Foster

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

As of May 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Foster is around 2,084. This figure reflects an increase from the 2021 Census population of 2,044 people, marking a growth of 40 individuals (approximately 2.0%). AreaSearch's analysis of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and validation of new addresses since the Census date supports this estimation. The current population density is approximately 18.3 persons per square kilometer. Foster's population growth rate since the census, at around 2.0%, is within 2.3 percentage points of the Rest of Vic's growth rate of 4.3%. Overseas migration contributed roughly 52.0% of overall population gains in recent periods. AreaSearch employs ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, and VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023 adjusted using weighted aggregation methods for areas not covered by the first data set.

These projections indicate a decline in Foster's overall population by 248 persons by 2041. However, specific age cohorts are expected to grow; notably, the 85 and over age group is projected to expand by approximately 33 people during this period.

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

Based on AreaSearch analysis using ABS building approval numbers from statistical area data, Foster has recorded approximately 16 residential properties granted approval per year. Over the past five financial years, between FY2021 and FY2025, around 80 homes have been approved, with an additional 8 approved so far in FY2026. On average, about 1.4 new residents arrive per new home annually over the past five financial years.

This suggests a balanced supply and demand creating stable market conditions. The average construction value of new properties is $606,000, indicating a focus on premium developments. In FY2026, $1 million in commercial approvals have been registered, reflecting a predominantly residential focus.

Compared to the Rest of Vic., Foster records about three-quarters the building activity per person and ranks among the 65th percentile nationally when assessed areas are considered. Recent building activity consists entirely of detached houses, maintaining Foster's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. With around 216 people per dwelling approval, Foster exhibits characteristics of a low density area. Population projections indicate stability or decline, suggesting reduced housing demand pressures and benefiting potential buyers in the area.

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

No changes can significantly affect a region's performance like alterations to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. Zero projects have been identified by AreaSearch that could potentially impact this area. Notable projects include Marinus Link, Maryvale Energy from Waste (EfW) Facility, Victorian Desalination Plant Expansion, and Star of the South Offshore Wind Farm, with the following list providing details on 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.

Employment conditions in Foster remain below the national average according to AreaSearch analysis

Foster has a skilled workforce with diverse sector representation. Its unemployment rate was 4.1% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 4.5%. As of December 2025839 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 0.4% higher than Regional Vic.'s rate of 3.7%.

Workforce participation was lower at 47.5%, compared to Regional Vic.'s 61.0%. According to Census responses, 17.3% of residents worked from home. Dominant employment sectors include health care & social assistance, agriculture, forestry & fishing, and retail trade. Foster has a particularly strong specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with an employment share 1.9 times the regional level.

Conversely, public administration & safety is under-represented, at 3.3% compared to Regional Vic.'s 6.5%. The area offers limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment levels increased by 4.5%, while labour force increased by 3.8%, causing unemployment to fall by 0.9 percentage points. In contrast, Regional Vic.'s employment fell by 0.6%, labour force contracted by 0.7%, and unemployment fell by 0.1 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that Foster's employment should increase by 6.0% over five years and 12.8% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to Foster's employment mix.

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

The suburb of Foster had a median taxpayer income of $36,904 and an average income of $49,199 in the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year 2023. This was lower than the national average, contrasting with Regional Vic.'s median income of $50,954 and average income of $62,728. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since the financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $40,454 (median) and $53,932 (average) as of March 2026. According to Census 2021 income data, household, family and personal incomes in Foster all fell between the 2nd and 8th percentiles nationally. The earnings profile showed that the largest segment comprised 31.0% earning $400 - $799 weekly (646 residents), differing from patterns across the surrounding region where $1,500 - $2,999 dominated with 30.3%. Lower income households were notably prevalent, with 41.6% earning below $800 weekly, indicating affordability pressures for many residents. While housing costs were modest with 88.6% of income retained, the total disposable income ranked at just the 6th percentile nationally.

