Forrestdale

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

Forrestdale's population is estimated at around 3771 as of Feb 2026, reflecting an increase of 2744 people since the 2021 Census. This growth represents a 267.2% increase from the previously reported population of 1027 people in Forrestdale. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 3593 following examination of ABS' latest ERP data release (June 2024), along with an additional 714 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 119 persons per square kilometer, indicating significant space per person and potential room for further development. Forrestdale's growth rate exceeds both national (9.9%) and state averages, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Interstate migration contributed approximately 56.99999999999999% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including natural growth and overseas migration were positive factors.

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 to estimate growth post-2032, AreaSearch utilises growth rates by age cohort provided by the ABS in its latest Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data). Considering projected demographic shifts, exceptional growth is predicted for Forrestdale over the period, with an expected expansion of 850 persons to reach a total population of 4621 by 2041. This projection reflects a decrease of approximately 40.8% in total population growth over the 17-year period from 2024 to 2041.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Forrestdale among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

Forrestdale averaged approximately 170 new dwelling approvals annually based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers. Between FY-21 and FY-25, around 850 homes were approved, with an additional 112 approvals in FY-26. On average, 0.5 people moved to the area for each dwelling built over these years.

This indicates that new supply is meeting or exceeding demand, providing ample buyer choice and capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts. The average construction value of new properties was $403,000, suggesting a focus on the premium market with high-end developments. In FY-26, Forrestdale recorded $39.2 million in commercial development approvals, demonstrating significant local commercial activity. Compared to Greater Perth, Forrestdale shows 1324.0% higher building activity per person, offering buyers ample choice. However, development activity has moderated in recent periods.

This high level of activity suggests strong developer confidence in the location. New development in Forrestdale consists of 99.0% detached houses and 1.0% attached dwellings, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. With approximately 9 people per approval, Forrestdale reflects an actively developing area. Population projections indicating stability or decline may reduce housing demand pressures in the future, benefiting potential buyers.

Forrestdale has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 46 projects that could impact the area. Notable ones include Stockland Sienna Wood Town Centre, Piara Waters Lifestyle Resort, Forrestdale Business Park East, and Aarya Estate by Satterley. The following details those most likely to be 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.

The labour market in Forrestdale shows considerable strength compared to most other Australian regions

Forrestdale has a skilled workforce with notable representation in the construction sector. Its unemployment rate was 2.3% as of September 2025, which is lower than Greater Perth's rate of 4.0%. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 2.7%.

As of the same date, 755 residents were employed. Forrestdale's workforce participation rate was significantly lower than Greater Perth's, at 28.6% compared to 71.6%. According to Census responses, only 12.1% of residents worked from home. The key industries of employment among residents are construction, health care & social assistance, and education & training.

Construction employs 1.5 times more residents than the regional level, while professional & technical services employ fewer residents compared to Greater Perth, at 5.4%. There were 3.4 workers for every resident in Forrestdale as of the Census date, indicating it functions as an employment hub. Over a 12-month period ending in September 2025, employment increased by 2.7% while the labour force grew by 3.1%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that Forrestdale's employment should increase by 6.0% over five years and 12.7% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to the local employment mix.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

Forrestdale's median income among taxpayers in the financial year 2023 was $46,040, with an average income of $54,021. This compares to Greater Perth's figures of $60,748 and $80,248 respectively. By September 2025, estimates suggest the median income will be approximately $50,469 and the average income $59,218, based on a 9.62% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023. Census 2021 data shows Forrestdale's incomes cluster around the national 50th percentile. In Forrestdale, 33.3% of residents (1,255 people) fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 income bracket, mirroring the regional figure of 32.0%. After housing expenses, 86.2% of income remains for other expenses.

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

Forrestdale's housing structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 98.8% houses and 1.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Perth metro's 77.8% houses and 22.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Forrestdale stood at 32.7%, with mortgaged dwellings at 48.6% and rented ones at 18.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,733, lower than Perth metro's $1,907. The median weekly rent was $350, equal to Perth metro's figure. Nationally, Forrestdale's mortgage repayments were below the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were less than the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 76.3% of all households, including 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 lone person households at 20.6% and group households comprising 3.1%. The median household size is 2.7 people, which is 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 area's university qualification rate is 16.8%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 12.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.3%) and graduate diplomas (1.6%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 40.9% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas at 9.7% and certificates at 31.2%. Educational participation is high, with 27.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 9.5% in primary education, 9.0% in secondary education, and 2.9% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Forrestdale has 11 operational public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by four distinct routes, offering a total of 829 weekly passenger trips. Transport access in Forrestdale is considered limited, with residents living an average of 896 meters from the nearest stop. As a predominantly residential area, most commuters travel outward. Cars remain the primary mode of transport, used by 86% of residents, while 4% walk. Each dwelling owns an average of 2.1 vehicles, higher than the regional norm.

According to the 2021 Census, only 12.1% of Forrestdale residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages 118 trips per day across all routes, equating to roughly 75 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Forrestdale's health indicators show below-average outcomes, according to AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are high, affecting both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is very low at 49% of the total population (~1,834 people), compared to Greater Perth's 59.0% and the national average of 55.7%.

The most common conditions are arthritis (8.2%) and mental health issues (7.7%), while 69.0% report no medical ailments, compared to Greater Perth's 71.9%. Health outcomes among working-age residents are typical. Seniors make up 15.9% of the population (599 people), with health outcomes presenting some challenges, ranking in line with national averages for seniors.

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's population, as per the Census 2016, showed higher than average cultural diversity with 9.8% speaking a language other than English at home and 24.8% born overseas. Christianity was the predominant religion in Forrestdale at 50.2%, compared to Greater Perth's 45.0%. Regarding ancestry, English was the most represented group at 33.5%, higher than the regional average of 28.0%.

Australian and Scottish groups followed with 25.1% and 8.3% respectively. Notably, Dutch (3.9%) South African (2.3%), and New Zealand (1.4%) ethnicities were overrepresented compared to their regional averages of 1.5%, 1.0%, and 0.8% respectively.

Forrestdale's median age exceeds the national pattern

Forrestdale's median age is 41 years, significantly higher than Greater Perth's average of 37 and slightly above Australia's median of 38. Compared to Greater Perth, Forrestdale has a notably higher proportion of residents aged 55-64 (13.9%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (6.7%). According to the 2021 Census, the 75 to 84 age group grew from 3.8% to 4.6%, while the 25 to 34 cohort declined from 12.3% to 6.7%. The 0 to 4 age group also decreased from 6.0% to 2.7%. By 2041, Forrestdale's age profile is projected to change significantly. The 85+ cohort is expected to grow by 52%, adding 23 residents for a total of 69. Residents aged 65 and older will account for all population growth. Conversely, population declines are anticipated for the 75 to 84 and 0 to 4 age groups.