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 ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the suburb of Black Forest's population is estimated at around 2,027 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 45 people (2.3%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,982 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 2,005, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 4 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 2,937 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed 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 2022 as the base year. 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, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data, are adopted 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, with the suburb expected to grow by 130 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 7.6% in total over the 17 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers in Black Forest shows approximately 7 residential properties granted approval per year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 37 homes. As of FY-26, 4 approvals have been recorded. On average, 0.8 people have moved to the area annually for each dwelling built between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating that new supply is meeting or exceeding demand. The average construction value of new homes is $576,000, suggesting developers are targeting the premium market segment.

This financial year has seen $3.2 million in commercial approvals, reflecting Black Forest's primarily residential nature. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Black Forest recorded 17.0% higher construction activity per person over the five-year period. However, development activity has moderated in recent periods.

The area shows a mix of standalone homes (57.0%) and townhouses or apartments (43.0%), providing options across different price points. With around 1024 people per approval, Black Forest is considered a mature, established area. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Black Forest is expected to grow by 154 residents through to 2041. Based on 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 limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 19thth percentile nationally

No changes can significantly affect a region's performance like modifications to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified zero projects that are predicted to influence this area. Notable projects include Tram Grade Separation Projects, Goodwood Oval Sporting Precinct Revitalisation, North South Corridor, and Carmelite Retirement Living. The following list specifies those likely to be most relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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Employment conditions in Black Forest demonstrate strong performance, ranking among the top 35% of areas assessed nationally

Black Forest has a highly educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. The unemployment rate was 3.0% as of September 2025, below Greater Adelaide's rate of 3.9%. Employment grew by an estimated 2.8% over the past year, based on AreaSearch data aggregation.

As of September 2025, 1,194 residents were employed with a participation rate of 71.6%, above Greater Adelaide's 66.4%. A moderate 13.5% worked from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Key industries include health care & social assistance, professional & technical services, and education & training. Professional & technical services were notably concentrated at 1.5 times the regional average.

However, transport, postal & warehousing was under-represented at 2.2% compared to Greater Adelaide's 4.3%. Employment opportunities may be limited locally as indicated by resident population versus working population counts. Between September 2024 and 2025, employment increased by 2.8%, labour force by 2.8%, with unemployment remaining unchanged. In contrast, Greater Adelaide saw employment growth of 3.0% and labour force growth of 2.9%, with a slight drop in unemployment. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia (May-25) project national growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Black Forest's industry mix suggests local employment could increase by 7.0% over five years and 14.4% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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

The suburb of Black Forest has an above-average national income level according to AreaSearch data aggregated from the latest ATO records for the financial year ending June 30th, 2023. The median income among taxpayers in Black Forest is $54,013, with an average income of $78,867. These figures compare to those for Greater Adelaide, which are $54,808 and $66,852 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.8% since the financial year ending June 30th, 2023, current estimates suggest a median income of approximately $58,766 and an average income of $85,807 as of September 2025. According to census data, personal income ranks at the 66th percentile with weekly earnings of $894, while household income sits at the 45th percentile. Income analysis shows that 31.0% of Black Forest's population (628 individuals) fall within the $1,500 to $2,999 income range, which is 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. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 6th decile.

Black Forest displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

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). In comparison, Adelaide metro had 75.2% houses and 24.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Black Forest was higher at 34.3%, with mortgaged dwellings at 25.6% and rented ones at 40.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,733, above Adelaide metro's average of $1,562. The median weekly rent figure was $290, lower than Adelaide metro's $320. Nationally, Black Forest's mortgage repayments were below the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially lower at $375.

Black Forest features high concentrations of group households and lone person households, with a lower-than-average 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 37.4%, with lone person households at 32.0% and group households comprising 5.1%. The median household size is 2.3 people, smaller than the Greater Adelaide average of 2.5.

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

Black Forest's educational attainment significantly exceeds broader benchmarks. Among residents aged 15+, 45.8% hold university qualifications compared to 25.7% in South Australia (SA) and 28.9% in Greater Adelaide. This educational advantage positions the area strongly for knowledge-based opportunities, with bachelor degrees leading 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 notably high, with 27.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 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 nine active public transport stops offering a mix of train, light rail, and bus services. These stops are served by 14 individual routes that collectively facilitate 1,229 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 202 meters from the nearest stop. Primarily residential, most residents commute outward using a car (75%), followed by train (6%) and cycling (4%). Vehicle ownership averages one per dwelling, below the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, 13.5% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions.

Service frequency across all routes averages 175 trips per day, equating to approximately 136 weekly trips per stop.

The level of general health in Black Forest is notably higher than the national average with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Black Forest demonstrates above-average health outcomes based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Both young and old age cohorts show low prevalence of common health conditions.

The rate of private health cover is very high at approximately 58% of the total population (~1,178 people), compared to 52.7% across Greater Adelaide. The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues impacting 9.3% of residents and arthritis affecting 8.2%. Seventy-point-one percent declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 67.9% across Greater Adelaide. Health outcomes among the working-age population are broadly typical. The area has 19.4% of residents aged 65 and over (393 people). Health outcomes among seniors are above average, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

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 has a higher cultural diversity than most local markets, with 25.9% of its population born overseas and 21.6% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Black Forest, accounting for 39.1% of people. Hinduism is notably overrepresented, comprising 4.9% of the population compared to the Greater Adelaide average of 2.8%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (26.0%), Australian (22.7%), and Other (10.7%). Some ethnic groups have notable divergences: Greek (4.3%, vs regional 2.0%), German (5.8%, vs 5.1%), and Polish (1.0%, vs 1.0%) are overrepresented in Black Forest.

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 and closely matching Australia's median of 38. The 25-34 cohort is notably higher at 17.1% locally compared to the Greater Adelaide average, while the 35-44 cohort is lower at 12.3%. Post-2021 Census, the 75-84 age group has increased from 5.1% to 7.2%, and the 55-64 cohort has decreased from 13.3% to 12.1%. By 2041, Black Forest's age profile is projected to change significantly. The 75-84 cohort is expected to grow by 43%, adding 62 residents to reach 208. Residents aged 65 and older are anticipated to represent 60% of the population growth. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 0-4 and 65-74 cohorts.