Forster (NSW)

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

As of Feb 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Forster (NSW) is around 14,468. This figure reflects an increase from the 2021 Census count of 14,187 people, marking a growth of 281 individuals or approximately 2.0%. The latest estimate by AreaSearch, based on examination of ERP data released by the ABS in June 2024 and validation of new addresses since the Census date, indicates a resident population of 14,368. This results in a density ratio of 444 persons per square kilometer for Forster. The suburb's growth rate since the census is comparable to its SA3 area, being within 0.8 percentage points (2.0% vs 2.8%). Interstate migration contributed significantly to population gains in recent periods, accounting for approximately 69.0%.

AreaSearch projections for Forster are based on ABS/Geoscience Australia data released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, NSW State Government's SA2-level projections from 2022 (base year: 2021) are used. These projections indicate a population increase just below the median for Australian non-metropolitan areas, with Forster expected to expand by 1,806 persons by 2041, reflecting an overall gain of approximately 11.8% over these 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential approval activity sees Forster among the top 30% of areas assessed nationwide

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, Forster has averaged approximately 116 new dwelling approvals each year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 583 homes. So far in FY2026, 29 approvals have been recorded. The average number of people moving to the area per dwelling built over this period is 0.2 persons per year. This indicates that new construction is keeping pace with or exceeding demand, offering buyers more options and potentially enabling population growth beyond current expectations.

The average expected construction cost value for new properties in Forster is $781,000, suggesting developers are targeting the premium market segment with higher-end properties. There have been $21.4 million in commercial approvals this financial year, indicating balanced commercial development activity. Compared to the rest of NSW, Forster shows moderately higher new home approvals, approximately 35.0% above the regional average per person over the past five years, while preserving reasonable buyer options and sustaining existing property demand.

The current mix of new building activity in Forster is 60.0% detached houses and 40.0% townhouses or apartments, with a growing mix of townhouses and apartments providing options across different price points. This location has approximately 86 people per dwelling approval, indicating a low density market. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Forster is forecasted to gain 1,706 residents by 2041. With current construction levels, housing supply should adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling population growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Forster has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

The performance of an area can significantly be influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified nine projects that are expected to impact the area. Notable among these are the Forster Tuncurry Health Facility (part of the Lower Mid North Coast Health Service Project), the new ambulance stations at Forster and Old Bar, the Forster Gateway Development - The Lakes Way, and the Forster Main Beach Masterplan. The following list provides details on those projects 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.

Forster shows employment indicators that trail behind approximately 70% of regions assessed across Australia

Forster's workforce is balanced across white and blue-collar jobs, with prominent representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate stands at 4.4%, as per AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of December 2025, there are 5,527 employed residents, with an unemployment rate of 4.9% compared to Regional NSW's 3.9%.

Workforce participation is lower at 45.9% versus Regional NSW's 61.3%. Census data shows that only 11.2% of residents work from home. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, retail trade, and accommodation & food services. Forster has a strong specialization in health care & social assistance (1.3 times the regional level), but agriculture, forestry & fishing is underrepresented at 1.6%.

Over the year to December 2025, labour force levels decreased by 1.2%, employment declined by 1.8%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate of 0.6 percentage points. In comparison, Regional NSW saw an employment decline of 1.2% and a labour force decrease of 0.8%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that Forster's employment should increase by 7.0% over five years and 14.3% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to Forster's employment mix.

Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis

Forster's median taxpayer income in FY 2023 was $42,027, with an average of $55,548. This is below the national averages of $52,390 and $65,215 for Regional NSW respectively. By September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $45,751 (median) and $60,470 (average), based on an 8.86% Wage Price Index growth since FY 2023. According to the 2021 Census, Forster's household, family, and personal incomes fall between the 3rd and 9th percentiles nationally. The predominant income cohort in Forster is $400 - $799, comprising 30.7% of locals (4,441 people), unlike Regional NSW where the $1,500 - $2,999 category dominates at 29.9%. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 82.5% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking Forster at the 4th percentile nationally.

Forster displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Forster's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 64.8% houses and 35.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Regional NSW's 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Forster was 51.7%, with mortgaged dwellings at 20.8% and rented ones at 27.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,733, aligning with Regional NSW's average. The median weekly rent was $340, compared to Regional NSW's $330. Nationally, Forster's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were less than the national figure of $375.

Forster features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 61.9% of all households, including 15.8% couples with children, 34.7% couples without children, and 10.5% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 38.1%, with lone person households at 35.1% and group households comprising 3.1%. The median household size is 2.1 people, which is smaller than the Regional NSW average of 2.4.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 16.8%, significantly lower than the NSW average of 32.2%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 11.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.8%) and graduate diplomas (2.1%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 42.2% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (10.8%) and certificates (31.4%).

A substantial 23.2% of the population is actively pursuing formal education, comprising 8.8% in primary, 7.2% in secondary, and 1.6% in tertiary education.

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

Forster has 230 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 35 different routes that together facilitate 595 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of transport in Forster is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 119 meters from the nearest stop. As a predominantly residential area, most residents commute outward using cars, which remain the dominant mode of transport at 92%. Five percent of residents walk to their destinations. Vehicle ownership averages 1.1 per dwelling, lower than the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, only 11.2% of Forster's residents work from home, a figure that may reflect COVID-19 conditions. On average, each route provides 85 trips per day, resulting in approximately two weekly trips per stop. The provided map displays the 100 nearest stops to the location's centerpoint.

Health performance in Forster is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Forster faces significant health challenges according to AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are substantial across both younger and older age cohorts. Private health cover is relatively low at approximately 49% of Forster's total population (~7,082 people), compared to 51.9% in Regional NSW and the national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (13.8%) and mental health issues (9.4%). Conversely, 55.4% of residents report having no medical ailments, lower than Regional NSW's 63.3%. Working-age population health challenges are notable due to high chronic condition rates. Forster has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 39.6%, compared to Regional NSW's 23.4%. Senior health outcomes present some challenges but align broadly with national rankings for the general population.

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

Forster's population was found to be less diverse culturally, with 87.7% born in Australia, 90.9% being citizens, and 96.0% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Forster, comprising 60.3%, compared to 55.9% across Regional NSW. The top three ancestry groups were English (34.1%), Australian (30.7%), and Irish (9.0%).

Notably, Australian Aboriginal representation was higher than regional averages at 4.5% in Forster versus 4.6%. Maltese and French populations were also slightly higher at 0.5% each compared to the regional averages of 0.4%.

Forster ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

The median age in Forster is 57 years, which is significantly higher than Regional NSW's average of 43 years and substantially exceeds the Australian median of 38 years. Compared to Regional NSW, Forster has a higher proportion of residents aged 75-84 (14.9%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (7.5%). This concentration of residents aged 75-84 is well above the national average of 6.1%. According to post-2021 Census data, the proportion of Forster's population aged 75 to 84 has grown from 13.3% in 2016 to 14.9% in 2021, while the proportion of residents aged 0 to 4 increased from 3.5% to 4.6%. Conversely, the proportion of residents aged 55 to 64 has declined from 14.3% to 13.0%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections show significant shifts in Forster's age structure. The number of residents aged 85 and above is projected to increase markedly, expanding by 491 people (61%) from 810 to 1,302. Meanwhile, both the 15 to 24 and 55 to 64 age groups are expected to see reduced numbers.