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 was estimated at around 3,906 as of Nov 2025 based on ABS updates and AreaSearch validations. This reflected a significant increase from the 2021 Census figure of 1,027 people, marking a growth of 280.3%. The change was inferred from an estimated resident population of 3,602 by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 717 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population resulted in a density ratio of 123 persons per square kilometer, indicating ample space for further development. Forrestdale's growth exceeded both national (8.9%) and state averages, making it a notable growth leader in the region. Interstate migration contributed approximately 56.99999999999999% of overall population gains during recent periods, though all drivers including natural growth and overseas 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 post-2032 estimates, 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 811 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections. This reflects a decrease of 43.8% in total population over the 17 years.

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

Forrestdale has averaged approximately 174 new dwelling approvals annually based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers. Between FY-21 and FY-25, an estimated 874 homes were approved, with a further 73 approved in FY-26 to date. On average, 0.5 people have moved to the area for each dwelling built over these years, indicating that new supply is meeting or exceeding demand.

The average construction cost value of new properties is $403,000, aligning with regional patterns. This financial year has seen $18.7 million in commercial development approvals, demonstrating moderate levels of commercial development. Compared to Greater Perth, Forrestdale shows 1359.0% higher building activity per person, reflecting strong developer confidence in the area. New developments consist predominantly of detached houses (99.0%) and a small proportion of attached dwellings (1.0%), maintaining the area's low density character. With around 8 people per approval, Forrestdale reflects an area with developing population trends.

Population projections indicating stability or decline suggest reduced housing demand pressures in the future, benefiting potential buyers.

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

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 46 projects expected to impact the area. Notable projects include Stockland Sienna Wood Town Centre, Piara Waters Lifestyle Resort, Forrestdale Business Park East, and Aarya Estate by Satterley. The following list details those 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.

Employment conditions in Forrestdale demonstrate exceptional strength compared to most Australian markets

Forrestdale has a skilled workforce with notable representation in the construction sector. Its unemployment rate was 2.4% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 3.5%.

As of June 2025746 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.5% below Greater Perth's rate of 3.9%, and workforce participation at 62.4%, compared to Greater Perth's 65.2%. Key industries for employment among Forrestdale residents are construction, health care & social assistance, and education & training. The area specializes in construction with an employment share 1.5 times the regional level, while professional & technical employs only 5.4% of local workers, below Greater Perth's 8.2%. With a ratio of 3.4 workers per resident at Census time, Forrestdale functions as an employment hub hosting more jobs than residents and attracting workers from surrounding areas.

Over a 12-month period ending in June 2025, employment increased by 3.5% alongside labour force growth of 3.9%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.3 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Perth saw employment rise by 3.7%, labour force grow by 3.8%, and unemployment increase by 0.1 percentage points. 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, with varying growth rates across industry sectors. Applying these projections to Forrestdale's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.0% over five years and 12.7% over ten years.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

Forrestdale's median income among taxpayers was $46,040 and average income stood at $54,021 in the financial year 2022. These figures were below Greater Perth's median of $58,380 and average of $78,020 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 14.2% since financial year 2022, current estimates for Forrestdale would be approximately $52,578 (median) and $61,692 (average) as of September 2025. According to Census 2021 income data, incomes in Forrestdale cluster around the 50th percentile nationally. The data shows that 33.3% of residents (1,300 people) fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket, mirroring the region where 32.0% occupy this bracket. After housing costs, 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 dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 98.8% houses and 1.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Perth metro had 90.0% houses and 10.0% other dwellings. Home ownership in Forrestdale was at 32.7%, with the remaining dwellings being mortgaged (48.6%) or rented (18.6%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Forrestdale was $1,733, below Perth metro's average of $1,750. The median weekly rent figure in Forrestdale was recorded at $350, compared to Perth metro's $305. Nationally, Forrestdale's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were less than the national figure of $375.

Forrestdale has a typical household mix, with a lower-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 comprise the remaining 23.7%, with lone person households at 20.6% and group households at 3.1%. The median household size is 2.7 people, which is smaller than the Greater Perth average of 2.8.

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 Australia's 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 such qualifications - 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, 9.0% in secondary, and 2.9% in tertiary education. Forrestdale's three schools have a combined enrollment of 1,373 students, operating under typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 1040) with balanced educational opportunities. The area functions as an education hub with 35.1 school places per 100 residents, attracting students from surrounding communities.

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

Forrestdale has 11 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by four different routes that together facilitate 939 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these services is limited, with residents on average located 896 meters from the nearest stop.

The service frequency across all routes averages 134 trips per day, equating to approximately 85 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 shows below-average health indicators, with common conditions prevalent across both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is low at approximately 49%, compared to 53.3% in Greater Perth and a national average of 55.3%. The most common conditions are arthritis (8.2%) and mental health issues (7.7%), with 69.0% reporting no medical ailments, compared to 72.1% in Greater Perth.

Forrestdale has 15.8% residents aged 65 and over (617 people), higher than the 12.8% in Greater Perth. Health outcomes among seniors present challenges, broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

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

Forrestdale's cultural diversity was found to be above average, with 9.8% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 24.8% born overseas. Christianity was the main religion in Forrestdale, comprising 50.2% of people, compared to 42.7% across Greater Perth. The top three represented ancestry groups were English (33.5%), Australian (25.1%), and Scottish (8.3%).

Notably, Dutch (3.9%) was overrepresented in Forrestdale compared to the regional average of 2.4%, as were South African (2.3% vs 1.0%) and New Zealand (1.4% vs 0.9%).

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

Forrestdale's median age is 41 years, which is significantly higher than Greater Perth's average of 37 and somewhat older than Australia's median of 38. Compared to Greater Perth, Forrestdale has a notably over-represented cohort of 55-64 year-olds (14.0%) and an under-represented cohort of 25-34 year-olds (7.8%). According to the 2021 Census, the 5-14 age group grew from 13.1% to 14.0%, while the 25-34 cohort declined from 12.3% to 7.8% and the 0-4 group dropped from 6.0% to 3.3%. Demographic modeling suggests Forrestdale's age profile will change significantly by 2041, with the 85+ cohort projected to grow by 38%, adding 19 residents to reach 70. The population is expected to age further, with residents aged 65 and older representing all anticipated growth. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 75-84 and 0-4 cohorts.