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, Foster's population is around 10,200 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 754 people (8.0%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 9,446 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 9,612 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 185 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 6.8 persons per square kilometer, providing ample space per person. Foster's 8.0% growth since the census positions it within 0.1 percentage points of the Rest of Vic. (8.1%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 51.9% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch is utilising the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023, with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are also applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Looking at population projections moving forward, projections indicate a decline in overall population, with the area's population expected to shrink by 1,223 persons by 2041 according to this methodology. However, growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, led by the 25 to 34 age group, which is projected to grow by 250 people. See the age section for more details.

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

Foster has seen around 83 new homes approved per year, with 415 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 33 so far in FY-26. Given an average of 1.2 new residents per year per dwelling constructed over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), supply and demand seem well-matched, fostering stable market dynamics, while new properties are constructed at an average value of $322,000. Additionally, $11.0 million in commercial approvals have been registered this financial year, suggesting balanced commercial development activity.

Relative to the Rest of Vic., Foster records about three-quarters of the building activity per person while placing among the 70th percentile of areas assessed nationally. New development consists of 96.0% detached dwellings and 4.0% townhouses or apartments, preserving the area's low-density nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. The location has approximately 193 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market.

With the population expected to remain stable or decline, Foster should see reduced pressure on housing, potentially creating opportunities for buyers.

Foster has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 32ndth percentile nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 6 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Parr Street Leongatha Rezoning and Subdivision, Great Southern Rail Trail Leongatha Precinct Development, Leongatha Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), and Wyndham Garden Inverloch, with the list below detailing those likely to be of most 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 has a skilled workforce with diverse sector representation, an unemployment rate of just 2.9%, and 5.8% estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 4,525 residents are in work, while the unemployment rate is 0.8% below Regional Vic.'s rate of 3.7%, and workforce participation lags significantly (56.4% compared to Regional Vic.'s 61.5%). Based on Census responses, a high 25.7% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

The dominant employment sectors among residents include agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and construction. The area shows particularly strong specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with an employment share 2.9 times the regional level. Meanwhile, health care & social assistance has a limited presence with 12.8% employment compared to 16.8% regionally. The area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of the Census working population versus the resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, the 12-month period saw employment increase by 5.8% alongside a labour force increase of 5.2%, resulting in unemployment falling by 0.6 percentage points. This contrasts with Regional Vic., where employment contracted by 0.6%, the labour force fell by 0.7%, and unemployment fell 0.1 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Foster. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Foster's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.7% over five years and 12.2% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

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

The Foster SA2 shows a median taxpayer income of $42,044 and an average of $54,581 according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY-23. This is lower than average on a national basis, contrasting with Regional Vic.'s median income of $50,954 and average income of $62,728. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $45,513 (median) and $59,084 (average) as of September 2025. According to 2021 Census figures, household, family and personal incomes in Foster all fall between the 7th and 14th percentiles nationally. Income analysis reveals the largest segment comprises 27.5% earning $800 - 1,499 weekly (2,805 residents), contrasting with regional levels where the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket leads at 30.3%. While housing costs are modest with 88.8% of income retained, the 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

Dwelling structure within Foster, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 95.7% houses and 4.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Regional Vic.'s 90.1% houses and 9.9% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Foster was well beyond that of Regional Vic., at 56.1%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (28.9%) or rented (15.0%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was below the Regional Vic. average at $1,300, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $250, compared to Regional Vic.'s $1,430 and $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 dominate at 63.9% of all households, comprising 19.9% couples with children, 36.1% couples without children, and 7.3% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 36.1%, with lone person households at 34.2% and group households comprising 1.9% of the total. The median household size of 2.1 people 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 faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (22.8%) substantially below the VIC average of 33.4%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 14.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.8%) and graduate diplomas (3.4%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 39.0% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (11.4%) and certificates (27.6%).

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

Public transport analysis reveals 10 active transport stops operating within Foster. These stops are serviced by 1 individual route, collectively providing 40 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility 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 car remains the dominant mode at 88%, with 9% walking. Vehicle ownership averages 1.6 per dwelling. A high 25.7% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 5 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 4 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 sit close to national benchmarks, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. There is a standard level of common health conditions across both young and old age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is low at approximately 47% of the total population (~4,773 people). This compares to 50.5% across Regional Vic. The national average is 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 11.8 and 8.0% of residents, respectively, while 61.3% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 63.4% across Regional Vic. The working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 31.7% of residents aged 65 and over (3,230 people), which is higher than the 23.9% in Regional Vic. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, with national rankings even higher than 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 was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 88.4% of its population being citizens, 85.9% born in Australia, and 95.9% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Foster is Christianity, which makes up 40.5% of people in Foster. However, the most apparent overrepresentation was in Judaism, which comprises 0.1% of the population, compared to 0.1% across Regional Vic..

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Foster are English, comprising 32.1% of the population, Australian, comprising 30.5% of the population, and Irish, comprising 10.1% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Dutch is notably overrepresented at 3.1% of Foster (vs 1.7% regionally), Scottish at 9.7% (vs 8.8%) and German at 3.3% (vs 3.5%).

Foster ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

With a median age of 53, Foster is considerably higher than the Regional Vic. figure of 43 and substantially exceeds the national norm of 38. Relative to Regional Vic., Foster has a higher concentration of 65 - 74 residents (18.1%) but fewer 25 - 34 year-olds (8.2%). This 65 - 74 concentration is well above the national 9.5%. Since the 2021 Census, the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 7.9% to 9.4% of the population, while the 75 to 84 cohort increased from 9.2% to 10.7%. Conversely, the 55 to 64 cohort has declined from 17.6% to 15.6% and the 65 to 74 group dropped from 19.4% to 18.1%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections reveal significant shifts in Foster's age structure. Leading the demographic shift, the 25 to 34 group will grow by 13% (107 people), reaching 947 from 839. Meanwhile, the 0 to 4 and 45 to 54 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.