Forster-Tuncurry Surrounds

Forster-Tuncurry Surrounds lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Forster-Tuncurry Surrounds' population was approximately 7,260 as of Feb 2026. This figure represents an increase of 272 people from the 2021 Census total of 6,988, indicating a growth rate of 3.9%. The change is inferred from ABS estimated resident population data of 7,219 in June 2024 and the addition of 62 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 9.7 persons per square kilometer. Forster-Tuncurry Surrounds' growth rate exceeded that of the SA3 area (2.8%) between the 2021 Census and Feb 2026, making it a growth leader in the region. Interstate migration contributed approximately 69.5% of overall population gains during this period, with all drivers including overseas migration and natural growth being positive factors.

AreaSearch's projections for Forster-Tuncurry Surrounds are based on ABS/Geoscience Australia data released in 2024 using a 2022 base year. For areas not covered by this data, NSW State Government SA2 level projections released in 2022 with a 2021 base year are utilized. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, Forster-Tuncurry Surrounds is projected to grow by an above median rate for national regional areas, with an expected increase of 1,269 persons by 2041, reflecting a total gain of 16.9% over the 17-year period.

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

Forster-Tuncurry Surrounds has averaged approximately 54 new dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling 274 homes. In the current financial year FY-26, 15 approvals have been recorded to date. On average, 2.1 people have moved to the area annually for each new home constructed between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating strong demand that supports property values. New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost of $319,000.

Additionally, $289,000 in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, reflecting the area's residential nature. Compared to the Rest of NSW, Forster-Tuncurry Surrounds has seen slightly more development activity, with 31.0% above the regional average per person over the past five years, balancing buyer choice while supporting current property values. However, construction activity has eased recently.

The majority of new developments consist of detached houses (95.0%) and townhouses or apartments (5.0%), maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes. There are approximately 168 people per dwelling approval in the location, indicating a low density market. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Forster-Tuncurry Surrounds is projected to grow by 1,228 residents by 2041. Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating further population growth beyond current projections.

Forster-Tuncurry Surrounds has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 15 projects likely to affect the region. Notable ones include Palm Lake Resort Forster Lakes, North Tuncurry Sustainable Community Development, Forster Tuncurry Health Facility (Lower Mid North Coast Health Service Project), and Forster and Old Bar New Ambulance Stations. 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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While Forster-Tuncurry Surrounds retains a healthy unemployment rate of 3.9%, recent employment declines have impacted its national performance ranking

Forster-Tuncurry Surrounds had an unemployment rate of 3.9% as of September 2025. In this period, 3,132 residents were employed, with the unemployment rate aligning with Rest of NSW's rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation was lower at 52.7%, compared to Rest of NSW's 61.5%.

According to Census responses, 20.3% of residents worked from home. The dominant employment sectors were health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. Construction employment stood out with a share of 1.6 times the regional level. In contrast, public administration & safety employed only 4.8% of local workers, below Rest of NSW's 7.5%.

Labour force analysis for the 12-month period showed an increase of 0.3%, coupled with a decrease in employment by 0.9%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate by 1.2 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, published in May-25, project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Forster-Tuncurry Surrounds' employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.3% over ten years.

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

The Forster-Tuncurry Surrounds SA2 had a median taxpayer income of $42,385 and an average income of $53,532 in the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. This is lower than the national average, with Rest of NSW having a median income of $52,390 and an average income of $65,215. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes would be approximately $46,140 (median) and $58,275 (average) by September 2025. According to the 2021 Census, incomes in Forster-Tuncurry Surrounds ranked between the 8th and 9th percentiles nationally for households, families, and individuals. Income distribution showed that 27.4% of locals (1,989 people) fell into the $800 - 1,499 category, contrasting with metropolitan regions where the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket led at 29.9%. After housing costs, 86.1% of income remained, which ranked at the 12th percentile nationally.

