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

As of May 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Forbes (NSW) is around 8,163 people. This reflects an increase of 6 individuals since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 8,157 people. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's resident population estimate of 8,151 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and an additional 189 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population results in a density ratio of 9.2 persons per square kilometer. Forbes' growth rate of 0.1% since the 2021 census exceeded that of its SA3 area (-0.6%). Natural growth contributed approximately 57.99999999999999% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts 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 are applied to all areas from these aggregations for years 2032 to 2041. Considering projected demographic shifts, the suburb is expected to expand by 1,081 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 13.1% in total over the 16-year period.

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 averaged approximately 25 new dwelling approvals annually based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, around 126 homes were approved, with an additional 15 approved in FY-26 so far. The population has been declining recently, suggesting that new supply has likely kept pace with demand, offering buyers good choice.

New properties are constructed at an average expected cost of $397,000, which is moderately above regional levels, indicating a focus on quality construction. In the current financial year, Forbes has recorded approximately $20.2 million in commercial development approvals, suggesting balanced commercial development activity. When compared to the Rest of NSW, Forbes shows comparable construction activity per person, supporting market stability in line with regional patterns. However, this level is lower than national averages, reflecting market maturity and possible development constraints.

New development primarily consists of detached dwellings (82.0%) and attached dwellings (18.0%), maintaining the area's traditional low density character focused on family homes. Forbes reflects a low-density area with around 276 people per approval. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Forbes is projected to add approximately 1,069 residents by 2041. If current construction levels persist, housing supply could lag population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

Forbes has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified six projects likely impacting the area. Notable ones are Goldridge Estate, Forbes Development Project, Homemakers Centre Stage 2, and Forbes Multipurpose Equestrian Centre. The following list details those most 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.

Forbes has seen below average employment performance when compared to national benchmarks

Forbes has a balanced workforce with representation from both white and blue collar jobs. Essential services sectors are well-represented in the town. As of December 2025, Forbes' unemployment rate is 4.0%, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

This figure aligns with Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%. The workforce participation rate in Forbes is 63.8%, slightly higher than Regional NSW's 60.5%. According to Census responses, a low 8.9% of residents work from home. Key industries of employment among Forbes' residents are health care & social assistance, education & training, and agriculture, forestry & fishing.

Forbes has a particular specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with an employment share that is 2.2 times the regional level. However, health care & social assistance is under-represented, with only 14.0% of Forbes' workforce compared to 16.9% in Regional NSW. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Between December 2024 and December 2025, Forbes experienced a 2.7% decrease in labour force and a 4.1% decline in employment, leading to a 1.5 percentage point rise in unemployment. In contrast, Regional NSW saw an employment decline of 1.2% and labour force decline of 0.8%, with a 0.4 percentage point rise in unemployment during the same period. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that Forbes' employment should increase by 5.8% over five years and 12.5% over ten years, based on simple weighting extrapolations of industry-specific projections against Forbes' employment mix.

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

The median taxpayer income in Forbes is $49,015 and the average is $58,577 according to AreaSearch's postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023. This is lower than national averages when compared with Regional NSW's median of $52,390 and average income of $65,215. By March 2026, estimated incomes would be approximately $54,073 (median) and $64,622 (average), based on a 10.32% increase from the financial year 2023 Wage Price Index growth. Forbes' household, family, and personal incomes fall between the 14th and 29th percentiles nationally according to census data. Income distribution shows that 26.3% of Forbes' population (2,146 individuals) earn within the $1,500 - $2,999 range, similar to the surrounding region's 29.9%. Despite modest housing costs allowing for 87.0% income retention, Forbes ranks at just the 18th percentile nationally for total disposable income.

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 types (semi-detached, apartments, 'other'). Regional NSW had 82.6% houses and 17.4% others. Forbes' home ownership was 39.1%, with mortgaged dwellings at 31.6% and rented ones at 29.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Forbes was $1,257, below Regional NSW's average of $1,733. The median weekly rent in Forbes was $230, compared to Regional NSW's $330. Nationally, Forbes' mortgage repayments were lower at $1,257 vs Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were lower at $230 vs the national figure of $375.

Forbes features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 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 account for the remaining 34.6%, with lone person households at 32.1% and group households making up 2.4%. The median household size is 2.3 people, smaller than the Regional NSW average of 2.4.

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 the 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%, comprising primary education (12.1%), secondary education (8.3%), and tertiary education (2.4%).

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 630 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These are serviced by 34 individual routes that collectively provide 424 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 111 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to Forbes being primarily residential. Car remains the dominant mode of transport at 93%, with 4% walking. Vehicle ownership averages 1.4 per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, a relatively low 8.9% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 60 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 0 weekly trips per individual stop. The map accompanying this information shows the 100 nearest stops to the location's centrepoint.

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

AreaSearch's health assessment for Forbes shows significant issues based on mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence affecting both younger and older age groups. Approximately half of Forbes' total population (~4,092 people) has private health cover, lower than the national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent conditions are arthritis (11.1%) and mental health issues (8.4%). About 62.9% of residents report no medical ailments, similar to Regional NSW's 63.3%. Working-age individuals face substantial health challenges due to higher chronic condition rates. Forbes has a larger senior population at 24.4%, compared to Regional NSW's 23.4%. Senior health outcomes align with national rankings.

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 Regional NSW's 55.9%. Top ancestry groups were Australian (34.2%), English (30.1%), and Australian Aboriginal (10.1%), higher than regional averages of 34.2% for Australian, 30.1% for English, and 4.6% for Australian Aboriginal.

Irish ethnicity was notably overrepresented at 9.3%, compared to Regional NSW's 8.8%. Macedonian stood at 0.1%, lower than the regional average of 0.4%, while French remained similar at 0.4%.

Forbes's median age exceeds the national pattern

Forbes' median age is 42 years, similar to Regional NSW's average of 43, but considerably older than Australia's median age of 38. The age profile shows that 5-14 year-olds make up 13.4%, while the 35-44 group comprises 10.5%. Since 2021, the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 11.1% to 12.5% of the population. Conversely, the 55 to 64 cohort has declined from 12.8% to 12.2%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes in Forbes. The 45 to 54 cohort is projected to grow by 28%, adding 241 residents to reach 1,107. Meanwhile, the 55 to 64 cohort grows by a modest 0% (adding just 2 people).