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This analysis uses ABS Statistical Areas Level 2 (SA2) boundaries, which can materially differ from Suburbs and Localities (SAL) even when sharing similar names.
SA2 boundaries are defined by the Australian Bureau of Statistics and are designed to represent communities for statistical reporting (e.g., census and ERP).
Suburbs and Localities (SAL) represent commonly-used suburb/locality names (postal-style areas) and may use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
est. as @ -- *
ABS ERP | -- people | --
2021 Census | -- people
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Foster has an estimated 9,637 residents, up from 9,446 at the 2021 Census — a change of 191 people, or 2.0%. Growth has averaged 0.7% a year over five years, slower than 80% of areas nationally. 189 new addresses have been validated here since Census night. Fewer than ten people live on each square kilometre, across a boundary that takes in surrounding rural land. Population is estimated from ABS Estimated Resident Population releases and GNAF address data, re-based from the 2021 Census and updated annually.
Detail
Based on AreaSearch's analysis, the population of Foster is approximately 9,637 as of May 2026. This represents an increase of 191 people (2.0%) since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 9,446 people. The shift is calculated from the June 2025 ABS estimated resident population of 9,631 combined with 189 validated new addresses added since the Census date. This population level results in a density ratio of 6.4 persons per square kilometer, indicating a spacious environment. The 2.0% growth rate since the census is 2.3 percentage points below the Rest of Vic.
(4.3%), showing competitive local growth dynamics. Population growth in the area was mostly driven by interstate migration, which accounted for roughly 52.3% of the total population gains in recent times. AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, published in 2024 using 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 regions lacking this data, AreaSearch applies the Regional/LGA projections released by the VIC State Government in 2023, adjusted through a weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates across age groups from these aggregations are also applied to all areas for the years 2032 to 2041. Considering long-term demographic trends, projections show a decline in the overall population, with the area expected to shrink by 1,277 persons by 2041 under this methodology. Nevertheless, growth is expected in specific age cohorts, led by the 25 to 34 age group, which is projected to expand by 173 people.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
415 new dwellings have been approved in Foster over the past five years, an average of 83 a year. That places the area in the 61st percentile for residential development activity nationally, about 9 approvals per 1,000 residents a year. Of the 56 dwellings approved in the latest reporting year, 96% were detached houses and the rest townhouses or apartments. Approvals are currently running at an annualised 58, well below that longer-run average. Figures come from ABS building approvals aggregated to this SA2 boundary and are updated monthly as the ABS releases them.
Detail
Foster has recorded approximately 83 new residential approvals annually, totaling 415 homes over the last 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 54 during FY-26 so far. With an average of only 0.8 new residents per year per constructed dwelling over the last 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), construction activity is meeting or exceeding demand, providing buyers with more choices and supporting population growth that may surpass current forecasts, while new homes are built at an average cost of $322,000. Furthermore, $11.0 million in commercial approvals have been logged this financial year, pointing to steady commercial development.
Compared to Rest of Vic., Foster registers approximately three-quarters of the building activity per capita, placing in the 70th percentile of areas evaluated across the nation. New construction consists of 96.0% detached homes and 4.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining the low-density character of the area with a focus on detached dwellings that appeal to buyers looking for space. The area has about 194 people per dwelling approval, which reflects a low-density market. Because the population is expected to stay steady or contract, Foster should experience less pressure on housing, which may create opportunities for prospective buyers.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Foster
SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks one current infrastructure or development project inside Foster. A further 159 sit in the immediately surrounding suburbs, taking the tracked pipeline within reach of the area to $39.9 billion. 55 are already under construction and 71 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans residential development, communities, precincts & urban renewal and energy. Records are compiled from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, council planning portals and public announcements, reviewed and updated daily, then ranked by proximity, construction stage, completion horizon and project scale.
