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 per ABS population updates for the broader area and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the estimated population of Forbes as of Feb 2026 is around 8,268. This figure reflects an increase of 111 people (1.4%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 8,157. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimated resident population of 8,118 in Jun 2024 and additional validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 9.3 persons per square kilometer. Forbes' growth since the 2021 census (1.4%) exceeded the SA3 area's growth (0.8%), positioning it as a growth leader in the region. 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. For areas not covered by this data, NSW State Government's SA2 level projections released in 2022 with a base year of 2021 are used. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Future population dynamics anticipate an above median growth for Australia's regional areas, with the suburb of Forbes (NSW) expected to increase by 1,094 persons to 2041, reflecting an overall increase of 11.4% 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 experienced approximately 25 dwelling approvals annually based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers. From FY-21 to FY-25, around 126 homes were approved, with an additional 11 approved in FY-26 thus far. Despite population decline during this period, housing supply has remained adequate relative to demand, resulting in a balanced market with good buyer choice.

The average construction value of new properties is $397,000, slightly above the regional average, indicating a focus on quality developments. Commercial approvals totaled $20.2 million in FY-26, reflecting steady commercial investment activity. Compared to Rest of NSW, Forbes shows comparable new home approvals per person, suggesting market stability aligned with regional patterns but below national averages, possibly due to established nature and planning limitations. Recent construction comprises 82.0% standalone homes and 18.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining Forbes' traditional low-density character favoring family homes.

The area has approximately 276 people per dwelling approval, indicating a low-density market. Population forecasts estimate Forbes will gain 944 residents by 2041, with construction maintaining a reasonable pace to accommodate projected growth, although increasing competition among buyers is expected as population increases.

Forbes has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified six projects that may affect this region. Notable projects include Goldridge Estate, Forbes Development Project, Homemakers Centre Stage 2, and Forbes Multipurpose Equestrian Centre. The following list details those expected to have the most relevance.

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

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

Forbes maintains a diverse workforce with both white and blue collar jobs, prominent in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate stands at 4.0%, according to AreaSearch's aggregated statistical area data. As of December 2025, Forbes has 4,058 employed residents, an unemployment rate of 3.9% above Regional NSW's rate, and workforce participation at 64.6%.

Census responses show that 8.9% of residents work from home. Dominant employment sectors include health care & social assistance, education & training, and agriculture, forestry & fishing. Forbes specializes in agriculture, forestry & fishing with an employment share twice the regional level, while health care & social assistance has a limited presence at 14.0%. The area may have limited local employment opportunities, indicated by Census data comparing working population to resident population.

Between December 2024 and December 2025, Forbes' labour force decreased by 2.7% and employment declined by 4.2%, causing unemployment to rise by 1.5 percentage points. Regional NSW, during the same period, had an employment decline of 1.2%, labour force decline of 0.8%, with unemployment rising 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years for national employment. Applying these projections to Forbes' employment mix suggests local employment growth of 5.8% over five years and 12.5% over ten years, though these are simple weighted extrapolations for illustrative purposes only.

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

The suburb of Forbes's income level is below the national average according to the latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. The median income among taxpayers in Forbes is $49,015 and the average income stands at $58,577. For Regional NSW, these figures are $52,390 and $65,215 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Forbes would be approximately $53,358 (median) and $63,767 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals that incomes in Forbes fall between the 14th and 29th percentiles nationally. Income brackets indicate that 26.3% of Forbes residents earn between $1,500 and $2,999 annually. This is consistent with broader trends across metropolitan regions where 29.9% fall into the same income category. Housing costs are modest in Forbes, with residents retaining 87.0% of their income after housing expenses. However, 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' housing structure, as assessed in the latest Census, consisted of 88.6% houses and 11.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Regional NSW's 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Forbes was at 39.1%, similar to Regional NSW, with the remaining dwellings either mortgaged (31.6%) or rented (29.3%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,257, below Regional NSW's average of $1,733. Median weekly rent in Forbes was $230, compared to Regional NSW's $330 and the national average of $375. Nationally, Forbes' mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863.

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

Family households comprise 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 comprising 2.4%. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is 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%). Trade and technical skills are prevalent, with 39.7% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas (8.5%) and certificates (31.2%). Educational participation is 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 serving buses. These are covered by 34 routes offering 424 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is excellent, with residents typically 111 meters from the nearest stop. Most commute outward, predominantly by car (93%), with 4% walking. Average vehicle ownership is 1.4 per dwelling. Only 8.9% work from home (2021 Census).

Service frequency averages 60 trips daily across all routes, about 0 weekly trips per stop. The map shows the 100 nearest stops to the location centrepoint.

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

Forbes faces significant health challenges according to AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are substantial, affecting both younger and older age groups.

Private health cover is relatively low at approximately 50% of Forbes' total population (~4,144 people), compared to the national average of 55.7%. The most common medical conditions in Forbes are arthritis (11.1%) and mental health issues (8.4%). However, 62.9% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, similar to Regional NSW's figure of 63.3%. Working-age population health outcomes present notable challenges due to elevated chronic condition rates. Forbes has a significant senior population, with 24.1% aged 65 and over (1,992 people). Senior health outcomes align broadly 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%. The top three ancestry groups were Australian (34.2%), English (30.1%), and Australian Aboriginal (10.1%), the latter being substantially higher than the regional average of 4.6%.

Irish representation was notably overrepresented at 9.3% in Forbes, compared to 8.8% regionally. Macedonian and French representations were lower, at 0.1% each for Forbes, matching or slightly below their respective regional averages of 0.4%.

Forbes's median age exceeds the national pattern

Forbes' median age is 42 years, similar to Regional NSW's average of 43 and considerably older than Australia's median age of 38. The age profile shows that individuals aged 5-14 make up a significant portion at 13.3%, while those aged 35-44 constitute a smaller percentage at 10.5% compared to Regional NSW. Between 2021 and the present, the population of individuals aged 15-24 has increased from 11.1% to 11.8%. Conversely, the population of those aged 65-74 has decreased from 12.2% to 11.4%. By 2041, Forbes' demographic is projected to change significantly. The 45-54 age group is expected to grow by 26%, adding 236 residents to reach a total of 1,129. Meanwhile, the number of individuals aged 55-64 is forecasted to decrease by 18%.