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

In Forster-Tuncurry Surrounds, as per the latest Census evaluation, 92.4% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 7.7% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments, and other dwelling types. This is in contrast to Non-Metro NSW's figures of 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Forster-Tuncurry Surrounds stood at 54.3%, with mortgaged dwellings accounting for 31.3% and rented properties making up 14.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,500, lower than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,733. The median weekly rent figure was recorded at $350, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $330. Nationally, Forster-Tuncurry Surrounds' mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were less than the national figure of $375.

Forster-Tuncurry Surrounds has a typical household mix, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households comprise 71.2% of all households, including 21.4% couples with children, 38.6% couples without children, and 10.4% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 28.8%, with lone person households at 25.9% and group households comprising 3.0%. The median household size is 2.3 people, smaller than the Rest of NSW average of 2.4.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 18.4%, significantly lower than the NSW average of 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 13.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.5%) and graduate diplomas (1.9%). Vocational credentials are held by 45.0% of residents aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 10.9% and certificates at 34.1%. Educational participation is high, with 25.5% currently enrolled in formal education: primary (10.6%), secondary (8.1%), and tertiary (1.5%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 25.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.6% in primary education, 8.1% in secondary education, and 1.5% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Transport analysis indicates 242 active public transport stops in Forster-Tuncurry Surrounds, operated by buses via 44 routes offering 398 weekly passenger trips. Residents enjoy good accessibility, with an average distance of 239 meters to the nearest stop. Predominantly residential, most commuters travel outward, favoring cars (92%) over walking (6%). Average vehicle ownership is 1.6 per dwelling. According to the 2021 Census, 20.3% work from home, potentially due to COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 56 trips daily across all routes, equating to roughly one weekly trip per stop.

The accompanying map displays the 100 nearest stops to the area's centerpoint.

Forster-Tuncurry Surrounds's residents are relatively healthy in comparison to broader Australia with a fairly standard level of common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts

Forster-Tuncurry Surrounds' health metrics closely align with national benchmarks. AreaSearch's assessment shows standard levels of common health conditions across both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is extremely low at approximately 47% of the total population (~3,383 people), compared to 51.9% in Rest of NSW and a national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (affecting 12.3% of residents) and mental health issues (8.4%), while 61.5% report being completely free from medical ailments, compared to 63.3% in Rest of NSW. The working-age population faces significant health challenges due to elevated chronic condition rates. As of the latest data (2021), Forster-Tuncurry Surrounds has 31.1% of residents aged 65 and over (2,259 people), higher than Rest of NSW's 23.4%. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, with national rankings even higher than the general population.

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

Forster-Tuncurry Surrounds, as per data from the 2016 Census, had a lower cultural diversity with 88.1% of its population being Australian citizens, 86.8% born in Australia, and 97.1% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 50.3% of people in Forster-Tuncurry Surrounds. Notably, Judaism was overrepresented compared to Rest of NSW, with 0.3% versus 0.1%.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (33.0%), Australian (31.6%), and Irish (8.6%). Some ethnic groups showed notable differences: Welsh at 0.7% (versus regional 0.5%), Maltese at 0.7% (versus 0.4%), and Scottish at 8.6% (versus 8.0%).

Forster-Tuncurry Surrounds ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Forster-Tuncurry Surrounds has a median age of 53, which is higher than the Rest of NSW figure of 43 and substantially exceeds the national norm of 38. Compared to Rest of NSW, Forster-Tuncurry Surrounds has a higher concentration of residents aged 65-74 (19.4%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (6.5%). This concentration of 65-74 year-olds is well above the national figure of 9.5%. Between the 2021 Census and the present, the population aged 15 to 24 has grown from 7.5% to 9.3%, while the 75 to 84 cohort increased from 8.2% to 9.9%. Conversely, the 55 to 64 cohort has declined from 19.1% to 17.0%, and the 5 to 14 group dropped from 11.3% to 10.1%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Forster-Tuncurry Surrounds' age structure. Notably, the 45 to 54 group is projected to grow by 27%, adding 228 people and reaching a total of 1,064 from its current figure of 835. Meanwhile, the 15 to 24 cohort is expected to grow by a modest 6%, an increase of 38 people.