Forbes (NSW)

Forbes 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 Forbes (NSW) statistical area (Lv2), as estimated by AreaSearch based on ABS data, was around 8,269 as of November 2025. This figure represents an increase of 112 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 8,157. The change is inferred from the resident population estimate of 8,118 by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 179 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 9.3 persons per square kilometer. The Forbes (NSW) (SA2) experienced a growth rate of 1.4% since the 2021 census, exceeding the SA3 area's growth rate of 0.8%. Natural growth contributed approximately 57.99999999999999% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, and NSW State Government's SA2 level projections for areas not covered by this data, released in 2022 with a base year of 2021. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Considering the projected demographic shifts, an above median population growth is projected for Australian non-metropolitan areas, with the Forbes (NSW) (SA2) expected to expand by 1,095 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 11.6% in total over the 17 years.

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

Forbes has averaged approximately 25 new dwelling approvals annually. Between financial years FY-21 and FY-25, around 126 homes were approved, with a further 10 approved in FY-26 to date. The average construction cost value of these dwellings is $397,000.

Forbes has seen $20.2 million in commercial development approvals in FY-26. When compared to the Rest of NSW, Forbes' construction activity per person is comparable, suggesting market stability. However, it is lower than national levels, indicating market maturity and potential development constraints. Detached dwellings make up 85.0% of new developments, with attached dwellings comprising 15.0%, reflecting Forbes' low-density character.

The area has around 276 people per approval. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Forbes is projected to add 959 residents by 2041. Current construction pace appears reasonable given projected growth, but buyers may face increasing competition as population grows.

Forbes 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 six projects likely impacting the area. Notable projects include Goldridge Estate, Forbes Development Project, Homemakers Centre Stage 2, and Forbes Multipurpose Equestrian Centre. The following details those most relevant.

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

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Despite maintaining a low unemployment rate of 3.5%, Forbes has experienced recent job losses, resulting in a below average employment performance ranking when compared nationally

Forbes has a diverse workforce with both white and blue collar jobs well represented. Key industries include health care & social assistance, education & training, and agriculture, forestry & fishing.

As of September 2025, Forbes' unemployment rate is 3.5%, lower than Rest of NSW's 3.8%. Workforce participation is at 56.4%, equal to Rest of NSW's rate. Employment specialization lies in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with a share 2.2 times the regional level. However, health care & social assistance employs only 14.0% of Forbes' workforce compared to 16.9% in Rest of NSW.

Between September 2024 and September 2025, Forbes' labour force decreased by 3.9%, leading to a 1.1 percentage point rise in unemployment. In contrast, Rest of NSW had an employment decline of 0.5% and a labour force decline of 0.1%. State-wide, NSW's employment contracted by 0.03% (losing 2,260 jobs) as of 25-Nov-25, with the state unemployment rate at 3.9%. National employment forecasts suggest growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Forbes' employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 5.8% over five years and 12.5% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch

Forbes suburb has a median taxpayer income of $49,015 and an average income of $58,577 based on the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. This is lower than national averages; Rest of NSW's median income is $52,390 with an average of $65,215. By September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $53,358 (median) and $63,767 (average), accounting for Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023. Census data indicates Forbes' household, family, and personal incomes fall between the 14th and 29th percentiles nationally. Income distribution shows 26.3% of Forbes' population (2,174 individuals) earn within the $1,500 - $2,999 range, consistent with surrounding regions at 29.9%. Despite modest housing costs allowing for 87.0% income retention, total disposable income ranks at just the 18th percentile nationally.

Forbes is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Forbes' dwellings, as per the latest Census, consisted of 88.6% houses and 11.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other'). This compares to Non-Metro NSW's 92.0% houses and 8.0% other dwellings. Home ownership in Forbes stood at 39.1%, with mortgaged dwellings at 31.6% and rented ones at 29.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,257, higher than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,200. Median weekly rent in Forbes was $230, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $220. Nationally, Forbes' mortgage repayments were lower at $1,257 vs Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were substantially lower at $230 vs the national figure of $375.

Forbes features high concentrations of lone person households, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households account for 65.4% of all households, including 22.4% couples with children, 29.7% couples without children, and 12.6% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 34.6%, with lone person households at 32.1% and group households comprising 2.4% of the total. The median household size is 2.3 people, which aligns with the average for the Rest of NSW.

Forbes faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area's university qualification rate is 15.3%, significantly lower than the NSW average of 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 11.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.3%) and graduate diplomas (1.6%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 39.7% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (8.5%) and certificates (31.2%). Educational participation is high at 29.9%, with 12.1% in primary education, 8.3% in secondary education, and 2.4% pursuing tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 29.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 12.1% in primary education, 8.3% in secondary education, and 2.4% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Forbes has 631 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 34 different routes that together facilitate 424 weekly passenger trips. The city's transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents on average located just 111 meters from the nearest stop.

The service frequency across all routes averages 60 trips per day, which works out to approximately zero weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Forbes is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Health data indicates significant health challenges in Forbes, with common conditions prevalent across both younger and older age groups. Approximately 50% (~4,145 people) have private health cover, compared to 47.9% in the rest of NSW and a national average of 55.7%. The most frequent medical conditions are arthritis (11.1%) and mental health issues (8.4%).

About 62.9% of residents report no medical ailments, similar to the 62.4% in the rest of NSW. Forbes has 23.7% of residents aged 65 and over (1,959 people). Health outcomes among seniors largely align with the general population's health profile.

The latest Census data sees Forbes placing among the least culturally diverse areas in the country when compared across a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Forbes had a cultural diversity below average, with 90.2% citizens, 95.3% born in Australia, and 97.6% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the main religion, comprising 70.6%, compared to 70.4% across Rest of NSW. The top three ancestry groups were Australian (34.2%), English (30.1%), and Australian Aboriginal (10.1%).

Notably, Irish ancestry was overrepresented at 9.3% in Forbes versus 8.9% regionally, Macedonian at 0.1% versus 0%, and French at 0.4% versus 0.3%.

Forbes's median age exceeds the national pattern

Forbes's median age is 42 years, similar to Rest of NSW's average of 43 but considerably older than Australia's median age of 38 years. The age profile shows that 5-14 year-olds comprise 13.5% of the population, while the 35-44 group constitutes only 10.4%. Since 2021, the 55 to 64 cohort has declined from 12.8% to 12.0%. Population forecasts for Forbes in 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes. The 45-54 cohort is projected to grow by 25%, adding 227 residents to reach 1,129. In contrast, population declines are projected for the 5-14 and 55-64 cohorts.