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

The suburb of Forrest (ACT) had an estimated population of 1,963 as of November 2025, according to AreaSearch's analysis of ABS population updates and new addresses validated by them. This figure represents a 7.4% increase from the 2021 Census population of 1,827 people. AreaSearch estimated this resident population based on their examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, along with an additional five validated new addresses since the Census date. Forrest's population density was approximately 1,128 persons per square kilometer, which is relatively inline with averages seen across other locations assessed by AreaSearch. The suburb's growth of 7.4% since the 2021 census exceeded both the state average of 5.9% and the SA4 region average. Overseas migration was the primary driver of population growth in Forrest, 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 and years post-2032, age group growth rates from the ACT Government's SA2 area projections are adopted, using 2022 as the base year. Future population trends for Forrest indicate an above median growth rate, with a projected increase of 295 persons to reach a total population of 2,258 by 2041, reflecting a 15.3% increase over the 17-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 experienced approximately 8 dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling around 40 homes. In FY26 so far, there have been 3 recorded approvals. On average, about 3 people move to the area per new home constructed each year between FY21 and FY25, indicating strong demand that supports property values. The average construction value of these new homes is $946,000, suggesting developers target the premium market segment with higher-end properties.

This financial year has seen $21.1 million in commercial approvals, demonstrating moderate levels of commercial development. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Forrest records significantly lower building activity, around 53.0% below the regional average per person. This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established dwellings. Recent construction comprises approximately 44.0% standalone homes and 56.0% townhouses or apartments, indicating a trend towards denser development that appeals to various buyer types. Forrest has around 302 people per dwelling approval, suggesting a developing market with future projections estimating an addition of 300 residents by 2041.

Building activity is keeping pace with growth projections, though buyers may face increased competition as the population grows.

Forrest 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 two projects that may affect the region: Kingston Arts Precinct, Griffith-Narrabundah Community Centre & Oval Upgrade, Yarra Rossa, and Cromwell Office Building Development.

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

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

Forrest has a highly educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. Its unemployment rate was 0.6% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 1.3%.

As of June 2025, 1,235 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 2.8% below the Australian Capital Territory's rate of 3.4%, and workforce participation similar to the territory's 69.6%. Leading employment industries include public administration & safety, professional & technical services, and health care & social assistance. Notably, professional & technical services have employment levels at 1.4 times the regional average, while accommodation & food services employ only 2.7% of local workers, below the Australian Capital Territory's 6.5%. The area functions as an employment hub with 2.5 jobs per resident, attracting workers from surrounding areas.

Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment increased by 1.3%, labour force grew by 1.7%, resulting in a 0.3 percentage point rise in unemployment. In contrast, Australian Capital Territory saw employment grow by 1.9% and unemployment fall by 0.3 percentage points during the same period. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Forrest's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.9% over five years and 14.0% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localised population projections.

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

Forrest's income data from AreaSearch's postcode level ATO figures for financial year 2022 shows median income at $98,598 and average income at $160,235. This is higher than the Australian Capital Territory's median income of $68,678 and average income of $83,634. By September 2025, estimates based on Wage Price Index growth suggest median income will be approximately $112,007 and average income $182,027. Forrest's incomes from the 2021 Census rank highly nationally: households at 99th percentile, families at 99th percentile, and personal incomes between the 99th and 99th percentiles. In Forrest, 42.0% of individuals earn $4000 or more per week, contrasting with the broader area where 34.3% earn between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly. A significant proportion, 54.2%, earn above $3,000 per week, indicating strong economic capacity in the suburb. After housing costs, residents retain 89.4% of their income, reflecting robust purchasing power. Forrest'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

The dwelling structure in Forrest, as per the latest Census data, consisted of 36.5% houses and 63.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to the Australian Capital Territory's figures of 40.7% houses and 59.3% other dwellings. Home ownership in Forrest stood at 38.2%, with mortgaged dwellings at 31.3% and rented dwellings at 30.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,520, higher than the Australian Capital Territory average of $2,275. The median weekly rent in Forrest was $570, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's $500. Nationally, Forrest's median monthly 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 fairly typical median household size

Family households compose 67.2% of all households, including 23.7% couples with children, 37.0% couples without children, and 4.9% single parent families. Non-family households account for 32.8%, with lone person households at 29.2% and group households making up 4.3%. The median household size is 2.2 people, which aligns with the Australian Capital Territory average.

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

Forrest's educational attainment is notably high, with 64.6% of residents aged 15 and above holding university qualifications. This compares to the national average of 30.4% and the SA4 region average of 46.8%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 32.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (25.3%) and graduate diplomas (7.2%). Technical qualifications make up 14.4%, with advanced diplomas at 7.9% and certificates at 6.5%.

Educational participation is high, 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. Forrest Primary School serves the local area, with an enrollment of 476 students as of a recent report. The school's ICSEA score is 1138, indicating significant socio-educational advantages and academic achievement. There is one primary school in Forrest, focusing exclusively on primary education. Secondary options are available in surrounding areas. School places per 100 residents stand at 24.2, below the regional average of 31.1, suggesting some students may attend schools in adjacent areas.

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

Forrest has 13 active public transport stops operating within its boundaries. These stops offer a mix of bus services, with 7 different routes in total providing 661 weekly passenger trips combined. The accessibility of these transport services is rated as good, with residents on average located 301 meters from the nearest stop.

The service frequency averages 94 trips per day across all routes, which equates to approximately 50 weekly trips per individual stop.

The level of general health in Forrest is notably higher than the national average with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Forrest demonstrates above-average health outcomes with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions. The rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 90% of the total population (1,775 people), compared to 78.0% across Australian Capital Territory and a national average of 55.3%. The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and asthma, impacting 7.8% and 7.8% of residents respectively, while 68.9% declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 69.8% across Australian Capital Territory.

The area has 26.0% of residents aged 65 and over (510 people), which is higher than the 19.9% in Australian Capital Territory. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, performing even better than the general population in health metrics.

Forrest 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

Forrest's population showed high cultural diversity, with 25.9% born overseas and 20.0% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, at 49.0%. Judaism was overrepresented compared to Australian Capital Territory, comprising 0.8% of Forrest's population.

The top three ancestry groups were English (23.7%), Australian (20.2%), and Irish (10.5%). Some ethnic groups showed notable differences: Polish (1.4% vs regional 1.0%), French (1.1% vs 0.9%), and Scottish (9.6% vs 8.5%) were overrepresented in Forrest.

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

The median age in Forrest is 47 years, significantly higher than the Australian Capital Territory's average of 35 years and Australia's average of 38 years. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Forrest has a higher proportion of residents aged 55-64 (16.0%), but fewer residents aged 35-44 (10.2%). According to the 2021 Census, the population aged 75-84 grew from 8.1% to 10.2%, while the 55-64 age group increased from 14.7% to 16.0%. Conversely, the 45-54 age group declined from 15.4% to 12.7%, and the 5-14 age group decreased from 8.9% to 7.2%. By 2041, demographic projections show significant shifts in Forrest's age structure. The 65-74 age group is projected to grow by 58% (147 people), reaching 403 from 255. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 69% of total population growth, indicating an aging demographic profile in Forrest. In contrast, both the 0-4 and 5-14 age groups are expected to decrease in number.