Foster

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

As of Feb 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Foster is around 2,143 people. This figure reflects an increase since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,044 people. The increase of 99 people (4.8%) is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 2,057 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, and an additional 38 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population results in a density ratio of 18.8 persons per square kilometer. Overseas migration contributed approximately 52.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

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, AreaSearch utilises the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023, with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. According to these projections for the years 2032 to 2041, the suburb of Foster's population is expected to decline by 244 persons. However, specific age cohorts are anticipated to grow during this period, notably the 25 to 34 age group, which is projected to expand by 48 people.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Foster recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area data, Foster has recorded around 16 residential properties granted approval per year. Approximately 80 homes were approved over the past five financial years, between FY21 and FY25, with an additional five approved so far in FY26. On average, 1.7 new residents arrive per new home per year over these five financial years, indicating balanced supply and demand and stable market conditions.

The average construction value of new properties is $606,000, reflecting a focus on the premium market with high-end developments. This year, Foster has registered $1 million in commercial approvals, suggesting a predominantly residential focus. Compared to the Rest of Vic., Foster records around 69% of 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 the area's traditional low-density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. With approximately 219 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 Foster.

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. A total of 0 projects have been identified by AreaSearch as potentially impacting the 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 detailing those most likely to be relevant.

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

Foster has a skilled workforce with diverse sector representation. The unemployment rate was 4.4% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 3.4%. As of September 2025848 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 0.6% higher than Rest of Vic.'s rate of 3.8%.

Workforce participation lagged significantly at 48.9%, compared to Rest of Vic.'s 61.4%. 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 strong specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with an employment share 1.9 times the regional level.

Public administration & safety is under-represented, at 3.3% of Foster's workforce compared to Rest of Vic.'s 6.5%. Employment opportunities appear limited locally, as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 3.4%, labour force increased by 3.0%, and unemployment rate fell by 0.4 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Vic. saw employment fall by 0.7%, labour force contract by 0.6%, and unemployment rise marginally. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest potential future demand within Foster. Over five years, national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6%, with local employment estimated to increase by 6.0%. Over ten years, national employment is forecast to grow by 13.7%, while Foster's employment is projected to increase by 12.8%. These projections are based on simple weighting extrapolation and do not account for localised population projections.

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 of $49,199 in the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year 2023. This is lower than the national average, contrasting with Rest of Vic.'s median income of $50,954 and average income of $62,728. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% from financial year 2023 to September 2025, current estimates would be approximately $39,949 for the median and $53,258 for the average income in Foster as of that date. According to Census 2021 data, household, family, and personal incomes in Foster all fall between the 2nd and 8th percentiles nationally. The earnings profile shows that 31.0% of residents earn $400 - $799 weekly, with 664 people making up this segment, differing from patterns across the surrounding region where $1,500 - $2,999 dominates with 30.3%. Lower income households are notably prevalent in Foster, with 41.6% earning below $800 weekly, indicating affordability pressures for many residents. While housing costs are modest with 88.6% of income retained, the total disposable income ranks at just the 6th percentile nationally.

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

Dwelling structure in Foster, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 88.3% houses and 11.8% other dwellings. In comparison, Non-Metro Vic had 90.1% houses and 9.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Foster was 59.4%, with mortgaged dwellings at 19.7% and rented dwellings at 20.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,348, below Non-Metro Vic's average of $1,430. Median weekly rent in Foster was $240, compared to Non-Metro Vic'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 percent of all households, including 15.3 percent that are couples with children, 34.5 percent that are couples without children, and 7.4 percent that are single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 42.7 percent, with lone person households at 40.6 percent and group households comprising 2.0 percent of the total. The median household size is 2.0 people, which is smaller than the Rest of 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+ 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

Transport analysis indicates one active public transport stop operating within Foster. This single stop is serviced by one route, offering 40 weekly passenger trips in total. Transport accessibility is rated as limited, with residents typically located 625 meters from the nearest transport stop. Foster is primarily residential, and most residents commute outward using private vehicles, which remain the dominant mode at 86%. Walking accounts for 12% of commuting modes. Vehicle ownership averages 1.3 per dwelling, below the regional average.

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

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

Foster faces significant health challenges based on AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are high for common health conditions across both younger and older age cohorts. Private health cover is extremely low at approximately 46% of the total population (around 994 people), compared to 50.5% across the rest of Victoria, and the national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis and asthma, affecting 15.6% and 8.7% of residents respectively. However, 52.1% of residents report having no medical ailments, compared to 63.4% across the rest of Victoria. The working-age population faces notable health challenges due to elevated chronic condition rates. Foster has a higher proportion of seniors, with 40.0% of residents aged 65 and over (857 people), compared to 23.9% in the rest of Victoria. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with 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, born in Australia on August 2006 census data. 85.1% were born in Australia and 94.9% spoke English only at home. Christianity was the dominant religion, comprising 43.4% of Foster's population as per the 2016 Census.

Judaism, however, was overrepresented at 0.3%, compared to 0.1% across Rest of Vic.. In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (33.5%), Australian (30.5%), and Irish (10.4%). Notably, Scottish ancestry was overrepresented at 9.7% in Foster, compared to 8.8% regionally, Dutch at 1.9% (vs 1.7%) and Russian at 0.4% (vs 0.1%).

Foster ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Foster's median age is 58, significantly higher than Rest of Vic.'s figure of 43 and Australia's national average of 38 years. The 75-84 age group comprises 14.6% of Foster's population, higher than Rest of Vic.'s percentage but lower than the national figure of 6.9%. The 25-34 cohort is less prevalent at 6.9%. Between 2021 and present, the 15 to 24 age group has increased from 7.3% to 8.8%, while the 75 to 84 cohort grew from 13.4% to 14.6%. Conversely, the 55 to 64 cohort declined from 17.1% to 14.7%, and the 65 to 74 group dropped from 19.9% to 18.7%. By 2041, demographic modeling projects significant changes in Foster's age profile. The 85+ group is expected to grow by 19 people, reaching 171 from 143. Residents aged 65 and older will represent half of the anticipated population growth. Conversely, both the 0-4 and 45-54 age groups are projected to decrease in numbers.