Forde

Forde has seen population growth performance typically on par with national averages when looking at short and medium term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the suburb of Forde's population is estimated at around 4,457 as of May 2026. This reflects an increase of 22 people (0.5%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,435 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 4,457, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and address validation since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 2,262 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 59.0% 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, age group growth rates from the ACT Government's SA2 area projections, with 2022 as a base, are adopted. Considering the projected demographic shifts, over this period, projections indicate a decline in overall population, with the suburb's population expected to shrink by 38 persons by 2041 according to this methodology. However, growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, led by the 55 to 64 age group, which is projected to increase by 117 people.

The level of residential development activity in Forde is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch

Forde has seen minimal dwelling approvals in recent years. Between FY21-FY25, an estimated 4 homes were approved, with none so far in FY26.

Despite population decline during this period, development activity has been adequate relative to population change. Commercial development approvals totalled $67,000 in FY26, indicating minimal commercial development activity. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory and nationally, Forde shows reduced construction levels.

This constrained new construction typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing properties. However, development activity has picked up recently. Stable or declining population forecasts suggest less housing pressure in Forde, creating favourable conditions for buyers.

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

The performance of an area can significantly be impacted by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified nine projects that are expected to influence the area. Notable projects include Moncrieff East Residential Estate, Gungahlin Tennis Facility (Amaroo Tennis Centre), Amaroo Village Development - Block 9 Section 111, and Gungahlin Community Centre. The following list details those projects likely to be 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.

AreaSearch analysis of employment trends sees Forde performing better than 90% of local markets assessed across Australia

Forde has a highly educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. The unemployment rate was 1.9% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 1.4%. As of December 2025, 2,702 residents were employed, and the unemployment rate was 2.0% lower than the Australian Capital Territory's rate of 3.8%.

Workforce participation was higher at 80.0%, compared to the ACT's 70.5%. According to Census responses, 14.0% of residents worked from home. Leading employment industries were public administration & safety, professional & technical services, and education & training.

However, health care & social assistance showed lower representation at 8.4% versus the regional average of 11.7%. Employment opportunities locally appeared limited, as indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment levels increased by 1.4%, labour force increased by 1.0%, causing a fall in unemployment rate by 0.3 percentage points. In comparison, Australian Capital Territory saw employment grow by 0.9% and unemployment rise by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that Forde's employment should increase by 6.3% over five years and 12.9% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to Forde's employment mix.

The economic profile demonstrates exceptional strength, placing the area among the top 10% nationally based on comprehensive AreaSearch income analysis

AreaSearch aggregated latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2023. Forde's median income among taxpayers was $86,222 with the average at $98,659, placing it in the top percentile nationally. This compares to ACT levels of $72,206 and $85,981 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.44% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Forde are approximately $95,224 (median) and $108,959 (average) as of March 2026. Census 2021 income data shows incomes in Forde rank highly nationally, between the 98th and 99th percentiles. Distribution data indicates that 41.7% of residents earn over $4,000 weekly, differing from metropolitan patterns where the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket dominates at 34.3%. Higher earners comprise 61.6%, indicating strong purchasing power. Housing accounts for 13.6% of income, with residents ranking in the 99th percentile for disposable income. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 10th decile.

Forde is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

Forde's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 84.9% houses and 15.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), contrasting with Australian Capital Territory's 63.3% houses and 36.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Forde was at 16.4%, with mortgaged dwellings at 60.2% and rented ones at 23.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Forde was $2,481, surpassing the Australian Capital Territory average of $2,080. The median weekly rent figure for Forde was $590, higher than the Australian Capital Territory's $450. Nationally, Forde's mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $2,481 compared to Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Forde features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 87.0% of all households, including 56.3% couples with children, 20.9% couples without children, and 8.9% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 13.0%, with lone person households at 11.2% and group households comprising 1.9%. The median household size is 3.2 people, larger than the Australian Capital Territory average of 2.5.

Forde demonstrates exceptional educational outcomes, ranking among the top 5% of areas nationally based on AreaSearch's comprehensive analysis of qualification and performance metrics

In Forde, educational attainment is notably high with 51.2% of residents aged 15 and above holding university qualifications, surpassing the Australian average of 30.4%. This significant educational advantage indicates strong potential for knowledge-based opportunities in the area. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 28.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (18.0%) and graduate diplomas (5.1%). Vocational pathways account for 22.8% of qualifications among those aged 15 and above, with advanced diplomas making up 10.7% and certificates 12.1%.

Educational participation is high, with 37.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 14.5% in primary education, 10.6% in secondary education, and 6.1% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis shows 22 active transport stops operating within Forde. These stops are served by a mix of buses along 38 individual routes, collectively providing 2,187 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 185 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward. Car remains the dominant mode of transport at 91%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.8 per dwelling, above the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, some 14.0% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 312 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 99 weekly trips per individual stop.

Forde's residents are extremely healthy with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Analysis shows strong health metrics throughout Forde. AreaSearch assessed mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence, finding low prevalence across both young and old age cohorts. Private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 66% of the total population (2,948 people), compared to 62.4% in Australian Capital Territory and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common conditions are asthma and mental health issues, impacting 8.0 and 6.7% respectively, while 77.0% reported being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 70.2% across Australian Capital Territory. Working-age residents show low chronic condition prevalence. Forde has 8.1% of residents aged 65 and over (361 people), lower than the 14.3% in Australian Capital Territory. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, aligning with national rankings for the general population.

Forde was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Forde's population showed high cultural diversity, with 31.9% born overseas and 31.8% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Forde, accounting for 48.8%. Hinduism was notably higher in Forde at 7.6%, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's average of 4.8%.

The top three ancestral groups were Australian (22.8%), English (20.3%), and Other (11.9%). Some ethnic groups showed significant differences: Croatian (2.2% vs regional 0.9%), Spanish (0.8% vs 0.5%), and Korean (1.0% vs 0.6%) were overrepresented in Forde.

Forde's population is younger than the national pattern

Forde's median age at 36 years closely matches the Australian Capital Territory average of 35 but is younger than Australia's median age of 38. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Forde has a higher proportion of residents aged 45-54 (18.2%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (9.9%). This 45-54 concentration is significantly higher than the national average of 12.0%. Between the 2021 Census and the present, Forde's residents have collectively aged by an average of 1.4 years, with the median age rising from 35 to 36. Specifically, the proportion of residents aged 55-64 has increased from 7.1% to 9.6%, while those aged 75-84 rose from 1.3% to 2.6%. Conversely, the proportion of residents aged 35-44 has decreased from 20.3% to 17.6%, and those aged 5-14 have dropped from 19.5% to 17.3%. By 2041, Forde's population is forecasted to undergo substantial demographic shifts. The 55-64 age group is projected to grow by 22%, adding 93 residents to reach a total of 521. The aging population trend is evident, with those aged 65 and above comprising 56% of the projected growth. Conversely, the 0-4 and 25-34 age cohorts are expected to experience population declines.