Suburb profile · Rest of NSW
Forbes (NSW) has an estimated 8,193 residents, up 0.4% since the 2021 Census, with 84 projects tracked in the area around Forbes (NSW).
Updated 14 Oct 2026.
Order a reportDraw your own catchment
You are viewing the free Snapshot. Dashboard puts rankings, rents, projects and services on one screen, and Full adds every chapter with charts and maps. Dashboard and Full are included with AreaSearch Operator and Pro, or unlocked by the area's Area Expert. You need to log in to open them.
Free with an AreaSearch account. Pro is not needed.Free. Built in your browser.
01Profile
The analysis, national rankings and who lives there.
Situated 235 kilometres north-northwest from Canberra CBD in New South Wales, Australia, the suburb of Forbes (NSW) is recognised for its picturesque landscape, rich historical legacy, and natural attractions such as the Lachlan River, Lake Forbes, and well-maintained parks and gardens. Well-preserved Victorian-era architecture and heritage trails highlight its vibrant past as a booming gold-mining town, while local events and cultural venues like the Forbes Platypus Gallery contribute to community life. Analysis by AreaSearch indicates that the population is estimated at around 8,193 as of August 2026, calculated from quarterly national address file updates and annual aggregated SA2-level Estimated Resident Population (ERP) counts. This represents minimal change since the 2021 Census, which recorded 8,157 people, reflecting limited expansion patterns.
Estimated resident population by year (ABS, not Census counts): 8,356 in 2006 and 8,141 in 2025. The dashed segment ends at the AreaSearch estimate for Aug 2026: 8,193 (ABS June 2025 base).
Share of residents in each age band (ABS age profile, scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate). Largest: 5 to 14, 13.3%.
Share of households in each weekly household income band (2021 Census). Largest: $1,500 - 2,999, 26.3%.
Forbes (NSW) ranks in the 90th percentile nationally for sales activity and the 68th for infrastructure drivers.
Each bar and spoke is a national percentile; the dashed ring is the typical area. 99th = higher than 99 in every 100 neighbourhood-sized areas across Australia (ABS SA2 areas). Higher means more of the measure, not necessarily better. Orange marks the top three measures where a higher percentile is better; not Age, Housing or Housing Cost.
02Market and pipeline
Rents, sale prices and what is being built.
The median rent in Forbes (NSW) is $414 a week, up 3.5% over 12 months to Jun 2026 and 29% below Regional NSW. The gross rental yield across all dwellings is 4.5%.
29% below Regional NSW on median weekly rent
Median weekly rent by year, lodged bonds. Houses: $250 in 2017, $428 in 2026. The latest is to Jun 2026.
Yield is indicative: rents and sales come from different property pools.
| Address | Sale price | Settled | Address type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20 Renfree Street, Forbes NSW 2871 | $330,000 | 30 Sep 2026 | Street address |
| 29 Show Street, Forbes NSW 2871 | $650,000 | 25 Sep 2026 | Street address |
| 34 Oxford Street, Forbes NSW 2871 | $340,000 | 25 Sep 2026 | Street address |
| 21 Grenfell Street, Forbes NSW 2871 | $185,000 | 25 Sep 2026 | Street address |
| 10 Bartley Street, Forbes NSW 2871 | $430,000 | 23 Sep 2026 | Street address |
| 35 William Street, Forbes NSW 2871 | $700,000 | 21 Sep 2026 | Street address |
| 9 Wyndham Avenue, Forbes NSW 2871 | $630,000 | 18 Sep 2026 | Street address |
| 132 Farnell Street, Forbes NSW 2871 | $432,500 | 16 Sep 2026 | Street address |
| 42 Wambat Street, Forbes NSW 2871 | $735,000 | 11 Sep 2026 | Street address |
| 44 Show Street, Forbes NSW 2871 | $530,000 | 11 Sep 2026 | Street address |
The 10 most recent of the 44 residential sales recorded since 13 Jul 2026 (the latest settled 30 Sep 2026), newest first. The median of these 44, houses and units together, was $499,500 (a different set from the medians above). Source: NSW Valuer General / AreaSearch, to September 2026. Commercial, vacant land and nominal sales are left out. Unit means the address has a unit number; a street address has none.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median rent | $414 a week | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 | |
| Change in median rent over 12 months | +3.5% | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 | |
| Gross rental yield, all dwellings | 4.5% | AreaSearch estimate, indicative: rents and sales come from different property pools | |
| Median house price | $480k | Contract-date median, 2026 to date | |
| Median unit price | $463k | Contract-date median, 2026 to date |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median price, latest residential sales | $499,500 | Median of the 44 most recent residential sales, settled 13 Jul 2026 to 30 Sep 2026, NSW Valuer General / AreaSearch | |
| Median rent, houses | $428 a week | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 | |
| Change in median rent for houses over 12 months | +1.4% | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 | |
| Median rent, units | $237 a week | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 | |
| Change in median rent for units over 12 months | +22.2% | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 | |
| Gross rental yield, houses | 4.6% | AreaSearch estimate, indicative: rents and sales come from different property pools | |
| Gross rental yield, units | 3.0% | AreaSearch estimate, indicative: rents and sales come from different property pools | |
| Median rent, Lachlan Valley | $408 a week | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 | |
| Change in median rent, Lachlan Valley, over 12 months | +5.4% | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 | |
| Median rent, Central West | $514 a week | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 | |
| Change in median rent, Central West, over 12 months | +6.3% | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 | |
| Median rent, Regional NSW | $580 a week | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 | |
| Change in median rent, Regional NSW, over 12 months | +6.6% | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 |
See the development applications we track, then draw your own catchment and map retailers, health, schools and more.
