Forest Lake - Ellen Grove

An assessment of population growth drivers in Forest Lake - Ellen Grove reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

Forest Lake - Ellen Grove's population was 24,033 as of November 2025, according to AreaSearch's analysis. This figure represents an increase of 1,555 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 22,478. The growth is inferred from ABS' estimated resident population of 24,020 in June 2024 and an additional 182 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 2,182 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The area's growth rate of 6.9% since the census is within 2.0 percentage points of the national average (8.9%), indicating competitive growth fundamentals. Overseas migration contributed approximately 63.8% of overall population gains during 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 and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections released in 2023 based on 2021 data are adopted. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings aligned with ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort, released in 2023 using 2022 data as the base year. Based on projected demographic shifts, a population increase just below the median of national statistical areas is expected by 2041, with an anticipated growth of 2,224 persons, reflecting a total increase of 9.2% over the 17 years.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Forest Lake - Ellen Grove recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

Forest Lake - Ellen Grove has averaged approximately 39 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling 197 homes. As of FY26 so far, 2 approvals have been recorded. This results in an average of 6.6 new residents per year for every home built between FY21 and FY25, indicating that demand significantly outpaces supply. The average value of new dwellings developed is $529,000.

In this financial year, there have also been $2.2 million in commercial approvals, suggesting a predominantly residential focus. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Forest Lake - Ellen Grove records markedly lower building activity, 55.0% below the regional average per person. This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established dwellings. Nationally, this is also below average, reflecting the area's maturity and possible planning constraints. New building activity shows 54.0% detached dwellings and 46.0% attached dwellings, with a growing mix of townhouses and apartments providing options across different price points. This represents a notable shift from the area's existing housing, which is currently 87.0% houses, indicating decreasing availability of developable sites and reflecting changing lifestyles and the need for more diverse, affordable housing options.

The location has approximately 3022 people per dwelling approval, demonstrating an established market. Looking ahead, Forest Lake - Ellen Grove is expected to grow by 2,211 residents through to 2041, according to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Should current construction levels persist, housing supply could lag population growth, likely intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

Forest Lake - Ellen Grove has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 22 projects likely to affect the area. Notable projects include Golden Grove Estate, Acacia Doolandella, Forest Lake Shopping Centre ALDI Extension, and 31 Woodvale Crescent Residential Development Site. 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 Forest Lake - Ellen Grove shows above-average strength when compared nationally

Forest Lake - Ellen Grove has a skilled workforce with prominent representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate is 2.9%, lower than the Greater Brisbane average of 4.1%.

Over the past year, employment stability has been relatively consistent. As of June 2025, 13,141 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 2.9% and workforce participation at 66.9%. Key industries for residents include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and education & training. The area shows particular employment specialization in manufacturing, with a share 1.5 times the regional level.

Conversely, construction is under-represented, with only 5.9% of the workforce compared to Greater Brisbane's 9.0%. Over the year to June 2025, employment increased by 0.4%, while labour force grew by 0.2%, reducing the unemployment rate by 0.2 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Brisbane saw employment grow by 4.4% and unemployment fall by 0.4 percentage points. State-level data to Nov-25 shows Queensland's employment contracted by 0.01%, with an unemployment rate of 4.2%. National employment forecasts from May-25 project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying growth rates across industries. Applying these projections to Forest Lake - Ellen Grove's employment mix suggests local employment should grow by 6.3% over five years and 13.4% over ten years.

The economic profile demonstrates above-average performance, with income metrics exceeding national benchmarks based on AreaSearch comparative assessment

The median taxpayer income for Forest Lake - Ellen Grove SA2 is $52,837, with an average of $59,658 according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year 2022. This is lower than national averages; Greater Brisbane's median income was $55,645 and average income was $70,520 in the same period. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022, estimated incomes for September 2025 would be approximately $60,229 (median) and $68,004 (average). Census 2021 income data shows that Forest Lake - Ellen Grove's incomes cluster around the 54th percentile nationally. In this area, 39.2% of individuals fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 income range, mirroring regional levels where 33.3% occupy this bracket. High housing costs consume 15.5% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 60th percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the fifth decile.