Detail
Local infrastructure projects, major developments, and planning updates significantly affect regional performance. AreaSearch has identified 6 projects that are likely to impact the locality. Key developments include the Parr Street Leongatha Rezoning and Subdivision, the Great Southern Rail Trail Leongatha Precinct Development, the Leongatha Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), and the Wyndham Garden Inverloch, with details provided on those of greatest relevance.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Parr Street Leongatha Rezoning and Subdivision
Combined planning scheme amendment and permit application to rezone land from Farming Zone to General Residential Zone Schedule 1, remove Environmental Significance Overlay Schedule 2 and Erosion Management Overlay, amend Land Subject to Inundation Overlay, and subdivide into 171 residential lots in stages, including native vegetation removal and easement management.
Gippsland Skies Offshore Wind
Gippsland Skies was a proposed 2.5 GW fixed-bottom offshore wind project in the Gippsland declared offshore wind area. The consortium of Mainstream Renewable Power, Reventus Power, AGL Energy and DIRECT Infrastructure secured a Commonwealth feasibility licence in 2024, but the project is no longer progressing. The Victorian Government states that the consortium surrendered feasibility licence FL-03 on 5 January 2026 after the shareholders decided to discontinue feasibility studies because of portfolio priorities and market conditions.
Leongatha Battery Energy Storage System
BNRG Leeson is progressing a proposed 60 MW AC / 240 MWh four-hour battery energy storage system in Leongatha, Victoria. The project is planned across about 4.5 acres and includes approximately 42 battery containers and 14 inverters, using proximity to existing high-voltage transmission infrastructure to support grid stability and renewable energy integration. The developer states that a planning exemption has been approved, with construction targeted to commence in 2027 and completion targeted for 2027, subject to final approvals, design and procurement.
Mitchell's Rise Residential Development
Residential subdivision delivering 101 lots across 7 stages with lot sizes from approximately 540sqm to 1,333sqm. Works included a major VicRoads intersection, revegetated waterway, drainage reserve, street and reserve lighting, and retaining walls to address site topography.
Great Southern Rail Trail Leongatha Precinct Development
The Great Southern Rail Trail Leongatha Precinct Development involves significant upgrades to the Leongatha railway site to improve economic vitality, attract visitors, and complement the rail trail extension. Upgrades include new public open space (7,855m2), additional car parking, a pedestrian footbridge connecting to the main street, new playground equipment, trees and landscaping, public amenities, bike parking, and an outdoor entertainment area. The project, funded by $6 million from federal, state, and local sources, has seen the installation of the pedestrian bridge in November 2024 and redevelopment into a major trailhead by 2025.
Leongatha Battery Energy Storage System (BESS)
A proposed 60MW/240MWh battery energy storage system spanning 4.5 acres to enhance grid stability and support renewable energy integration in South Gippsland, featuring 42 BESS containers and 14 inverters.
Leongatha Business Precinct (Bair Street) Redevelopment
Streetscape redevelopment including footpath improvements, relocation of overhead powerlines underground, new energy-efficient lighting, drainage upgrades, raised pedestrian crossings, road and parking reconfiguration, and landscaping to enhance the town center's amenity and safety.
Glendalough Carbon Revegetation Project
A major 240-hectare biodiverse forest restoration and climate action project in Ferndale restoring native bushland, restoring Strzelecki koala habitat, and sequestering over 170,000 tonnes of carbon.
4,518 residents of Foster are employed, from a labour force of 4,644. Unemployment sits at 2.7%, with participation at 55.9%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 5.7% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth. Unemployment and labour force come from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, updated quarterly; the industry and occupation profile is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Foster possesses a skilled labor force across diverse industries, an unemployment rate of only 2.7%, and an estimated employment growth rate of 4.1% over the past year. As of March 2026, 4,518 residents are employed, which is 1.0% below the Regional Vic. unemployment rate of 3.7%, though the workforce participation rate is lower (55.9% compared to Regional Vic.'s 61.1%). Census data indicates that a high proportion of residents, 25.7%, worked from home, though this may reflect the influence of Covid-19 lockdowns. The primary employment sectors for residents are agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and construction.
