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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Forest Lake - Ellen Grove's population is around 24,033 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 1,555 people (6.9%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 22,478 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 24,020 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 182 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 2,182 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 63.8% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and for years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data, are adopted. It should be noted that these state projections do not provide age category splits; hence where utilised, AreaSearch is applying proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) for each age cohort. Looking at population projections moving forward, a population increase just below the median of statistical areas across the nation is expected, with the area expected to grow by 2,224 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 9.2% in total 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 experienced around 39 dwellings receiving development approval each year, with 197 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 3 so far in FY-26. At an average of 6.6 new residents per year for every home built over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), supply is substantially lagging demand, which generally means heightened buyer competition, leading to pricing pressures, while new properties are constructed at an average value of $205,000—below regional norms—reflecting more affordable housing options for purchasers. Additionally, $2.2 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, suggesting a predominantly residential focus.

Compared to Greater Brisbane, Forest Lake - Ellen Grove records markedly lower building activity (55.0% below regional average per person). This scarcity of new dwellings typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. This activity is likewise lower than nationally, reflecting market maturity and pointing to possible development constraints. New development consists of 54.0% standalone homes and 46.0% attached dwellings, showing an expanding range of medium-density options creating a mix of opportunities across price brackets, from traditional family housing to more affordable compact alternatives. This shows a considerable change from the current housing mix (currently 87.0% houses), reflecting reduced availability of development sites and addressing shifting lifestyle demands and affordability requirements. The location has approximately 3022 people per dwelling approval, demonstrating an established market.

Future projections show Forest Lake - Ellen Grove adding 2,211 residents by 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

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

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 22 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Golden Grove Estate, Acacia Doolandella, Forest Lake Shopping Centre ALDI Extension, and 31 Woodvale Crescent Residential Development Site, with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

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 possesses a skilled workforce, with essential services sectors well represented, an unemployment rate of just 2.6%, and 8.0% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 13,775 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 1.6% below Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.1%, and workforce participation is broadly similar to Greater Brisbane's 71.2%. Based on Census responses, a moderate 16.9% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

The dominant employment sectors among residents include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and education & training. The area demonstrates a particularly notable concentration in manufacturing, with employment levels at 1.5 times the regional average. Conversely, construction shows lower representation at 5.9% versus the regional average of 9.0%. The predominantly residential area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, during the year to December 2025, employment levels increased by 8.0% and the labour force increased by 7.3%, resulting in unemployment falling by 0.7 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Brisbane experienced employment growth of 3.2% and labour force growth of 3.0%, with a 0.1 percentage point drop. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Forest Lake - Ellen Grove. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific 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 (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

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

The Forest Lake - Ellen Grove SA2 shows a median taxpayer income of $55,420 and an average of $62,372 according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY-23. This is below the national average, contrasting with Greater Brisbane's median income of $58,236 and average income of $72,799. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $60,912 (median) and $68,553 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data shows household, family and personal incomes in Forest Lake - Ellen Grove cluster around the 54th percentile nationally. Distribution data shows 39.2% of the population (9,420 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, consistent with broader trends across regional levels showing 33.3% in the same category. High housing costs consume 15.5% of income, though strong earnings still place disposable income at the 60th percentile and the area's SEIFA income ranking places 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

Dwelling structure within Forest Lake - Ellen Grove, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 86.7% houses and 13.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Brisbane metro's 73.5% houses and 26.5% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Forest Lake - Ellen Grove was lagging that of Brisbane metro, at 23.7%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (44.1%) or rented (32.2%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was below the Brisbane metro average at $1,700, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $380, compared to Brisbane metro's $1,863 and $380. Nationally, Forest Lake - Ellen Grove's mortgage repayments are lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are exceeding the national figure of $375.

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

Family households dominate at 78.4% of all households, comprising 38.3% couples with children, 24.4% couples without children, and 14.5% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 21.6%, with lone person households at 18.7% and group households comprising 2.9% of the total. The median household size of 2.8 people 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 stands out regionally, with university qualification rates (27.6% of residents aged 15+) exceeding the SA4 region average of 18.8% and that of the SA3 area (24.6%), reflecting the community's emphasis on higher education. Bachelor degrees lead at 18.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (6.7%) and graduate diplomas (2.7%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 33.2% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (11.5%) and certificates (21.7%).

Educational participation is notably 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

Public transport analysis reveals 39 active transport stops operating within Forest Lake - Ellen Grove, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 7 individual routes, collectively providing 1,967 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 291 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 86%, with 7% by train. Vehicle ownership averages 1.5 per dwelling. Some 16.9% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

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 - Ellen Grove's health metrics sit close to national benchmarks, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The level of common health conditions among the general population is somewhat typical, though higher than the national average among older cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is relatively low at approximately 50% of the total population (~12,112 people). This compares to 55.8% across Greater Brisbane and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and asthma, impacting 8.4% and 7.4% of residents, respectively, while 70.6% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 69.2% across Greater Brisbane. Health outcomes among the working-age population are broadly typical. The area has 15.4% of residents aged 65 and over (3,691 people). Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, though they rank lower nationally 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 scores highly on cultural diversity, with 34.4% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 40.6% born overseas. The main religion in Forest Lake - Ellen Grove is Christianity, which makes up 46.4% of people. However, the most apparent overrepresentation is in Buddhism, which comprises 6.0% of the population, compared to 2.0% across Greater Brisbane.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Forest Lake - Ellen Grove are English, comprising 22.5% of the population, Australian, comprising 19.2% of the population, and Other, comprising 13.3% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Samoan is notably overrepresented at 2.7% of Forest Lake - Ellen Grove (vs 0.9% regionally), Vietnamese at 5.7% (vs 0.8%) and Maori at 1.6% (vs 1.1%).

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

Forest Lake - Ellen Grove's median age of 36 years stands equal to Greater Brisbane's 36 though somewhat younger than the 38-year national average. The 55 - 64 age group shows strong representation at 12.2% compared to Greater Brisbane, whereas the 25 - 34 cohort is less prevalent at 12.1%. In the period since 2021, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 4.0% to 5.2% of the population, while the 65 to 74 cohort increased from 7.6% to 8.6%. Conversely, the 25 to 34 cohort has declined from 13.6% to 12.1% and the 45 to 54 group dropped from 14.5% to 13.1%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Forest Lake - Ellen Grove. The 75 to 84 age cohort is projected to rise substantially, expanding by 721 people (58%) from 1,237 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 to 14 and 0 to 4 age groups will see reduced numbers.