Forest Lake - Ellen Grove is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Forest Lake - Ellen Grove's dwellings were 86.7% houses and 13.4% other types (semi-detached, apartments, 'other') in the latest Census, compared to Brisbane metro's 80.2% houses and 19.8% others. Home ownership stood at 23.7%, with mortgaged dwellings at 44.1% and rented ones at 32.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,700, higher than Brisbane metro's $1,630. Median weekly rent was $380, compared to Brisbane metro's $355. Nationally, Forest Lake - Ellen Grove's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents exceeded the national figure of $375.

Forest Lake - Ellen Grove features high concentrations of family households, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households constitute 78.4% of all households, consisting of 38.3% couples with children, 24.4% couples without children, and 14.5% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 21.6%, with lone person households at 18.7% and group households making up 2.9%. The median household size is 2.8 people, aligning with the Greater Brisbane average.

The educational profile of Forest Lake - Ellen Grove exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

The area's educational profile is notable regionally with university qualification rates of 27.6%, exceeding the SA4 region average of 18.8% and the SA3 area rate of 24.6%. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 18.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (6.7%) and graduate diplomas (2.7%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 33.2% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas at 11.5% and certificates at 21.7%.

Educational participation is high, with 30.7% currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.0% in primary education, 9.2% in secondary education, and 5.9% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Forest Lake - Ellen Grove has 39 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 7 different routes that together facilitate 2,005 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically residing 291 meters from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 286 trips per day across all routes, which amounts to approximately 51 weekly trips per individual stop.

Forest Lake - Ellen Grove's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with prevalence of common health conditions quite low among the general population though higher than the nation's average across older, at risk cohorts

Forest Lake - Ellen Grove had relatively positive health outcomes as of a study conducted in 2019-2020. The prevalence of common health conditions was low among the general population but higher than the national average for older, at-risk cohorts.

Approximately 50% (around 11,896 people) had private health cover, compared to the national average of 55.3%. Mental health issues and asthma were the most common medical conditions, affecting 8.4 and 7.4% of residents respectively. About 70.6% reported being completely clear of medical ailments, slightly lower than Greater Brisbane's 72.1%. The area had 14.6% (3,508 people) of residents aged 65 and over, with health outcomes among seniors requiring more attention than the broader population.

Forest Lake - Ellen Grove is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Forest Lake - Ellen Grove has a high level of cultural diversity, with 34.4% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 40.6% born overseas. Christianity is the main religion in Forest Lake - Ellen Grove, making up 46.4% of people there. However, Buddhism is overrepresented compared to Greater Brisbane, comprising 6.0% vs 8.7%.

The top three ancestry groups are English at 22.5%, Australian at 19.2%, and Other at 13.3%. Samoan (2.7%) and Maori (1.6%) populations are notably higher than the regional averages, while Vietnamese is lower at 5.7% vs 11.3%.

Forest Lake - Ellen Grove's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Forest Lake - Ellen Grove has a median age of 36 years, equal to Greater Brisbane's but slightly younger than the national average of 38 years. The 55-64 age group comprises 12.0% of the population compared to Greater Brisbane, while the 25-34 cohort is less prevalent at 12.7%. Between 2021 and present, the 75-84 age group has increased from 4.0% to 4.9% of the population. Conversely, the 45-54 cohort has decreased from 14.5% to 13.2%, and the 5-14 age group has dropped from 13.9% to 12.8%. Population forecasts for Forest Lake - Ellen Grove in 2041 indicate significant demographic changes. The 75-84 age cohort is projected to rise substantially, growing by 788 people (67%) from 1,170 to 1,959. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 69% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. In contrast, both 5-14 and 0-4 age groups are expected to decrease in number.