of 44.3% among residents aged 15 and above, significantly higher than the Australian average of 30.4% and the NSW average of 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are the most common qualification at 29.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 12.0% and graduate diplomas at 3.3%. Vocational pathways account for 24.9% of qualifications, with advanced diplomas at 11.5% and certificates at 13.4%. Educational participation is high, with 33.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 11.7% in primary education, 11.4% in secondary education, and 5.8% pursuing tertiary education. There are 8 schools operating within Forestville - Killarney Heights, educating approximately 2,619 students. The area has significant socio-educational advantages with an ICSEA score of 1137. The educational mix includes 5 primary, 2 secondary, and 1 K-12 school. School capacity exceeds typical residential needs, with 19.5 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 16.2, indicating that the area serves as an educational center for the broader region. Note: where schools show 'n/a' for enrolments, please refer to the parent campus.

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

Forestville-Killarney Heights has 54 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 59 different routes that together facilitate 3,094 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 252 meters from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 442 trips per day across all routes, which equates to approximately 57 weekly trips per individual stop.

Forestville - Killarney Heights's residents are extremely healthy with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Analysis of health metrics shows strong performance throughout Forestville-Killarney Heights. Prevalence of common health conditions is very low across all age groups.

Private health cover rate is exceptionally high at approximately 73% of the total population (9,750 people), compared to the national average of 55.3%. The most common medical conditions are arthritis and asthma, impacting 6.5% and 6.3% of residents respectively. A total of 74.5% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, similar to Greater Sydney's figure of 74.7%. In the area, 18.4% of residents are aged 65 and over (2,469 people). Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

Forestville - Killarney Heights was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Forestville-Killarney Heights, surveyed in June 2016, had a higher cultural diversity than most local areas, with 25.9% speaking a language other than English at home and 34.1% born overseas. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 53.2%. Judaism, however, was more prevalent here at 0.8%, compared to Greater Sydney's 0.3%.

The top ancestry groups were English (25.0%), Australian (21.2%), and Other (13.2%). Some ethnic groups showed notable differences: French (2.6% vs regional 1.1%), South African (1.0% vs 0.9%), and Croatian (0.9% vs 0.7%).

Forestville - Killarney Heights hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

The median age in Forestville - Killarney Heights is 43 years, which is considerably higher than Greater Sydney's average of 37 years and substantially exceeds the national average of 38 years. The age profile shows that individuals aged 5-14 years make up a prominent 15.9% of the population, while those aged 25-34 years comprise only 5.2%, which is comparatively smaller than in Greater Sydney. Between 2021 and present, the proportion of individuals aged 15 to 24 has grown from 13.3% to 16.1%. Conversely, the proportion of those aged 45 to 54 has declined from 16.8% to 16.0%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Forestville - Killarney Heights's age structure. The number of individuals aged 65-74 is projected to increase solidly by 440 people (43%), from 1,028 to 1,469. Notably, the combined age groups of 65+ will account for 89% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. Meanwhile, the age cohorts of 45-54 and 55-64 are expected to experience population declines.