Forrestdale

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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the Census the suburb of Forrestdale has an estimated population of approximately 3,385 as of May 2026. This represents a growth of 2,358 people (229.6%) since the 2021 Census, when the recorded population was 1,027 people. This shift is calculated from a resident population of 3,190, estimated by AreaSearch using the latest ERP data release from the ABS (June 2025) along with 882 validated new addresses identified since the Census date. This population size results in a density of 106 persons per square kilometer, which indicates substantial space per individual and capacity for future expansion. The growth rate of 229.6% for the suburb of Forrestdale since the 2021 census outpaced the national average (9.3%) as well as the state, making it a regional leader in expansion. Population increases in the area were chiefly fueled by interstate migration, which accounted for roughly 56.99999999999999% of total population gains in recent times, though positive contributions were also made by all other factors including natural growth and overseas migration.

AreaSearch applies ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, which were published in 2024 with 2022 as the baseline year. For SA2 areas lacking this data, and to project expansion across all areas after 2032, AreaSearch uses the growth rates by age cohort from the ABS Greater Capital Region projections (published in 2023, based on 2022 data). Demographic forecasts indicate that the suburb of Forrestdale will experience exceptional growth, ranking in the top 10 percent of statistical areas nationwide, with the population projected to grow by 2,566 persons to 2041 using aggregated SA2-level forecasts, representing an overall increase of 70.0% over the 16 years.

The level of residential development activity in Forrestdale was found to be higher than 90% of real estate markets across the country

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area data, Forrestdale has averaged approximately 163 new home approvals annually, with an estimated 818 homes approved during the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 168 so far in FY-26. An average of 2.6 new residents were added for every dwelling constructed over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), indicating strong demand that should help maintain property values, while new dwellings are being built at an average cost of $403,000, indicating developers are prioritizing high-end developments in the premium market. Furthermore, $39.2 million in commercial development approvals have been documented this financial year, showing high levels of local commercial activity.

Compared to Greater Perth, Forrestdale displays 992.0% higher building activity per person, which should provide buyers with plenty of choices, although development activity has slowed down in recent periods. This level is substantially higher than the national figure, pointing to strong developer confidence in the area. New residential projects comprise 99.0% detached houses and 1.0% attached dwellings, preserving the traditional low density character of the area with a focus on family homes for those wanting space. With approximately 21 people per approval, Forrestdale shows the profile of a developing area.

Demographic projections indicate Forrestdale will add 2,371 residents through to 2041 based on the most recent AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Given current construction trends, the supply of new housing is expected to easily satisfy demand, creating favorable conditions for buyers and potentially supporting population growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Forrestdale has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 46thth percentile nationally

Few factors can affect local performance as much as adjustments to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning changes. AreaSearch has identified a total of 45 projects likely to impact the locality. Key developments include Stockland Sienna Wood Town Centre, Piara Waters Lifestyle Resort, Aarya Estate by Satterley, and Ayana Estate, with the list below highlighting those of greatest significance.

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

Forrestdale has a skilled labor force, with the construction sector showing especially strong representation, an unemployment rate of only 1.8%, and an estimated 17.7% growth in employment over the past year, according to AreaSearch aggregations of statistical area data. As of March 2026, 2,157 residents are employed, and the unemployment rate is 2.4% lower than the 4.2% rate of Greater Perth, while participation in the workforce is exceptionally high at 89.2% compared to 70.2% in Greater Perth. According to Census responses, a minor 12.1% of residents worked from home, though the influence of Covid-19 lockdowns should be kept in mind.

The primary employment sectors for residents are construction, health care & social assistance, and education & training. The area has a strong employment concentration in construction, with its share of employment reaching 1.5 times the regional level. Conversely, the professional & technical sector employs only 5.4% of local workers, which is below the 8.2% recorded in Greater Perth. With 3.4 workers for every resident at the time of the Census, the area operates as a employment hub, providing more jobs than it has working residents and drawing in commuters from surrounding areas.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data aggregated from wider statistical areas, the 12-month period saw employment rise by 17.7% and the labour force expand by 18.1%, which led to a 0.3 percentage point increase in the unemployment rate. This compares to Greater Perth, where employment expanded by 2.0%, the labour force grew by 2.5%, and unemployment went up by 0.4 percentage points. National employment projections from Jobs and Skills Australia published in May-25 offer additional context on future demand in Forrestdale. These forecasts, spanning five and ten-year horizons, have been applied to the local employment structure to estimate growth. Although national employment is projected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, the rates of growth vary significantly across different industries. Applying these sector-specific forecasts to the employment structure of Forrestdale suggests local employment should rise by 6.0% over five years and 12.7% over ten years (note that this is a basic weighted extrapolation for demonstration purposes and does not incorporate local population forecasts).

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

According to the latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023, the suburb of Forrestdale's income level is below the national average. The suburb of Forrestdale has a median income among taxpayers of $46,040 and an average income of $54,021, compared to Greater Perth's figures of $60,748 and $80,248 respectively. Reflecting a Wage Price Index growth of 10.93% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $51,072 (median) and $59,925 (average) as of March 2026. Data from the 2021 Census shows that household, family, and personal incomes in Forrestdale are positioned around the 50th percentile nationally. The statistics show that the $1,500 - 2,999 range is the most common, containing 33.3% of residents (1,127 people), similar to the wider region where 32.0% fall into this bracket. Once housing costs are paid, 86.2% of income is available for other costs.

