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

Based on analysis of Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) population updates for the broader area, the estimated population of Black Forest as of November 2025 is around 2,064. This reflects an increase of 82 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,982. The change is inferred from the resident population of 2,063 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest Education and Workforce data release by the ABS in June 2024, along with four validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 2,991 persons per square kilometer, placing Black Forest in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The suburb's 4.1% growth since the census positions it within 0.4 percentage points of the SA3 area (4.5%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, contributing approximately 99.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data and for years post-2032, the SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections by age category are adopted, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data, with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Moving forward with demographic trends, a population increase just below the median of statistical areas across the nation is expected for Black Forest, with an estimated growth of 140 persons by 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 6.4% in total over the 17 years.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Black Forest according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers in Black Forest shows around 9 residential properties granted approval per year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 47 homes. As of FY-26, 10 approvals have been recorded. On average, 0.6 people moved to the area for each dwelling built between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating that new supply is keeping pace with or exceeding demand. The average construction value of new homes is $576,000, suggesting developers are targeting the premium market segment.

This financial year, $1.6 million in commercial approvals have been registered, reflecting the area's residential nature. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Black Forest has recorded 49.0% higher construction activity per person over the past five years. The new building activity consists of 56.0% standalone homes and 44.0% townhouses or apartments, offering options across different price points.

With a density of around 256 people per approval, Black Forest is considered a low-density area. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, the population is expected to grow by 132 residents through to 2041, with current development rates comfortably meeting demand and potentially supporting growth beyond current projections.

Black Forest has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

No infrastructure changes will impact the area more than local upgrades and initiatives. AreaSearch has pinpointed 0 projects expected to influence the region. Notable ventures include Tram Grade Separation Projects, Goodwood Oval Sporting Precinct Revitalisation, North South Corridor, and Carmelite Retirement Living, with the following list highlighting those most pertinent.

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.

Employment performance in Black Forest exceeds national averages across key labour market indicators

Black Forest has a highly educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. Its unemployment rate was 3.0% as of June 2025, with an estimated employment growth of 1.3% over the past year.

This is based on AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data. As of June 2025, 1,184 residents were in work while the unemployment rate was 1.0% lower than Greater Adelaide's rate of 4.0%. Workforce participation in Black Forest was 67.5%, compared to Greater Adelaide's 61.7%. Key industries of employment among residents are health care & social assistance, professional & technical, and education & training.

Professional & technical services have particularly notable concentration, with employment levels at 1.5 times the regional average. However, transport, postal & warehousing is under-represented, with only 2.2% of Black Forest's workforce compared to 4.3% in Greater Adelaide. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population. Over the 12 months to June 2025, employment increased by 1.3% while labour force increased by 1.2%, with unemployment remaining essentially unchanged. In contrast, Greater Adelaide experienced employment growth of 2.1%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 offer insight into potential future demand within Black Forest. These projections suggest national employment should expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with significant differences between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Black Forest's employment mix suggests local employment should increase 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

Black Forest's median income among taxpayers was $54,013 and average income stood at $78,867 in financial year 2022. This compares to Greater Adelaide's figures of $52,592 and $64,886 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.83% since financial year 2022, current estimates would be approximately $60,943 (median) and $88,986 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals personal income ranks at the 66th percentile ($894 weekly), while household income sits at the 45th percentile. Income analysis shows that 31.0% of the population falls within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, consistent with broader trends across the surrounding region showing 31.8% in the same category. Housing costs are manageable with 86.9% retained, though disposable income sits below average at the 49th percentile and the area's SEIFA income ranking places 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

The latest Census evaluated Black Forest's dwelling structure as 59.3% houses and 40.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This is similar to Adelaide metro's composition of 59.2% houses and 40.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Black Forest was at 34.3%, with mortgaged dwellings at 25.6% and rented ones at 40.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Black Forest was $1,733, lower than Adelaide metro's $2,167. The median weekly rent in Black Forest was $290, compared to Adelaide metro's $350. Nationally, Black Forest's mortgage repayments are lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents are substantially below 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 and above holding university qualifications. This compares favourably to the broader South Australian benchmark of 25.7% and the Greater Adelaide average of 28.9%. 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, 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. Black Forest Primary School serves the local community, with an enrollment of 440 students as of a recent report. The school focuses exclusively on primary education, with secondary options available in nearby areas. The area functions as an educational hub, offering 21.3 school places per 100 residents, significantly higher than the regional average of 13.1. This attracts students from surrounding communities.

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

Transport analysis indicates nine active stops operating within Black Forest. These comprise a mix of train and bus services. Fifteen routes collectively provide 2,057 weekly passenger trips.

Residents enjoy excellent transport accessibility, with an average distance of 167 meters to the nearest stop. Service frequency averages 293 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 228 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 shows relatively positive outcomes for Black Forest residents, with low prevalence of common health conditions across both younger and older age cohorts. Private health cover rate is exceptionally high at approximately 58% of the total population (1,199 people), compared to 67.1% across Greater Adelaide.

Mental health issues and arthritis are the most common medical conditions in the area, impacting 9.3% and 8.2% of residents respectively. 70.1% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, similar to Greater Adelaide's 69.9%. The area has 18.8% of residents aged 65 and over (388 people), lower than Greater Adelaide's 22.6%. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

Black Forest was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Black Forest, surveyed between August 2016 and June 2017, had a higher cultural diversity than most local markets, with 25.9% of its population born overseas and 21.6% speaking languages other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Black Forest, accounting for 39.1% of the population. However, Hinduism showed significant overrepresentation, comprising 4.9% compared to Greater Adelaide's 2.4%.

The top three ancestral groups were English (26.0%), Australian (22.7%), and Other (10.7%). Notably, Greek (4.3%) was slightly higher than the regional average of 4.0%, German also showed a slight increase at 5.8% compared to the region's 5.7%, while Polish remained at 1.0%.

Black Forest's population is slightly older than the national pattern

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 cohort is notably over-represented in Black Forest at 17.3%, compared to the Greater Adelaide average. Conversely, the 5-14 year-olds are under-represented locally at 10.0%. Post-2021 Census, the 75-84 age group has increased from 5.1% to 6.6% of Black Forest's population, while the 55-64 cohort has decreased from 13.3% to 12.3%. By 2041, demographic modeling projects significant changes in Black Forest's age profile. The 75-84 cohort is projected to grow by 52%, adding 70 residents and reaching a total of 207. Residents aged 65 and older are expected to represent 72% of the population growth. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 0-4 and 35-44 age cohorts.