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

Forest Glen's population, as of November 2025, is estimated at around 2,072 people. This reflects an increase of 415 individuals since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,657 people in the suburb of Forest Glen (Qld). The change is inferred from AreaSearch's resident population estimate of 2,060 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, along with an additional 130 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 314 persons per square kilometer. Forest Glen's growth rate of 25.0% since the 2021 census exceeded both the non-metro area (8.8%) and national average, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Interstate migration contributed approximately 74.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections are adopted, released in 2023 based on 2021 data. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits; hence proportional growth weightings from the ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) are applied where utilised. Moving forward with demographic trends, a population increase just below the median of regional areas across the nation is expected for Forest Glen. The area is expected to expand by 205 persons to reach 2,277 people by 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a reduction of 1.2% in total over the 17 years.

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

Forest Glen has seen approximately 51 dwelling approvals per year based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, around 259 homes were approved, with an additional 5 approved in FY26 so far. This results in about 0.8 new residents per year per dwelling constructed over these five years.

The average construction cost value of new dwellings is approximately $676,000, slightly above the regional average. Commercial approvals this financial year total $20.3 million, indicating steady commercial investment activity.

New development consists predominantly of detached dwellings at 95%, with townhouses or apartments making up the remaining 5%. This maintains Forest Glen's low density nature and attracts space-seeking buyers. With around 56 people per approval, Forest Glen is a developing area with stable or declining population expected in the future, potentially reducing housing pressure and creating buying opportunities.

Forest Glen has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified three projects likely to affect the region: Forest Glen Village Centre, UnityWater Infrastructure Program (2023-2027), Sunshine Coast Mountain Bike Centre, and Sunshine Coast Indoor Sports Centre. The following details those expected to have the most relevance.

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.

Employment performance in Forest Glen ranks among the strongest 15% of areas evaluated nationally

Forest Glen has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. As of June 2025, the unemployment rate is 1.2%.

This rate is 2.7% below Rest of Qld's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation in Forest Glen is 53.5%, compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Employment among residents is concentrated in health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction.

Agriculture, forestry & fishing has limited presence with 1.1% employment compared to the regional average of 4.5%. There are 1.8 workers for every resident, indicating Forest Glen functions as an employment hub attracting workers from surrounding areas. Between June 2024 and June 2025, the labour force decreased by 1.5%, while employment declined by 0.8%, causing unemployment to fall by 0.7 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Qld saw employment rise by 1.8% and the labour force grow by 2.0%, with unemployment rising by 0.2 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 suggest that Forest Glen's employment should increase by 6.7% over five years and 13.8% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to the local employment mix.

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 2022, Forest Glen had a median income among taxpayers of $41,128. The average income stood at $57,311. This was below the national average of $64,844. Across Rest of Qld, the median and average incomes were $50,780 and $64,844 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022, current estimates for Forest Glen would be approximately $46,882 (median) and $65,329 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals that household, family and personal incomes in Forest Glen all fall between the 20th and 27th percentiles nationally. Income analysis shows that the $1,500 - 2,999 income bracket dominates with 28.8% of residents (596 people), consistent with broader trends across regional levels showing 31.7% in the same category. Housing affordability pressures are 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, consisted of 96.9% houses and 3.2% other dwellings. In contrast, Non-Metro Qld had 0.0% houses and 0.0% 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, aligning with Non-Metro Qld's average. The median weekly rent was $500, while Non-Metro Qld had no recorded rents. Nationally, Forest Glen's mortgage repayments were higher at $2,089 compared to the Australian average of $1,863. Rents in Forest Glen 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 comprise the remaining 26.5%, with lone person households at 24.9% and group households making up 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 its residents aged 15 and above holding university degrees, compared to Australia's 30.4%. This indicates potential for educational development. Bachelor degrees are the 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 them - 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, 7.9% in secondary, and 4.2% in tertiary education. The area offers educational provision through Sunshine Coast Grammar School and Montessori International College, serving a total of 1,736 students. These schools demonstrate socio-educational advantages and academic achievement (ICSEA: 1117). Both offer integrated K-12 education for continuity throughout students' academic journey. The area has strong educational infrastructure with 83.8 school places per 100 residents, serving both local and surrounding communities.

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 offer 274 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these services is moderate, with residents on average being located 571 meters from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 39 trips per day across all routes, which works out to approximately 30 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% (~1,034 people) have private health cover, lower than the national average of 55.3%.

The most common medical conditions are arthritis (11.2%) and mental health issues (8.0%). Most residents (66.8%) report having no medical ailments, compared to 0% in Rest of Qld. The area has 28.4% (588 people) aged 65 and over. Health outcomes among seniors are strong, outperforming 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 had a cultural diversity index 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 dominant religion, making up 54.1% of Forest Glen's population, 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%) South African (0.7%), and French (0.6%) ethnicities had higher representation in Forest Glen than regionally.

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 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 smaller at 8.7% compared to Rest of Qld. This concentration of 75-84 year-olds is well above the national figure of 6.0%. Between the 2021 Census and now, the 15-24 age group has grown from 8.7% to 10.5%, while the 55-64 cohort has declined from 10.1% to 8.7% and the 65-74 group has dropped from 16.2% to 14.8%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections show significant shifts in Forest Glen's age structure. The 75-84 group is expected to grow by 14%, reaching 298 from 261. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 56% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. In contrast, the 35-44 and 45-54 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.