Foster

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

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

AreaSearch uses 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, adjusted using weighted aggregation methods to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. By 2041, Foster's population is projected to decrease by 248 persons overall. However, the 25 to 34 age group is expected to grow by 48 people during 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 using ABS building approval numbers derived from statistical area data, Foster has granted approximately 16 residential properties approval per year. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, around 80 homes were approved, with an additional six approved so far in FY-26. On average, 1.7 new residents arrive per new home constructed over these five years, indicating a balanced supply and demand dynamic that maintains 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 year, Foster has registered $1.0 million in commercial approvals, reflecting a predominantly residential focus. Compared to the Rest of Vic., Foster records about 69% of building activity per person and ranks among the 65th percentile nationally when assessed against other areas.

Recent building activity consists exclusively of detached houses, preserving Foster's traditional low-density character with an emphasis on family homes that appeal 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 Foster, potentially benefiting potential buyers.

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

Area infrastructure changes significantly influence local performance. AreaSearch identified zero projects impacting this area. Major initiatives include Marinus Link, Maryvale Energy from Waste Facility, Victorian Desalination Plant Expansion, and Star of the South Offshore Wind Farm.

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. The unemployment rate was 4.0% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 5.4%. As of December 2025856 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 3.7% higher than Regional Vic.'s rate of 3.7%.

Workforce participation was significantly lower at 48.5%, compared to Regional Vic.'s 61.5%. According to Census responses, 17.3% of residents worked from home, potentially impacted by Covid-19 lockdowns. The dominant employment sectors were health care & social assistance, agriculture, forestry & fishing, and retail trade. Foster had a particularly strong specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with an employment share 1.9 times the regional level.

Public administration & safety was under-represented, at 3.3% compared to Regional Vic.'s 6.5%. The area offered limited local employment opportunities, indicated by the Census working population vs resident population count. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment levels increased by 5.4%, while labour force increased by 4.4%, reducing the unemployment rate 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 future demand within Foster could 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 median taxpayer income in Foster is $36,904 and the average is $49,199 according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. This is lower than national averages, with Regional Vic.'s median income being $50,954 and average income $62,728. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since FY2023, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $39,949 (median) and $53,258 (average). Census 2021 data shows Foster's household, family, and personal incomes fall between the 2nd and 8th percentiles nationally. The largest income segment in Foster is 31.0% earning $400-$799 weekly, with 664 residents, differing from surrounding regions where $1500-$2999 dominates at 30.3%. Lower income households are prevalent, with 41.6% earning below $800 weekly, indicating affordability pressures. Housing costs are modest, with 88.6% of income retained, but total disposable income ranks at the 6th percentile nationally.

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

The dwelling structure in Foster, as assessed at the latest Census held on 27 August 2016, consisted of 88.3% houses and 11.8% other dwellings such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This compared to Regional Vic.'s 90.1% houses and 9.9% other dwellings during the same period. The rate of home ownership in Foster was notably higher at 59.4%, with mortgaged dwellings accounting for 19.7% and rented dwellings making up 20.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area stood at $1,348, which was lower than Regional Vic.'s average of $1,430 recorded on the same date. The median weekly rent figure in Foster was recorded at $240, compared to Regional Vic.'s $285 as of 27 August 2016. Nationally, Foster's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863 reported on that date, while 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 couples with children, 34.5 percent couples without children, and 7.4 percent 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, 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 the Victorian average of 33.4%. Bachelor degrees are 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. Advanced diplomas account for 13.2% and certificates for 26.0%.

A total of 23.7% of the population is actively engaged in formal education, including 8.6% in primary, 7.5% in secondary, and 2.1% in tertiary education.

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

The public transport analysis indicates one active transport stop operating within Foster. This single stop is serviced by one route, collectively offering 40 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility in Foster is rated as limited, with residents typically located 625 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward. The dominant mode of transport for these commutes is car at 86%, while walking accounts for 12%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.3 per dwelling, which is below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, some 17.3% of Foster 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, with common health conditions prevalent 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% in Regional Vic.

and a national average of 55.7%. The most common medical conditions are arthritis and asthma, impacting 15.6% and 8.7% of residents respectively. However, 52.1% of residents declare themselves completely clear of 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 40.6% of residents aged 65 and over (870 people), higher than the 23.9% in Regional Vic. 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, 85.1% born in Australia, and 94.9% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 43.4% of Foster's population. However, Judaism was notably 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%). Some ethnic groups showed notable divergences: Scottish at 9.7% in Foster versus 8.8% regionally, Dutch at 1.9% versus 1.7%, and Russian at 0.4% versus 0.1%.

Foster ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Foster's median age is 58, which is significantly higher than Regional Vic.'s figure of 43 and Australia's figure of 38. The 75-84 age group has a strong representation in Foster at 14.8%, compared to Regional Vic., while the 25-34 cohort is less prevalent at 7.1%. This concentration of the 75-84 age group is well above the national figure of 6.1%. Between 2021 and present, the 15-24 age group has grown from 7.3% to 9.1%, while the 75-84 cohort increased from 13.4% to 14.8%. Conversely, the 55-64 cohort has declined from 17.1% to 14.9%. By 2041, Foster's age profile is expected to evolve significantly. Leading this demographic shift, the 85+ group is projected to grow by 18 people, reaching 174 from 147. This growth is part of a broader demographic aging trend, with residents aged 65 and older representing 50% of anticipated population growth. Conversely, both the 0-4 and 45-54 age groups are projected to see reduced numbers.