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

According to ABS demographic updates for the surrounding region alongside post-Census address verification by AreaSearch, the suburb of Glen Forrest has a resident count calculated at approximately 3,087 for May 2026. This represents an addition of 298 people (10.7%) compared to the 2,789 individuals documented in the 2021 Census. The updated figure of 3,087 is derived by AreaSearch from the ABS June 2025 release of ERP statistics combined with 10 validated new addresses registered since the Census. With this population level, the density stands at 237 persons per square kilometer, indicating low-density living and potential capacity for future expansion. The suburb of Glen Forrest's 10.7% growth rate over the period since the 2021 census outperformed the countrywide benchmark of 9.3%, positioning it as a local growth frontrunner. This population expansion was mostly fueled by net arrivals from abroad, which accounted for roughly 61.0% of the overall gains in recent times.

Projections published in 2024 using 2022 as a starting point by ABS and Geoscience Australia are applied to each SA2 region. In instances where specific SA2 locations lack these figures, or to project numbers past 2032, growth coefficients by age group from the 2023 capital city projections (based on 2022 records) are utilized. Anticipated age profile changes point to a population trajectory marginally below the countrywide median, with projections for the combined SA2 areas indicating the suburb of Glen Forrest will add 141 residents by 2041, representing a long-term growth rate of 4.6% over the 16 years.

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

Analysis of ABS building data distributed by statistical boundaries indicates that the suburb of Glen Forrest averages approximately 5 authorized residential units annually, representing 26 home approvals during the 5 financial years spanning FY-21 to FY-25, and 5 approvals recorded so far in FY-26. Because there were 7.9 additional residents for each completed dwelling during the 5 financial years from FY-21 to FY-25, demand is outrunning construction, which generally escalates buyer competition and elevates property values. Newly approved dwellings carry an average construction value of $631,000, showing that builders are prioritizing upmarket, high-end residences. Additionally, commercial development approvals total $55,000 for the current financial year, showing very quiet commercial construction activity.

Compared to the broader Perth metropolitan area, residential construction in the suburb of Glen Forrest is exceptionally quiet, sitting 61.0% below the per-capita regional average. This constrained pipeline of new stock typically reinforces demand and sustains values for existing properties. The building rate is similarly lower than the nationwide average, indicating a mature market and probable land or planning limitations. Furthermore, all recent authorizations have been for single detached residences, preserving the historic low-density suburban profile and prioritizing spacious houses suitable for families. The ratio of 1018 people in the area for every authorized dwelling highlights the low-density, quiet building environment.

Projections indicate that the suburb of Glen Forrest is on track to add 141 residents by 2041, starting from the most recent quarterly calculation. The current rate of construction seems well-aligned with these future demographic requirements, helping to maintain balanced market dynamics without significant price volatility.

Glen Forrest has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 21stth percentile nationally

Local infrastructure projects, planning changes, and public works are primary drivers of suburban performance. AreaSearch has identified no active projects expected to affect this location. Notable projects in the broader region include the City of Swan Water and Wastewater Upgrades, EastLink WA, METRONET, and the METRONET High Capacity Signalling Program, with details provided for the most relevant initiatives.

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The exceptional employment performance in Glen Forrest places it among Australia's strongest labour markets

The local workforce shows high levels of formal training with strong representation in critical public services, an unemployment rate sitting at just 1.7%, and an annual employment expansion estimated at 4.6% using compiled regional statistics. As of March 2026, employed residents total 1,812, while the local unemployment rate is 2.5 percentage points lower than the 4.2% average for Greater Perth. Workforce participation matches the metropolitan benchmark of 70.2%. Census records show a moderate 13.8% of the workforce operated from home, though this figure was likely influenced by pandemic restrictions.

The local labor force is heavily represented in healthcare and social assistance, education and training, and professional and technical fields. The education and training sector is particularly prominent, employing residents at 1.5 times the wider metropolitan average. By contrast, the food services and accommodation sector accounts for only 3.8% of the local workforce, compared to 6.8% across Greater Perth. The predominantly residential character of the area suggests limited local employment opportunities, as reflected in the ratio of local workplace positions to working residents.

Employment and labour force figures for the period leading up to March 2026 show a 4.6% rise in employment and a 4.7% increase in the labour force, according to AreaSearch analysis that combines SALM and ABS data from larger statistical regions. Unemployment levels stayed largely the same during this timeframe. Meanwhile, Greater Perth recorded employment growth of 2.0% and labour force growth of 2.5%, accompanied by a 0.4 percentage point increase in unemployment. Insights into future job demand in Glen Forrest can be drawn from Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts released in May-25. These forecasts span five and ten-year horizons and have been overlaid onto Glen Forrest's current employment composition to project future growth trends. Nationally, employment is projected to grow by 6.6% over a five-year span and by 13.7% over a ten-year span, though these rates vary considerably across different industry sectors. When these sector-specific expectations are applied to Glen Forrest's existing employment distribution, the area is anticipated to see a 6.4% employment increase over five years and a 13.5% increase over ten years. This estimate relies on a straightforward weighting method for demonstration and does not incorporate local population projections.

