Forestdale

An assessment of population growth drivers in Forestdale reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

Forestdale's population, as of November 2025, is estimated at around 2,708, reflecting an increase of 148 people since the 2021 Census. The 2021 Census reported a population of 2,560 for Forestdale. This increase can be inferred from AreaSearch's resident population estimate of 2,683 as of June 2024, based on ABS ERP data and validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 445 persons per square kilometer. Over the past decade, Forestdale has demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 1.8%, outpacing the state's average. Interstate migration contributed approximately 50% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including overseas migration and natural growth were positive factors.

For population projections moving forward, AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections released in 2023 based on 2021 data are adopted, applying proportional growth weightings for each age cohort in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023. By 2041, Forestdale is projected to increase by 680 persons, reflecting a total increase of 30.6% over the 17 years.

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

Forestdale has recorded around 6 residential properties granted approval per year. Approximately 32 homes were approved between FY-21 and FY-25, with 2 more approved in FY-26 so far. On average, for every home built over the past 5 financial years, there are 9.4 new residents.

This demand significantly outpaces supply, which typically increases competition among buyers and puts upward pressure on prices. New properties are constructed at an average value of $320,000, reflecting more affordable housing options compared to regional norms. In FY-26, $67,000 in commercial development approvals have been recorded, indicating minimal commercial development activity. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Forestdale has significantly less development activity, with 86.0% below the regional average per person. This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established homes. The current housing mix is 97.0% houses, but there's a growing trend towards townhouses and apartments, reflecting reduced availability of development sites and shifting lifestyle demands.

The estimated count of people in the area per dwelling approval is 510, indicating a quiet, low activity development environment. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Forestdale is expected to grow by 829 residents through to 2041. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

Forestdale has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

Area infrastructure significantly impacts local performance. AreaSearch identified seven major projects potentially influencing the region. Notable initiatives comprise Ember by Azure (previously Augusta Parkway Estate Expansion), Logan Metro Sports Park, Banksia Rise Estate, and Loganlea Station Relocation Project. The following details projects likely 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.

AreaSearch analysis of employment trends sees Forestdale performing better than 90% of local markets assessed across Australia

Forestdale has a skilled workforce with the construction sector being notably represented. Its unemployment rate is 1.5%, with an estimated employment growth of 5.5% over the past year, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

As of June 2025, 1,712 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 2.6% lower than Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation in Forestdale is similar to Greater Brisbane's 64.5%. The leading employment industries among residents include construction, health care & social assistance, and manufacturing. Construction stands out with an employment share 1.6 times the regional level, while accommodation & food shows lower representation at 4.2% compared to the regional average of 6.7%.

The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the Census working population vs resident population count. Over a 12-month period ending in June 2025, employment increased by 5.5% and labour force by 5.1%, reducing the unemployment rate by 0.3 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Brisbane experienced employment growth of 4.4% and labour force growth of 4.0%, with a 0.4 percentage point drop in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 project national employment expansion at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates vary significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Forestdale's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.3% over five years and 13.2% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localised population projections.

Income metrics indicate excellent economic conditions, with the area achieving higher performance than 75% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch

AreaSearch's aggregation of latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows Forestdale had a median taxpayer income of $56,912 and an average income of $63,090. These figures are close to the national averages of $55,645 and $70,520 respectively in Greater Brisbane. By September 2025, adjusted for Wage Price Index growth of 13.99%, median income is estimated at approximately $64,874 and average income at $71,916. The 2021 Census records Forestdale's household incomes at the 93rd percentile ($2,675 weekly) and personal incomes at the 64th percentile. Income distribution shows that 27.6% of locals (747 people) earn between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly, similar to the broader area's 33.3%. High-income households (exceeding $3,000 weekly) make up 44.8%, indicating strong consumer spending power. After housing costs, residents retain 89.0% of their income, reflecting robust purchasing power. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 8th decile.

Forestdale is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Forestdale's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 99.0% houses and 1.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Brisbane metro's 89.2% houses and 10.9% other dwellings. Forestdale's home ownership rate was 45.8%, with mortgaged dwellings at 48.7% and rented ones at 5.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,383, higher than Brisbane metro's average of $1,600. The median weekly rent figure was recorded at $500, compared to Brisbane metro's $360. Nationally, Forestdale's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Forestdale features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 88.7% of all households, including 47.3% couples with children, 32.6% couples without children, and 7.5% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 11.3%, with lone person households at 9.3% and group households comprising 1.1%. The median household size is 3.1 people, larger than the Greater Brisbane average of 3.0.

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

Forestdale's educational attainment significantly exceeds broader benchmarks. Among residents aged 15+, 26.6% hold university qualifications, compared to 14.3% in the SA3 area and 16.2% in the SA4 region. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 19.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.0%) and graduate diplomas (2.4%). Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 36.3% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas (11.0%) and certificates (25.3%).

Educational participation is high, with 27.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 9.3% in primary, 9.3% in secondary, and 5.5% in tertiary education. Educational facilities appear to be located outside Forestdale's immediate boundaries, requiring families to access schools in neighboring areas.

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

Forestdale has two active public transport stops operating, both serving buses. These stops are served by one route in total, offering 173 weekly passenger trips combined. Transport accessibility is limited, with residents typically situated 856 meters from the nearest stop.

Services run an average of 24 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 86 weekly trips per individual stop.

Forestdale's residents are extremely healthy with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Analysis of health metrics shows strong performance throughout Forestdale. Both young and old age cohorts exhibit low prevalence of common health conditions.

The rate of private health cover is approximately 52% of the total population (~1,413 people), leading that of the average SA2 area. This compares to 47.6% across Greater Brisbane. The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and asthma, impacting 7.4 and 7.2% of residents respectively, while 73.1% declare themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 69.2% across Greater Brisbane. The area has 17.9% of residents aged 65 and over (484 people), which is higher than the 12.2% in Greater Brisbane. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, performing even better than the general population in health metrics.

Forestdale 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

Forestdale's population showed high cultural diversity, with 28.5% born overseas and 19.8% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 56.0%. Judaism, however, was notably overrepresented at 0.5%, compared to 0.0% in Greater Brisbane.

The top ancestry groups were English (26.6%), Australian (22.1%), and Scottish (7.9%). Some ethnic groups showed significant divergences: Vietnamese (3.7% vs regional 0.7%), South African (1.0% vs 0.3%), and Hungarian (0.4% vs 0.3%).

Forestdale hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Forestdale's median age is 42 years, which is significantly higher than Greater Brisbane's average of 36 and considerably older than Australia's median of 38. Compared to the Greater Brisbane average, Forestdale has a notably over-represented cohort of 55-64 year-olds (15.5%) while those aged 25-34 are under-represented (7.1%). According to the 2021 Census, the population aged 35-44 grew from 11.7% to 13.0%, while the 25-34 age group declined from 8.1% to 7.1%. By 2041, Forestdale's demographic model projects significant changes in its age profile. The 45-54 cohort is expected to grow by 45%, adding 175 residents to reach a total of 563. The 0-4 age group shows more modest growth at 7%, with an addition of just 6 residents.