Forrestfield

Forrestfield has seen population growth performance typically on par with national averages when looking at short and medium term trends

Forrestfield's population, as estimated by AreaSearch based on ABS updates and new addresses validated since Nov 2025, is around 15,040. This represents a growth of 1,859 people (14.1%) from the 2021 Census figure of 13,181. The resident population estimate of 14,838 by AreaSearch, following examination of ABS's latest ERP data release in June 2024, and an additional 107 validated new addresses since the Census date, indicates a density ratio of 880 persons per square kilometer. Forrestfield's growth rate exceeds the national average (8.9%) and is driven primarily by overseas migration contributing approximately 39.0% of overall population gains. AreaSearch projects an above median population growth for the suburb, expecting it to grow by 2,138 persons to reach around 17,178 by 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 13.5% over the 17-year period.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and to estimate growth across all areas in the years post-2032, AreaSearch is utilising the growth rates by age cohort provided by the ABS in its latest Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data). Moving forward with demographic trends, an above median population growth of national areas is projected, with the area expected to grow by 2,138 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting recording a gain of 13.5% in total over the 17 years.

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

Forrestfield has seen approximately 68 new homes approved annually based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers. Between FY-21 and FY-25, around 344 homes were approved, with an additional 6 approved in FY-26 to date. This results in about 4.9 people moving to the area per dwelling built over these five financial years.

The average construction cost of new properties is approximately $387,000, aligning with regional patterns. In FY-26, commercial approvals totalled $20.2 million, indicating balanced commercial development activity in Forrestfield. Compared to Greater Perth, Forrestfield has seen slightly more development, around 29.0% above the regional average per person over the past five years.

The majority of new building activity consists of detached houses (96.0%), with medium and high-density housing making up the remaining 4.0%, maintaining the area's traditional low density character. This results in an estimated 355 people per dwelling approval, reflecting Forrestfield's quiet development environment. Population forecasts suggest Forrestfield will gain approximately 2,034 residents by 2041, indicating that current construction rates appear balanced with future demand, fostering steady market conditions without excessive price pressure.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 23 projects that could affect the region. Notable initiatives include Forrestfield/High Wycombe Industrial Area, Hartfield Park Master Plan Stage 2: Co-Location, Tonkin Highway Corridor - Roe Highway to Kelvin Road, and Forrestfield North District Structure Plan. The following list 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 employment landscape in Forrestfield shows performance that lags behind national averages across key labour market indicators

Forrestfield has a diverse workforce with equal representation of white and blue collar jobs. Manufacturing and industrial sectors dominate employment.

As of June 2025, unemployment stands at 4.0%, with an estimated growth of 3.2% over the past year. This is based on AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. There are currently 8,238 residents employed in Forrestfield. The unemployment rate here is slightly higher than Greater Perth's rate of 3.9%.

Workforce participation is similar to Greater Perth's figure of 65.2%. The leading employment industries among Forrestfield residents include health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. Notably, transport, postal & warehousing shows strong specialization with an employment share of 2.1 times the regional level. Conversely, professional & technical services have lower representation at 4.7% compared to the regional average of 8.2%. Many Forrestfield residents commute elsewhere for work, as indicated by the count of Census working population to local population. Over the 12 months to June 2025, employment increased by 3.2%, while labour force grew by 3.1%, resulting in a slight decrease in unemployment, down by 0.1 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 suggest that Forrestfield's employment should increase by 5.9% over five years and 12.6% over ten years. These projections are based on industry-specific growth rates applied to Forrestfield's current employment mix, for illustrative purposes only.

Income levels align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis

Forrestfield's postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows median income at $52,774 and average income at $61,848. This is below Greater Perth's figures of $58,380 (median) and $78,020 (average). Based on Wage Price Index growth of 14.2% since financial year 2022, estimated incomes for Forrestfield as of September 2025 are approximately $60,268 (median) and $70,630 (average). Census 2021 data ranks Forrestfield's household, family and personal incomes modestly, between the 42nd and 51st percentiles. The income bracket of $1,500 - $2,999 captures 35.0% of Forrestfield residents (5,264 individuals), similar to the metropolitan region at 32.0%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Forrestfield, with only 83.1% of income remaining, ranking at the 41st percentile.

Forrestfield is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Forrestfield's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 88.6% houses and 11.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Perth metro's 93.9% houses and 6.1% other dwellings. Forrestfield's home ownership rate was 29.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 47.7% and rented ones at 23.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area, as of the latest data, was $1,733, below Perth metro's average of $1,907. The median weekly rent figure for Forrestfield was $350, compared to Perth metro's $370. Nationally, Forrestfield's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were less than the national figure of $375.

Forrestfield has a typical household mix, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households comprise 70.0% of all households, including 28.8% couples with children, 27.0% couples without children, and 13.1% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 30.0%, with lone person households at 26.6% and group households comprising 3.2% of the total. The median household size is 2.5 people, which is smaller than the Greater Perth average of 2.6.

Educational outcomes in Forrestfield fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

Forrestfield faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates at 15.5%, significantly below the Australian average of 30.4%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 11.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.5%) and graduate diplomas (1.4%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 42.2% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas at 10.1% and certificates at 32.1%.

Educational participation is high, with 26.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.9% in primary education, 7.3% in secondary education, and 3.4% pursuing tertiary education. A robust network of 6 schools operates within Forrestfield, educating approximately 2,622 students. The area demonstrates typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 985) with balanced educational opportunities. The educational mix includes 3 primary, 1 secondary, and 2 K-12 schools.

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

Forrestfield has 98 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by five different routes that together facilitate 771 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these services is deemed good, with residents on average being located 233 meters from the nearest stop.

The service frequency across all routes averages 110 trips per day, equating to approximately seven weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Forrestfield shows below-average health indicators, with common conditions prevalent across age groups. Private health cover stands at approximately 52%, compared to 55.7% in Greater Perth (population ~7,784).

Mental health issues affect 8.8% and arthritis impacts 7.8%. 67.7% report no medical ailments, slightly lower than the 69.2% across Greater Perth. The area has 18.5% residents aged 65 and over (2,782 people), compared to 20.2% in Greater Perth. Health outcomes among seniors align with general population's profile.

Forrestfield 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

Forrestfield's cultural diversity was notable, with 15.3% speaking a language other than English at home and 30.5% born overseas. Christianity dominated the religious landscape, accounting for 43.0%. However, Islam showed overrepresentation at 3.1%, compared to Greater Perth's 2.3%.

In ancestry, English (30.1%) and Australian (24.9%) were the top groups, followed by Other at 9.9%. Some ethnic groups had notable divergences: New Zealand was overrepresented at 1.2% versus regional 1.0%, Maori at 1.2% versus 0.8%, and Dutch at 1.7% versus 1.8%.

Forrestfield's population aligns closely with national norms in age terms

The median age in Forrestfield is close to Greater Perth's average of 37 years and equivalent to Australia's median of 38 years. Compared to Greater Perth, Forrestfield has a higher percentage of residents aged 65-74 (10.3%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (13.1%). Between the 2021 Census and the present day, the population aged 15-24 has increased from 11.1% to 12.4%. Conversely, the population aged 25-34 has decreased from 14.1% to 13.1%. By 2041, Forrestfield's age composition is projected to shift notably. The 75-84 age group is expected to grow by 86%, reaching 1,676 people from the current 902. Those aged 65 and above are projected to comprise 58% of the population growth. Meanwhile, population declines are projected for those aged 0-4 and 5-14.