Status of the 132 tracked applications: 31 approved, 23 under assessment, 78 other (refused, withdrawn or no status).
Add retailers, health, schools and development applications around Forbes (NSW), then export the list.
The map builder can plot
AreaSearch tracks 84 projects in and around Forbes (NSW), 28 of them under construction.
Stage two development of the Homemakers Centre featuring a 24/7 service station (Ampol Foodary), convenience store, fast food restaurant…
Homes NSW is subdividing 10 hectares of vacant government-owned land to create around 132 new homes in a mix of private, social, and…
A modern, master-planned residential estate comprising 221 affordable lots ranging from 550sqm to over 5,000sqm, featuring sustainable…
A $3.6 million multipurpose equestrian facility featuring an 80m x 60m undercover sand arena, designed to host various equestrian events…
The NSW Government plans to build a recovery facility and an Energy from Waste facility in the Parkes Special Activation Precinct.
A completed 10.5-kilometre bypass on the western outskirts of Parkes that relocated the Newell Highway about two kilometres west between…
The NSW Government delivered a $72.8 million state-of-the-art hospital on a greenfield site to serve Parkes and the surrounding Western NSW…
Parkes Shire Council is transforming the former sewage treatment ponds on Akuna Road into the Parkes Wetlands, a major biodiversity…
The Parkes Special Activation Precinct is a 4,800-hectare master-planned industrial estate and inland port precinct at Parkes in…
Redevelopment opportunity for 4,019 sqm of vacant retail space with DA approved internal mall redevelopment including 601 sqm of boutique…
A value-add component of the Recycled Water Rising Main Project aimed at increasing community awareness of local Aboriginal heritage and…
Implementation of highly efficient and improved irrigation systems, intensive drainage systems for higher quality parks and recreational…
Images marked AI impression are illustrative only and not photographs of the project; follow the project links for actual imagery. Original imagery? Contact us.
Estimated completion year of the 40 projects in and around the area that are not yet completed and have one: 2023 1, 2024 0, 2025 10, 2026 12, 2027 5, 2028 5, 2029 2, 2030 3, 2031 0, 2032 1, 2033 0, 2034 0, 2035 0, 2036 1. 22 have no completion year.
AreaSearch has tracked 132 substantial development applications lodged in and around Forbes (NSW) over the past 5 years, 81 in the last 12 months; 23 are recorded as under assessment. Coverage varies by council.
Applications per year (dashed: part year): 2021 (part year) 3, 2022 21, 2023 8, 2024 12, 2025 10, 2026 (to Oct) 78.
Key application Edward Street, Forbes Mixed Use | $27m Approved
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tracked applications | 132 | Tracked by AreaSearch, in and around the area, last 5 years | |
| Tracked, last 12 months | 81 | Tracked by AreaSearch, in and around the area | |
| ABS building approvals | 2.5 per 1,000 people | ABS building approvals | 33rd percentile nationally |
| Average approvals a year | 21 | ABS building approvals | 34th percentile nationally |
| Applications approved | 31 | Tracked by AreaSearch, in and around the area, last 5 years | |
| Applications under assessment | 23 | Tracked by AreaSearch, in and around the area, last 5 years |
Key infrastructure and planning changes likely to influence the suburb of Forbes include: Goldridge Estate (Construction); Forbes Development Project (Approved); Forbes Multipurpose Equestrian Centre (Completed); Daroobalgie Solar Farm (Dev. Approval); and Parkes Water Security Program (Construction). These projects represent significant developments that will shape the area's future infrastructure landscape.
