Foster

Foster has seen population growth performance typically on par with national averages when looking at short and medium term trends

Foster's population is around 9,637 as of May 2026. This reflects an increase of 191 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 9,446 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 9,631 from the ABS as of June 2025 and an additional 189 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 6.4 persons per square kilometer. Foster's growth rate of 2.0% since the census positions it within 2.3 percentage points of the Rest of Vic., demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration, contributing approximately 52.3% of overall population gains during recent periods. AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections released in 2024 with a base year of 2022 for each SA2 area.

For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises the 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 are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Projections indicate an overall population decline over this period, with the area's population expected to shrink by 1,277 persons by 2041. However, growth is anticipated in specific age cohorts, led by the 25 to 34 age group, which is projected to grow by 173 people.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Foster when compared nationally

Foster has approved approximately 83 dwellings for development annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, a total of 415 homes received approval, with an additional 48 approved in FY26 so far. On average, each dwelling constructed over these five years accommodates about 1.2 new residents per year.

This suggests a balance between supply and demand, contributing to stable market conditions. The average construction cost for new properties is $322,000. In commercial development, Foster has registered approximately $11.0 million in approvals during the current financial year, indicating balanced activity in this sector.

Compared to other areas in Victoria, Foster experiences about three-quarters of the building activity per capita, placing it within the 70th percentile nationally when considering areas assessed. New developments primarily consist of detached dwellings (96.0%) with a smaller proportion of townhouses or apartments (4.0%), maintaining the area's low-density character and appealing to buyers seeking space. Foster has approximately 193 people per dwelling approval, further indicating a low-density market. With population growth expected to remain stable or decline, there may be reduced pressure on housing in Foster, potentially presenting opportunities for buyers.

Foster has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 30thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified six projects potentially affecting this region. Notable projects are Parr Street Leongatha Rezoning and Subdivision, Great Southern Rail Trail Leongatha Precinct Development, Leongatha Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), and Wyndham Garden Inverloch. The following list details those most 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 Foster shows considerable strength compared to most other Australian regions

Foster's workforce comprises skilled individuals with diverse sector representation. The unemployment rate was 2.9% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 5.8%. As of December 2025, 4,525 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 0.8% below Regional Vic.'s rate of 3.7%.

Workforce participation was lower at 56.1%, compared to Regional Vic.'s 61.0%. A high proportion of residents, 25.7%, worked from home according to Census responses. Dominant employment sectors include agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and construction. Foster shows strong specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing with an employment share 2.9 times the regional level.

Health care & social assistance has limited presence at 12.8%, compared to Regional Vic.'s 16.8%. Limited local employment opportunities are suggested by Census working population vs resident population count. Over a 12-month period, Foster saw employment increase by 5.8% and labour force by 5.2%, leading to an unemployment fall of 0.6 percentage points. This contrasts with Regional Vic., where employment contracted by 0.6%, labour force fell by 0.7%, and unemployment fell by 0.1 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying rates across industry sectors. Applying these projections to Foster's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.7% over five years and 12.2% over ten years.

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

The Foster SA2 had a median taxpayer income of $42,044 and an average income of $54,581 in the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. This is lower than the national average, compared to Regional Vic.'s median income of $50,954 and average income of $62,728. As of March 2026, estimated incomes based on Wage Price Index growth would be approximately $46,089 (median) and $59,832 (average). According to the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes in Foster fall between the 7th and 14th percentiles nationally. The largest income segment comprises 27.5% earning $800 - $1,499 weekly, with 2,650 residents, contrasting with regional levels where the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket leads at 30.3%. Housing costs are modest, with 88.8% of income retained. However, total disposable income ranks at just the 12th percentile nationally, and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 4th decile.

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

The latest Census evaluation shows that Foster's dwelling structure consisted of 95.7% houses and 4.3% other dwellings (including semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This is compared to Regional Vic.'s 90.1% houses and 9.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Foster stood at 56.1%, with mortgaged dwellings at 28.9% and rented ones at 15.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,300, below Regional Vic.'s average of $1,430. The median weekly rent figure in Foster was recorded at $250, compared to Regional Vic.'s $285. Nationally, Foster's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 63.9% of all households, including 19.9% couples with children, 36.1% couples without children, and 7.3% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 36.1%, with lone person households at 34.2% and group households comprising 1.9%. The median household size is 2.1 people, which is smaller than the Regional Vic. average of 2.4.

Foster shows below-average educational performance compared to national benchmarks, though pockets of achievement exist

The area's university qualification rate is 22.8%, significantly lower than Victoria's average of 33.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 14.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.8%) and graduate diplomas (3.4%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 39.0% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas at 11.4% and certificates at 27.6%. A total of 24.3% of the population is actively engaged in formal education, including 10.0% in primary, 7.3% in secondary, and 2.1% in tertiary education.

A substantial 24.3% of the population actively pursues formal education. This includes 10.0% in primary education, 7.3% in secondary education, and 2.1% pursuing tertiary education.

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

The analysis of public transportation in Foster indicates that there are ten active transport stops currently operating within the area. These stops are serviced by one individual route, collectively providing forty weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of transport is rated as limited, with residents typically located 7923 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward. The dominant mode of transportation remains the car at 88%, while 9% walk. Vehicle ownership averages 1.6 per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, a high 25.7% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages five trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately four weekly trips per individual stop.

Foster's residents are relatively healthy in comparison to broader Australia with a fairly standard level of common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts

Foster's health metrics closely align with national benchmarks, as assessed by AreaSearch using mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions are seen at a standard level across both young and old age cohorts. Private health cover is found to be very low, at approximately 47% of the total population (around 4,510 people), compared to 50.5% in Regional Vic., and the national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 11.8 and 8.0% of residents respectively, while 61.3% report being completely free from medical ailments, compared to 63.4% in Regional Vic. The working-age population faces significant health challenges due to elevated chronic condition rates. Foster has a higher proportion of seniors, with 33.3% aged 65 and over (around 3,205 people), compared to 23.9% in Regional Vic. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, ranking even higher than the general population nationally.

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

Foster's population shows lower cultural diversity, with 88.4% being citizens, 85.9% born in Australia, and 95.9% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion, practiced by 40.5%. Judaism is similarly represented at 0.1%, identical to Regional Vic's percentage.

The top three ancestry groups are English (32.1%), Australian (30.5%), and Irish (10.1%). Notably, Dutch ancestry is overrepresented in Foster at 3.1% compared to the regional average of 1.7%. Scottish ancestry also shows higher representation at 9.7%, slightly above Regional Vic's 8.8%. German ancestry is present at 3.3%, slightly below the regional average of 3.5%.

Foster ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

The median age in Foster is 54 years, which is significantly higher than Regional Vic.'s average of 43 and considerably older than the national norm of 38. The 65-74 age cohort is notably over-represented in Foster at 18.6%, compared to the Regional Vic. average, while the 25-34 year-olds are under-represented at 7.4%. This concentration of the 65-74 cohort is well above the national figure of 9.4%. Between the 2021 Census and the present, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 9.2% to 11.5%, while the 15 to 24 cohort increased from 7.9% to 9.3%. Conversely, the 55 to 64 cohort has declined from 17.6% to 15.7%, and the 45 to 54 group dropped from 12.2% to 11.2%. By 2041, Foster's age composition is expected to shift notably. The 25 to 34 age cohort is projected to grow steadily, expanding by 136 people (19%) from 709 to 846. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 0 to 4 and 45 to 54 cohorts.