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This analysis uses Suburbs and Localities (SAL) boundaries, which can materially differ from Statistical Areas (SA2) even when sharing the same name.
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 comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
est. as @ -- *
2021 Census | -- people
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Forde has an estimated 4,457 residents. That puts 2,262 residents on each square kilometre. Population is estimated from ABS Estimated Resident Population releases and GNAF address data, re-based from the 2021 Census and updated annually.
Detail
Based on demographic evaluations from official statistics for the surrounding region combined with recently verified addresses by AreaSearch since the Census, the suburb of Forde contains approximately 4,457 residents as of May 2026. This represents a minor increase of 22 people (0.5%) relative to the 2021 Census, which registered 4,435 residents. This adjustment is derived from the estimated 4,457 local residents, calculated by AreaSearch using the ABS population dataset from June 2025 alongside subsequent address confirmations. Such a population size results in a density of 2,262 persons per square kilometer, exceeding the typical figure found across national locations examined by AreaSearch.
In recent times, population gains were mostly driven by overseas migration, which made up approximately 59.0% of the total growth. AreaSearch utilises SA2 population projections from official geoscience and statistics agencies published in 2024 with 2022 as the baseline. For regions lacking coverage or years after 2032, projections adopt ACT Government age cohort growth rates starting from a 2022 baseline. Factoring in these demographic forecasts, the suburb of Forde is expected to undergo a minor contraction of 38 people by 2041. Despite this overall reduction, certain age segments will expand, particularly the 55 to 64 age category, which is projected to grow by 117 people. Detailed breakdown is available in the age section.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
Detail
According to building approval statistics compiled by AreaSearch from regional datasets, the suburb of Forde has seen almost no residential construction activity recently, with only 4 residential dwellings approved over the last 5 financial years. Throughout FY-26, no approvals have been registered. In light of the recent drop in resident numbers, this level of building activity has been relatively sufficient, which is favorable for buyers. Furthermore, commercial building approvals total $67,000 for this financial year, pointing to very low commercial construction activity. In comparison to Australian Capital Territory, the suburb of Forde displays a considerably lower rate of residential development.
This lack of new inventory generally supports demand and valuations for existing properties, although building projects have quickened of late. The building rate sits below the national benchmark, highlighting the established character of the locality and pointing to possible planning constraints. Given that demographic projections point to stable or decreasing numbers, the suburb of Forde will likely experience fewer housing demand pressures, which is advantageous for prospective buyers.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Forde
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| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
|---|
SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks 79 current infrastructure and development projects close to Forde, worth an estimated $5.41 billion. 11 are already under construction and 24 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans residential development, sports & recreation and education & training. Records are compiled from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, council planning portals and public announcements, reviewed and updated daily, then ranked by proximity, construction stage, completion horizon and project scale.
Detail
Local infrastructure projects, major works, and planning updates have a significant impact on property market performance. AreaSearch has identified a total of 9 key projects that are likely to influence the locality. Important projects include the Moncrieff East Residential Estate, the Gungahlin Tennis Facility (Amaroo Tennis Centre), the Amaroo Village Development - Block 9 Section 111, and the Gungahlin Community Centre.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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.
Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Gungahlin Tennis Facility (Amaroo Tennis Centre)
New regional tennis hub featuring 10 full-size ITF standard courts, 2 Hot Shots courts for junior development, a hitting wall, pavilion with female-friendly change rooms, LED lighting for night play, accessible pathways, and a 33-vehicle carpark. The facility supports diverse programs including Hot Shots, cardio tennis, school programs, and competitive leagues for all ages and abilities. Joint funding of $9.934 million from the ACT Government and $400,000 from Tennis ACT and Tennis Australia. Construction commenced September 2025 by Complex Co.Tennis ACT and affiliated clubs will operate and maintain the facility.
Moncrieff East Residential Estate
Large greenfield residential release delivering over 850 dwellings, new local parks, and community facilities. The Moncrieff East Estate development plan aims for approximately 1250 dwellings, public open space, and includes master planning and detailed design for a subdivision in the eastern part of Moncrieff. Civil works contracts have been awarded to Group 1 and Canberra Contractors.