Infrastructure development impacting the suburb of Forbes spans multiple sectors including Residential Development, Sports & Recreation, and Energy, among others.
Infrastructure investment analysis indicates targeted investment in infrastructure improvements that will benefit the local area, with a notable concentration of investment within the immediate the suburb of Forbes vicinity.
With an infrastructure score in the top 40%, the suburb of Forbes demonstrates above-average development activity compared to national benchmarks.
AreaSearch's development drivers ranking sees a low level of activity in Forbes, placing the area among the bottom 19% of areas assessed nationally.
Dwelling approval activity in the suburb of Forbes area has seen 50 residential approvals over the past two financial years, based on AreaSearch's SA2 aggregation method. The suburb of Forbes's current population of 8,193 has been supported by 21 approvals on average over recent years.
The suburb of Forbes has seen 2.5 approvals per 1,000 people in recent years, compared to 5.7 approvals in Regional NSW. This means that one dwelling has been approved for every 325 people in the suburb of Forbes, compared to one for every 183 in Regional NSW.
The long-run outlook for development is part of AreaSearch Operator and Pro. Log in to see the forecast detail in Full.
Looking at development activity over the past five years, the suburb of Forbes's approval levels have been significantly above the yearly average of 21, indicating strong recent growth in development activity.
Over the past five years, the suburb of Forbes has seen 103 residential approvals while population has remained stable or declined, indicating potential market oversupply.
03People
Population, age, income, work, education and more.
99th = higher than 99 in every 100 neighbourhood-sized areas across Australia (ABS SA2 areas). Higher means more of the measure, not necessarily better.
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.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 8,193 | AreaSearch estimate, Aug 2026, from the ABS June 2025 base | |
| Growth since 2021 Census | +0.4% | AreaSearch estimate, Aug 2026, against the 2021 Census | 9th percentile nationally |
| Population density | 9 per km² | AreaSearch estimate, Aug 2026, from the ABS June 2025 base | 18th percentile nationally |
| Average yearly growth, 2020 to 2025 | -0.4% | ABS estimated resident population series to June 2025 | |
| Average yearly growth, 2015 to 2025 | -0.4% | ABS estimated resident population series to June 2025 |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population at the 2021 Census | 8,157 | 2021 Census | |
| Residents added since the 2021 Census | 36 | AreaSearch estimate, Aug 2026, against the 2021 Census | |
| Average yearly growth, 2022 to 2025 | -0.2% | ABS estimated resident population series to June 2025 | |
| Population growth, 2024 to 2025 | +0.1% | ABS estimated resident population series to June 2025 | |
| Land area | 884.43 km² | AreaSearch boundary analysis |
Total population for the suburb of Forbes was estimated to be approximately 8,193 as at Aug 2026. This is based upon an estimated resident population of 8,141 from the ABS up to June 2025.
The suburb of forbes has added approximately 36 people and shown a 0.44% increase from the 8,157 people recorded at the 2021 Census period.
The population density in the suburb of Forbes is estimated at 9 persons per square kilometre based on the latest population estimate.
Over the past 10 years, the population in the suburb of Forbes has shown a compound annual growth rate of -0.4% per annum.
Population growth in the suburb of Forbes is driven by: Natural increase (57.99999999999999%), Overseas migration (42.0%), Interstate migration (0.0%). The primary driver is Natural increase, contributing 57.99999999999999% of overall population gains.
Forbes's median age exceeds the national pattern.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median age | 42 years | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | 67th percentile nationally |
| Aged 65 and over | 24.6% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Children under 15 | 19.5% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 15 to 34 | 23.6% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 25 to 64 | 44.0% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median age at the 2021 Census | 42 years | 2021 Census | |
| Aged 0 to 4 | 6.2% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 5 to 14 | 13.3% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 15 to 24 | 12.6% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 25 to 34 | 11.0% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 35 to 44 | 10.6% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 45 to 54 | 10.3% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 55 to 64 | 12.1% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 65 to 74 | 11.7% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 75 to 84 | 9.3% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 85 and over | 3.6% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate |
AreaSearch estimates the median age in the suburb of Forbes at 42 years as at August 2026. That is in line with the 2021 Census figure of 42 years, on an age profile AreaSearch re-estimates for population change recorded since the Census.
