Foster

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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 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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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).

Foster ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

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.