Amaroo Village Development - Block 9 Section 111
DA approved 3-storey development comprising 8 residential units on upper floors with 2 including ground floor multi-purpose space and undercroft parking. 580sqm site zoned CZ2 Business Zone adjacent to Amaroo Village Precinct.
Gungahlin Community Centre
A new 25 million AUD multipurpose facility designed to serve the growing Gungahlin community. The two-storey center includes a youth hub, art workshops, a large community hall for dance and judo, and a commercial-grade kitchen. It features secure outdoor green spaces centered around a preserved 100-year-old Blakelys Redgum tree, alongside public parking and end-of-trip facilities for commuters.
Gungahlin Town Centre Improvements
A comprehensive urban renewal program by the ACT Government to enhance the Gungahlin Town Centre. Key components include a major active travel project with 13 new community paths to improve walking and cycling connections, significant intersection safety upgrades at Hinder Street and Anthony Rolfe Avenue, and the Gungahlin Town Centre East Design and Place Framework for a new urban village.
Franklin Residential Development
New residential development in Franklin offering mixed housing typologies including apartments, townhouses and detached homes. Planned community with parks, walking trails and local retail amenities.
Olea Gungahlin Townhouses
Approved medium-density project branded Olea by Dish Developments. Original DA 202038102 approved on 5 Jul 2021 for 99 dwellings (70 townhouses, 29 units), later amended in Dec 2021 to a total of 109 dwellings with a single level basement (approx. 189 car spaces). Site fronts Camilleri Way and Kate Crace Street near Gungahlin Marketplace and the light rail, with outlook to Mulanggari Grasslands Nature Reserve.
Franklin Community Centre
Multi-purpose community centre with meeting rooms, library branch, childcare facilities and programs for seniors and youth.
2,707 residents of Forde are employed, from a labour force of 2,764. Unemployment sits at 2.1%, with participation at 80.3%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 6.3% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth. The working-day population is estimated at 3,262, about 73% of the resident population, so more people leave the area for work than travel in. Unemployment and labour force come from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, updated quarterly; the industry and occupation profile is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
The suburb of Forde has a highly qualified labor force, featuring a strong concentration of professionals, a very low unemployment rate of 2.1%, and an estimated annual job growth of 0.9% according to regional datasets processed by AreaSearch. As of March 2026, there are 2,707 employed residents, with the local unemployment rate sitting 2.0% below the Australian Capital Territory average of 4.1%, and labor participation reaching 80.3%, which is much higher than the Australian Capital Territory average of 70.8%. Based on Census statistics, a modest 14.0% of the workforce worked from home, though this may reflect temporary pandemic restrictions.
Local employment is heavily weighted towards public administration & safety, professional & technical roles, and education & training. Conversely, health care & social assistance has a smaller footprint locally, employing 8.4% of the workforce compared to 11.7% in Australian Capital Territory. The suburb of Forde is predominantly residential and provides few local jobs, as seen when comparing the Census working population against the resident population. AreaSearch analysis of federal labor and statistics data indicates that the 12-month period experienced a 0.9% rise in employment and a 1.1% expansion of the labor force, resulting in a 0.2 percentage point increase in unemployment. In contrast, Australian Capital Territory recorded a 0.3% rise in employment, a 1.1% increase in the labor force, and a 0.7 percentage point increase in unemployment. National employment projections from May-25 by Jobs and Skills Australia provide further context regarding prospective labor demand in the suburb of Forde. These five and ten-year projections are mapped to the local industry mix to estimate growth. Nationally, employment is projected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but rates vary significantly by sector. Applying these trends to the local employment structure suggests that employment in the suburb of Forde will rise by 6.3% over five years and 12.9% over ten years, assuming a simple weighted extrapolation that does not account for localized population changes.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Forde is $3,553 a week (about $185,000 a year), with median personal income at $1,548 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $86,222 a year against an average of $98,659. Household income is from the 2021 Census; taxable income is from ATO Taxation Statistics for the latest financial year available, indexed forward using the ABS Wage Price Index.