The region shows a high level of specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with an employment share 2.9 times the regional average. Conversely, health care & social assistance has a smaller presence, accounting for 12.8% of local employment compared to 16.8% regionally. The area appears to provide few local jobs, as shown by comparing the count of the Census working population against the resident population. According to AreaSearch's analysis of SALM and ABS statistics, employment rose by 4.1% and the labor force expanded by 3.4% over the 12-month period, leading to a 0.7 percentage point drop in unemployment. In contrast, Regional Vic. saw employment contract by 0.1%, the labor force drop by 0.3%, and unemployment decrease by 0.2 percentage points. National employment forecasts from May-25 by Jobs and Skills Australia provide additional context on future demand in Foster. These five and ten-year projections have been applied to the local employment profile to estimate growth. Although national employment is projected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, trends vary by sector. Applying these industry projections to the local mix in Foster suggests local employment will rise by 5.7% over five years and 12.2% over ten years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Foster is $1,110 a week (about $58,000 a year), with median personal income at $619 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $42,044 a year against an average of $54,581. Household income is from the 2021 Census; taxable income is from ATO Taxation Statistics for the latest financial year available, indexed forward using the ABS Wage Price Index.
Detail
The Foster SA2 records a median taxpayer income of $42,044 and an average of $54,581, based on the latest postcode ATO data compiled by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. These figures are below the national average, contrasting with a median income of $50,954 and an average of $62,728 in Regional Vic. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since financial year 2023, current estimates stand at approximately $46,089 for median income and $59,832 for average income as of March 2026. Based on 2021 Census data, household, family, and personal incomes in Foster rank between the 7th and 14th percentiles nationally.
Income analysis indicates the largest cohort consists of 27.5% earning $800 - 1,499 weekly (2,650 residents), whereas the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket is the largest in the wider region at 30.3%. Although housing costs are low, with residents keeping 88.8% of their income, total disposable income is only in the 12th percentile nationally, and the area's SEIFA income rank is in the 4th decile.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Foster had 3,906 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 96% detached houses and 2% apartments. 29% are owned with a mortgage, 15% rented and 56% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $250 a week and the median mortgage repayment $1,300 a month. Rent absorbs 22.5% of household income here and mortgage repayments 27.0%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
Dwelling structures in Foster at the time of the latest Census consisted of 95.7% houses and 4.3% other dwellings, such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and alternative housing types, compared to 90.1% houses and 9.9% other dwellings in Regional Vic. Home ownership in Foster was higher than the Regional Vic. rate, standing at 56.1%, with the remaining properties either mortgaged (28.9%) or rented (15.0%). The median monthly mortgage payment in the area was lower than the Regional Vic. average at $1,300, while the median weekly rent was $250, compared to Regional Vic.
averages of $1,430 and $285. Nationally, Foster's mortgage payments are lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents are below the national average of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Foster counted 3,906 households at the 2021 Census, averaging 2.1 people each. 20% are couples with children, fewer than in 87% of areas nationally, against 36% couples without children. 34% of households are people living alone, and families average 2.0 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Family households represent the majority at 63.9% of all households, consisting of 19.9% couples with children, 36.1% couples without children, and 7.3% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 36.1%, with lone person households making up 34.2% and group households representing 1.9%. The median household size of 2.1 people is lower than the Regional Vic. average of 2.4.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
22.8% of adults in Foster hold a university qualification, including 14.6% with a bachelor degree and 4.8% with postgraduate qualifications. A further 27.6% hold a vocational qualification. 7 schools serve the area, with 854 enrolment places and an average ICSEA of 985 against a national benchmark of 1,000. Qualifications come from the 2021 Census; school enrolments, ICSEA and results come from ACARA's current release.
Detail
The area experiences educational disparities, with university qualification rates (22.8%) sitting below the VIC average of 33.4%. This highlights an opportunity for targeted educational programs. Bachelor degrees are the most common higher qualification at 14.6%, followed by postgraduate degrees (4.8%) and graduate diplomas (3.4%). Vocational and technical skills are highly represented, with 39.0% of residents aged 15+ holding qualifications, including advanced diplomas (11.4%) and certificates (27.6%). A significant 24.3% of the population is engaged in formal study. This comprises 10.0% in primary school, 7.3% in secondary school, and 2.1% in tertiary education.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Getting around Foster means driving: households keep an average of 1.6 vehicles, and scheduled services reach only a handful of stops. Service data is built from operators' published GTFS timetables; vehicle ownership is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Public transport data shows 10 active transit stops in Foster, which are serviced by 1 distinct routes that provide a combined total of 40 weekly passenger trips. Public transport accessibility is classified as limited, with residents living an average of 7923 meters from the nearest stop. Because it is primarily a residential area, most workers commute out of the district, with private cars being the dominant mode of travel at 88%, followed by walking at 9%. Average vehicle ownership is 1.6 cars per household. A high percentage of residents, 25.7%, work from home, based on 2021 Census data which may reflect pandemic-related conditions.