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

The suburb of Glen Forrest's income level is among the highest in Australia according to the latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. The suburb of Glen Forrest's median income among taxpayers is $57,549 and the average income stands at $82,013, which compares to figures for Greater Perth's of $60,748 and $80,248 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.93% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $63,839 (median) and $90,977 (average) as of March 2026. According to 2021 Census figures, household, family and personal incomes in Glen Forrest cluster around the 67th percentile nationally. Distribution data shows the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket dominates with 31.7% of residents (978 people), mirroring regional levels where 32.0% occupy this bracket. Economic strength emerges through 31.9% of households achieving high weekly earnings exceeding $3,000, supporting elevated consumer spending. 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

According to Census data, the residential mix in the suburb of Glen Forrest is dominated by standalone houses, which account for 98.5% of properties, with other options like apartments and semi-detached units making up 1.5%, compared to the metropolitan average of 77.8% houses and 22.1% other dwellings. Owner-occupation is very high at 42.3%, while the remaining homes are held under a mortgage (50.9%) or rented (6.9%). The median mortgage payment of $1,950 per month and median rent of $380 per week both sit above the metropolitan averages of $1,907 and $350. Nationally, mortgage costs exceed the Australian average of $1,863, and rent prices are also higher than the countrywide median of $375.

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

Families represent the majority of local households at 80.0%, consisting of couples with children at 37.3%, couples without children at 31.9%, and single-parent households at 9.9%. Non-family households account for the remaining 20.0%, with single-person households at 18.5% and group share houses making up 1.8%. The median household occupancy of 2.6 people matches the metropolitan 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 profiles in the suburb of Glen Forrest are highly advanced, with 32.0% of residents aged 15+ holding a university degree, compared to 21.3% in the SA3 and 24.3% in the SA4. This high educational level positions the community well for professional services employment. Undergraduates represent 20.1% of residents, followed by postgraduate degree holders at 7.1% and graduate diploma holders at 4.8%. Vocational education is also strong, with 37.8% of individuals aged 15+ holding trade qualifications, consisting of advanced diplomas (13.6%) and certificates (24.2%).

Enrolment in formal education is high, with 29.1% of the population studying. This group includes 9.3% in primary schools, 9.0% in secondary schools, and 5.0% in higher education institutions.

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

Public transport services include 35 stops within the suburb of Glen Forrest, which are serviced by bus routes. These stops accommodate 4 distinct lines, providing 378 passenger journeys weekly. The local transport accessibility is moderate, with residents living an average of 414 meters from the nearest stop. The neighborhood is mostly residential, meaning most workers commute to outer areas, with private vehicles remaining the primary mode of transport at 84%, followed by trains at 9%. Average car ownership is 2.0 vehicles per household, which is above the metropolitan average. Approximately 13.8% of the workforce worked from home, according to the 2021 Census, which may reflect pandemic-era workplace conditions.

Bus routes run at an average frequency of 54 trips per day, which translates to approximately 10 weekly arrivals at each individual bus stop.

Glen Forrest's residents are extremely healthy with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Public health indicators are highly favorable across the suburb of Glen Forrest, based on low rates of mortality and chronic disease across both younger and older demographics, while private health insurance coverage is exceptionally high, encompassing roughly 60% of residents (1,844 people).

The primary chronic conditions reported by residents are arthritis, affecting 9.1%, and mental health conditions, affecting 8.4%. Meanwhile, 68.6% of residents reported having no long-term health conditions, compared to 71.9% for Greater Perth. Health outcomes for the working-age population are close to regional averages. The cohort aged 65 and older makes up 23.2% of the population (716 people), which is higher than the metropolitan proportion of 16.1%. Elderly residents display strong health outcomes, with national rankings aligning with broader averages.

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

The population's cultural mix is similar to the metropolitan average, with 73.4% of residents born in Australia, 90.5% holding citizenship, and 94.3% speaking only English at home. Christianity is the main religious affiliation at 40.1%. The most pronounced religious overrepresentation is Judaism, which accounts for 0.2% of residents compared to 0.3% across the Greater Perth region.

In terms of parent country of birth, the top backgrounds are English at 35.9% (well above the regional average of 28.0%), Australian at 26.3% (above the metropolitan average of 21.2%), and Scottish at 8.1%. Other European backgrounds show higher concentrations than the metropolitan average, including Welsh at 1.1% (compared to 0.7% regionally), Dutch at 2.9% (compared to 1.5%), and French at 0.9% (compared to 0.5%).

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

The median age of 45 in the suburb of Glen Forrest is much higher than the Greater Perth average of 37 and the national average of 38. Compared to the wider metropolitan area, there is a higher proportion of residents aged 65 to 74 (12.8%) and a lower proportion of young adults aged 25 to 34 (7.7%). Since the 2021 Census, the 75 to 84 cohort has increased from 5.9% to 7.7%, while the 45 to 54 cohort has decreased from 15.9% to 14.0%. Looking toward 2041, demographic projections suggest significant changes in the age profile. The population aged 85 and older is projected to increase by 154% (128 people), rising from 83 to 212. The combined cohorts aged 65 and older will represent 86% of the overall population growth, illustrating a clear aging trend. Conversely, the cohorts aged 25 to 34 and 0 to 4 are expected to contract.