Forest Hill
Statistical Area - sa2

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 is approximately 11,240 as of Aug 2025. This figure represents an increase of 460 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 10,780. The change was inferred from ABS estimates of 11,213 in June 2024 and validated new addresses post-Census. This results in a density ratio of 2,761 persons per square kilometer, placing Forest Hill in the upper quartile nationally according to AreaSearch assessments. Forest Hill's growth rate of 4.3% since the 2021 Census exceeded its SA4 region average of 3.9%. Overseas migration was the primary driver of this population increase.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by these data, AreaSearch employs VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusted using weighted aggregation methods to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Future trends indicate a population increase slightly below the national median, with an expected expansion of 1,220 persons to 2041 based on current numbers, reflecting a total increase of 10.6% over 17 years.

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 per year. Development approval data is produced by the Australian Bureau of Statistics on a financial year basis, showing 220 homes over the past five financial years from FY-21 to FY-25, with an additional six approved in FY-26 so far. Over these five financial years, there has been an average of zero people moving to the area per dwelling built, indicating that new supply is keeping pace with or exceeding demand. The average construction cost value for new properties is $659,000, which is moderately above regional levels, suggesting an emphasis on quality construction.

This financial year has seen $16.7 million in commercial approvals, demonstrating moderate levels of commercial development. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Forest Hill records somewhat elevated construction levels, with 13.0% more per person over the five-year period, balancing buyer choice while supporting current property values. Recent construction comprises 73.0% standalone homes and 27.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining the area's traditional suburban character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space.

With around 226 people per dwelling approval, Forest Hill shows characteristics of a low density area. Looking ahead, Forest Hill is expected to grow by 1,193 residents through to 2041. Current development appears well-matched to future needs, supporting steady market conditions without extreme price pressure.

Forest Hill has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 22 projects that may impact this region. Notable ones include City Park, Forest Ridge, Healesville Freeway Reserve Park (ngarrak nakorang wilam 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.

Forest Hill has seen below average employment performance when compared to national benchmarks

Forest Hill has a highly educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. Its unemployment rate is 3.5%, lower than Greater Melbourne's 4.6%.

In June 2025, 57.7% of residents participate in the workforce compared to Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. Key employment industries include health care & social assistance, professional & technical services, and retail trade. Construction employs only 6.6% of local workers, below Greater Melbourne's 9.7%.

Between June 2024 and June 2025, Forest Hill's employment levels increased by 1.1%, with a corresponding 0.7% rise in labour force participation. This resulted in a 0.4 percentage point drop in unemployment rate. In comparison, Greater Melbourne recorded higher employment growth of 3.5%. Statewide data from Sep-25 shows Victoria's employment grew by 1.08% year-on-year, adding 39,880 jobs, with an unemployment rate of 4.7%. National forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia indicate total employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Forest Hill's industry mix suggests local growth could be around 6.7% over five years and 13.9% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

Forest Hill had a median taxpayer income of $47,408 and an average of $61,089 in financial year 2022. This is lower than the national averages for median ($54,892) and average incomes ($73,761) in Greater Melbourne. Based on a Wage Price Index growth rate of 10.11%, estimated median income would be approximately $52,201 and average income $67,265 by March 2025. According to the 2021 Census, incomes in Forest Hill rank modestly, between the 30th and 45th percentiles for households, families, and individuals. The earnings profile shows that 29.1% of locals (3,270 people) earn between $1,500 and $2,999 annually. This is similar to the broader area where 32.8% fall into this income bracket. Forest Hill has severe housing affordability pressures, with only 83.6% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 46th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places 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, comprised 72.0% houses and 28.0% other dwellings. In comparison, Melbourne metro had 73.0% houses and 26.9% other dwellings. Forest Hill's home ownership level was 39.6%, with mortgaged dwellings at 34.0% and rented dwellings at 26.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Forest Hill was $2,123, below Melbourne metro's average of $2,200. The median weekly rent figure in Forest Hill was $396, compared to Melbourne metro's $410. Nationally, Forest Hill's mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents exceeded 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, consisting of 34.0% couples with children, 23.0% couples without children, and 11.0% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 30.4%, with lone person households at 27.5% and group households making up 3.0%. 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 high with 41.2% of residents aged 15 and above holding university qualifications compared to the national average of 30.4% and the SA4 region average of 31.2%. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent at 26.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 11.6% and graduate diplomas at 3.3%. Vocational pathways account for 23.7% of qualifications among those aged 15 and above, with advanced diplomas at 11.4% and certificates at 12.3%. Educational participation is high in Forest Hill, with 27.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 8.7% in primary, 7.3% in secondary, and 5.9% pursuing tertiary education.

Parkmore Primary School serves the local educational needs within Forest Hill, enrolling 142 students as of a certain date. Forest Hill demonstrates above-average socio-educational conditions with an ICSEA score of 1078. The area has one school focused exclusively on primary education, with secondary options available in nearby areas. Local school capacity is limited at 1.3 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 13.4, leading many families to travel for schooling.

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

Forest Hill has 52 active public transport stops offering a mix of lightrail and bus services. These stops are served by 16 different routes that together facilitate 5,654 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is deemed good with residents located an average of 215 meters from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 807 daily trips across all routes, translating to around 108 weekly trips per individual stop.

Forest Hill's residents are relatively healthy in comparison to broader Australia with common health conditions slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age cohorts

Forest Hill's health metrics are close to national benchmarks. Common health conditions are slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age cohorts. Private health cover rate is relatively low at approximately 50% of the total population (~5,620 people), compared to 54.2% in Greater Melbourne and a national average of 55.3%.

The most common medical conditions are arthritis (7.8%) and mental health issues (7.5%). 70.2% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 72.3% across Greater Melbourne. 22.3% of residents are aged 65 and over (2,504 people), which is higher than the 20.4% in Greater Melbourne. This aligns with the general population's health profile.

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 predominant religion in Forest Hill, accounting for 43.9% of the population. Notably, Buddhism is more prevalent in Forest Hill compared to Greater Melbourne, with 7.3% versus 5.3%.

The top three ancestral groups are Chinese (21.0%), English (17.7%), and Australian (17.0%). Some ethnic groups are notably overrepresented: Sri Lankan at 1.0% (regional average is 0.9%), Greek at 3.6% (versus 2.4%), and Vietnamese at 1.6% (compared to the regional average of 1.3%).

Forest Hill hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

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 in Forest Hill, compared to a lower percentage in Greater Melbourne. Conversely, the 25-34 age cohort makes up 12.0%, which is less prevalent than in Greater Melbourne. According to post-2021 Census data, the 25-34 age group has increased from 11.3% to 12.0%. Meanwhile, the 45-54 age group has decreased from 13.5% to 12.7%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic changes in Forest Hill. The 45-54 age group is projected to grow by 20%, reaching 1,720 people from 1,427. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups are expected to account for 56% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic trend. In contrast, the 0-4 and 5-14 age cohorts are anticipated to experience population declines.