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 is estimated at 11,335 as of Feb 2026. This reflects a 5.1% increase since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 10,780. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of 11,298 residents following examination of ABS data released in June 2024, along with validation of 157 new addresses since the Census date. This 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. Overseas migration was the primary driver of population growth during recent periods.

AreaSearch's projections for Forest Hill are based on ABS/Geoscience Australia data released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, and VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023 with adjustments made employing weighted aggregation methods. Future population dynamics anticipate an increase just below the median of statistical areas analysed by AreaSearch, with Forest Hill expected to increase by 1,223 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a total increase of 10.5% over the 17 years.

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

Forest Hill has averaged approximately 44 new dwelling approvals annually based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, around 220 homes were approved, with an additional 15 approved so far in FY-26. The average population growth per year for each dwelling built over these five years was zero people.

This indicates that supply has been meeting or exceeding demand, allowing for increased buyer choice and potential population growth beyond projections. The average construction cost value of new properties is $659,000, suggesting a focus on the premium market with high-end developments.

In FY-26, $16.7 million in commercial approvals have been registered, indicating balanced commercial development activity. New development consists predominantly of detached houses (74.0%) and medium to high-density housing (26.0%), maintaining Forest Hill's suburban identity while offering family homes with ample space for buyers. The area has approximately 226 people per dwelling approval, reflecting a low-density market. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Forest Hill is projected to grow by 1,189 residents by 2041. Current development appears well-suited to meet future needs, supporting steady market conditions without significant price pressure.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 25 projects likely to affect this region. Notable initiatives 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% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 1.6%. As of September 2025, 5,580 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.0% below Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.7%.

Workforce participation is lower at 60.8%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 71.0%. A high proportion of residents work from home, with 37.1% doing so according to Census responses. Key industries for employment are health care & social assistance, professional & technical services, and retail trade.

Construction is under-represented, with only 6.6% of Forest Hill's workforce compared to Greater Melbourne's 9.7%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work. 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%, labour force grow by 3.3%, and unemployment rise by 0.3 percentage points during the same period. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, published in May-25, project national employment growth of 6.6% 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 simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localized population projections.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

Forest Hill suburb has lower income levels than national averages, per AreaSearch data aggregating ATO figures for financial year 2023. Forest Hill's median taxpayer income is $47,437 and average income stands at $61,190, compared to Greater Melbourne's $57,688 and $75,164 respectively. By September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $51,351 (median) and $66,238 (average), accounting for an 8.25% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023. Census 2021 data shows household income ranks at the 45th percentile ($1,658 weekly), with personal income at the 29th percentile. Income brackets indicate 29.1% of residents (3,298 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 range. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 83.6% of income remaining post-housing costs, ranking at the 45th percentile. The suburb'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 dwellings, as per the latest Census, consisted of 72.0% houses and 28.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared 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, exceeding Melbourne metro's average of $2,000. Median weekly rent in Forest Hill was $396, slightly higher than 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 account for 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, which is 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's residents aged 15+ have a higher university qualification rate of 41.2%, compared to Australia's 30.4% and Victoria's 33.4%. This is due to a significant number holding bachelor degrees (26.3%), postgraduate qualifications (11.6%), and graduate diplomas (3.3%). Vocational pathways account for 23.7%, with advanced diplomas at 11.4% and certificates at 12.3%. Educational participation is high, with 27.9% currently enrolled in formal education, including 8.7% in primary, 7.3% in secondary, and 5.9% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably 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 lightrail and bus services. These stops are served by 16 different routes, collectively facilitating 5,611 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 215 meters from the nearest stop. As predominantly residential, most commutes are outward-bound. Cars remain the primary mode of transportation at 85%, while train usage stands at 8%. 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 approximately 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's health data shows positive outcomes, with mortality rates and health conditions comparable to national benchmarks. Common health conditions are low among the general population but higher among older cohorts at risk.

Private health cover is relatively low, at approximately 51% (5,787 people), compared to Greater Melbourne's 56.7%. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 7.8% and 7.5% of residents respectively, while 70.2% report no medical ailments, compared to Greater Melbourne's 72.6%. Health outcomes for the under-65 population are better than average. The area has 22.7% (2,573 people) aged 65 and over, higher than Greater Melbourne's 15.1%, but lower nationally.

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 predominant religion in Forest Hill, comprising 43.9% of the population. However, Buddhism is significantly overrepresented, making up 7.3% compared to the Greater Melbourne average of 4.2%.

The top three ancestry groups in Forest Hill are Chinese (21.0%), English (17.7%), and Australian (17.0%). Notably, Sri Lankan, Hungarian, and Greek ethnicities are also overrepresented in Forest Hill compared to regional averages.

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 comprises 8.0% of the population in Forest Hill, compared to a lower percentage in Greater Melbourne, while the 25-34 cohort makes up 11.7%. According to post-2021 Census data, the 45 to 54 age group has decreased from 13.5% to 12.7%. Population forecasts for the year 2041 suggest substantial demographic changes in Forest Hill. The 45 to 54 age group is projected to grow by 21%, adding 295 people, reaching a total of 1,735 from 1,439. Notably, the combined age groups of 65 and above are expected to account for 54% of the total population growth, reflecting Forest Hill's aging demographic profile. In contrast, the 0 to 4 and 5 to 14 age cohorts are anticipated to experience population declines.