Forest Glen (Qld)

Forest Glen lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the population of Forest Glen as of February 2026 is estimated at around 2,258. This reflects an increase of 601 people (36.3%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,657 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 2,254, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 131 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 342 persons per square kilometer, providing significant space per person and potential room for further development. Forest Glen's growth since the 2021 census exceeded the Rest of Qld (9.1%) and the national average, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth was primarily driven by interstate migration that contributed approximately 74.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and for years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections are adopted, released in 2023 based on 2021 data. It should be noted that these state projections do not provide age category splits; hence where utilised, AreaSearch is applying proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort, released in 2023 based on 2022 data. Moving forward with demographic trends, a population increase just below the median of Australia's non-metropolitan areas is expected, with the suburb expected to increase by 212 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a decrease of 8.9% in total over the 17 years.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Forest Glen when compared nationally

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area data indicates Forest Glen has seen approximately 56 new homes approved annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, around 281 homes were approved, with an additional 10 approved in FY26 so far. On average, 0.7 new residents per year have been arriving for each new home over these five years, suggesting supply is meeting or exceeding demand and supporting potential population growth above projections.

The average construction value of new homes has been $676,000, indicating developers are targeting the premium market segment with higher-end properties. This financial year has seen $13.6 million in commercial approvals registered, reflecting steady commercial investment activity.

Recent construction comprises 96% detached dwellings and 4% medium to high-density housing, maintaining Forest Glen's traditional low density character focused on family homes. With around 89 people per approval, Forest Glen reflects a developing area with an expected stable or declining population, potentially reducing pressure on housing and creating opportunities for buyers.

Forest Glen has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally

AreaSearch has identified three projects that could significantly impact the local area's performance. These include Forest Glen Village Centre, Unitywater Infrastructure Program (2023-2027), Sunshine Coast Mountain Bike Centre, and Sunshine Coast Indoor Sports Centre. The following details those considered most relevant.

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Employment conditions in Forest Glen demonstrate exceptional strength compared to most Australian markets

Forest Glen has a skilled workforce with prominent representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 1.4%, as per AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of September 2025, there are 832 residents employed while the unemployment rate is 2.6% lower than Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%.

Workforce participation in Forest Glen lags significantly at 46.7%, compared to Rest of Qld's 65.7%. According to Census responses, a moderate 18.1% of residents work from home. The key industries for employment among residents are health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction.

However, agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented with only 1.1% of Forest Glen's workforce compared to Rest of Qld's 4.5%. There are 1.8 workers per resident in the area, indicating it functions as an employment hub hosting more jobs than residents and attracting workers from surrounding areas. Over a 12-month period ending in September 2025, labour force decreased by 1.7% while employment decreased by 1.4%, causing unemployment rate to fall by 0.3 percentage points. This contrasts with Rest of Qld where employment rose by 1.7%, labour force grew by 2.1%, and unemployment rose by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with growth rates varying significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Forest Glen's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.7% over five years and 13.8% over ten years.

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

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year ended June 2023, Forest Glen had a median income among taxpayers of $41,099. The average income stood at $57,317. This is lower than national averages which were $53,146 and $66,593 respectively for Rest of Qld. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since financial year ended June 2023, current estimates project median income to be approximately $45,172 and average income around $62,997 as of September 2025. From the Census conducted in August 2021, incomes in Forest Glen fell between the 20th and 27th percentiles nationally for households, families, and individuals. The most prevalent income bracket was $1,500 - $2,999, with 28.8% of residents (650 people) falling into this category, similar to regional trends at 31.7%. Housing affordability pressures were severe, with only 82.6% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 26th percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 6th decile.

Forest Glen is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Forest Glen's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, comprised 96.9% houses and 3.2% other dwellings. In comparison, Non-Metro Qld had 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Forest Glen was 50.6%, with mortgaged dwellings at 33.1% and rented ones at 16.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,089, higher than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,655. The median weekly rent in Forest Glen was $500, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $345. Nationally, Forest Glen's mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $2,089 versus the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Forest Glen has a typical household mix, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households constitute 73.5% of all households, including 29.4% couples with children, 35.9% couples without children, and 7.2% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 26.5%, with lone person households at 24.9% and group households comprising 2.5%. The median household size is 2.5 people, aligning with the average in the Rest of Qld.

Forest Glen shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

Forest Glen Trail has 20.7% of its residents aged 15 and above holding university degrees, compared to the Australian average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 13.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.9%) and graduate diplomas (2.0%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 40.8% of residents aged 15 and above holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas at 12.2% and certificates at 28.6%. Educational participation is high, with 27.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 9.7% in primary education, 7.9% in secondary education, and 4.2% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Forest Glen has nine active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by two routes that together facilitate 256 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these stops is rated as moderate, with residents on average located 571 meters from the nearest stop. As a predominantly residential area, most commutes are outward-bound and cars remain the primary mode of transport, used by 94% of residents. On average, there are 1.4 vehicles per dwelling. According to the 2021 Census, 18.1% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions.

The service frequency averages 36 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 28 weekly trips per individual stop.

Forest Glen's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Forest Glen's health outcomes data shows notable results based on AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence were found to be very low across all age groups. Private health cover was found to be relatively low at approximately 50% of the total population (~1,127 people), compared to 52.5% in Rest of Qld and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions were arthritis (11.2%) and mental health issues (8.0%). 66.8% of residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 67.6% across Rest of Qld. Health outcomes among the working-age population are broadly typical. Forest Glen has 28.8% of residents aged 65 and over (650 people), higher than Rest of Qld's 20.4%. Health outcomes among seniors in Forest Glen are particularly strong, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

Forest Glen ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Forest Glen's cultural diversity was below average, with 78.2% of its population born in Australia, 88.4% being citizens, and 95.7% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 54.1% of Forest Glen's population, compared to 52.2% across the rest of Queensland. The top three ancestry groups were English (35.7%), Australian (27.1%), and Scottish (9.2%).

Notably, Welsh (0.9%) was overrepresented in Forest Glen compared to the regional average of 0.5%. Similarly, South African (0.7%) and French (0.6%) ancestry groups were also more prevalent than their respective regional averages of 0.5%.

Forest Glen hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Forest Glen has a median age of 45, which is higher than Rest of Qld's figure of 41 and well above the national average of 38. The age profile shows that those aged 75-84 make up 12.8% of the population, while those aged 55-64 comprise 8.3%. This is a significantly higher proportion than the national figure of 6.1% for the 75-84 age group. Between the 2021 Census and present, the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 8.7% to 10.5%, while the 75 to 84 cohort increased from 11.6% to 12.8%. Conversely, the 55 to 64 cohort declined from 10.1% to 8.3%, and the 45 to 54 group dropped from 12.4% to 10.8%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Forest Glen's age structure. The 75 to 84 age group is expected to grow by 5 people, reaching 303 from 289. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 78% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. In contrast, the 0 to 4 and 35 to 44 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.