Forest Lake

Forest Lake is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

Forest Lake's population, as of November 2025, is estimated at around 24,029 people. This figure reflects an increase of 1,353 individuals since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 22,676 in the Forest Lake statistical area (Lv2). The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 23,899 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, along with an additional 99 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 2,457 persons per square kilometer, placing Forest Lake (SA2) in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Over the past decade, from 2011 to 2021, Forest Lake demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 1.7%, outpacing the national average. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 62.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data and for years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections are adopted, released in 2023 based on 2021 data. It should be noted that these state projections do not provide age category splits; hence where utilised, AreaSearch is applying proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort, released in 2023 based on 2022 data. Moving forward with demographic trends, an above median population growth of statistical areas across the nation is projected. The Forest Lake (SA2) is expected to increase by 3,551 persons to reach a total population of around 27,580 people by 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 18.7% in total over the 17 years from 2024 to 2041.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Forest Lake recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Forest Lake averaged around 25 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 128 homes. In FY-26 so far, 2 approvals have been recorded. This averages out to approximately 19.8 new residents per year arriving for each dwelling constructed between FY-21 and FY-25. Supply is lagging demand, indicating heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures.

Developers target the premium market segment with higher-end properties, as evidenced by an average construction value of $475,000. Commercial approvals totaling $2.2 million have been registered this financial year, suggesting a predominantly residential focus. Recent construction comprises 53.0% detached dwellings and 47.0% medium and high-density housing, expanding the range of medium-density options and creating opportunities across price brackets.

This marks a significant shift from existing housing patterns, which are currently 95.0% houses, possibly due to diminishing developable land availability and evolving lifestyle preferences. Forest Lake has approximately 2468 people per dwelling approval, indicating an established market. AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate projects Forest Lake to grow by 4,502 residents through to 2041. If current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

Forest Lake 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 20 projects likely to affect the region. Notable ones are Golden Grove Estate, Acacia Doolandella, Pallara Development Project at 78-88 Vied Road, and Forest Lake Shopping Centre ALDI Extension. The following list details those most 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.

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

Forest Lake has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. Its unemployment rate is 2.6%, having seen an estimated growth of 3.9% over the past year, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

As of September 2025, 13,781 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.4% below Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.0%. Workforce participation is 66.5%, comparable to Greater Brisbane's 64.5%. Leading employment industries among residents include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and education & training. The area specializes in manufacturing, with an employment share 1.5 times the regional level, while construction has a limited presence at 6.0% compared to the regional 9.0%.

Employment opportunities locally appear limited, as indicated by the Census working population vs resident population count. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 3.9%, labour force grew by 3.4%, and unemployment fell by 0.5 percentage points in Forest Lake, aligning with Greater Brisbane's trends. State-level data from QLD to 25-Nov-25 shows employment contracted by 0.01% (losing 1,210 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 4.2%, closely matching the national rate of 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Forest Lake's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.3% over five years and 13.4% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localised population projections.

Income levels align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis

Forest Lake suburb's income level is below national average per latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. Forest Lake's median taxpayer income is $51,598 and average income stands at $58,191. Greater Brisbane's figures are $58,236 and $72,799 respectively. With Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Forest Lake would be approximately $56,711 (median) and $63,958 (average) as of September 2025. Census data indicates incomes in Forest Lake cluster around the 54th percentile nationally. The $1,500 - 2,999 income bracket dominates with 38.5% of residents (9,251 people). After housing costs, 84.9% of income remains for other expenses. Forest Lake's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

Forest Lake is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile

Forest Lake's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 94.9% houses and 5.0% other dwellings. Home ownership stood at 25.3%, with 48.0% of dwellings mortgaged and 26.6% rented. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,690, and the median weekly rent was $390. Nationally, Forest Lake's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents exceeded the national figure of $375.

Forest Lake features high concentrations of family households, with a median household size of 2.8 people

Family households account for 78.6% of all households, including 39.6% couples with children, 24.0% couples without children, and 13.8% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 21.4%, consisting of 19.2% lone person households and 2.2% group households. The median household size is 2.8 people.

The educational profile of Forest Lake exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

Forest Lake's university qualification level is 27.1%, slightly below Greater Brisbane's average of 30.5%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 17.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (6.5%) and graduate diplomas (2.7%). Vocational credentials are held by 32.5% of residents aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 11.2% and certificates at 21.3%.

Educational participation is high, with 30.5% currently enrolled in formal education: primary (10.2%), secondary (9.5%), and tertiary (5.6%).

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

Forest Lake has 43 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. There are seven different bus routes serving these stops, together offering 1,992 weekly passenger trips. The transport system in Forest Lake is considered good, with residents on average being located 287 meters away from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 284 daily trips across all routes, which equates to around 46 weekly trips per individual stop.

Forest Lake'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 Lake health data shows positive outcomes overall. Common health conditions' prevalence is low among general residents but higher in older, at-risk cohorts compared to national averages.

Private health cover stands at approximately 50% of total population (~12,076 people), lower than the national average of 55.7%. Mental health issues and asthma are most prevalent, affecting 8.4 and 7.4% respectively. Around 70.3% claim to be free from medical ailments, higher than Greater Brisbane's 0%. The area has 14.6% residents aged 65 and over (3,508 people). Health outcomes among seniors require more attention compared to the broader population.

Forest Lake 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 Lake has a high level of cultural diversity, with 33.2% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 39.8% born overseas. The dominant religion in Forest Lake is Christianity, comprising 46.9% of the population. Buddhism is overrepresented in Forest Lake, making up 6.2% compared to None% across Greater Brisbane.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups are English (23.0%), Australian (19.5%), and Other (12.6%). Some ethnic groups are notably overrepresented: Samoan at 2.6%, Vietnamese at 6.0%, and Maori at 1.5%.

Forest Lake's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Forest Lake's median age is 37 years, closely matching Greater Brisbane's average of 36 and near Australia's median of 38. Forest Lake has a higher concentration of residents aged 55-64 (12.4%) compared to Greater Brisbane but fewer residents aged 25-34 (11.2%). Between the 2021 Census and now, the population aged 75-84 has grown from 4.1% to 4.8%. Conversely, the 45-54 age group has decreased from 15.2% to 14.0%, and the 25-34 age group has dropped from 12.3% to 11.2%. By 2041, Forest Lake's age profile is projected to change significantly. The 75-84 cohort is expected to grow by 84%, adding 965 residents to reach 2,119. Residents aged 65 and above will drive 55% of population growth. Meanwhile, the 35-44 and 0-4 age cohorts are projected to experience population declines.