Forrest (ACT)

Population growth drivers in Forrest are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch since May 2026, the estimated population of Forrest (ACT) is around 2,012. This reflects an increase of 185 people from the 2021 Census figure of 1,827, marking a 10.1% growth rate. The change was inferred by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and validation of 12 new addresses since the Census date. This population level results in a density ratio of approximately 1,156 persons per square kilometer, which is relatively consistent with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Forrest's growth rate of 10.1% since the 2021 census exceeds both the state average of 8.3% and the SA4 region average, positioning it as a growth leader in the area. This population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration, contributing approximately 84.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

However, all drivers including natural growth and interstate migration were positive factors. AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data or years post-2032, age group growth rates from the ACT Government's SA2 area projections are adopted. Demographic trends suggest an above median population growth for national statistical areas moving forward. Based on aggregated SA2-level projections, Forrest is expected to grow by 258 persons to reach a total of approximately 2,270 by 2041, reflecting an increase of 12.8% over the 16-year period.

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

Forrest has averaged approximately eight new dwelling approvals annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, around 40 homes were approved, with three more approved so far in FY-26. Each year, an average of 2.8 new residents per dwelling was recorded between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating strong demand for housing.

The average construction cost value of new homes is $946,000, suggesting a focus on premium properties by developers. In FY-26, Forrest has registered $21.1 million in commercial approvals, reflecting moderate levels of commercial development. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Forrest's building activity is 53.0% below the regional average per person. Recent construction consists of 44.0% detached houses and 56.0% townhouses or apartments, indicating a shift towards higher-density living. As of now, there are approximately 301 people per dwelling approval in Forrest.

Future projections suggest Forrest will add around 258 residents by 2041, according to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Construction is maintaining a steady pace, but increasing population could lead to growing competition among buyers.

Forrest has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 49thth percentile nationally

AreaSearch has identified three projects that could impact the area significantly. These key projects are Griffith-Narrabundah Community Centre & Oval Upgrade, Yarra Rossa, Kingston Arts Precinct, and Light Rail Stage 2B: Commonwealth Park to Woden. The following list details those likely to be most relevant.

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

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Employment conditions in Forrest rank among the top 10% of areas assessed nationally

Forrest has an educated workforce with professional services well represented. Its unemployment rate was 0.7% in the past year, with estimated employment growth of 0.8%. As of December 2025, 1,230 residents were employed, with a 3.1% lower unemployment rate than the Australian Capital Territory's 3.8%, and workforce participation at 67.4%.

Home work was reported by 19.3% of residents in Census responses. Dominant employment sectors include public administration & safety, professional & technical, and health care & social assistance. Professional & technical jobs were notably concentrated, with levels at 1.4 times the regional average. Conversely, accommodation & food services had lower representation at 2.7%, compared to Australian Capital Territory's 6.5%.

The area hosted more jobs than residents, with a ratio of 2.5 workers per resident. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment levels increased by 0.8% and labour force by 1.0%, leading to an unemployment rise of 0.2 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia indicate a projected growth of 6.9% over five years and 14.0% over ten years for Forrest, based on industry-specific projections applied to its local employment mix.

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

Forrest suburb has a median taxpayer income of $98,598 and an average income of $160,235 based on the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. This places Forrest in the top percentile nationally, contrasting with Australian Capital Territory's median income of $72,206 and average income of $85,981. By March 2026, estimates suggest the median income will be approximately $108,892 and the average income will be around $176,964, accounting for a 10.44% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023. According to the 2021 Census figures, Forrest's household, family, and personal incomes rank highly nationally, between the 99th and 99th percentiles. Income analysis reveals that 42.0% of locals (845 people) fall into the $4000+ category, differing from the surrounding region where the $1,500 - 2,999 category is predominant at 34.3%. The suburb demonstrates significant affluence with 54.2% earning over $3,000 per week, supporting premium retail and service offerings. After housing costs, residents retain 89.4% of their income, indicating strong purchasing power. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 10th decile.

