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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch since May 2026, the suburb of Forest Hill (Vic.) has an estimated population of around 11,357. This reflects a increase of 577 people from the 2021 Census figure of 10,780 people. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's resident population estimate of 11,342 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and an additional 158 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population results in a density ratio of 2,776 persons per square kilometer, placing Forest Hill in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Population growth for the suburb 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 a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. By 2041, the suburb is expected to have increased its population by just below the median of statistical areas analysed by AreaSearch, with an increase of 1,182 persons projected over the 16-year period, reflecting a total increase of 10.3%.

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

Forest Hill averaged approximately 44 new dwelling approvals annually based on AreaSearch analysis. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, around 220 homes were approved, with an additional 20 approved so far in FY26. The average population growth per dwelling built during this period was 0.2 people per year.

This suggests that supply is meeting or exceeding demand, offering more buyer choices and potential for population growth beyond projections. The average construction cost of new properties was $659,000, indicating a focus on the premium market with high-end developments.

In FY26, commercial approvals totaled $16.7 million, signifying balanced commercial development activity. Detached houses accounted for 74.0% and medium to high-density housing made up 26.0% of new developments, maintaining Forest Hill's suburban identity with a concentration of family homes. The area has approximately 226 people per dwelling approval, reflecting a low density market. By 2041, Forest Hill is projected to grow by 1,167 residents according to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Current development appears well-suited to future needs, supporting stable market conditions without excessive price pressure.

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

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 22 projects that may impact this area. Notable projects include Forest Ridge (including MAX apartments), Healesville Freeway Reserve Park (ngarrak nakorang wilam park), City Park, and Forest Hill Chase Basketball Stadium. The following list details those most likely to be relevant.

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.

The employment landscape in Forest Hill shows performance that lags behind national averages across key labour market indicators

Forest Hill has a highly educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. Its unemployment rate was 4.0% as of an unspecified past year. Employment growth over the same period was estimated at 1.8%.

As of December 2025, 5,589 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 0.8% lower than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.8%. Workforce participation in Forest Hill was significantly lower at 60.1%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 69.9%. According to Census responses, 37.1% of residents worked from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns.

Key industries for employment among residents were health care & social assistance, professional & technical services, and retail trade. Construction was under-represented in Forest Hill's workforce at 6.6%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 9.7%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment levels increased by 1.8% while the labour force grew by 1.6%, leading to a decrease in unemployment of 0.2 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Melbourne saw employment rise by 2.4%, with an increase in both labour force growth (2.8%) and unemployment (0.3 percentage points). National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, released in May-25, project a 6.6% expansion over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Forest Hill's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.7% over five years and 13.9% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

Forest Hill's median income among taxpayers was $47,437 in financial year 2023. The average income stood at $61,190 during the same period. These figures are lower than Greater Melbourne's median of $57,688 and average of $75,164 respectively. By March 2026, estimates suggest Forest Hill's median income will be approximately $52,000 and average income around $67,076, based on a 9.62% growth in wages since financial year 2023. According to Census 2021 data, Forest Hill's household income ranks at the 45th percentile ($1,658 weekly), with personal income at the 29th percentile. Income brackets show that 29.1% of Forest Hill's population (3,304 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 range. This is similar to the regional pattern where 32.8% occupy this income range. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Forest Hill, with only 83.6% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 45th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

Forest Hill is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average 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 (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Melbourne metro's 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Forest Hill stood at 39.6%, with mortgaged dwellings at 34.0% and rented ones at 26.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,123, higher than Melbourne metro's average of $2,000. Median weekly rent in Forest Hill was $396, compared to Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, Forest Hill's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents exceeded the national figure of $375.

Forest Hill has a typical household mix, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households comprise 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 make up 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, smaller than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

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

Forest Hill has a notably high educational attainment among residents aged 15 and above, with 41.2% holding university qualifications compared to the Australian average of 30.4% and the Victorian average of 33.4%. This higher-than-average educational attainment is largely driven by bachelor degrees, which account for 26.3% of qualifications in the area. Postgraduate qualifications and graduate diplomas make up a further 11.6% and 3.3% respectively. Vocational pathways are also well-represented, with advanced diplomas accounting for 11.4% and certificates making up 12.3% of qualifications among those aged 15 and above.

Educational participation is high in Forest Hill, 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 offering a mix of lightrail and bus services. These are served by 16 routes, collectively facilitating 5,611 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated good, with residents typically located 215 meters from the nearest stop. As a primarily residential zone, most commuters travel outward. Cars remain the dominant mode at 85%, with 8% using trains. On average, there are 1.2 vehicles per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, 37.1% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 801 trips daily across all routes, equating to around 107 weekly trips per individual stop.

Forest Hill's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with prevalence of common health conditions quite low among the general population though higher than the nation's average across older, at risk cohorts

Forest Hill residents have relatively positive health outcomes according to health data. Mortality rates and health conditions are broadly in line with national benchmarks.

The prevalence of common health conditions is low among the general population but higher among older, at-risk cohorts compared to national averages. Approximately 51% (~5,798 people) of Forest Hill residents have private health cover, lower than Greater Melbourne's 56.7%. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (7.8%) and mental health issues (7.5%). About 70.2% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 72.6% in Greater Melbourne. Under-65 population shows better than average health outcomes. Forest Hill has a higher proportion of residents aged 65 and over at 22.3% (2,532 people), compared to Greater Melbourne's 15.0%. However, this percentage is lower nationally than the broader population.

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's population has a high level of cultural diversity, with 43.8% born overseas and 44.3% speaking languages other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion, accounting for 43.9%. Buddhism is notably higher in Forest Hill at 7.3%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 4.2%.

The top three ancestral groups are Chinese (21.0%), English (17.7%), and Australian (17.0%). Some ethnicities show significant differences: Sri Lankan (1.0% vs regional 0.8%), Hungarian (0.4% vs 0.3%), and Greek (3.6% vs 2.7%) are overrepresented in Forest Hill.

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 median age 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 12.1% of Forest Hill's population, which is less prevalent than in Greater Melbourne. According to post-2021 Census data, the 25-34 age group has increased from 11.3% to 12.1%, while the 0-4 age group has decreased from 5.1% to 4.2%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes in Forest Hill. The 45-54 age group is projected to grow by 21% (308 people), reaching a total of 1,785 from the current 1,476. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups are expected to account for 52% of total population growth, reflecting Forest Hill's aging demographic profile. In contrast, the 0-4 and 5-14 age cohorts are anticipated to experience population declines.