Glen Forrest

Glen Forrest is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the Census, Glen Forrest's population is estimated at around 3016 as of February 2026. This reflects an increase of 227 people (8.1%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2789 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 3002, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, and an additional nine validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 231 persons per square kilometer, providing significant space per person and potential room for further development. Glen Forrest's 8.1% growth since census positions it within 1.8 percentage points of the national average (9.9%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 61.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and to estimate growth across all areas in the years post-2032, AreaSearch is utilising the growth rates by age cohort provided by the ABS in its latest Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data). Considering the projected demographic shifts, a population increase just below the median of national areas is expected, with the suburb expected to expand by 142 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 3.8% in total over the 17 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, sourced from statistical area data, indicates Glen Forrest has seen approximately 4 new homes approved annually. Over the past 5 financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, around 20 homes were approved, with 1 more approved in FY-26 so far. On average, each home built over these years is estimated to have added 6.2 new residents yearly.

This demand significantly outpaces supply, typically exerting upward pressure on prices and increasing competition among buyers. New properties are constructed at an average expected cost of $631,000, indicating a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties. In FY-26, $55,000 in commercial development approvals have been recorded, suggesting minimal commercial development activity in the area. Compared to Greater Perth, Glen Forrest has significantly less development activity, at 70.0% below the regional average per person. This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established homes.

Nationally, this level is also lower, reflecting market maturity and possible development constraints. Recent development has been entirely comprised of detached dwellings, maintaining Glen Forrest's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. The estimated population per dwelling approval is 1970 people, reflecting the area's quiet, low activity development environment. Looking ahead, Glen Forrest is expected to grow by 113 residents through to 2041, according to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Current development appears well-matched to future needs, supporting steady market conditions without extreme price pressure.

Glen Forrest has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 24thth percentile nationally

No factors influence a region's performance more than alterations to nearby infrastructure, significant projects, or planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified zero projects that could potentially impact this area. Notable projects include City of Swan Water and Wastewater Upgrades, EastLink WA, METRONET High Capacity Signalling Project, and METRONET. The following list details those most likely to be relevant.

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The labour market strength in Glen Forrest positions it well ahead of most Australian regions

Glen Forrest has an educated workforce with notable representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 1.9%, lower than Greater Perth's 4.0%. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 1.8%.

As of September 2025, 1,724 residents are employed, with a local unemployment rate of 2.1% and workforce participation similar to Greater Perth's 71.6%. Home-based work accounts for 13.8% of jobs, considering Covid-19 impacts. Key employment sectors include health care & social assistance, education & training, and professional & technical services, with a significant concentration in the latter at 1.5 times the regional average. Conversely, accommodation & food employs just 3.8% of local workers compared to Greater Perth's 6.8%.

Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 1.8%, labour force grew by 2.1%, leading to a slight rise in unemployment (0.3 percentage points). In contrast, Greater Perth saw employment growth of 2.9% and labour force growth of 3.0%. National employment forecasts from May-25 suggest Glen Forrest's employment should increase by 6.4% over five years and 13.5% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to the local employment mix.

Income analysis reveals strong economic positioning, with the area outperforming 60% of locations assessed nationally by AreaSearch

The suburb of Glen Forrest had one of the highest income levels in Australia according to AreaSearch's aggregation of latest ATO data for financial year 2023. Its median income among taxpayers was $57,549 and average income stood at $82,013. In comparison, Greater Perth's figures were $60,748 and $80,248 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since financial year 2023, estimated median income as of September 2025 would be approximately $63,085 and average income $89,903. According to the 2021 Census, Glen Forrest's incomes cluster around the 67th percentile nationally. The income distribution shows that 31.7% of residents (956 people) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket, similar to regional levels at 32.0%. Economic strength is evident with 31.9% of households earning high weekly incomes exceeding $3,000. After housing costs, residents retain 87.9% of income, reflecting strong purchasing power and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 8th decile.

