Forest Lodge

Population growth drivers in Forest Lodge are slightly above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, Forest Lodge's population is estimated at around 5,333 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 368 people (7.4%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,965 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 5,329 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 9 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 11,851 persons per square kilometer, which lies in the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch, making land in the area a highly-sought resource. Forest Lodge's 7.4% growth since census positions it within 0.2 percentage points of the state (7.6%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 87.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch is utilising the NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, as released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are also applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Over this period, projections indicate a decline in overall population, with the Forest Lodge statistical area's population expected to reduce by 50 persons by 2041 according to this methodology. However, growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, led by the 75 to 84 age group, which is projected to grow by 113 people.

The level of residential development activity in Forest Lodge is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch

Forest Lodge has seen approximately 15 residential properties granted approval each year based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers. Around 78 homes have been approved in the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, with an additional seven approved so far in FY-26. The average construction cost value for new homes is $1,105,000, indicating a focus on the premium market segment.

Forest Lodge has experienced population decline, suggesting that new supply has been keeping up with demand, providing good choice to buyers. In terms of commercial approvals, Forest Lodge has registered $453.3 million in FY-26, indicating robust local business investment. Compared to Greater Sydney, Forest Lodge shows approximately half the construction activity per person and places among the 8th percentile nationally, resulting in relatively constrained buyer choice and supporting interest in existing dwellings. New building activity in Forest Lodge is skewed toward compact living, with 11.0% detached dwellings and 89.0% townhouses or apartments. This trend offers affordable entry pathways and attracts downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers.

With around 2636 people per approval, Forest Lodge shows a mature, established area. Population projections indicate stability or decline in Forest Lodge, which should result in reduced housing demand pressures, benefiting potential buyers.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 13 projects that could impact the area. Key projects include Cowper Street Social Housing Development, Elger Street Social Housing, Wentworth Park Rd in Glebe, and Sydney Metro West - The Bays Station. Below is a list of those most relevant.

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

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Employment performance in Forest Lodge has been below expectations when compared to most other areas nationally

Forest Lodge has a highly educated workforce with significant representation in the technology sector. The unemployment rate is 6.2%, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

As of September 2025, there are 3,242 residents employed, with an unemployment rate of 6.4% compared to Greater Sydney's 4.2%. Workforce participation stands at 74.7%, exceeding Greater Sydney's 60.0%. Employment is concentrated in professional & technical (1.8 times the regional average), education & training, and health care & social assistance sectors. Construction employment is limited at 3.8% compared to the regional average of 8.6%.

Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. Over the year to September 2025, labour force levels decreased by 1.5%, with a 1.9% decline in employment, leading to an unemployment rate rise of 0.4 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Sydney saw employment grow by 2.1% and labour force expand by 2.4%. State-level data from NSW as of 25-Nov shows employment contracted by 0.03%, with an unemployment rate of 3.9%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project a 6.6% growth over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but local industry-specific projections suggest Forest Lodge's employment should increase by 7.6% over five years and 15.0% over ten years.

The economic profile demonstrates exceptional strength, placing the area among the top 10% nationally based on comprehensive AreaSearch income analysis

Forest Lodge's income level is among the top percentile nationally according to latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. The suburb's median income among taxpayers is $77,124 and average income stands at $117,127, compared to Greater Sydney's figures of $60,817 and $83,003 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $83,957 (median) and $127,504 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes all rank highly in Forest Lodge, between the 88th and 97th percentiles nationally. The earnings profile shows the $4000+ bracket dominates with 31.7% of residents (1,690 people), contrasting with the region where the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket leads at 30.9%. Economic strength emerges through 43.4% of households achieving high weekly earnings exceeding $3,000, supporting elevated consumer spending. High housing costs consume 21.0% of income, though strong earnings still place disposable income at the 81st percentile and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 10th decile.

Forest Lodge features a more urban dwelling mix with significant apartment living, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Forest Lodge's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 3.5% houses and 96.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Sydney metro's 2.3% houses and 97.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Forest Lodge stood at 17.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 20.1% and rented ones at 62.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $3,033, higher than Sydney metro's average of $2,705. The median weekly rent in Forest Lodge was $590, compared to Sydney metro's $550. Nationally, Forest Lodge's mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $3,033 against the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially higher at $590 compared to the national figure of $375.

Forest Lodge features high concentrations of group households and lone person households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 55.7% of all households, including 19.5% couples with children, 28.6% couples without children, and 6.5% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 44.3%, with lone person households at 35.8% and group households comprising 8.6%. The median household size is 2.1 people, which is larger than the Greater Sydney average of 1.9.

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

Forest Lodge has a notably high educational attainment level among residents aged 15 and above, with 66.4% holding university qualifications. This is significantly higher than the national average of 30.4% and the NSW average of 32.2%. The area's educational advantage is reflected in its knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees are the most common qualification at 38.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 23.9% and graduate diplomas at 4.2%.

Vocational pathways account for 16.7% of qualifications, with advanced diplomas making up 9.1% and certificates 7.6%. Educational participation is high in Forest Lodge, with 28.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 13.9% in tertiary education, 5.7% in primary education, and 3.0% pursuing secondary education.

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

Forest Lodge has 22 active public transport stops operating within its boundaries. These stops service a mix of bus routes, totaling 20 individual routes. The combined weekly passenger trips across these routes amount to 6,529.

Residents enjoy excellent transport accessibility, with an average distance of 106 meters to the nearest stop. Service frequency averages 932 trips per day, equating to approximately 296 weekly trips per individual stop.

Forest Lodge's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Forest Lodge demonstrates excellent health outcomes, with a low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups. Private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 73% of the total population (3,895 people), compared to 68.5% across Greater Sydney and the national average of 55.7%. The most prevalent medical conditions are mental health issues and asthma, affecting 9.4 and 7.3% of residents respectively.

A significant majority, 77.2%, report being completely free from medical ailments, similar to the 77.4% across Greater Sydney. As of 2016, 9.3% of residents are aged 65 and over (495 people). Seniors' health outcomes align broadly with those of the general population.

Forest Lodge was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Forest Lodge has a high level of cultural diversity, with 27.6% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 42.6% born overseas. The predominant religion in Forest Lodge is Christianity, accounting for 26.9% of the population. However, Judaism is overrepresented compared to Greater Sydney, comprising 0.5% versus 1.1%.

The top three ancestral groups based on country of birth of parents are English (22.6%), Australian (16.0%), and Other (12.5%). Some ethnic groups show notable differences in representation: French is slightly overrepresented at 1.0% compared to the regional average of 1.1%, Russian is marginally underrepresented at 0.7% versus 0.8%, and Hungarian shows no significant difference at 0.4%.

Forest Lodge hosts a young demographic, positioning it in the bottom quartile nationwide

Forest Lodge's median age is 34 years, which is lower than Greater Sydney's average of 37 years and considerably younger than Australia's median age of 38 years. Compared to Greater Sydney, Forest Lodge has a higher concentration of residents aged 25-34 (25.3%), but fewer residents aged 5-14 (6.5%). This concentration of 25-34 year-olds is well above the national average of 14.5%. Between the 2021 Census and the present, the population aged 15 to 24 has grown from 11.8% to 14.7%, while the 75 to 84 age group has increased from 2.1% to 3.2%. Conversely, the 55 to 64 age group has declined from 9.4% to 8.3%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic changes in Forest Lodge. The 75 to 84 age cohort is projected to grow by 58%, adding 99 residents and reaching a total of 270. Residents aged 65 and above will drive 77% of the population growth, highlighting aging trends. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 15 to 24 and 5 to 14 age cohorts.