Service frequency averages 5 trips per day across the local routes, which translates to approximately 4 weekly trips for each transit stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
61.3% of residents in Foster report no long-term health condition. 5.9% need daily assistance with core activities, and 46.8% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 4.7 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
Health indicators in Foster are close to national averages, according to AreaSearch's evaluation of mortality rates and chronic disease prevalence, showing typical rates of common medical conditions across different age groups. The rate of private health insurance is low, covering about 47% of the population (~4,510 people). This compares to 50.5% in Regional Vic. and a national average of 55.7%. The most prevalent health issues in the area are arthritis and mental health conditions, affecting 11.8 and 8.0% of residents, respectively, while 61.3% of residents reported having no long-term medical conditions, compared to 63.4% in Regional Vic.
The working-age population experiences elevated rates of chronic health issues. Residents aged 65 and over make up 33.3% of the population (3,205 people), which is higher than the 23.9% share in Regional Vic. Seniors in the area experience above-average health outcomes, with national rankings exceeding those of the general population.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Foster is largely Australian-born, at 85.9% of residents, with 4.1% speaking a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are English (32.1%) and Australian (30.5%). Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Foster displays below-average levels of cultural diversity, with 88.4% of the population holding citizenship, 85.9% born in Australia, and 95.9% speaking only English at home. The predominant religion is Christianity, representing 40.5% of residents. The most noticeable religious overrepresentation is Judaism, which accounts for 0.1% of the population, matching the 0.1% rate across Regional Vic. Regarding parental ancestry, the three most common groups in Foster are English at 32.1% of the population, Australian at 30.5%, and Irish at 10.1%. There are also distinct concentrations of other backgrounds, including Dutch at 3.1% (compared to 1.7% regionally), Scottish at 9.7% (compared to 8.8% regionally), and German at 3.3% (compared to 3.5% regionally).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Foster is 54, older than 96% of areas nationally. 16.7% of residents are aged 15 to 34. Age cohorts are not raw Census counts: the Census split is re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections.
Detail
The median age in Foster is 54 years, which is higher than the Regional Vic. average of 43 and the national average of 38. Compared to Regional Vic., the 65 - 74 age group is over-represented (18.6% locally), while the 25 - 34 cohort is under-represented (7.4%). This local concentration of 65 - 74 year-olds is higher than the national average of 9.4%. Since the 2021 Census, the 75 to 84 age cohort has increased from 9.2% to 11.5% of the population, and the 15 to 24 group rose from 7.9% to 9.3%.
In contrast, the 55 to 64 group decreased from 17.6% to 15.7%, and the 45 to 54 group fell from 12.2% to 11.2%. By 2041, Foster is projected to experience shifts in age distribution, with the 25 to 34 age group expected to rise by 136 people (19%) from 709 to 846, while the 0 to 4 and 45 to 54 groups are projected to contract.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Foster
9 of 14 data sections on this page were updated within the last 12 months — the newest current to Aug 2026.
Everything is aggregated to the SA2 boundary shown above, on a 2021 Census baseline. Only 3 sections — housing, households and cultural diversity — still wait on the 2026 Census.