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

Forrest's dwellings, as per the latest Census, consisted of 36.5% houses and 63.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to the Australian Capital Territory's 63.3% houses and 36.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Forrest stood at 38.2%, with mortgaged dwellings at 31.3% and rented ones at 30.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,520, higher than the Australian Capital Territory average of $2,080. The median weekly rent was $570, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's $450. Nationally, Forrest's mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $2,520 versus the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Forrest features high concentrations of group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 67.2% of all households, consisting of 23.7% couples with children, 37.0% couples without children, and 4.9% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 32.8%, with lone person households at 29.2% and group households comprising 4.3% of the total. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is smaller than the Australian Capital Territory average of 2.5.

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

Forrest's educational attainment exceeds broader benchmarks significantly. Among residents aged 15+, 64.6% hold university qualifications compared to Australia's 30.4% and the SA4 region's 46.8%. This high level positions Forrest strongly for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 32.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (25.3%) and graduate diplomas (7.2%).

Technical qualifications represent 14.4% of educational achievements, with advanced diplomas at 7.9% and certificates at 6.5%. Educational participation is notably high in Forrest, with 25.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 8.6% in tertiary education, 7.4% in secondary education, and 6.2% pursuing primary education.

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

Forrest has 13 operational public transport stops, all offering bus services. These stops are served by 36 unique routes that facilitate a total of 2,679 weekly passenger journeys. The area's transport accessibility is deemed good, with residents typically residing 301 metres from the nearest stop. Primarily residential, Forrest sees most commuters travelling outward. Cars remain the primary mode of transportation at 70%, followed by walking (18%) and cycling (4%). On average, there are 1.3 vehicles per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, 19.3% of residents work from home, potentially influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Daily service frequency across all routes averages 382 trips, translating to approximately 206 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Forrest's health outcomes show notable results based on AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence were very low across all age groups. Private health cover was exceptionally high at approximately 90% of Forrest's total population (1,820 people), compared to 62.4% in the Australian Capital Territory and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions were arthritis and asthma, affecting 7.8% and 7.8% of residents respectively. 68.9% of Forrest's residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 70.2% in the Australian Capital Territory. Under-65 population health outcomes were better than average. Forrest has 27.2% of residents aged 65 and over (547 people), higher than the Australian Capital Territory's 14.3%. Health outcomes among seniors are strong, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Forrest was found to be above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Forrest's population showed higher cultural diversity than most local areas, with 25.9% born overseas and 20.0% speaking languages other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Forrest, accounting for 49.0% of its inhabitants. Notably, Judaism was more prevalent in Forrest at 0.8%, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's average of 0.2%.

The top three ancestral groups were English (23.7%), Australian (20.2%), and Irish (10.5%). Some ethnicities had notable disparities: Polish (1.4% vs regional 0.8%), French (1.1% vs 0.5%), and Scottish (9.6% vs 7.3%) were more represented in Forrest than their regional averages.

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

The median age in Forrest is 47 years, which is significantly higher than the Australian Capital Territory's average of 35 years and considerably older than Australia's national average of 38 years. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Forrest has a higher percentage of residents aged 55-64 (16.3%), but fewer residents aged 35-44 (9.1%). This concentration of residents aged 55-64 is well above the national average of 11.2%. According to the 2021 Census, the percentage of Forrest's population aged 75-84 has grown from 8.1% to 10.6%, while the percentage of those aged 55-64 increased from 14.7% to 16.3%. Conversely, the percentage of residents aged 45-54 declined from 15.4% to 11.5%, and the percentage of those aged 5-14 dropped from 8.9% to 6.4%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Forrest's age structure. Notably, the number of residents aged 65-74 is projected to grow by 42%, reaching 394 from 277. The combined age groups of 65 and above will account for 68% of total population growth, reflecting Forrest's aging demographic profile. In contrast, both the 15-24 and 0-4 age groups are projected to decrease in number.