Forrestfield

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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the suburb of Forrestfield's population is estimated at around 16,100 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 2,919 people (22.1%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 13,181 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 15,052 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 109 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 942 persons per square kilometer, which is relatively in line with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Forrestfield's 22.1% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the national average (9.9%), along with the SA3 area, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 39.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including interstate migration and natural growth were positive factors.

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 suburb expected to grow by 2,139 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 6.1% in total over the 17 years.

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

Forrestfield saw approximately 73 new homes approved annually based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers. Between FY-21 and FY-25, around 366 homes were approved, with an additional 13 approved in FY-26 to date. This results in about 4.6 people moving to the area per dwelling built over these five years.

The demand for housing significantly outpaces supply, which can put upward pressure on prices and increase competition among buyers. New properties are constructed at an average expected cost of $387,000, indicating a focus on the premium market with high-end developments. This financial year has seen $27.8 million in commercial approvals registered, suggesting balanced commercial development activity compared to Greater Perth.

Forrestfield has slightly more development than the regional average per person over the past five years, balancing buyer choice while supporting current property values. However, building activity has slowed in recent years. The majority of new building activity consists of detached houses (97.0%), with only 3.0% being medium or high-density housing, maintaining the area's traditional low density character focused on family homes. The estimated population per dwelling approval is 347 people, reflecting Forrestfield's quiet and low activity development environment. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Forrestfield is forecasted to gain 989 residents by 2041. Given current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

Forrestfield has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 43rdth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 23 projects that could affect the region. Notable projects 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 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 both white and blue collar jobs, particularly in manufacturing and industrial sectors. The unemployment rate was 4.1% as of September 2025. Over the past year, there was an estimated employment growth of 2.2%.

In Forrestfield, 8,197 residents were employed by September 2025, with an unemployment rate of 4.3%, slightly higher than Greater Perth's rate of 4.0%. Workforce participation was lower at 69.1% compared to Greater Perth's 71.6%. According to Census responses, only 5.6% of residents worked from home. Leading employment industries were health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade.

The area had a strong specialization in transport, postal & warehousing with an employment share of 2.1 times the regional level, but professional & technical services showed lower representation at 4.7%. Employment opportunities exist locally, though many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. Between September 2024 and September 2025, Forrestfield's employment increased by 2.2% while labour force grew by 2.3%, with unemployment remaining largely unchanged. In comparison, Greater Perth recorded employment growth of 2.9%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that Forrestfield's employment should increase by 5.9% over five years and 12.6% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to the local employment mix.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

Forrestfield's median assessed income in financial year 2023 was $52,774. The average income stood at $61,848. This is below the national average for Greater Perth, which had a median income of $60,748 and an average income of $80,248. By September 2025, based on a 9.62% growth in wages since financial year 2023, estimated incomes would be approximately $57,851 (median) and $67,798 (average). According to Census 2021 data, Forrestfield's household, family, and personal incomes rank modestly between the 42nd and 51st percentiles. Income brackets show that 35.0% of Forrestfield residents earn between $1,500 - 2,999 (5,635 individuals), which aligns with the metropolitan region where this cohort also represents 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 ownership patterns similar to 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). Perth metro had 77.8% houses and 22.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Forrestfield was 29.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 47.7% and rented ones at 23.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,733, lower than Perth metro's $1,907. Median weekly rent was $350, equal to Perth metro's figure. Nationally, Forrestfield's mortgage repayments were below 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 constitute 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 comprise the remaining 30.0%, with lone person households at 26.6% and group households at 3.2%. 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

The area's university qualification rate is 15.5%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. This disparity 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%). Vocational credentials are also common, with 42.2% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas account for 10.1% and certificates for 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.

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

Forrestfield has 106 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. Five routes service these stops, providing a total of 771 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 233 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to Forrestfield's primarily residential nature. Cars remain the dominant mode of transport, used by 90% of residents. Vehicle ownership averages 1.6 per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, 5.6% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 110 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 7 weekly trips per individual stop. The accompanying map shows the 100 nearest stops to the location's centrepoint.

Health performance in Forrestfield is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Forrestfield faces significant health challenges, as assessed by AreaSearch's analysis of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions are prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts.

The rate of private health cover is relatively low at approximately 52% of the total population (~8,333 people), compared to 59.0% across Greater Perth. Mental health issues and arthritis were found to be the most common medical conditions in the area, impacting 8.8% and 7.8% of residents respectively. 67.7% of residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 71.9% across Greater Perth. Health outcomes among the working-age population are broadly typical. The area has 19.1% of residents aged 65 and over (3,075 people), which is higher than the 16.3% in Greater Perth. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

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

Forrestfield, as per the census conducted on 30 June 2016, exhibited higher cultural diversity than most local areas, with 15.3% of residents speaking a language other than English at home and 30.5% born overseas. Christianity was the predominant religion in Forrestfield, accounting for 43.0% of the population. Notably, Islam was overrepresented in Forrestfield compared to Greater Perth, comprising 3.1% versus 3.2%.

The top three ancestry groups were English (30.1%), Australian (24.9%), and Other (9.9%). Significant deviations were observed in the representation of certain ethnic groups: New Zealanders were overrepresented at 1.2% compared to the regional average of 0.8%, Maori at 1.2% versus 0.9%, and Dutch at 1.7% against a regional average of 1.5%.

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

The median age in Forrestfield is 38 years, close to Greater Perth's average of 37 and equivalent to Australia's median of 38. Compared to Greater Perth, Forrestfield has a higher percentage of residents aged 65-74 (10.2%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (12.8%). Between the 2021 Census and the latest data, the age group 15-24 increased from 11.1% to 12.7%, while the 75-84 cohort rose from 5.0% to 6.5%. Conversely, the 25-34 age group decreased from 14.1% to 12.8%, and the 0-4 group fell from 6.4% to 5.2%. By 2041, Forrestfield's age composition is expected to shift notably. The 75-84 age group is projected to grow by 58% (608 people), reaching 1,655 from 1,046. Those aged 65 and above are expected to comprise 68% of the population growth. Meanwhile, declines are projected for the 0-4 and 5-14 age cohorts.