Forster

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

Forster's population, as of November 2025, is approximately 14,984, marking a rise of 275 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 14,709. This increase, representing a 1.9% growth rate, is inferred from the estimated resident population of 14,926 in June 2024 and an additional 568 validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density stands at 442 persons per square kilometer, indicating significant space per person and potential for further development. Forster's growth rate of 1.9% since the census is within 0.2 percentage points of the SA3 area's 2.1%, showcasing competitive growth fundamentals. Interstate migration contributed approximately 68.6% of overall population gains during recent periods, driving primary growth in the area. 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 using a base year of 2021. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Based on projected demographic shifts, Forster is expected to experience population growth just below the median of non-metropolitan areas nationally, with an increase of approximately 1,832 persons by 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers. This reflects an overall increase of 11.7% over the 17-year period.

AreaSearch assessment of residential approval activity sees Forster among the top 30% of areas assessed nationwide

Forster recorded approximately 117 residential properties granted approval each year. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, a total of 588 homes were approved, with an additional 25 approved so far in FY-26. The average new residents per year per dwelling constructed over these five years was 0.2.

This supply meets or exceeds demand, offering greater buyer choice and supporting potential population growth above projections. New properties are constructed at an average value of $781,000, indicating a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties. In FY-26, Forster has recorded $21.4 million in commercial development approvals, demonstrating moderate levels of commercial development.

Compared to the rest of NSW, Forster shows moderately higher new home approvals, at 31.0% above the regional average per person over the five-year period. This maintains good buyer choice while supporting existing property values. New building activity in Forster consists of 60.0% detached houses and 40.0% townhouses or apartments, offering a blend of attached housing types across various price ranges from spacious family homes to more compact options. The location has approximately 99 people per dwelling approval, indicating a low density market. Population forecasts suggest Forster will gain 1,747 residents by 2041, based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

Forster has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified ten projects likely affecting the region. Notable projects include the Lower Mid North Coast Health Service Project, comprising Forster Tuncurry Health Facility; new ambulance stations in Forster and Old Bar; Forster Main Beach Masterplan; and Forster Gateway Development - The Lakes Way. Relevant projects are listed below.

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.

Forster shows employment indicators that trail behind approximately 70% of regions assessed across Australia

Forster's workforce is balanced across white and blue-collar jobs. Key sectors include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and accommodation & food services.

The unemployment rate was 4.3% in June 2025, with an estimated employment growth of 0.5% over the previous year. As of June 2025, 5,846 residents were employed, but the unemployment rate was higher than Rest of NSW's at 0.7%. Workforce participation was lower too, at 41.7% compared to Rest of NSW's 56.4%. Employment in health care & social assistance was particularly notable, at 1.3 times the regional average.

However, agriculture, forestry & fishing was under-represented, with only 1.6% of Forster's workforce. Over the year to June 2025, employment increased by 0.5%, but the unemployment rate rose by 0.4 percentage points due to a higher labour force increase of 0.9%. In contrast, Rest of NSW saw an employment decline of 0.1% and a smaller rise in unemployment. State-level data to Nov-25 showed NSW employment contracted by 0.03%, with an unemployment rate of 3.9%. National forecasts from May-25 project overall employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but local growth rates may differ based on industry-specific projections applied to Forster's employment mix.

Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows Forster SA2 had a median income of $42,100 and an average income of $55,644. This is lower than the national average. Rest of NSW had a median income of $49,459 and an average income of $62,998 in the same period. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.61% since financial year 2022, estimated incomes for Forster as of September 2025 would be approximately $47,409 (median) and $62,661 (average). According to the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in Forster fall between the 3rd and 9th percentiles nationally. In Forster, 30.7% of individuals earn between $400 - $799, unlike surrounding regions where 29.9% earn between $1,500 - $2,999. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Forster, with only 82.7% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 5th percentile nationally.

Forster displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Forster's latest Census data showed that 65.9% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 34.1% being semi-detached homes, apartments, or other types. This is compared to Non-Metro NSW's 73.0% houses and 27.0% other dwellings. Home ownership in Forster was at 51.7%, similar to Non-Metro NSW. Mortgaged dwellings made up 21.1% and rented ones, 27.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Forster was $1,712, higher than the Non-Metro NSW average of $1,517. Median weekly rent in Forster was $340, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $330. Nationally, Forster's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were less than the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 62.2% of all households, including 16.0% couples with children, 35.0% couples without children, and 10.4% single parent families. Non-family households account for 37.8%, with lone person households at 34.7% and group households comprising 3.1%. The median household size is 2.1 people, aligning with the Rest of NSW average.

Educational outcomes in Forster fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

The area's university qualification rate is 16.9%, significantly lower than NSW's average of 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 12.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.8%) and graduate diplomas (2.0%). Trade and technical skills are prevalent, with 42.1% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas (10.7%) and certificates (31.4%). A total of 23.1% of the population is actively engaged in formal education, including 8.8% in primary, 7.1% in secondary, and 1.6% in tertiary education.

A substantial 23.1% of the population actively pursues formal education. This includes 8.8% in primary education, 7.1% in secondary education, and 1.6% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Forster has 226 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 34 different routes that together facilitate 627 weekly passenger trips. The average distance from a resident's location to the nearest transport stop is 118 meters, indicating excellent transport accessibility.

On average, there are 89 trips per day across all routes, which translates to approximately two weekly trips per stop.

Health performance in Forster is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Forster faces significant health challenges with various conditions affecting both younger and older residents. Approximately 48% (~7,132 people) have private health cover, lower than the national average of 55.3%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (13.7%) and mental health issues (9.4%). Conversely, 55.7% report no medical ailments, slightly lower than Rest of NSW's 56.6%. Forster has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 38.7% (5,800 people), compared to Rest of NSW's 36.0%. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors in Forster are better than the general population.

Forster is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Forster's population showed low cultural diversity, with 87.6% born in Australia, 90.9% being citizens, and 96.0% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Forster, accounting for 59.9% of the population, slightly higher than the Rest of NSW's 58.5%. The top three ancestral groups were English (34.2%), Australian (30.6%), and Irish (8.9%).

Notably, Australian Aboriginal people were more represented in Forster at 4.5%, compared to 4.3% regionally. Maltese and Scottish populations also showed similar representation with 0.5% and 8.1% respectively.

Forster ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

The median age in Forster is 57 years, which is significantly higher than the average for Rest of NSW at 43 years and substantially exceeds the Australian median of 38 years. Compared to Rest of NSW, Forster has a higher proportion of residents aged 65-74 (19.1%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (7.3%). This concentration of 65-74 year-olds is well above the national average of 9.4%. According to post-2021 Census data, the proportion of Forster's population aged 75 to 84 has grown from 13.1% to 14.3%, while the proportion of those aged 55 to 64 has declined from 14.5% to 13.2%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Forster's age structure. The number of residents aged 85 and above is projected to increase by 502 people (63%), from 792 to 1,295. Conversely, both the 15-24 and 55-64 age groups are expected to see reduced numbers.