Detail
According to tax data from the ATO compiled by AreaSearch for financial year 2023, the suburb of Forde ranks exceptionally high for income levels on a national scale. The median taxpayer income is $86,222 and the average is $98,659, compared to Australian Capital Territory averages of $72,206 and $85,981. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 10.44% since financial year 2023, estimated figures for March 2026 are approximately $95,224 (median) and $108,959 (average). In the 2021 Census, household, family, and individual incomes all rank in the top 98th to 99th percentiles nationally.
Regarding distribution, 41.7% of the population (1,858 individuals) earn $4,000 or more, which contrasts with regional trends where 34.3% earn in the $1,500 - 2,999 range. Financial strength is evident, with 61.6% of households earning weekly incomes above $3,000, which supports high consumer demand. Housing costs represent 13.6% of earnings, while strong incomes place residents in the 99th percentile for disposable income, and the SEIFA index ranks the area in the 10th decile.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Forde had 1,373 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 85% detached houses and 2% apartments. 60% are owned with a mortgage, 23% rented and 16% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $590 a week and the median mortgage repayment $2,481 a month, a total housing cost higher than 97% of areas nationally. Rent absorbs 16.6% of household income here and mortgage repayments 16.1%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
The mix of housing in the suburb of Forde at the time of the latest Census consisted of 84.9% separate houses and 15.1% semi-detached, apartment, or other dwelling types, compared to 63.3% separate houses and 36.7% other dwellings in Australian Capital Territory. Home ownership rates in the suburb of Forde lag behind the territory average at 16.4%, with the remaining dwellings occupied by mortgage holders (60.2%) or tenants (23.3%). The median monthly mortgage payment was $2,481, which is significantly above the Australian Capital Territory average of $2,080, and the median weekly rent was $590, compared to the territory average of $450.
On a national scale, mortgage payments are higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and weekly rents are well above the national median of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Forde counted 1,373 households at the 2021 Census, averaging 3.2 people each. 56% are couples with children, more than in 98% of areas nationally, against 21% couples without children. 11% of households are people living alone, and families average 1.4 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Families make up the vast majority of households at 87.0%, consisting of couples with children (56.3%), couples without children (20.9%), and single parent households (8.9%). The remaining 13.0% are non-family households, including lone persons (11.2%) and group shared houses (1.9%). The median household size is 3.2 people, which is larger than the Australian Capital Territory average of 2.5.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
51.2% of adults in Forde hold a university qualification, including 28.1% with a bachelor degree and 18.0% with postgraduate qualifications, higher than 100% of areas nationally. A further 12.1% hold a vocational qualification. 1 school serves the area. Qualifications come from the 2021 Census; school enrolments, ICSEA and results come from ACARA's current release.
Detail
Educational attainment in the suburb of Forde is exceptionally high compared to broader benchmarks, with 51.2% of residents aged 15+ holding a university degree, compared to 30.4% across Australia. This educational profile positions the community well for professional and knowledge-based careers. Bachelor degrees make up 28.1% of qualifications, followed by postgraduate degrees (18.0%) and graduate diplomas (5.1%). Vocational qualifications represent 22.8% of the population aged 15+ – advanced diplomas account for 10.7% and certificates account for 12.1%. Enrollment rates in education are high, with 37.4% of residents actively participating in study.
This consists of 14.5% in primary schools, 10.6% in high schools, and 6.1% in tertiary institutions.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Public transport in Forde reaches 22 stops on 38 routes, timetabled for about 2,200 services a week. The typical home sits about 190 m from its nearest stop. Buses carry the largest share of public transport commuters. Households keep an average of 1.8 vehicles. Stop and service counts are built from operators' published GTFS timetables and refresh with each timetable release; vehicle ownership is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Analysis of the local network shows 22 active public transport stops in the suburb of Forde, consisting of bus services. These stops are served by 38 separate routes, providing a total of 2,187 passenger trips weekly. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents located an average of 185 meters from their nearest stop. Because this is a residential area, most workers commute out of the suburb, and private cars remain the dominant mode of travel at 91%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.8 cars per home, which is above the regional average.
