Forest Hill (Vic.)

An assessment of population growth drivers in Forest Hill reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

Forest Hill's population, as of November 2025, is estimated at around 11,335 people. This reflects an increase of 555 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 10,780. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of 11,298 residents following examination of ABS ERP data released in June 2024 and additional validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population results in a density ratio of 2,771 persons per square kilometer, placing Forest Hill (Vic.) in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023, adjusted using weighted aggregation methods to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. By 2041, Forest Hill (Vic.) is expected to increase by 1,225 persons based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a total increase of 10.5% over the 17-year period.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Forest Hill according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers for Forest Hill shows an average of approximately 44 new dwelling approvals per year. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, around 220 homes have been approved, with a further 15 approved so far in FY26. The average number of people moving to the area for each dwelling built over these years is zero.

This suggests that supply meets or exceeds demand, offering greater buyer choice and potential for population growth beyond projections. The average expected construction cost value of new properties is $659,000, indicating a focus on the premium market with high-end developments.

In FY26, commercial approvals totaling $16.7 million have been registered, suggesting balanced commercial development activity. New development consists of 74% detached houses and 26% medium to high-density housing, maintaining the area's suburban identity with a concentration of family homes suited to buyers seeking space. The location has approximately 226 people per dwelling approval, indicating a low density market. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Forest Hill is expected to grow by 1,190 residents through to 2041. Current development appears well-matched to future needs, supporting steady market conditions without extreme price pressure.

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

Changes in local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 25 projects likely affecting the region. Notable ones include Forest Ridge, Healesville Freeway Reserve Park (ngarrak nakorang wilam park), City Park, and Forest Hill Chase Basketball Stadium. The following list details those most relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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AreaSearch analysis indicates Forest Hill maintains employment conditions that align with national benchmarks

Forest Hill has a highly educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. Its unemployment rate was 3.7% as of September 2025.

This rate is lower than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.7%. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 1.6%. As of September 2025, 5,581 residents were employed with an unemployment rate of 3.0%, which is below Greater Melbourne's rate.

Workforce participation in Forest Hill was 57.7% compared to Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. Key industries for employment among residents are health care & social assistance, professional & technical services, and retail trade. However, construction is under-represented with only 6.6% of the workforce compared to Greater Melbourne's 9.7%. Many Forest Hill residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 1.6%, labour force grew by 1.0%, and unemployment fell by 0.6 percentage points in Forest Hill. In contrast, Greater Melbourne saw employment rise by 3.0% and unemployment rise by 0.3 percentage points during the same period. As of 25-Nov-25, Victoria's employment grew by 1.13% year-on-year with an unemployment rate of 4.7%, compared to the national rate of 4.3%. National employment forecasts from May-25 suggest a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Forest Hill's employment mix, local employment is expected to grow by 6.7% over five years and 13.9% over ten years.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

Forest Hill suburb's income level is lower than average nationally according to latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year ended June 2023. Forest Hill's median income among taxpayers was $47,437 and average income stood at $61,190, compared to Greater Melbourne's figures of $57,688 and $75,164 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year ended June 2023, current estimates would be approximately $51,351 (median) and $66,238 (average) as of September 2025. Census data from 2021 shows household income ranks at the 45th percentile ($1,658 weekly), while personal income sits at the 29th percentile. Income brackets indicate 29.1% of population (3,298 individuals) fall within $1,500 - $2,999 income range, reflecting patterns seen in region where 32.8% similarly occupy this range. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 83.6% of income remaining, ranking at the 45th percentile and area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

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

Forest Hill's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 72.0% houses and 28.0% other dwellings including semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. Home ownership in Forest Hill stood at 39.6%, with 34.0% of dwellings mortgaged and 26.5% rented. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,123, while the median weekly rent figure was $396. Nationally, Forest Hill's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, with rents exceeding the national figure of $375.

Forest Hill has a typical household mix, with a median household size of 2.5 people

Family households constitute 69.6% of all households, including 34.0% couples with children, 23.0% couples without children, and 11.0% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 30.4%, with lone person households at 27.5% and group households comprising 3.0%. The median household size is 2.5 people.

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

Forest Hill's educational attainment is notably higher than national averages. Among residents aged 15 and above, 41.2% hold university qualifications, compared to 30.4% nationally and 33.4% in Victoria. The area's most common qualification is the bachelor degree, held by 26.3%. Postgraduate qualifications follow at 11.6%, with graduate diplomas at 3.3%.

Vocational pathways account for 23.7% of qualifications, including advanced diplomas (11.4%) and certificates (12.3%). Educational participation is high, with 27.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 8.7% in primary education, 7.3% in secondary education, and 5.9% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Forest Hill has 52 active public transport stops, consisting of a mix of light rail and bus services. These are served by 16 different routes that together facilitate 5,611 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents on average located 215 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 801 trips per day across all routes, resulting in approximately 107 weekly trips per individual stop.

Forest Hill's residents are relatively healthy in comparison to broader Australia with common health conditions slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age cohorts

Forest Hill's health metrics are close to national benchmarks.

Common health conditions are slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age cohorts. Private health cover is relatively low at approximately 51% of the total population (around 5,787 people). The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 7.8% and 7.5% of residents respectively. About 70.2% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 0% across Greater Melbourne. The area has 22.3% of residents aged 65 and over (around 2,527 people), broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

Forest Hill is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Forest Hill has a high level of cultural diversity, with 43.8% of its population born overseas and 44.3% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the main religion in Forest Hill, comprising 43.9% of the population. Buddhism is notably overrepresented, making up 7.3% compared to None% across Greater Melbourne.

The top three ancestry groups are Chinese (21.0%), English (17.7%), and Australian (17.0%). Some ethnic groups have notable divergences: Sri Lankan at 1.0%, Hungarian at 0.4%, and Greek at 3.6%.

Forest Hill's median age exceeds the national pattern

The median age in Forest Hill is 42 years, which is significantly higher than Greater Melbourne's average of 37 years and Australia's average of 38 years. The 75-84 age group constitutes 7.8% of the population in Forest Hill, compared to a lower percentage in Greater Melbourne. Conversely, the 25-34 age group makes up 12.0% of the population in Forest Hill, which is less than the percentage in Greater Melbourne. According to post-2021 Census data, the 25-34 age group has increased from 11.3% to 12.0%, while the 45-54 cohort has decreased from 13.5% to 12.7%. Population forecasts for the year 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes in Forest Hill. Notably, the 45-54 age group is expected to grow by 21% (295 people), reaching a total of 1,735 from 1,439. The combined 65+ age groups are projected to account for 56% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. In contrast, the 0-4 and 5-14 age cohorts are expected to experience population declines.