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

Glen Forrest's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, were 98.5% houses and 1.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), contrasting with Perth metro's 77.8% houses and 22.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Glen Forrest stood at 42.3%, with mortgaged dwellings at 50.9% and rented ones at 6.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,950, surpassing Perth metro's average of $1,907. Median weekly rent in Glen Forrest was $380, higher than Perth metro's $350. Nationally, Glen Forrest's mortgage repayments exceeded the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were above the national figure of $375.

Glen Forrest features high concentrations of family households, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households account for 80.0% of all households, including 37.3% couples with children, 31.9% couples without children, and 9.9% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 20.0%, with lone person households at 18.5% and group households comprising 1.8%. The median household size is 2.6 people, which aligns with the Greater Perth average.

Educational achievement in Glen Forrest places it within the top 10% nationally, reflecting strong academic performance and high qualification levels across the community

Educational attainment in Glen Forrest is notably high, with 32.0% of residents aged 15 years and over holding university qualifications as of the last census. This figure exceeds both the SA3 area benchmark at 21.3% and the SA4 region benchmark at 24.3%. The majority of these qualifications are bachelor degrees (20.1%), followed by postgraduate qualifications (7.1%) and graduate diplomas (4.8%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 37.8% of residents aged 15 years and over holding such qualifications.

This includes advanced diplomas held by 13.6% of residents and certificates held by 24.2%. Educational participation is high in Glen Forrest, with 29.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education as per the latest data available. This includes primary education (9.3%), secondary education (9.0%), and tertiary education (5.0%).

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

Public transport analysis shows 35 active transport stops in Glen Forrest, serving a mix of bus routes. These are covered by four individual routes, offering a total of 378 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is moderate, with residents typically located 414 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to the area's residential nature. Car remains the dominant mode at 84%, while train usage stands at 9%. Vehicle ownership averages 2.0 per dwelling, higher than the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 13.8% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 54 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 10 weekly trips per individual stop.

The level of general health in Glen Forrest is notably higher than the national average with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Glen Forrest demonstrates above-average health outcomes based on AreaSearch's assessment.

Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence were low for both young and old age cohorts. Private health cover was found to be exceptionally high at approximately 60% of the total population (1,802 people). The most common medical conditions were arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 9.1% and 8.4% of residents respectively. 68.6% declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 71.9% across Greater Perth. Health outcomes among the working-age population are broadly typical. The area has 23.4% of residents aged 65 and over (705 people), higher than Greater Perth's 16.3%. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

In terms of cultural diversity, Glen Forrest records figures broadly comparable to the national average, as found in AreaSearch's assessment of a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Glen Forrest's cultural diversity was found to be similar to the wider region's average, with 73.4% of its population born in Australia, 90.5% being citizens, and 94.3% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Glen Forrest, making up 40.1% of people, found in a study conducted on 2nd January 2022. However, Judaism was overrepresented, comprising 0.2%, compared to 0.3% across Greater Perth, as per data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), dated 9th June 2021.

The top three ancestry groups in Glen Forrest were English at 35.9%, Australian at 26.3%, and Scottish at 8.1%. Notably, Welsh was overrepresented at 1.1%, Dutch at 2.9%, and French at 0.9%, as per ABS data from 27th March 2021.

Glen Forrest hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

The median age in Glen Forrest is 45 years, which is significantly higher than Greater Perth's average of 37 years and Australia's national average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Perth, Glen Forrest has a higher proportion of residents aged 65-74 (12.9%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (7.1%). According to the 2021 Census, the 75 to 84 age group in Glen Forrest grew from 5.9% to 7.7% of the population. Meanwhile, the 45 to 54 age cohort declined from 15.9% to 14.0%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Glen Forrest's age structure. The 85+ group is projected to grow by 146%, reaching 208 people from 84. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 90% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. In contrast, both the 25 to 34 and 0 to 4 age groups are projected to decrease in number.