At an estimated 42 years as at August 2026, Forbes is comparable to the Regional NSW 2021 Census average (43 years) yet 4 years older than the national Census average (38 years).
On AreaSearch estimates updated to August 2026, the most over-represented age group in the suburb of Forbes compared to the Regional NSW region is the 5 - 14 group, making up 13.3% of the population.
On AreaSearch estimates updated to August 2026, the most under-represented age group in the suburb of Forbes compared to the Regional NSW region is the 35 - 44 group, making up 10.6% of the population.
No, the age distribution in the suburb of Forbes is broadly in line with Regional NSW.
AreaSearch estimates children aged 0-14 years at 19.5% of the population in the suburb of Forbes as at August 2026.
AreaSearch estimates people aged 65 and over at 24.6% of the population in the suburb of Forbes as at August 2026.
Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median taxable income (ATO) | $54,218 a year | ATO FY-24, annual | 30th percentile nationally |
| Average taxable income | $62,439 a year | ATO FY-24, annual |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Census household income / week | $1,221 | 2021 Census, weekly | 14th percentile nationally |
| Census personal income / week | $706 | 2021 Census, weekly | 29th percentile nationally |
| High-income households | 14.5% | 2021 Census | |
| Census family income / week | $1,641 | 2021 Census, weekly | |
| Low-income households | 33.6% | 2021 Census |
Based on Wage Price Index adjustments to June 2026, the estimated median taxable income in the suburb of Forbes is approximately $57,677. The official ATO data from FY-24 recorded a median of $54,218.
Based on Wage Price Index adjustments to June 2026, the estimated average taxable income in the suburb of Forbes is approximately $66,423. The official ATO data from FY-24 recorded an average of $62,439.
Based on Wage Price Index adjustments to June 2026, the estimated median taxable income in the suburb of Forbes is approximately $57,677 compared to $59,289 in Regional NSW. The official ATO data from FY-24 shows $54,218 and $55,733 respectively.
Based on Wage Price Index adjustments to June 2026, the estimated average taxable income in the suburb of Forbes is approximately $66,423 compared to $73,521 in Regional NSW. The official ATO data from FY-24 shows $62,439 and $69,112 respectively.
As per the 2021 Census, the weekly household income bracket containing the largest proportion of the suburb of Forbes's households (~26.3% / 833 households) is the $1,500 - 2,999 cohort.
The largest weekly household income cohort in the suburb of Forbes is the $1,500 - 2,999 group, representing about 26.3% of households. In comparison, Regional NSW's largest household income cohort is the $1,500 - 2,999 group, representing 29.9% of its households, according to the 2021 Census.
The 2021 Census data indicates that the median household income in the suburb of Forbes is $1,221/wk.
According to the 2021 Census, the median family income in the suburb of Forbes is $1,641/wk.
The 2021 Census shows that the median personal income in the suburb of Forbes is $706/wk.
AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for FY-24 reveals that income in the suburb of Forbes is below the national average, with the median assessed at $54,218 while the average income stands at $62,439. This contrasts to Regional NSW's figures of a median income of $55,733 and an average income of $69,112. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 6.38% since FY-24, current estimates would be approximately $57,677 (median) and $66,423 (average) as of June 2026.
The estimated disposable income in the suburb of Forbes is $4,602 per year according to AreaSearch analysis.
The suburb of forbes's disposable income is $4,602 compared to $5,252 for Regional NSW, based on AreaSearch analysis.
Employment conditions in Forbes remain below the national average according to AreaSearch analysis.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unemployment rate | 4.1% | ABS and DEWR labour data, compiled by AreaSearch | |
| Workforce participation | 65.0% | ABS and DEWR labour data, compiled by AreaSearch | |
| Employed residents | 4,115 | ABS and DEWR labour data, compiled by AreaSearch | |
| Daytime population | 6,543 | AreaSearch estimate of residents and workers present on a weekday | |
| Labour force | 4,289 | ABS and DEWR labour data, compiled by AreaSearch |
As of March 2026, the suburb of Forbes has approximately 4,115 employed residents with an unemployment rate of 4.1%. This healthy unemployment rate suggests a well-functioning labour market. Employment indicators are below the national average, suggesting room for improvement.