About 14.0% of workers worked from home, according to the 2021 Census, which may reflect pandemic-era conditions. Service frequency averages 312 passenger trips per day across all routes, which translates to approximately 99 weekly trips for each transport stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
77.0% of residents in Forde report no long-term health condition. 2.8% need daily assistance with core activities, and 66.2% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 4.5 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
Analysis of health indicators demonstrates positive outcomes in the suburb of Forde, based on AreaSearch assessments of mortality and chronic illnesses, showing that both younger and older cohorts have a low incidence of common health issues. Private health insurance coverage is exceptionally high, covering approximately 66% of the population (2,948 people). This compares to 62.4% in Australian Capital Territory and a national average of 55.7%. Asthma and mental health conditions are the most prevalent issues, affecting 8.0% and 6.7% of residents. Meanwhile, 77.0% of the population reported no chronic conditions, compared to 70.2% in Australian Capital Territory.
Working-age residents display high health standards with low illness rates. Residents aged 65 and over make up 8.1% of the population (361 people), which is lower than the Australian Capital Territory average of 14.3%. Older residents show positive health outcomes, with rankings matching the broader population.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
31.9% of Forde residents were born overseas and 31.8% speak a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are Australian (22.8%) and English (20.3%). Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
The suburb of Forde displays higher cultural diversity than most local property markets, with 31.9% of the population born outside Australia and 31.8% speaking a non-English language at home. Christianity is the main religion, followed by 48.8% of residents. Hinduism is notably overrepresented at 7.6% of the population, compared to 4.8% across Australian Capital Territory. Regarding parents' country of birth, the top ancestries in the suburb of Forde are Australian at 22.8%, English at 20.3%, and Other at 11.9%. Notable ethnic variations include Croatian ancestry at 2.2% of the local population (compared to 0.9% regionally), Spanish at 0.8% (compared to 0.5%), and Korean at 1.0% (compared to 0.6%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Forde is 36, younger than 76% of areas nationally. That is 1 year older than at the 2021 Census. 23.6% of residents are aged 15 to 34. Age cohorts are not raw Census counts: the Census split is re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections.
Detail
The median age in the suburb of Forde is 36 years, which is close to the Australian Capital Territory average of 35 years and slightly younger than the Australian median of 38 years. Relative to Australian Capital Territory, the suburb of Forde has a higher proportion of residents aged 45 - 54 (18.2%) but fewer aged 25 - 34 (9.9%). The concentration of 45 - 54 year-olds is above the national level of 12.0%. Since the 2021 Census, the median age has increased by 1.4 years, moving from 35 to 36.
The 55 to 64 group grew from 7.1% to 9.6% of the population, and the 75 to 84 cohort rose from 1.3% to 2.6%. Conversely, the 35 to 44 cohort fell from 20.3% to 17.6% and the 5 to 14 group fell from 19.5% to 17.3%. Projections for 2041 point to significant demographic shifts, with the 55 to 64 age group showing the highest growth rate at 22%, adding 93 residents to reach 521. Aging trends are apparent, with individuals aged 65+ making up 56% of the projected growth, while the 0 to 4 and 25 to 34 cohorts are expected to contract.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Forde
9 of 14 data sections on this page were updated within the last 12 months — the newest current to Aug 2026.
Everything is aggregated to the Suburb (SAL) boundary shown above, on a 2021 Census baseline. Only 3 sections — housing, households and cultural diversity — still wait on the 2026 Census.