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

In Foster, as per the latest Census evaluation, 88.3% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 11.8% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. This compares to Regional Victoria's figures of 90.1% houses and 9.9% other dwellings. Foster had a higher home ownership rate at 59.4%, with mortgaged dwellings at 19.7% and rented ones at 20.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,348, lower than Regional Victoria's average of $1,430. Median weekly rent in Foster was recorded at $240, compared to Regional Victoria's $285. Nationally, Foster's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 57.3% of all households, including 15.3% couples with children, 34.5% couples without children, and 7.4% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 42.7%, with lone person households at 40.6% and group households comprising 2.0%. The median household size is 2.0 people, smaller than the Regional Vic average of 2.4.

Educational attainment in Foster aligns closely with national averages, showing typical qualification patterns and performance metrics

The area's university qualification rate is 21.8%, significantly lower than Victoria's average of 33.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 14.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.5%) and graduate diplomas (3.0%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 39.2% of residents aged 15 and above holding them, including advanced diplomas (13.2%) and certificates (26.0%). A total of 23.7% of the population is actively engaged in formal education, comprising 8.6% in primary, 7.5% in secondary, and 2.1% in tertiary education.

A substantial 23.7% of the population actively pursues formal education. This includes 8.6% in primary education, 7.5% in secondary education, and 2.1% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Foster has one active public transport stop operating within its boundaries. This single route services the stop, offering a total of 40 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated as limited, with residents typically located 625 meters from their nearest transport stop. Foster, being primarily residential, sees most residents commuting outward. Cars dominate this commute at 86%, with 12% walking. On average, there are 1.3 vehicles per dwelling, below the regional norm.

According to the 2021 Census, 17.3% of Foster's residents work from home, a figure that may reflect COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages five trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately forty weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Health data indicates significant health challenges in Foster, as assessed by AreaSearch. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are high across both younger and older age cohorts. Private health cover is extremely low at approximately 46% of the total population (around 966 people), compared to 50.5% in Regional Vic.

and a national average of 55.7%. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis and asthma, affecting 15.6% and 8.7% of residents respectively. Conversely, 52.1% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 63.4% in Regional Vic. The working-age population faces notable health challenges due to elevated chronic condition rates. Foster has a higher proportion of seniors, with 42.1% of residents aged 65 and over (877 people), compared to 23.9% in Regional Vic. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, aligning broadly with national rankings for the general population.

Foster ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Foster's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 87.5% of its population being Australian citizens and 85.1% born in Australia. English was spoken as the only language at home by 94.9%. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 43.4% of Foster's population.

However, Judaism was overrepresented, making up 0.3%, compared to Regional Vic's 0.1%. The top three ancestry groups were English (33.5%), Australian (30.5%), and Irish (10.4%). Notably, Scottish ancestry was overrepresented at 9.7% in Foster versus the regional average of 8.8%. Dutch ancestry was also slightly overrepresented at 1.9%, compared to Regional Vic's 1.7%, while Russian ancestry showed a notable divergence with 0.4% in Foster versus 0.1% regionally.

Foster ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

The median age in Foster is 59, which is significantly higher than the Regional Victorian figure of 43 and the Australian median of 38. Compared to Regional Victoria, Foster has a higher proportion of residents aged 75-84 (15.6%), but fewer residents aged 25-34 (6.2%). This concentration of 75-84 year-olds is well above the national average of 6.1%. According to post-2021 Census data, the proportion of residents aged 75 to 84 has increased from 13.4% to 15.6%, while the proportion of residents aged 15 to 24 has risen from 7.3% to 8.9%. Conversely, the proportion of residents aged 55 to 64 has declined from 17.1% to 14.4%, and the proportion of residents aged 45 to 54 has dropped from 10.3% to 9.2%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Foster's age structure. The cohort aged 85 and over is projected to grow by 23%, adding 35 residents to reach a total of 190. Residents aged 65 and older are expected to represent 56% of the population growth. Meanwhile, the cohorts aged 0 to 4 and 45 to 54 are anticipated to experience population declines.