The ledger — source, cycle and currency by section
| Section | Source & update cycle | Currency |
|---|---|---|
| Updated within the last 12 months 9 sections | ||
| Population | ABS, GNAF, Geoscience Australia Annual (ABS ERP) | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release) and updated with new dwellings from GNAF address data. Current to May 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to May 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Jun 2026 2 months ago headline measures · May 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Aug 2026 this month all 21 measures |
| Sales from the state Valuer General register, refreshed weekly, and rents from quarterly rental bond lodgements. Both are read live each time this page loads, current to Aug 2026. | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, State agencies, Local governments Daily | May 2026 3 months ago all 1 projects tracked here |
| Project pipeline maintained continuously from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, local government and public announcements. Records are added and revised daily; this area was last updated May 2026. | ||
| Employment | ABS, DEWR, JSA Quarterly (ABS SALM) | Mar 2026 5 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Unemployment and labour force from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, current to Mar 2026. The growth outlook applies Department of Employment (now Jobs and Skills Australia) forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to the local industry mix, so it measures sector composition rather than local expansion and makes no allowance for population growth. Job demand comes from the same agency via its Internet Vacancy Index; industry and occupation structure from the 2021 Census. | ||
| Education | ABS, ACARA Annual (ACARA) | Aug 2026 this month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Jul 2026 last month all 14 measures |
| Annual and financial-year sources 2 sections | ||
| Income | ABS, ATO Annual (ATO) | FY 2023 3 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| ATO taxable income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index. Census household income provides the distribution detail. | ||
| Health | ABS, ATO Annual | 2024 2 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Census-measured — next update: 2026 Census 3 sections No more current small-area source exists for these, so they are labelled as Census-measured rather than implied to be current. | ||
| Housing | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 30 measures |
| Households | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 18 measures |
| Cultural diversity | ABS, Geoscience Australia 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 44 measures |
"Currency" is the most recent release feeding that section. Where the Census supplies the structural baseline underneath a current headline figure, the row says so.
How the numbers are built
Population
The Census provides the small-area baseline, aggregated from mesh blocks to this boundary. It is then re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release), and new dwellings built since Census night are counted from address data — 189 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for May 2026, not a 2021 count (9,446 at the 2021 Census → 9,637 now). Annual growth rates are compound (CAGR), not simple averages.
Age profile
Cohort shares are not raw Census counts. Every cohort is held as a pair — the Census baseline and a current estimate — and the split is re-based using ERP and state population projections, current to May 2026. Median age is the Census median plus modelled change since. Charts that show both are labelled "2021 Census vs Current Estimate".
Property sales
Sourced from the state valuation authority's sales register — current, not Census, and refreshed weekly. Medians are calculated from settled transactions in the period shown; periods with very low transaction counts are flagged or suppressed, because a handful of sales can move a median substantially.
Rents
Derived from state rental bond lodgement data, by dwelling type and bedroom count. Bonds are lodged at the start of a new tenancy, so this reflects new lettings, not the whole rented stock.
Development & infrastructure
Building approvals come from current ABS releases; development applications are collected from council and state planning portals; the infrastructure pipeline is compiled from Infrastructure Australia and local government sources. Applications are matched to this boundary by address or coordinates, so very recent lodgements may not yet appear.
Employment & income
Industry and occupation structure comes from the Census, but the headline labour-market indicators do not. Unemployment and labour force are derived from ABS Small Area Labour Markets (quarterly). The employment outlook applies Department of Employment forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to this area's own industry mix (the agency is now Jobs and Skills Australia), as does the Internet Vacancy Index used for job demand. Because it is weighted on industry composition alone, that outlook carries no allowance for local population growth — in fast-growing areas the real rise in local jobs will typically be higher. Income combines Census household income with ATO taxable-income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index.
Education, transport & amenities
School enrolments, ICSEA and performance come from ACARA's current release, not the Census. Public transport stops and service frequency are derived from GTFS timetable feeds published by state transport departments. Services and amenities are proximity and count scores built from provider directories, refreshed on their own cycle. The Census contributes only the travel-to-work and qualification measures.
Rankings and benchmarks. Where we rank this area, the comparison set is every area of the same boundary type — suburbs against suburbs, SA2s against SA2s. Benchmarks compare this area against its greater capital city region and the national figure for the same measure and period.
Limits worth knowing. Small areas carry larger error margins, and the ABS introduces small random adjustments to Census counts to protect confidentiality — so totals may not sum exactly. Estimates re-based from regional data describe the area's expected trajectory, not a direct count of it. Figures are indicative for research and are not financial, planning or valuation advice.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (205031087). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.