Forresters Beach

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

As of Nov 2025, Forresters Beach's population is estimated at around 3,432 people. This reflects an increase of 78 individuals since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,354 people. The current resident population estimate by AreaSearch is 3,427, based on examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in Jun 2024 and validation of two new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1,239 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Over the past decade, Forresters Beach has shown resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 1.2%, outpacing its SA3 area. Overseas migration contributed approximately 63.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

For projections until 2041, 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, NSW State Government's SA2 level projections released in 2022 with a base year of 2021 are used. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for the years 2032 to 2041. Based on aggregated SA2-level projections, Forresters Beach is expected to grow by 411 persons to 2041, reflecting an increase of 12.0% in total over the 17-year period.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Forresters Beach according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

Forresters Beach recorded approximately 11 residential properties granted approval per year based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers. Around 55 homes were approved over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, with an additional 8 approved so far in FY26. On average, each dwelling accommodated around 2.6 new residents annually over these five years, indicating strong demand that supports property values.

New homes are constructed at an average expected cost of $741,000, suggesting a focus on the premium market with high-end developments. This year, Forresters Beach has registered approximately $1.6 million in commercial approvals, indicating minimal commercial development activity compared to Greater Sydney. Forresters Beach ranks among the 37th percentile nationally for new development per capita, offering limited choices for buyers and supporting demand for existing dwellings. Recent construction comprises 67% standalone homes and 33% medium and high-density housing, with a growing mix of townhouses and apartments providing options across different price points.

Forresters Beach has around 456 people per dwelling approval, indicating a developed market. Future projections estimate Forresters Beach to add approximately 412 residents by 2041, with construction maintaining a reasonable pace despite growing competition as the population increases.

Forresters Beach has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

Local infrastructure changes significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified a single project likely impacting this region: Central Coast Highway Upgrade - Wamberal to Bateau Bay. Other key projects include Central Coast Local Roads Package, Gosford Private Hospital redevelopment, and Mardi Water Treatment Plant Upgrade. The following details those most relevant.

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

Forresters Beach has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate was 1.4% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 3.2%.

As of September 2025, 1,728 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 2.8% lower than Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%. Workforce participation is at 57.7%, slightly below Greater Sydney's 60.0%. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, construction, and education & training, with health care & social assistance being particularly notable at 1.4 times the regional average. Professional & technical employment stands at 7.0% of local workers, lower than Greater Sydney's 11.5%.

The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities as indicated by Census data comparison. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 3.2% while labour force grew by 3.4%, causing the unemployment rate to rise slightly to 2.8%. In contrast, Greater Sydney recorded employment growth of 2.1% with a similar unemployment rate increase. State-level data from NSW as of 25-Nov-25 shows employment contracted by 0.03% while the state unemployment rate was at 3.9%, favourably comparing to the national unemployment rate of 4.3%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying growth rates between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Forresters Beach's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.0% over five years and 14.3% over ten years, assuming population projections remain stable.

The area's income profile falls below national averages based on AreaSearch analysis

Forresters Beach had a median taxpayer income of $49,855 and an average income of $75,241 in financial year 2023. Nationally, the median income was $60,817 and the average was $83,003. By September 2025, estimates suggest the median income will be approximately $54,272 and the average will be around $81,907, based on an 8.86% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023. Census data shows incomes in Forresters Beach cluster around the 51st percentile nationally. The income bracket of $1,500 - 2,999 is dominant, with 29.3% of residents (1,005 people) falling into this range. Housing costs consume 16.6% of income in Forresters Beach. Despite high housing costs, disposable income remains at the 50th percentile, and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

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

Forresters Beach had 80.4% houses and 19.6% other dwellings in its latest Census evaluation, compared to Sydney metro's 74.2% houses and 25.9% other dwellings. Home ownership stood at 40.8%, with mortgaged dwellings at 42.5% and rented ones at 16.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,171, higher than Sydney metro's $2,150. The median weekly rent was $470, compared to Sydney metro's $400. Nationally, Forresters Beach had significantly higher mortgage repayments at $2,171 versus the Australian average of $1,863, and substantially higher rents at $470 against the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 75.2% of all households, including 33.0% couples with children, 32.7% couples without children, and 8.5% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 24.8%, with lone person households at 23.1% and group households comprising 2.1%. The median household size is 2.6 people, larger than the Greater Sydney average of 2.5.

Forresters Beach demonstrates exceptional educational outcomes, ranking among the top 5% of areas nationally based on AreaSearch's comprehensive analysis of qualification and performance metrics

The area's university qualification rate is 26.9%, significantly lower than Greater Sydney's average of 38.0%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 18.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.8%) and graduate diplomas (3.1%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 39.7% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (13.2%) and certificates (26.5%). Educational participation is high, with 29.3% currently enrolled in formal education: 10.9% in primary, 7.6% in secondary, and 4.2% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 29.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.9% in primary education, 7.6% in secondary education, and 4.2% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Forresters Beach has 33 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by a total of 52 different routes, offering 955 weekly passenger trips combined. The accessibility of transport in Forresters Beach is rated as excellent, with residents on average being located 143 meters from the nearest transport stop.

On average, there are 136 trips per day across all routes, which equates to approximately 28 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health outcomes in Forresters Beach are marginally below the national average with common health conditions slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age cohorts

Forresters Beach shows below-average health outcomes, with common conditions slightly more prevalent across both younger and older age groups compared to averages.

Private health cover is very high at approximately 57% of the total population (~1,944 people). The most common medical conditions are arthritis (9.8%) and asthma (7.6%). 68.3% of residents declare no medical ailments, higher than Greater Sydney's 64.8%. The area has 28.2% of residents aged 65 and over (967 people), higher than Greater Sydney's 24.5%. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, performing better than the general population in health metrics.

Forresters Beach is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Forresters Beach had a cultural diversity below average, with 85.0% of its population born in Australia, 93.1% being citizens, and 95.4% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the main religion, comprising 55.7% of Forresters Beach's population, compared to 53.4% across Greater Sydney. The top three ancestry groups were English (32.4%), Australian (28.0%), and Irish (11.1%).

Notably, French (0.7%) was overrepresented in Forresters Beach compared to the regional average of 0.5%, Maltese (0.9% vs 0.7%) and Russian (0.4% vs 0.4%) also showed higher representation.

Forresters Beach hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

Forresters Beach has a median age of 44, which exceeds Greater Sydney's figure of 37 and is substantially higher than the national norm of 38. The 75-84 age group constitutes 10.8% of Forresters Beach's population, compared to Greater Sydney, while the 25-34 cohort makes up 7.1%. According to the 2021 Census, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 9.4% to 10.8%, and the 85+ cohort has increased from 2.4% to 3.8%. Conversely, the 25 to 34 cohort has declined from 8.8% to 7.1%, and the 5 to 14 group has dropped from 13.8% to 12.7%. Demographic modeling indicates that Forresters Beach's age profile will significantly evolve by 2041. Leading this demographic shift, the 75 to 84 group is projected to grow by 47%, reaching 546 people from its current figure of 370. The aging population trend is evident, with those aged 65 and above comprising 83% of the projected growth. Meanwhile, the 25 to 34 and 0 to 4 age cohorts are expected to experience population declines.