As of March 2026, the unemployment rate in the suburb of Forbes stands at 4.1%, which is broadly in line with Regional NSW's rate of 4.1%. For comparison, the national unemployment rate is 4.2%.
The employment landscape in the suburb of Forbes is dominated by several key sectors. The largest employers are health care & social assistance (14.0% of employment), education & training (12.3%), and agriculture, forestry & fishing (11.5%). Other significant employers include retail trade and construction.
Over the past year to March 2026, the suburb of Forbes has experienced a decline in employment, with total jobs decreasing while the labour force decreased. As a result, the unemployment rate has risen. By comparison, Regional NSW saw employment decreased and its unemployment rate rose.
The workforce participation rate in the suburb of Forbes is 65.0%, which represents the proportion of working-age residents who are either employed or actively seeking work. This healthy participation rate reflects good employment opportunities and workforce engagement. The local rate leading the Regional NSW average of 60.6%, showing similar workforce dynamics to Regional NSW.
The suburb of forbes shows notable specialisation in agriculture, forestry & fishing, which employs 11.5% of the local workforce compared to 5.3% across Regional NSW. With a local vs regional employment ratio of 2.2, this represents a significant industry cluster that likely serves markets beyond the local area. The area also shows above-average employment in 1 other sectors, contributing to a distinctive economic profile.
The long-run outlook for employment is part of AreaSearch Operator and Pro. Log in to see the forecast detail in Full.
The suburb of forbes's employment market shows below-average performance in national comparisons. While employment opportunities exist, the area faces more challenges than many other regions. Recent job advertisement trends show the broader employment region experienced 11.8% growth, ranking 6th out of 37 regions nationally.
Forbes faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor qualifications | 11.4% | 2021 Census | 22nd percentile nationally |
| Postgraduate qualifications | 2.3% | 2021 Census | 22nd percentile nationally |
| University qualifications | 15.3% | 2021 Census | |
| Vocational qualifications | 31.2% | 2021 Census | 80th percentile nationally |
| Graduate diploma or certificate | 1.6% | 2021 Census | 22nd percentile nationally |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Advanced diploma or diploma | 8.5% | 2021 Census | 12th percentile nationally |
| No post-school qualification | 45.1% | 2021 Census | |
| Residents attending an educational institution | 29.9% | 2021 Census | |
| Residents attending university or other higher education | 2.4% | 2021 Census | 19th percentile nationally |
| Residents attending primary school | 12.1% | 2021 Census | 81st percentile nationally |
| Residents attending secondary school | 8.3% | 2021 Census | 58th percentile nationally |
15.3% of people aged 15 and over in the suburb of Forbes have university qualifications, compared to 21.3% in Regional NSW.
45.1% of people aged 15 and over in the suburb of Forbes have no formal qualifications, compared to 39.1% in Regional NSW.
The suburb of forbes ranks in the 15th percentile nationally for education based on AreaSearch's analysis of qualification and performance metrics.
The most common qualifications in the suburb of Forbes are: Certificate (31.2%), Bachelor Degree (11.4%), Advanced Diploma (8.5%).
29.9% of the population in the suburb of Forbes is currently engaged in formal education, including 12.1% in primary school, 8.3% in secondary school, 2.4% at university (all shares of total residents).
The average ICSEA (Index of Community Socio-Educational Advantage) score for schools in the suburb of Forbes is 924, indicating below-average socio-educational advantage compared to the national average of 1000.
There are 5 schools within the suburb of Forbes, with a combined enrollment of approximately 1,988 students.
The suburb of forbes includes 3 primary schools, 2 secondary schools.
Forbes features high concentrations of lone person households and single parent families but relatively few couples with children, with a smaller average household size than Regional NSW.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median household size | 2.3 people | 2021 Census | 31st percentile nationally |
| Lone-person households | 32.1% | 2021 Census | 80th percentile nationally |
| Couples with children | 22.4% | 2021 Census | 21st percentile nationally |
| Couples without children | 29.7% | 2021 Census | 69th percentile nationally |
| One-parent families | 12.6% | 2021 Census | 73rd percentile nationally |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Group households | 2.4% | 2021 Census | 38th percentile nationally |
| Households at the 2021 Census | 3,167 | 2021 Census | |
| Estimated households | 3,181 | AreaSearch estimate, Aug 2026 | |
| Family households | 65.7% | 2021 Census | 26th percentile nationally |
| Average children per family | 2.1 per family | 2021 Census | 97th percentile nationally |
As of the 2021 Census, the suburb of Forbes had 3,167 households. Based on population growth patterns, this has remained relatively stable to an estimated 3,181 households today.
