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, the estimated population of Forest Glen (Qld) statistical area (Lv2) as of Nov 2025 is around 2,257. This reflects an increase of 600 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,657 people in the same area. 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 (June 2024) and an additional 130 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 342 persons per square kilometer in Forest Glen (Qld) (SA2). The area's growth rate of 36.2% since the 2021 census exceeded both the non-metro area (8.8%) and national average, making it a growth leader in the region. Interstate migration contributed approximately 74.0% of overall population gains during recent periods for Forest Glen (Qld) (SA2).

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year, and Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections for years post-2032. These state projections do not provide age category splits; hence where utilised, AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 based on 2022 data for each age cohort. Looking ahead, demographic trends indicate a population increase just below the median of regional areas nationally is expected for Forest Glen (Qld) (SA2), with an expected expansion by 210 persons to reach approximately 2,467 by 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a decrease of 9.0% in total over the 17-year period.

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 experienced approximately 56 dwellings receiving development approval per year. Around 281 homes have been approved over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, with an additional 10 approved so far in FY-26. This results in an average of about 0.7 new residents per year per dwelling constructed during these years.

The new supply appears to be keeping pace with or exceeding demand, providing ample buyer choice and creating capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts. The average expected construction cost value of new dwellings is approximately $676,000, suggesting developers are focusing on the premium market with high-end developments.

This financial year has seen around $13.6 million in commercial approvals registered, indicating moderate levels of commercial development. Recent construction comprises 96.0% detached dwellings and 4.0% medium and high-density housing, preserving the area's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. Forest Glen reflects a developing area with approximately 89 people per approval. With population expected to remain stable or decline, there should be reduced pressure on housing in Forest Glen, potentially creating opportunities for buyers.

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

Area infrastructure changes significantly influence local performance. AreaSearch identified three projects likely impacting the area: Forest Glen Village Centre, Unitywater Infrastructure Program (2023-2027), Sunshine Coast Mountain Bike Centre, and Sunshine Coast Indoor Sports Centre.

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Forest Glen ranks among the top 25% of areas assessed nationally for overall employment performance

Forest Glen has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate is 1.4%, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

As of September 2025, there are 832 residents in work, with an unemployment rate 2.6% lower than the Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation stands at 53.5%, compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. The leading employment industries among residents are health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction.

Agriculture, forestry & fishing has limited presence with only 1.1% employment, compared to the regional average of 4.5%. There are 1.8 workers for every resident in the area, indicating it functions as an employment hub hosting more jobs than residents and attracting workers from surrounding areas. Over the 12 months to September 2025, labour force levels decreased by 1.9% combined with employment decreasing by 1.5%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.3 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Qld experienced employment growth of 1.7% and labour force growth of 2.1%, with a rise in unemployment rate by 0.3 percentage points. As of 25-Nov-25, state-level data shows QLD employment contracted by 0.01% (losing 1,210 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 4.2%, closely aligned with the national rate of 4.3%. 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 Forest Glen's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.7% over five years and 13.8% over ten years, assuming constant population projections.

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

Forest Glen's median income among taxpayers was $41,099 in financial year 2023. The average income stood at $57,317 during the same period. This compares to figures for Rest of Qld which were $53,146 and $66,593 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $45,172 (median) and $62,997 (average) as of September 2025. Census data from 2021 shows income levels in Forest Glen fall between the 20th and 27th percentiles nationally for household, family, and personal incomes. The predominant income cohort spans 28.8% of locals earning between $1,500 - 2,999 per week. This pattern is similar to the broader area where 31.7% fall within this range. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Forest Glen with only 82.6% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 26th percentile nationally. The suburb's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 6th decile.

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

Forest Glen's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 96.9% houses and 3.2% other dwellings. Home ownership in Forest Glen stood at 50.6%, with 33.1% of dwellings mortgaged and 16.3% rented. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,089, and the median weekly rent was $500. Nationally, Forest Glen's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than 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 median household size of 2.5 people

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.

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 residents aged 15 and above holding university degrees, compared to Australia's 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent at 13.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.9%) and graduate diplomas (2.0%). Vocational credentials are also common, with 40.8% of residents aged 15 and above holding such qualifications, including advanced diplomas (12.2%) and certificates (28.6%). Educational participation is high, with 27.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 9.7% in primary education, 7.9% in secondary education, and 4.2% pursuing tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably 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 different routes that together facilitate 256 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these services is rated as moderate, with residents on average located 571 meters from the nearest stop.

Across all routes, there are an average of 36 daily trips, which equates to approximately 28 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Forest Glen is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Forest Glen faces significant health challenges with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. Approximately 50% (~1,126 people) of the total population has private health cover, lower than the national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions are arthritis (11.2%) and mental health issues (8.0%). In contrast, 66.8% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 0% in Rest of Qld. The area has 28.5% (643 people) of residents aged 65 and over. Health outcomes among seniors are strong, performing better than the general population in health metrics.

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 found to be 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 main religion in Forest Glen, comprising 54.1% of people, compared to None% across Rest of Qld. The top three ancestry groups were English (35.7%), Australian (27.1%), and Scottish (9.2%).

Notably, Welsh (0.9%) was overrepresented compared to the regional average of None%, as were South African (0.7%) and French (0.6%) populations.

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 are particularly prominent at 12.6%, while the 55-64 group is relatively smaller at 8.6% compared to Rest of Qld. This concentration of the 75-84 age group is significantly higher than the national figure of 6%. Between the 2021 Census and now, the 15-24 age group has increased from 8.7% to 10.5%, while the 55-64 cohort has declined from 10.1% to 8.6% and the 45-54 group has dropped from 12.4% to 11.1%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Forest Glen's age structure. The 75-84 age group is expected to grow by 5%, adding 15 people and reaching a total of 300 from the current figure of 284. Notably, the combined age groups of 65+ will account for 67% of the total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. In contrast, the 0-4 and 35-44 age cohorts are projected to experience population declines.