Black Forest

Black Forest is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

The population of the Black Forest statistical area (Lv2), as estimated by AreaSearch, was around 2,014 as of November 2025. This figure reflects an increase of 32 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,982 people in the Black Forest (SA2). The increase is inferred from AreaSearch's estimated resident population of 2,005 as of June 2024 and four validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of approximately 2,918 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The primary driver for this growth was overseas migration, contributing around 99% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area as released in June 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, the SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections by age category are adopted, based on 2021 data and released in 2023, with adjustments made using a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Looking ahead, demographic trends suggest that the Black Forest (SA2) is expected to grow at a rate just below the median of statistical areas across the nation. According to aggregated SA2-level projections, the area is anticipated to gain 130 persons by 2041, reflecting an increase of approximately 8.5% over the 17-year period.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in Black Forest, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally

Based on AreaSearch analysis using ABS building approval numbers from statistical area data, Black Forest has seen approximately seven new homes approved annually. Between financial years FY-21 and FY-25, around 37 homes were approved, with four more approved in FY-26 so far. On average, 0.8 people have moved to the area each year for every dwelling built over these five years.

This indicates that new supply is keeping pace with or exceeding demand, providing ample buyer choice and creating capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts. The average construction value of new properties is $576,000, suggesting developers are focusing on the premium market with high-end developments. In FY-26, $3.2 million in commercial approvals have been registered, reflecting the area's residential character.

Comparatively, Black Forest has seen slightly more development than Greater Adelaide, with 17.0% above the regional average per person over the five-year period. This balances buyer choice while supporting current property values, despite a recent slowdown in building activity. The new building activity shows 57.0% detached houses and 43.0% medium and high-density housing, indicating an expanding range of medium-density options that cater to various price brackets. With approximately 1024 people per dwelling approval, Black Forest reflects a highly mature market. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, the area is forecasted to gain around 172 residents by 2041. Given current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

Black Forest has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 31stth percentile nationally

No changes can significantly affect a region's performance like alterations to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. Zero projects have been pinpointed by AreaSearch as potentially impacting this area. Notable projects encompass Tram Grade Separation Projects, Goodwood Oval Sporting Precinct Revitalisation, North South Corridor, and Carmelite Retirement Living. The following list specifies those most likely to be 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 labour market in Black Forest shows considerable strength compared to most other Australian regions

Black Forest has an educated workforce with professional services well-represented. Its unemployment rate was 3.0% in the past year, with estimated employment growth of 2.6%.

As of September 2025, 1,185 residents are employed, and the unemployment rate is 0.9% lower than Greater Adelaide's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation is higher at 67.5%, compared to Greater Adelaide's 61.7%. Key employment industries include health care & social assistance, professional & technical services, and education & training. The area has a high concentration of professional & technical jobs, at 1.5 times the regional average, but lower representation in transport, postal & warehousing (2.2% vs regional average of 4.3%).

Employment opportunities locally may be limited, as indicated by Census data comparing working population to resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 2.6%, with labour force growth also at 2.6%, keeping unemployment relatively stable. In contrast, Greater Adelaide saw employment growth of 3.0% and labour force growth of 2.9%, with a slight drop in unemployment. State-level data up to 25-November shows SA employment grew by 1.19% year-on-year, adding 10,710 jobs, with the state unemployment rate at 4.0%. This compares favourably to the national unemployment rate of 4.3%, with SA's employment growth outpacing the national average of 0.14%. National employment forecasts from May-25 suggest a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Black Forest's employment mix, local employment is expected to grow by 7.0% over five years and 14.4% over ten years.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows that median income in Black Forest is $54,013 and average income stands at $78,867. This compares to Greater Adelaide's median of $54,808 and average of $66,852. Based on Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023, current estimates for Black Forest are approximately $58,766 (median) and $85,807 (average) as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census, personal income ranks at the 66th percentile ($894 weekly), while household income sits at the 45th percentile. The largest income segment comprises 31.0% earning $1,500 - $2,999 weekly (624 residents), similar to the surrounding region at 31.8%. Housing costs allow for retention of 86.9%, but disposable income is below average at the 49th percentile, with the area's SEIFA income ranking placing it in the 6th decile.

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

Black Forest's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 59.3% houses and 40.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This is comparable to Adelaide metro's breakdown of 59.2% houses and 40.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Black Forest stood at 34.3%, with the rest being mortgaged (25.6%) or rented (40.1%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,733, lower than Adelaide metro's average of $2,167. Weekly rent median was $290, compared to Adelaide metro's $350. Nationally, Black Forest's mortgage repayments were below the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially lower than the national figure of $375.

Black Forest features high concentrations of group households and lone person households, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households constitute 62.6% of all households, including 26.0% couples with children, 26.9% couples without children, and 8.5% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 37.4%, with lone person households at 32.0% and group households comprising 5.1%. The median household size is 2.3 people, which aligns with the Greater Adelaide average.

Black Forest shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

Educational attainment in Black Forest is notably high with 45.8% of residents aged 15+ holding university qualifications. This compares to 25.7% in South Australia (SA) and 28.9% in the Greater Adelaide area. The most common qualification is Bachelor degrees at 27.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 11.9% and graduate diplomas at 6.0%. Vocational pathways account for 23.7% of qualifications among those aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 9.0% and certificates at 14.7%.

Educational participation is high, with 27.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 8.0% in tertiary education, 7.6% in primary education, and 6.0% pursuing secondary education.

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

Black Forest has seven active public transport stops. These are a mix of train and bus services. There are 14 different routes operating in total, providing 1,229 weekly passenger trips combined.

Residents have good access to these stops, with an average distance of 202 meters to the nearest one. Service frequency across all routes is 175 trips per day on average, which equates to about 175 weekly trips per individual stop.

Black Forest's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with prevalence of common health conditions quite low across both younger and older age cohorts

Health data indicates relatively positive outcomes for Black Forest residents. Prevalence of common health conditions is quite low across both younger and older age cohorts.

The rate of private health cover is very high at approximately 58% of the total population (~1,170 people), compared to 68.0% across Greater Adelaide. The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and arthritis, impacting 9.3 and 8.2% of residents respectively. Seventy-point-one percent declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 69.9% across Greater Adelaide. Eighteen-point-seven percent of residents are aged 65 and over (376 people), lower than the 22.6% in Greater Adelaide. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Black Forest was found to be above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Black Forest's population showed high cultural diversity, with 25.9% born overseas and 21.6% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 39.1%. Hinduism stood out with 4.9%, exceeding Greater Adelaide's 2.4%.

The top ancestry groups were English (26.0%), Australian (22.7%), and Other (10.7%). Notable ethnic group representations included Greek at 4.3% (vs regional 4.0%), German at 5.8% (vs 5.7%), and Polish at 1.0% (vs 1.0%).

Black Forest's population aligns closely with national norms in age terms

Black Forest's median age is 39 years, aligning with Greater Adelaide's average of 39 years and closely matching Australia's median age of 38 years. The 25-34 age group is notably higher in Black Forest at 17.3%, compared to the Greater Adelaide average, while the 5-14 age group is lower at 9.8%. According to the 2021 Census, the 75-84 age group has increased from 5.1% to 6.6% of Black Forest's population. Conversely, the 55-64 age group has decreased from 13.3% to 12.3%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests significant changes in Black Forest's age profile. The 75-84 cohort is projected to grow by 54%, adding 72 residents to reach a total of 205. Residents aged 65 and older are expected to represent 59% of the population growth, while the 65-74 age range is anticipated to decrease.