The average household size in the suburb of Forbes is 2.3 people. This compares to 2.4 in Regional NSW and reflects the area's household composition mix.
Family households dominate at 65.7% of all households. Non-family households consist of lone person households (32.1%), group households (2.4%), and other household types (0.0%).
Of the 2,081 family households, couples with children account for 22.4% of all households, couples without children at home 29.7%, and single parent families 12.6%. This mix shapes local demand for schools, family services, and housing types.
Compared to Regional NSW, the suburb of Forbes shows distinct household patterns. This higher proportion of single-person households drives demand for smaller dwellings and different community services.
Families in the suburb of Forbes have an average of 2.1 children, slightly above the Regional NSW average of 1.8. This influences local demand for child-related services and larger family homes.
Marriage patterns reveal 44.8% of the adult population are currently married, while 34.3% have never married. This compares to 45.6% married and 34.3% never married across Regional NSW.
Single-person households represent 32.1% of all households in the suburb of Forbes, similar to the average for Regional NSW of 27.9%. This affects demand for smaller dwellings and single-person accommodation.
Group households (unrelated people sharing) account for 2.4% of households, below the Regional NSW average of 3.3%. This lower rate suggests less student or young professional shared accommodation.
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.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Born overseas | 4.7% | 2021 Census | 2nd percentile nationally |
| Speak another language at home | 2.4% | 2021 Census | 6th percentile nationally |
| English only at home | 97.6% | 2021 Census | 94th percentile nationally |
| Australian citizens | 90.2% | 2021 Census | 77th percentile nationally |
| Born in Australia | 95.3% | 2021 Census | 97th percentile nationally |
| Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander residents | 10.1% | 2021 Census | 95th percentile nationally |
Forbes was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 90.2% of its population being citizens, 95.3% born in Australia, and 97.6% speaking English only at home.
The main religion in Forbes was found to be Christianity, which makes up 70.6% of people in Forbes. This compares to 55.9% across Regional NSW.
In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Forbes are Australian, comprising 34.2% of the population, English, comprising 30.1% of the population, and Australian Aboriginal, comprising 10.1% of the population, which is substantially higher than Regional NSW's 4.6%. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Irish is notably overrepresented at 9.3% of Forbes (vs 8.8% across Regional NSW), Macedonian at 0.1% (vs 0.4%) and French at 0.4% (vs 0.4%).
4.7% of the suburb of Forbes population was born overseas, compared to 13.0% across Regional NSW.
2.4% of the population in the suburb of Forbes speaks a language other than English at home, compared to 7.1% in Regional NSW.
10.1% of the suburb of Forbes population identifies as Australian Aboriginal, compared to 4.6% in Regional NSW.
90.2% of the suburb of Forbes population holds citizenship, compared to 89.2% in Regional NSW.
04Place
Housing, health, transport, local services and the reports on them.
Forbes is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than Regional NSW.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rented homes | 29.3% | 2021 Census | 54th percentile nationally |
| Owned outright | 39.1% | 2021 Census | 67th percentile nationally |
| Detached houses | 88.6% | 2021 Census | 58th percentile nationally |
| Median mortgage repayment | $1,257 a month | 2021 Census, monthly | 15th percentile nationally |
| Owned with a mortgage | 31.6% | 2021 Census | 37th percentile nationally |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Semi-detached, terrace and townhouses | 4.9% | 2021 Census | 34th percentile nationally |
| Median weekly rent paid, 2021 Census | $230 | 2021 Census, weekly | 10th percentile nationally |
| Median rent as a share of median household income | 18.8% | 2021 Census, ratio calculated by AreaSearch | 31st percentile nationally |
| Median mortgage repayment as a share of household income | 23.8% | 2021 Census, ratio calculated by AreaSearch | 48th percentile nationally |
| People per bedroom | 0.7 per bedroom | 2021 Census | 23rd percentile nationally |
In the suburb of Forbes, 39.1% of homes are owned outright, 31.6% are owned with a mortgage, and 29.3% are rented.
According to the latest data, 88.6% of dwellings in the suburb of Forbes are houses.
In the suburb of Forbes, 5.1% of dwellings are apartments or units, with an additional 4.9% being semi-detached dwellings.
Outright home ownership in the suburb of Forbes stands at 39.1%, compared to 39.6% in Regional NSW.
