Forest Hill

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

Forest Hill's population was 10,780 people as of the 2021 Census. By Nov 2025, it had increased to around 11,248, reflecting a growth of 468 people (4.3%) since the Census date. This increase is inferred from the estimated resident population of 11,213 in June 2024 and an additional 157 validated new addresses since then. The population density ratio was 2,763 persons per square kilometer as of Nov 2025, placing Forest Hill in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Its growth rate of 4.3% since the Census is within 0.5 percentage points of the SA3 area's growth rate of 4.8%. Overseas migration was the primary driver of population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopted 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 utilised 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 were applied across all areas for the years 2032 to 2041. Future trends suggest a population increase just below the national median by 2041, with an expected expansion of 1,220 persons reflecting a total increase of 10.5% over the 17-year period based on the latest annual ERP population numbers.

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

Forest Hill has averaged approximately 44 new dwelling approvals annually. Between FY21 and FY25220 homes were approved, with an additional 15 approved so far in FY26. Over these five financial years, an average of zero people moved to the area per dwelling built.

This indicates that new supply is meeting or exceeding demand, providing ample buyer choice and creating capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts. The average construction cost value of new homes being built is $507,000, suggesting developers are targeting the premium market with high-end developments. In FY26, commercial development approvals totaled $16.7 million, indicating balanced commercial development activity in the area.

Compared to Greater Melbourne, Forest Hill has shown moderately higher new home approvals, averaging 13.0% above the regional average per person over the five-year period. This balance supports buyer choice while maintaining current property values. The composition of new development consists of 73.0% standalone homes and 27.0% attached dwellings, preserving the area's traditional suburban character with a focus on family homes. With around 226 people per dwelling approval, Forest Hill exhibits characteristics of a low-density area. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Forest Hill is projected to gain 1,185 residents by 2041. Current development appears well-matched to future needs, supporting steady market conditions without extreme price pressure.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 25 projects that could impact this area. Notable ones include Forest Ridge, Healesville Freeway Reserve Park (ngarrak nakorang wilam park), City Park, and Forest Hill Chase Basketball Stadium. The following list details 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.

The labour market in Forest Hill demonstrates typical performance when compared to similar areas across Australia

Forest Hill has a highly educated workforce with professional services being prominently represented. The unemployment rate is 3.6%, showing strong employment growth of 1.6% over the past year as of September 2025. There are 5,535 residents currently employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.0% lower than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.7%.

However, workforce participation is significantly lower at 60.8%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 71.0%. According to Census responses, a high proportion of 37.1% of residents work from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. The leading employment industries among residents are health care & social assistance, professional & technical services, and retail trade, while construction employs only 6.6% of local workers compared to Greater Melbourne's 9.7%.

Many Forest Hill residents commute elsewhere for work based on the Census working population count. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 1.6%, labour force grew by 0.9%, leading to a reduction in unemployment by 0.6 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Melbourne recorded employment growth of 3.0% during the same period. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that national employment is projected to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Forest Hill's employment mix indicates a potential local employment increase of 6.7% over five years and 13.9% over ten years, though this extrapolation does not consider localized population projections.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

The Forest Hill SA2 had a median taxpayer income of $50,027 and an average income of $63,220 in the financial year 2023, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This is lower than the national average. In Greater Melbourne, the median income was $57,688 and the average was $75,164 in the same period. By September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $54,154 (median) and $68,436 (average), based on an 8.25% growth since financial year 2023. The 2021 Census ranked Forest Hill's household income at the 45th percentile ($1,658 weekly) and personal income at the 29th percentile. In terms of earnings, 29.1% of locals (3,273 people) fell into the $1,500 - 2,999 category, similar to the broader area where 32.8% occupied this bracket. Housing affordability pressures were severe, with only 83.6% of income remaining, ranking at the 45th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking placed it in the 7th decile.

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

Forest Hill's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census data, consisted of 72.0% houses and 28.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Melbourne metro's 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Forest Hill stood at 39.6%, with mortgaged dwellings at 34.0% and rented ones at 26.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,123, higher than Melbourne metro's $2,000. Median weekly rent in Forest Hill was $396, compared to Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, Forest Hill's mortgage repayments were higher at $2,123 versus the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were higher at $396 compared to the national figure of $375.

Forest Hill has a typical household mix, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 69.6% of all households, including 34.0% couples with children, 23.0% couples without children, and 11.0% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 30.4%, consisting of 27.5% lone person households and 3.0% group households. The median household size is 2.5 people, which is smaller than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

Forest Hill shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

Forest Hill's educational attainment is notably higher than national and regional averages. Among residents aged 15 and above, 41.2% have university qualifications, compared to 30.4% nationally and 31.2% in the SA4 region. Bachelor degrees are most common at 26.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (11.6%) and graduate diplomas (3.3%). Vocational pathways account for 23.7% of qualifications, with advanced diplomas at 11.4% and certificates at 12.3%.

Educational participation is high, with 27.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 8.7% in primary education, 7.3% in secondary education, and 5.9% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Forest Hill has 52 operational public transport stops offering a mix of lightrail and bus services. These stops are served by 16 different routes, collectively facilitating 5,611 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is deemed good with residents typically residing 215 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to Forest Hill's predominantly residential nature. Car remains the primary mode of transport at 85%, while train usage stands at 8%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.2 per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, a high 37.1% of residents work from home, potentially influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 801 trips daily across all routes, translating to roughly 107 weekly trips per individual stop.

Forest Hill's residents are extremely healthy with prevalence of common health conditions low among the general population though higher than the nation's average across older, at risk cohorts

Analysis of health metrics indicates strong performance throughout Forest Hill. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence were assessed by AreaSearch, showing low prevalence among the general population but higher than national averages for older, at-risk cohorts. Private health cover was found to be relatively low, with approximately 50% of the total population (~5,680 people), compared to Greater Melbourne's 56.7% and the national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions were arthritis (7.8%) and mental health issues (7.5%), while 70.2% declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to Greater Melbourne's 72.6%. The under-65 population demonstrated better than average health outcomes. Forest Hill has 22.3% of residents aged 65 and over (2,506 people), higher than Greater Melbourne's 14.9%, but ranking lower nationally than the broader population.

Forest Hill is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Forest Hill has a high level of cultural diversity, with 43.8% of its population born overseas and 44.3% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the main religion in Forest Hill, making up 43.9% of people. However, Buddhism is overrepresented compared to Greater Melbourne, comprising 7.3% versus 4.2%.

The top three ancestry groups are Chinese (21.0%), English (17.7%), and Australian (17.0%). Notably, Sri Lankan, Greek, and Vietnamese ethnicities have higher representation in Forest Hill than regionally: Sri Lankan at 1.0% versus 0.8%, Greek at 3.6% versus 2.7%, and Vietnamese at 1.6% versus 1.9%.

Forest Hill's median age exceeds the national pattern

The median age in Forest Hill is 42 years, significantly higher than Greater Melbourne's average of 37 years and Australia's national average of 38 years. The 75-84 age group constitutes 7.8% of the population, compared to Greater Melbourne, while the 25-34 age group makes up 12.0%. According to post-2021 Census data, the 25 to 34 age group has increased from 11.3% to 12.0%, and the 45 to 54 age group has decreased from 13.5% to 12.7%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate substantial demographic changes for Forest Hill. The 45-54 age group is projected to grow by 20%, reaching 1,720 people from 1,428. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 56% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. Conversely, the 0-4 and 5-14 age cohorts are expected to experience population declines.