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

At the time of the latest Census, the dwelling mix in Forrestdale consisted of 98.8% houses and 1.2% other housing types (semi-detached, apartments, and alternative dwellings), compared to the Perth metro profile of 77.8% houses and 22.1% other dwellings. Meanwhile, home ownership in Forrestdale was significantly higher than the Perth metro average, sitting at 32.7%, while the remaining homes were either mortgaged (48.6%) or rented (18.6%). The median monthly mortgage payment in the area was $1,733, which is below the Perth metro average of $1,907, while the median weekly rent was recorded at $350, matching the Perth metro rent of $350. Nationally, mortgage repayments in Forrestdale are lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents are below the national figure of $375.

Forrestdale has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households make up the majority at 76.3% of all households, consisting of 33.9% couples with children, 29.1% couples without children, and 12.4% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 23.7%, with single person households representing 20.6% and group households making up 3.1% of the total. The median household size of 2.7 people is slightly larger than the Greater Perth average of 2.6.

Educational attainment in Forrestdale aligns closely with national averages, showing typical qualification patterns and performance metrics

The locality presents educational hurdles, with university qualification levels (16.8%) falling substantially below the Australian average of 30.4%. This highlights both a challenge and an opening for focused educational strategies. Bachelor degrees represent the most common qualification at 12.9%, followed by postgraduate degrees (2.3%) and graduate diplomas (1.6%). Vocational and technical training are highly represented, with 40.9% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational qualifications, split between advanced diplomas (9.7%) and certificates (31.2%).

Participation in study is notably high, with 27.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This comprises 9.5% in primary schools, 9.0% in secondary schools, and 2.9% studying at tertiary institutions.

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

Public transport analysis shows 11 active transit stops operating within Forrestdale, consisting of bus services. These stops are served by 4 unique routes, which combine to offer 829 weekly passenger journeys. Transport accessibility is classified as limited, with residents typically living 896 meters from the nearest transit stop. As a majorly residential area, most workers commute out of the suburb, and the car remains the dominant mode of travel at 86%, while 4% walk. Average vehicle ownership is 2.1 per dwelling, which is higher than the regional average. A low 12.1% of residents work from home (2021 Census; this may reflect COVID-19 circumstances).

Service frequency averages 118 trips per day across all routes, which corresponds to roughly 75 weekly trips per stop.

Health outcomes in Forrestdale are marginally below the national average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Health measures indicate below-average outcomes in Forrestdale, based on AreaSearch's evaluation of mortality rates and the prevalence of chronic illnesses, with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older cohorts, and private health coverage found to be very low at approximately 49% of the population (~1,646 people). This compares to 59.0% in Greater Perth and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical diagnoses in the area were arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 8.2 and 7.7% of residents, respectively, while 69.0% reported being entirely free of medical issues compared to 71.9% across Greater Perth. Health profiles among the working-age population are generally standard. The area contains 12.8% of residents aged 65 and over (433 people), which is lower than the 16.1% average in Greater Perth. Health outcomes for seniors show some difficulties, with national performance rankings matching the general population.

In terms of cultural diversity, Forrestdale records figures broadly comparable to the national average, as found in AreaSearch's assessment of a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Forrestdale displays above-average cultural diversity, with 9.8% of residents speaking a language other than English at home and 24.8% born overseas. The predominant religion in Forrestdale is Christianity, representing 50.2% of the population, compared to 45.0% across Greater Perth.

Regarding ancestry (parents' country of birth), the three most common groups in Forrestdale are English at 33.5% of the population (significantly above the regional average of 28.0%), Australian at 25.1%, and Scottish at 8.3%. In addition, there are notable differences in the representation of other ethnic backgrounds: Dutch is overrepresented at 3.9% of Forrestdale (compared to 1.5% regionally), South Australian at 2.3% (compared to 1.0%), and New Zealand at 1.4% (compared to 0.8%).

Forrestdale's median age exceeds the national pattern

The median age of 39 in Forrestdale is slightly higher than the Greater Perth average of 37 and very close to the national median of 38. Compared to Greater Perth, the 5 - 14 cohort is highly represented (16.7% locally), while the 25 - 34 age group is under-represented (9.2%). Data after the 2021 Census indicates the area has grown younger, with the median age falling 1.8 years to 39 from 41. Key shifts include the 35 to 44 age cohort increasing from 11.6% to 16.2% of the population, and the 5 to 14 group rising from 13.1% to 16.7%. In contrast, the 55 to 64 cohort declined from 15.2% to 11.1%, and the 25 to 34 cohort dropped from 12.3% to 9.2%. By 2041, Forrestdale is expected to experience significant shifts in its age structure. Leading this demographic change, the 45 to 54 cohort will grow by 128% (639 people), increasing from 497 to 1,137.