The median monthly mortgage repayment in the suburb of Forbes is $1,257, compared to $1,733 in Regional NSW.
The aggregate monthly housing cost in the suburb of Forbes is $689, which represents the average monthly cost across all housing types.
In the suburb of Forbes, households with mortgages typically spend 23.8% of their income on mortgage repayments, while renters spend 18.8% of their income on rent.
The average persons per bedroom ratio in the suburb of Forbes is 0.7, indicating the level of household density.
Housing affordability in the suburb of Forbes shows mortgage holders spending 23.8% of income on repayments (vs 27.9% in Regional NSW), while renters spend 18.8% of income on rent (vs 23.0% in Regional NSW).
The dwelling mix in the suburb of Forbes consists of 88.6% detached houses, 4.9% semi-detached dwellings, 5.1% apartments, and 1.4% other dwelling types.
Housing in Forbes consumes approximately 13.0% of median household income ($5,287 monthly), indicating costs are highly affordable. The generally accepted benchmark is that housing should not exceed 30% of household income.
Recent development applications in Forbes show attached dwellings contributing 20% of approvals compared to 11% of existing stock, while detached houses represent 80% of applications versus 89% of current dwellings. This suggests increasing densification. Density increases remain below national trends.
Health performance in Forbes is well below the national average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private health cover | 49.8% | ATO FY 2024, private health cover | 28th percentile nationally |
| No long-term health condition | 62.9% | 2021 Census | 18th percentile nationally |
| Need help with daily activities | 6.5% | 2021 Census | 69th percentile nationally |
| No long-term health condition, under 65 | 73.3% | 2021 Census | 29th percentile nationally |
| Three or more long-term health conditions, under 65 | 2.3% | 2021 Census | 82nd percentile nationally |
Around 49.8% of people in the suburb of Forbes are covered by private health insurance, which compares to 52.2% in Regional NSW.
In the suburb of Forbes, 6.5% of the population is identified as requiring ongoing medical assistance. By comparison, 6.8% of people in Regional NSW require similar assistance.
8.2% of people in the suburb of Forbes are diagnosed with asthma. In comparison, 8.4% of the population across Regional NSW is affected by asthma.
Diabetes affects 5.8% of the suburb of Forbes population, while in Regional NSW, 4.7% of people are diagnosed with diabetes.
4.9% of people in the suburb of Forbes have heart disease. Across Regional NSW,4.4% of the population is affected by heart disease.
In the suburb of Forbes, 49.8% of the population are estimated to have private health insurance. Comparatively, Regional NSW sees an estimated private health coverage rate of 52.2%.
Transport servicing is moderate compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transport access | 47 out of 100 | AreaSearch transport analysis of timetable data | 47th percentile nationally |
| Public transport stops | 633 | Public transport timetable (GTFS) data, compiled by AreaSearch | 99th percentile nationally |
| Weekly public transport trips | 449 | Public transport timetable (GTFS) data, compiled by AreaSearch | 24th percentile nationally |
| People per public transport stop | 13 | Public transport timetable (GTFS) data, compiled by AreaSearch | |
| Public transport routes | 34 | Public transport timetable (GTFS) data, compiled by AreaSearch |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vehicles per dwelling | 1.4 per dwelling | 2021 Census | |
| Working residents who worked from home | 8.9% | 2021 Census, taken during COVID-19 restrictions |
There are 633 public transport stops within the suburb of Forbes.
The suburb of Forbes has 449 weekly trips across 34 routes, averaging 64 trips per day.
On average, residential properties are 110 metres from the nearest transport stop.
From the typical resident, the nearest child care centre is 1.8 km away and the nearest school 1.8 km.
Distance from the typical resident to the nearest of each service. Every bar starts at 0 m. The nearest is orange.
Public transport 633 stops nearby, 449 weekly trips, access rating 47 out of 100.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amenity score | 40 out of 100 | AreaSearch proximity analysis | 40th percentile nationally |
| Nearest child care | 1.8 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest school | 1.8 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest GP | 2.4 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest bank | 2.5 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nearest pharmacy | 2.6 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest dentist | 2.6 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest fitness centre | 2.6 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest supermarket | 2.7 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest hospital | 3.2 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest shopping centre | 31.7 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest government service | 31.7 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident |
Sector reports that go deeper on these services: child care, medical, retail, aged care and specialist disability accommodation (SDA). There are 5 long day care centres with 401 places in Forbes (NSW), about 1.3 children aged 0-4 per place.
