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

By Nov 2025, Forest Hill's population is estimated at around 11,325. This reflects an increase of 545 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 10,780. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's resident population estimate of 11,288 in June 2024, based on ABS ERP data and validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 2,768 persons per square kilometer, placing Forest Hill 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 from 2023 adjusted using weighted aggregation methods to SA2 levels. Future population dynamics anticipate an increase just below the median for statistical areas analysed by AreaSearch, with Forest Hill expected to grow by 1,225 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 10.6% 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

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, Forest Hill has averaged around 44 new dwelling approvals per year. Over the past 5 financial years, between FY21 and FY25, approximately 220 homes were approved. As of FY26, 11 homes have been approved so far.

The average number of people moving to the area for each dwelling built over these years is 0, indicating that supply meets or exceeds demand. New properties are constructed at an average value of $659,000, which is moderately above regional levels.

This suggests an emphasis on quality construction. In FY26, $16.7 million in commercial approvals have been registered, indicating balanced commercial development activity. The new development consists of 74.0% detached houses and 26.0% medium and high-density housing, sustaining the area's suburban identity with a concentration of family homes suited to buyers seeking space. Forest Hill 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 1,200 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 affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 22 potential impact projects. 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 likely to have the most relevance.

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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 professional services well-represented. Its unemployment rate was 3.5% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 1.2%.

As of June 2025, 5,529 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.1%, below Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.6%. Workforce participation is lower at 57.7% compared to Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. Key industries for employment among Forest Hill 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 residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment levels increased by 1.2%, labour force grew by 0.7%, and unemployment fell by 0.4 percentage points in Forest Hill. In contrast, Greater Melbourne saw employment rise by 3.5%, labour force grow by 4.0%, and unemployment rise by 0.5 percentage points during the same period. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years for national employment. 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, based on simple weighting extrapolation.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

Forest Hill's median income among taxpayers was $47,435 in financial year 2022. The average income stood at $61,182 during the same period. These figures are lower than Greater Melbourne's median income of $54,892 and average income of $73,761. By September 2025, current estimates project Forest Hill's median income to be approximately $53,203 and average income around $68,622, based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.16% since financial year 2022. According to Census 2021 income data, Forest Hill's household income ranks at the 45th percentile with a weekly income of $1,658. Personal income ranks at the 29th percentile. Income brackets indicate that 29.1% of Forest Hill's population (3,295 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 income range, which is similar to the regional pattern where 32.8% occupy this 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 structures, per the latest Census, consisted of 72.0% houses and 28.0% other dwellings. In contrast, Melbourne metro had 0.0% houses and 0.0% other dwellings. Home ownership in Forest Hill was 39.6%, with mortgaged dwellings at 34.0% and rented ones at 26.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,123, aligning with Melbourne metro's average. Median weekly rent was $396, unlike Melbourne metro's figures of $0 for both. Nationally, Forest Hill's mortgage repayments exceeded the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were higher than 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 exceeds national and state averages. Among residents aged 15+, 41.2% hold university qualifications (30.4% Australia-wide, 33.4% in Victoria). Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent at 26.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (11.6%) and graduate diplomas (3.3%). Vocational pathways account for 23.7% of qualifications, with advanced diplomas at 11.4% and certificates at 12.3%.

Educational participation is high, with 27.9% currently enrolled in formal education: 8.7% in primary, 7.3% in secondary, and 5.9% in tertiary education. Parkmore Primary School serves Forest Hill with an enrollment of 142 students; the area has above-average socio-educational conditions (ICSEA: 1078). There is one primary school in the area, with secondary options available nearby. The low ratio of 1.3 school places per 100 residents indicates many local students attend schools outside Forest Hill.

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

Forest Hill has 52 active public transport stops, operating a mix of lightrail and buses. These stops are serviced by 16 individual routes, providing a total of 5,654 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 215 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 807 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 108 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 among both younger and older age cohorts. Private health cover is relatively low at approximately 51% of the total population (~5,782 people). The most common medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 7.8% and 7.5% of residents respectively. 70.2% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 0% across Greater Melbourne. As of 31 December 20XX, 22.3% of residents are aged 65 and over (2,525 people). This is 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's population has a high level of cultural diversity, with 43.8% born overseas and 44.3% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Forest Hill, accounting for 43.9% of its population. Notably, Buddhism is more prevalent in Forest Hill at 7.3%, compared to None% across Greater Melbourne.

The top three ancestral groups based on country of birth of parents are Chinese (21.0%), English (17.7%), and Australian (17.0%). Some ethnic groups have significant representation in Forest Hill, such as Sri Lankan at 1.0% (vs None% regionally), Hungarian at 0.4% (vs None%), and Greek at 3.6% (vs None%).

Forest Hill hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

The median age in Forest Hill is 42 years, which is significantly higher than Greater Melbourne's average of 37 years and Australia's national average of 38 years. The percentage of people aged 75-84 in Forest Hill is 7.8%, compared to the figure for Greater Melbourne. The 25-34 age group makes up 12.0% of Forest Hill's population, which is less than that of Greater Melbourne. According to data from the 2021 Census, the percentage of people aged 25-34 has increased from 11.3% to 12.0%. Conversely, the percentage of people aged 45-54 has decreased from 13.5% to 12.7%. By 2041, Forest Hill's population is expected to undergo significant demographic changes. The 45-54 age group is projected to grow by 21%, reaching a total of 1,735 people from the current figure of 1,438. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups are forecasted to account for 56% of Forest Hill's 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.