Forde (ACT)

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Based on demographic evaluations from official statistics for the surrounding region combined with recently verified addresses by Districts since the Census, the suburb of Forde contains approximately 4,457 residents as of May 2026. This represents a minor increase of 22 people (0.5%) relative to the 2021 Census, which registered 4,435 residents. This adjustment is derived from the estimated 4,457 local residents, calculated by Districts using the ABS population dataset from June 2025 alongside subsequent address confirmations. Such a population size results in a density of 2,262 persons per square kilometer, exceeding the typical figure found across national locations examined by Districts. In recent times, population gains were mostly driven by overseas migration, which made up approximately 59.0% of the total growth.

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The suburb of Forde has a highly qualified labor force, featuring a strong concentration of professionals, a very low unemployment rate of 2.1%, and an estimated annual job growth of 0.9% according to regional datasets processed by Districts. As of March 2026, there are 2,707 employed residents, with the local unemployment rate sitting 2.0% below the Australian Capital Territory average of 4.1%, and labor participation reaching 80.3%, which is much higher than the Australian Capital Territory average of 70.8%. Based on Census statistics, a modest 14.0% of the workforce worked from home, though this may reflect temporary pandemic restrictions.

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According to tax data from the ATO compiled by Districts for financial year 2023, the suburb of Forde ranks exceptionally high for income levels on a national scale. The median taxpayer income is $86,222 and the average is $98,659, compared to Australian Capital Territory averages of $72,206 and $85,981. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 10.44% since financial year 2023, estimated figures for March 2026 are approximately $95,224 (median) and $108,959 (average). In the 2021 Census, household, family, and individual incomes all rank in the top 98th to 99th percentiles nationally. Regarding distribution, 41.7% of the population (1,858 individuals) earn $4,000 or more, which contrasts with regional trends where earn in the - range. Financial strength is evident, with of households earning weekly incomes above which supports high consumer demand. Housing costs represent of earnings, while strong incomes place residents in the th percentile for disposable income, and the SEIFA index ranks the area in the th decile.

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The mix of housing in the suburb of Forde at the time of the latest Census consisted of 84.9% separate houses and 15.1% semi-detached, apartment, or other dwelling types, compared to 63.3% separate houses and 36.7% other dwellings in Australian Capital Territory. Home ownership rates in the suburb of Forde lag behind the territory average at 16.4%, with the remaining dwellings occupied by mortgage holders (60.2%) or tenants (23.3%). The median monthly mortgage payment was $2,481, which is significantly above the Australian Capital Territory average of $2,080, and the median weekly rent was $590, compared to the territory average of $450. On a national scale, mortgage payments are higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and weekly rents are well above the national median of $375.

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Families make up the vast majority of households at 87.0%, consisting of couples with children (56.3%), couples without children (20.9%), and single parent households (8.9%). The remaining 13.0% are non-family households, including lone persons (11.2%) and group shared houses (1.9%). The median household size is 3.2 people, which is larger than the Australian Capital Territory average of 2.5.

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Educational attainment in the suburb of Forde is exceptionally high compared to broader benchmarks, with 51.2% of residents aged 15+ holding a university degree, compared to 30.4% across Australia. This educational profile positions the community well for professional and knowledge-based careers. Bachelor degrees make up 28.1% of qualifications, followed by postgraduate degrees (18.0%) and graduate diplomas (5.1%). Vocational qualifications represent 22.8% of the population aged 15+ – advanced diplomas account for 10.7% and certificates account for 12.1%.

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Analysis of the local network shows 22 active public transport stops in the suburb of Forde, consisting of bus services. These stops are served by 38 separate routes, providing a total of 2,187 passenger trips weekly. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents located an average of 185 meters from their nearest stop. Because this is a residential area, most workers commute out of the suburb, and private cars remain the dominant mode of travel at 91%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.8 cars per home, which is above the regional average. About 14.0% of workers worked from home, according to the 2021 Census, which may reflect pandemic-era conditions.

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Analysis of health indicators demonstrates positive outcomes in the suburb of Forde, based on Districts assessments of mortality and chronic illnesses, showing that both younger and older cohorts have a low incidence of common health issues. Private health insurance coverage is exceptionally high, covering approximately 66% of the population (2,948 people). This compares to 62.4% in Australian Capital Territory and a national average of 55.7%.

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The suburb of Forde displays higher cultural diversity than most local property markets, with 31.9% of the population born outside Australia and 31.8% speaking a non-English language at home. Christianity is the main religion, followed by 48.8% of residents. Hinduism is notably overrepresented at 7.6% of the population, compared to 4.8% across Australian Capital Territory.

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The median age in the suburb of Forde is 36 years, which is close to the Australian Capital Territory average of 35 years and slightly younger than the Australian median of 38 years. Relative to Australian Capital Territory, the suburb of Forde has a higher proportion of residents aged 45 - 54 (18.2%) but fewer aged 25 - 34 (9.9%). The concentration of 45 - 54 year-olds is above the national level of 12.0%. Since the 2021 Census, the median age has increased by 1.4 years, moving from 35 to 36. The 55 to 64 group grew from 7.1% to 9.6% of the population, and the 75 to 84 cohort rose from to . Conversely, the to cohort fell from to and the to group fell from to . Projections for point to significant demographic shifts, with the to age group showing the highest growth rate at , adding residents to reach . Aging trends are apparent, with individuals aged + making up of the projected growth, while the to and to cohorts are expected to contract.

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Forde currently has an estimated 245 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 146 children aged 0-2 and 97 children aged 3-4. This cohort declined by an estimated 23% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future decline, with an anticipated decrease of 11% by 2041 (to approximately 218 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 618. Birth rates in the area have averaged 9.3 per 1,000 residents over the latest two-year period, a moderate rate (within the middle tier nationally). This rate has slowed down slightly in recent years however.