Foster

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

As of 1st November 2025, the estimated population for the Foster statistical area (Lv2) is approximately 2,144 people. This figure represents an increase of 100 individuals since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,044 people in the Foster (SA2). The increase is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 2,057 following their examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS on June 2024, and an additional 37 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 18.8 persons per square kilometer for the area. Overseas migration contributed approximately 52.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, driving primary growth for the area.

AreaSearch is utilising 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 employs the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023, adjusting using a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. According to these projections, the Foster (SA2) population is expected to decrease by 254 persons by 2041. However, specific age cohorts are anticipated to grow, notably the 25 to 34 age group, which is projected to expand by 46 people over this period.

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 approximately 16 residential properties granted approval per year. Around 80 homes have been approved over the past five financial years, between FY21 and FY25, with an additional 5 approved so far in FY26. On average, 1.7 new residents arrive per new home constructed over these five years, indicating a balanced supply and demand dynamic that creates stable market conditions.

The average construction value of new properties is $606,000, suggesting developers focus on the premium market with high-end developments. This financial year has seen $1 million in commercial approvals registered, predominantly reflecting residential activity. Compared to the Rest of Vic., Foster records around 69% of building activity per person and ranks among the 65th percentile of areas assessed nationally.

Recent building activity consists entirely of detached houses, preserving Foster'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 indicating stability or decline suggest reduced housing demand pressures in the future, potentially benefiting potential buyers.

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

No changes can influence a region's performance more than modifications 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's workforce is skilled and diverse. Its unemployment rate was 4.3% in the past year, with an estimated growth of 3.2%.

As of September 2025841 residents are employed, but the unemployment rate is higher than Rest of Vic.'s at 3.8%, and workforce participation lags behind at 42.6%. Dominant sectors include health care & social assistance, agriculture, forestry & fishing, and retail trade. Foster specializes in agriculture, forestry & fishing with an employment share 1.9 times the regional level. Public administration & safety is under-represented at 3.3% compared to Rest of Vic.'s 6.5%.

Employment opportunities locally may be limited, as indicated by Census data. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 3.2%, and labour force grew by 2.8%, reducing unemployment by 0.4 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Vic.'s employment fell by 0.7% and unemployment rose marginally. State-level data to 25-Nov-25 shows VIC employment grew by 1.13%, with an unemployment rate of 4.7%. National forecasts project employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but local projections suggest Foster's employment could increase by 6.0% over five years and 12.8% over ten years.

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 financial year 2023. This is lower than national averages, with Rest of Vic.'s median income being $50,954 and average income being $62,728. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Foster would be approximately $39,949 (median) and $53,258 (average) as of September 2025. 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 (664 residents), unlike surrounding regions 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 assessed in the latest Census, 88.3% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 11.8% comprising semi-detached properties, apartments, and other types. This is compared to Non-Metro Vic., where 93.3% of dwellings are houses and 6.7% are other types. Home ownership in Foster stands at 59.4%, with mortgaged dwellings at 19.7% and rented ones at 20.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area is $1,348, lower than Non-Metro Vic.'s average of $1,450. The median weekly rent figure in Foster is $240, compared to Non-Metro Vic.'s $295. Nationally, Foster's median monthly mortgage repayment is significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and its median weekly rent is 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 composed of couples with children, 34.5 percent consisting of couples without children, and 7.4 percent made up of single parent families. Non-family households constitute 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 2.3.

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

Public transport analysis shows one active transport stop operating within Foster. This stop offers a mix of bus services. It is serviced by one individual route, providing 40 weekly passenger trips in total.

Transport accessibility is rated as limited, with residents typically located 625 meters from the nearest transport stop. Service frequency averages five trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 40 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Foster is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Foster faces significant health challenges, with various conditions affecting both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is low at approximately 46%, covering around 994 people, compared to the national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (15.6%) and asthma (8.7%). Conversely, 52.1% reported no medical ailments, lower than Rest of Vic's 61.6%. Foster has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 39.9%, or 855 people, compared to Rest of Vic's 28.6%. Health outcomes among seniors present challenges despite performing better than the general population in health metrics.

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. The majority, 94.9%, spoke English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 43.4% of Foster's population.

However, Judaism was overrepresented at 0.3%, compared to 0.1% in the rest of Victoria. In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (33.5%), Australian (30.5%), and Irish (10.4%). Some ethnic groups showed notable differences: Scottish were slightly overrepresented at 9.7% (vs 9.3% regionally), Dutch were underrepresented at 1.9% (vs 2.5%), and Russian were also underrepresented at 0.4% (vs 0.1%).

Foster ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Foster has a median age of 58, which is significantly higher than the Rest of Vic.'s figure of 43 and Australia's national median age of 38 years. The 75-84 age group shows strong representation in Foster at 14.7%, compared to Rest of Vic., while the 25-34 cohort is less prevalent at 6.6%. This concentration of the 75-84 age group is well above the national figure of 6.0%. Between 2021 and present, the 15-24 age group has grown from 7.3% to 8.7%, while the 75-84 cohort increased from 13.4% to 14.7%. Conversely, the 55-64 cohort declined from 17.1% to 14.8%, and the 65-74 group dropped from 19.9% to 18.7%. Demographic modeling suggests that Foster's age profile will significantly evolve by 2041. Leading this demographic shift, the 25-34 group is expected to grow by 24%, reaching 175 people from its current figure of 141. Meanwhile, the 0-4 and 45-54 cohorts are anticipated to experience population declines.