Short silent previews of sample pages. Sector reports are ordered for a catchment you draw, not for the suburb as a whole.
05Reports and tools
Order a report and find more tools.
An area report on Forbes (NSW) is built to order and emailed to you.
Ordered reports
More sectors are coming soon for suburbs and areas. The order window shows the estimate before you place the order.
Order a reportShort silent previews of sample pages. Base and Child Care can be ordered for Forbes (NSW).
06About this profile
Where the figures come from, downloads and nearby areas.
AreaSearch's development drivers ranking sees a low level of activity in Forbes, placing the area among the bottom 19% of areas assessed nationally.
Forbes has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 32% nationally.
No headline figures are reported for this area.
Forbes's affordable property market has recorded 305 sales in the 12 months to June 2026, comprising 71% residential, 13% commercial and 16% vacant land transactions.
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.
Forbes's median age exceeds the national pattern.
Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch.
Employment conditions in Forbes remain below the national average according to AreaSearch analysis.
Forbes faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally.
Forbes features high concentrations of lone person households and single parent families but relatively few couples with children, with a smaller average household size than Regional NSW.
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 is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than Regional NSW.
Health performance in Forbes is well below the national average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts.
Transport servicing is moderate compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility.
Amenity provision was found to be below the typical area assessed nationally by AreaSearch, based on counts and proximity analysis.
Forbes (NSW) has an estimated 8,193 residents, up 0.4% since the 2021 Census, with 84 projects tracked in the area around Forbes (NSW).
Latest estimate as at Aug 2026; other figures from the 2021 Census, ATO FY-24 and AreaSearch estimates where labelled. Updated 14 Oct 2026.
Sources: ABS Census 2021, ABS estimated resident population, ATO taxation statistics, state rental bonds and property sales records where published, and AreaSearch analysis for Forbes (NSW).
Data currency
Refreshed . Sales to Sep 2026, rents to Jun 2026, population and age estimated to Aug 2026, taxable income FY 2024 and projects to Aug 2026. Housing, households and cultural diversity are from the 2021 Census (next update with the 2026 Census results).
Infrastructure projects and development applications also include sites in the surrounding area, and are labelled as such. Other sections were compiled 15 Oct 2026 from sources that update on their own cycles; "See the evidence" lists each source and its cycle.
SAL boundaries are defined by Australia Post and the Australian Bureau of Statistics to represent commonly-known suburb names used in postal addresses.
Statistical Areas (SA2) are designed for census data collection and may combine multiple suburbs or use different geographic boundaries. For a complete picture, consider both boundary types where available.
Main sources: ABS, Geoscience Australia, GNAF, ATO, State governments, Valuer General, Rental Board and Infrastructure Australia.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (SAL11539). QuickStats reports 2021 only; the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.
This page uses Suburbs and Localities (SAL) boundaries (suburb-style geography). SAL represents commonly-known suburb names used in addresses, while Statistical Areas (SA2) are designed for census and statistical reporting. Even when sharing the same name, SAL and SA2 boundaries often cover different geographic areas with different populations.
AreaSearch compiles this page from official and industry sources, including ABS, Geoscience Australia, GNAF, ATO, State governments, Valuer General, Rental Board and Infrastructure Australia, then calculates statistics for the boundary shown, and ranks, growth rates and benchmarks itself. Property sales come from the state valuation authority, rents from state rental bond lodgements, development applications from council and state planning portals, school data from ACARA, and public transport from state transport departments. Infrastructure projects and development applications also include sites in the surrounding area, labelled as such.
No. Most of this page is built beyond the Census. Dated for this area: population (Aug 2026), age profile (Aug 2026), infrastructure projects (Aug 2026) and income (FY 2024). Compiled with this profile from sources that publish on their own cycles: development and approvals, property sales and rents, employment, education, transport, health and services and amenities. Only housing, households and cultural diversity remain wholly Census-based, because no more current small-area dataset exists for those measures.
Key demographics and figures for Forbes (NSW) from the 2021 Census, ATO taxpayer data and AreaSearch estimates and analysis. Each topic has its own table of key figures beside the section it belongs to, and each row names its source and date. The percentile compares Forbes (NSW) with every neighbourhood-sized area across Australia (ABS SA2 areas): a higher percentile means more of that measure than most, not necessarily better.
Source: AreaSearch (areasearch.com.au) compiled from ABS Census 2021, ATO and other public sources.