Forestier - Tasman

An assessment of population growth drivers in Forestier - Tasman reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Forestier - Tasman's population is around 2,812 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 219 people (8.4%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,593 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 2,722 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 133 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 4.3 persons per square kilometer, providing ample space per person. Forestier - Tasman's 8.4% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the state (5.3%) and the Rest of Tas., marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration, which contributed approximately 85.7% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts 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 by age group in the years post-2032, the Tasmania State Government's Regional/LGA projections, released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year, are adopted with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Anticipating future population dynamics, projections indicate a decline in overall population, with the area's population expected to shrink by 207 persons by 2041 according to this methodology. However, growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, led by the 85 and over age group, which is projected to expand by 172 people. See the age section for more details.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Forestier - Tasman when compared nationally

Forestier - Tasman has experienced around 30 dwellings receiving development approval annually, with 151 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 9 so far in FY-26. Given an average of 1.6 new residents per year per dwelling constructed over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), supply and demand appear well-balanced, creating stable market conditions, while recent data shows this has decreased to 0.8 people per dwelling over the past 2 financial years, indicating more balanced supply conditions. New properties are constructed at an average value of $263,000. Additionally, $1.4 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, demonstrating the area's residential nature.

When measured against Rest of Tas., Forestier - Tasman records 18.0% less building activity (per person) while it places among the 87th percentile of areas assessed nationally. This level is substantially higher than nationally, suggesting strong developer confidence in the location. Further, recent development has been entirely comprised of detached houses, preserving the area's low density nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. At around 96 people per approval, Forestier - Tasman reflects a developing area.

With population projections showing stability or decline, Forestier - Tasman should see reduced housing demand pressures, benefiting potential buyers.

Forestier - Tasman has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 9thth percentile nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 0 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Tasmanian Irrigation Schemes: Tranche 3, Cethana Pumped Hydro Energy Storage Project, Marinus Link, and Telstra InfraCo Intercity Fibre Network, with the below list detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

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.

Forestier - Tasman shows employment indicators that trail behind approximately 70% of regions assessed across Australia

Forestier - Tasman has a skilled workforce, with lifestyle and retail sectors notably represented, an unemployment rate of 4.7%, and 4.6% estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 1,049 residents are in work, while the unemployment rate is 0.9% above Regional Tas.'s rate of 3.8%, and workforce participation lags significantly (44.9% compared to Regional Tas.'s 58.9%). Based on Census responses, a moderate 17.0% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

The key industries of employment among residents are agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and accommodation & food. The area has a particular employment specialization in arts & recreation, with an employment share 6.7 times the regional level. In contrast, retail trade employs just 4.9% of local workers, below Regional Tas.'s 10.1%. The area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of the Census working population versus the resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, during the year to December 2025, employment levels increased by 4.6% and the labour force increased by 4.0%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.6 percentage points. This compares to Regional Tas., where employment grew by 1.8%, the labour force expanded by 1.5%, and unemployment fell 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Forestier - Tasman. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Forestier - Tasman's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.7% over five years and 12.2% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis

As per AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released for FY-23, the Forestier - Tasman SA2's median income among taxpayers is $39,663, with an average of $54,545. This is lower than average on a national basis, and compares to Regional Tas.'s median of $49,689 and average of $59,358. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.6% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $43,471 (median) and $59,781 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes in Forestier - Tasman all fall between the 0th and 4th percentiles nationally. Looking at income distribution, the $400 - 799 bracket dominates with 35.7% of residents (1,003 people), unlike trends in the region where 28.5% fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 range. The prevalence of lower-income residents (47.6% under $800/week) indicates constrained household budgets across much of the area. While housing costs are modest with 88.3% of income retained, the total disposable income ranks at just the 3rd percentile nationally.

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

Dwelling structure within Forestier - Tasman, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 96.3% houses and 3.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Regional Tas.'s 89.9% houses and 10.1% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Forestier - Tasman was well beyond that of Regional Tas., at 59.6%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (25.5%) or rented (14.9%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well below the Regional Tas. average at $1,083, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $250, compared to Regional Tas.'s $1,274 and $250. Nationally, Forestier - Tasman's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

Forestier - Tasman features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households dominate at 59.8% of all households, comprising 14.8% couples with children, 36.1% couples without children, and 8.1% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 40.2%, with lone person households at 37.9% and group households comprising 2.2% of the total. The median household size of 2.0 people is smaller than the Regional Tas. average of 2.3.

Forestier - Tasman faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

Educational qualifications in Forestier - Tasman trail regional benchmarks, with 21.1% of residents aged 15+ holding university degrees compared to 30.4% in Australia. This gap highlights potential for educational development and skills enhancement. Bachelor degrees lead at 13.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.4%) and graduate diplomas (2.4%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 38.9% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (10.2%) and certificates (28.7%).

A substantial 22.0% of the population actively pursues formal education. This includes 7.8% in primary education, 6.9% in secondary education, and 2.3% pursuing tertiary education.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

Health performance in Forestier - Tasman is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Health data reveals substantial challenges facing Forestier - Tasman, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The prevalence of common health conditions is notable across both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is very low at approximately 47% of the total population (~1,316 people). This compares to 49.1% across Regional Tas. The national average is 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area were found to be arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 15.5 and 10.9% of residents, respectively, while 55.5% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 62.0% across Regional Tas. The working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 38.3% of residents aged 65 and over (1,076 people), which is higher than the 24.9% in Regional Tas. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, with national rankings even higher than the general population.

Forestier - Tasman is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Forestier - Tasman was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 88.0% of its population being citizens, 85.7% born in Australia, and 96.9% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Forestier - Tasman is Christianity, which makes up 40.4% of people. However, the most apparent overrepresentation was in Other, which comprises 0.6% of the population, compared to 0.7% across Regional Tas..

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Forestier - Tasman are English, comprising 34.0% of the population, Australian, comprising 31.0% of the population, and Irish, comprising 8.3% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Welsh is notably overrepresented at 0.9% of Forestier - Tasman (vs 0.4% regionally), Australian Aboriginal at 4.4% (vs 4.1%) and Dutch at 1.4% (vs 1.7%).

Forestier - Tasman ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

With a median age of 57, Forestier - Tasman is significantly above the Regional Tas. figure of 45 and similarly higher than the Australian median of 38. Relative to Regional Tas., Forestier - Tasman has a higher concentration of 65 - 74 residents (22.3%) but fewer 25 - 34 year-olds (5.5%). This 65 - 74 concentration is well above the national 9.5%. Post-2021 Census data shows the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 9.2% to 12.9% of the population. Conversely, the 55 to 64 cohort has declined from 22.0% to 18.4% and the 25 to 34 group dropped from 6.7% to 5.5%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections reveal significant shifts in Forestier - Tasman's age structure. The 85+ cohort shows the strongest projected growth at 158%, adding 138 residents to reach 226. Demographic aging continues as residents 65 and older represent 100% of anticipated growth. On the other hand, the 0 to 4 and 5 to 14 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.