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 is around 24,093 as of May 2026. This reflects an increase of 1,615 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 22,478 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 24,080 from the ABS as of June 2025 and an additional 185 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 2,188 persons per square kilometer. Forest Lake - Ellen Grove's growth rate of 7.2% since the census positions it within 2.1 percentage points of the national average (9.3%). Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, contributing approximately 72.8% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections released in 2024 with a base year of 2022 for each SA2 area. For areas not covered and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections released in 2023 based on 2021 data are adopted. These state projections do not provide age category splits; hence proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 based on 2022 data are applied where utilised. Looking at population projections moving forward, a population increase just below the median of statistical areas across the nation is expected. The area is expected to grow by 1,802 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 7.4% in total over the 16 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 seen approximately 39 dwellings granted development approval annually. Between FY21 and FY25197 homes were approved, with a further 3 approved in FY26 to date. The average annual increase in residents per home built over these years is 6.6.

This supply lagging demand results in heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures, with new properties constructed at an average cost of $205,000, below regional norms. In FY26, $2.2 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, indicating a predominantly residential focus. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Forest Lake - Ellen Grove records notably lower building activity, 54.0% below the regional average per person, which typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. This activity is also lower than national averages, suggesting market maturity and possible development constraints. New developments consist of 54.0% standalone homes and 46.0% attached dwellings, expanding medium-density options and creating a mix of housing opportunities across price brackets. This marks a significant change from the current housing mix, which is currently 87.0% houses.

The location has approximately 3022 people per dwelling approval, indicating an established market. Future projections estimate Forest Lake - Ellen Grove to add 1,789 residents by 2041. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing buyer competition and supporting stronger price growth.

Forest Lake - Ellen Grove has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 22 projects likely impacting 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.

AreaSearch analysis of employment trends sees Forest Lake - Ellen Grove performing better than 85% of local markets assessed across Australia

Forest Lake - Ellen Grove has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. Its unemployment rate was 2.6% as of December 2025. Employment growth in the area over the past year was estimated at 8.0%.

As of December 2025, 13,775 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 1.6% lower than Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation was fairly standard at 71.8%, compared to Greater Brisbane's 69.6%. According to Census responses, 16.9% of residents worked from home. The dominant employment sectors were health care & social assistance, retail trade, and education & training.

Manufacturing showed notable concentration with employment levels at 1.5 times the regional average. Conversely, construction had lower representation at 5.9% compared to the regional average of 9.0%. Employment opportunities locally appeared limited as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment levels increased by 8.0% while labour force increased by 7.3%, resulting in a unemployment fall of 0.7 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Brisbane experienced employment growth of 3.2% with a 0.1 percentage point drop in unemployment. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, released in May-25, project national employment to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Forest Lake - Ellen Grove's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.3% over five years and 13.4% over ten years.

Income levels align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis

Forest Lake - Ellen Grove SA2 had a median taxpayer income of $55,420 and an average of $62,372 in financial year 2023. This was lower than the national average, with Greater Brisbane's median income at $58,236 and average income at $72,799. By March 2026, estimated incomes would be approximately $61,716 (median) and $69,457 (average), based on a 11.36% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023. Census 2021 data showed Forest Lake - Ellen Grove's household, family, and personal incomes were at the 54th percentile nationally. Income distribution revealed that 39.2% of the population (9,444 individuals) earned between $1,500 and $2,999, aligning with broader regional trends of 33.3%. High housing costs consumed 15.5% of income, but strong earnings placed disposable income at the 60th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking placed it in the 5th decile.

Forest Lake - Ellen Grove is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

In Forest Lake - Ellen Grove, as per the latest Census, 86.7% of dwellings were houses while 13.4% comprised semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. This contrasts with Brisbane metro's figures of 73.5% houses and 26.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Forest Lake - Ellen Grove stood at 23.7%, with mortgaged dwellings at 44.1% and rented ones at 32.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,700, lower than Brisbane metro's $1,863. The median weekly rent was recorded as $380, matching Brisbane metro's figure but exceeding the national average of $375. Nationally, Forest Lake - Ellen Grove's mortgage repayments were below Australia's average of $1,863.

Forest Lake - Ellen Grove features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 78.4% of all households, including 38.3% couples with children, 24.4% couples without children, and 14.5% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 21.6%, with lone person households at 18.7% and group households comprising 2.9%. The median household size is 2.8 people, which is larger than the Greater Brisbane average of 2.6.

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 at 27.6% of residents aged 15+, surpassing 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 such qualifications – advanced diplomas account for 11.5% and certificates for 21.7%.

Educational participation is high, with 30.7% of residents 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, served by 7 bus routes. These routes facilitate 1,967 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated good, with residents located an average of 291 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward daily. Car remains the dominant mode at 86%, while train usage stands at 7%. On average, there are 1.5 vehicles per dwelling in the area.

According to the 2021 Census, 16.9% of residents work from home, potentially influenced by COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages 281 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 50 weekly trips per individual stop.

Forest Lake - Ellen Grove's residents are relatively healthy in comparison to broader Australia with the level of common health conditions among the general population somewhat typical, though higher than the nation's average among older cohorts

Forest Lake's health metrics closely match national benchmarks, with AreaSearch's assessment showing mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence near typical levels for the general population. However, older cohorts have higher common health condition prevalence compared to the national average. Private health cover is relatively low at approximately 50% of the total population (~12,142 people), compared to Greater Brisbane's 55.8% and the national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are mental health issues (8.4%) and asthma (7.4%), while 70.6% of residents report no medical ailments, slightly higher than Greater Brisbane's 69.2%. Health outcomes among working-age residents are typical. Seniors comprise 14.8% of the population (~3,558 people), with some health challenges but ranking lower nationally compared to 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 significant cultural diversity, with 34.4% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 40.6% born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion in Forest Lake - Ellen Grove, making up 46.4% of people there. Notably, Buddhism comprises 6.0% of the population, which is higher compared to Greater Brisbane's 2.0%.

The top three represented ancestry groups are English (22.5%), Australian (19.2%), and Other (13.3%). There are notable differences in the representation of certain ethnic groups: Samoan at 2.7% (vs regional 0.9%), Vietnamese at 5.7% (vs regional 0.8%), and Maori at 1.6% (vs regional 1.1%).

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 younger than the national average of 38 years. The 55-64 age group is strongly represented at 11.9%, compared to Greater Brisbane's percentage, while the 25-34 cohort is less prevalent at 13.1%. Between 2021 and present, the 75-84 age group has grown from 4.0% to 5.0% of the population. Conversely, the 5-14 age group has declined from 13.9% to 12.5%, and the 45-54 group has dropped from 14.5% to 13.1%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes in Forest Lake - Ellen Grove, with the 75-84 age cohort projected to rise significantly by 674 people (56%), from 1,195 to 1,870. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 70% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. In contrast, both the 5-14 and 0-4 age groups are projected to decrease in numbers.