The ledger — source, cycle and currency by section
| Section | Source & update cycle | Currency |
|---|---|---|
| Updated within the last 12 months 9 sections | ||
| Population | ABS, GNAF, Geoscience Australia Annual (ABS ERP) | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release) and updated with new dwellings from GNAF address data. Current to May 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to May 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Jun 2026 2 months ago headline measures · May 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Aug 2026 this month all 21 measures |
| Sales from the state Valuer General register, refreshed weekly, and rents from quarterly rental bond lodgements. Both are read live each time this page loads, current to Aug 2026. | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, Local governments Daily | May 2026 3 months ago all 2 projects tracked here |
| Project pipeline maintained continuously from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, local government and public announcements. Records are added and revised daily; this area was last updated May 2026. | ||
| Employment | ABS, DEWR, JSA Quarterly (ABS SALM) | Mar 2026 5 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Unemployment and labour force from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, current to Mar 2026. The growth outlook applies Department of Employment (now Jobs and Skills Australia) forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to the local industry mix, so it measures sector composition rather than local expansion and makes no allowance for population growth. Job demand comes from the same agency via its Internet Vacancy Index; industry and occupation structure from the 2021 Census. | ||
| Education | ABS, ACARA Annual (ACARA) | Aug 2026 this month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Jul 2026 last month all 14 measures |
| Annual and financial-year sources 2 sections | ||
| Income | ABS, ATO Annual (ATO) | FY 2023 3 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| ATO taxable income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index. Census household income provides the distribution detail. | ||
| Health | ABS, ATO Annual | 2024 2 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Census-measured — next update: 2026 Census 3 sections No more current small-area source exists for these, so they are labelled as Census-measured rather than implied to be current. | ||
| Housing | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 30 measures |
| Households | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 18 measures |
| Cultural diversity | ABS, Geoscience Australia 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 44 measures |
"Currency" is the most recent release feeding that section. Where the Census supplies the structural baseline underneath a current headline figure, the row says so.
How the numbers are built
Population
The Census provides the small-area baseline, aggregated from mesh blocks to this boundary. It is then re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release), and new dwellings built since Census night are counted from address data. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for May 2026, not a 2021 count (4,435 at the 2021 Census → 4,457 now). Annual growth rates are compound (CAGR), not simple averages.
Age profile
Cohort shares are not raw Census counts. Every cohort is held as a pair — the Census baseline and a current estimate — and the split is re-based using ERP and state population projections, current to May 2026. Median age is the Census median plus modelled change since. Charts that show both are labelled "2021 Census vs Current Estimate".
Property sales
Sourced from the state valuation authority's sales register — current, not Census, and refreshed weekly. Medians are calculated from settled transactions in the period shown; periods with very low transaction counts are flagged or suppressed, because a handful of sales can move a median substantially.
Rents
Derived from state rental bond lodgement data, by dwelling type and bedroom count. Bonds are lodged at the start of a new tenancy, so this reflects new lettings, not the whole rented stock.
Development & infrastructure
Building approvals come from current ABS releases; development applications are collected from council and state planning portals; the infrastructure pipeline is compiled from Infrastructure Australia and local government sources. Applications are matched to this boundary by address or coordinates, so very recent lodgements may not yet appear.
Employment & income
Industry and occupation structure comes from the Census, but the headline labour-market indicators do not. Unemployment and labour force are derived from ABS Small Area Labour Markets (quarterly). The employment outlook applies Department of Employment forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to this area's own industry mix (the agency is now Jobs and Skills Australia), as does the Internet Vacancy Index used for job demand. Because it is weighted on industry composition alone, that outlook carries no allowance for local population growth — in fast-growing areas the real rise in local jobs will typically be higher. Income combines Census household income with ATO taxable-income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index.
Education, transport & amenities
School enrolments, ICSEA and performance come from ACARA's current release, not the Census. Public transport stops and service frequency are derived from GTFS timetable feeds published by state transport departments. Services and amenities are proximity and count scores built from provider directories, refreshed on their own cycle. The Census contributes only the travel-to-work and qualification measures.
Rankings and benchmarks. Where we rank this area, the comparison set is every area of the same boundary type — suburbs against suburbs, SA2s against SA2s. Benchmarks compare this area against its greater capital city region and the national figure for the same measure and period.
Limits worth knowing. Small areas carry larger error margins, and the ABS introduces small random adjustments to Census counts to protect confidentiality — so totals may not sum exactly. Estimates re-based from regional data describe the area's expected trajectory, not a direct count of it. Figures are indicative for research and are not financial, planning or valuation advice.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (SAL80056). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.