Forestdale (Qld)

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According to ABS population updates for the wider region and new address verifications by Districts since the Census, the suburb of Forestdale has an estimated population of 2,650 as of May 2026. This indicates a growth of 90 people (3.5%) from the 2,560 individuals recorded in the 2021 Census. This change is calculated from the resident population of 2,639, calculated by Districts using the ABS ERP release from June 2025 alongside 15 validated new addresses added since the Census date. This population corresponds to a density of 435 persons per square kilometer, indicating low density with potential space for future housing expansion. Recent population gains were mostly driven by interstate migration, which accounted for approximately 50.0% of the growth, though overseas migration and natural growth also made positive contributions.

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The suburb of Forestdale has a skilled resident workforce with a strong presence in the construction sector, and an unemployment rate of only 1.8%, according to Districts figures. By March 2026, there are 1,469 residents in employment. The unemployment rate is 2.5% lower than the Greater Brisbane average of 4.3%, whereas workforce participation is slightly lower, standing at 68.2% compared to 70.4% in Greater Brisbane. Census data reveals that a moderate 18.0% of the workforce worked from home, though this figure may have been influenced by COVID-19 pandemic restrictions.

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Taxpayer income levels in the suburb of Forestdale are below the national average based on Districts analysis of ATO data for financial year 2023. The median income for local taxpayers is $56,912, and the average income is $63,090, which compares to median and average figures of $58,236 and $72,799 in Greater Brisbane. Adjusting these numbers for the 11.36% increase in the Wage Price Index since financial year 2023 gives estimated values of approximately $63,377 for the median and $70,257 for the average by March 2026. The 2021 Census shows that weekly household incomes are highly ranked at the 93rd percentile ($2,675 weekly), despite personal incomes sitting lower at the 64th percentile. Looking at the income distribution, the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket is the largest, containing of residents ( people), which is close to the Greater Brisbane figure of . High-earning households receiving more than weekly make up of the area, which supports local spending. Residents keep of their income after paying for housing, and the area is positioned in the th decile of the SEIFA index.

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According to the latest Census, the housing composition in the suburb of Forestdale is made up of 99.0% standalone houses and 1.0% other dwelling types, such as semi-detached homes or apartments. This differs from metropolitan Brisbane, which consists of 73.5% houses and 26.5% other dwellings. The rate of home ownership in the suburb of Forestdale is high at 45.8%, with the remaining properties occupied by residents with a mortgage (48.7%) or renting (5.5%). The median monthly mortgage payment of $2,383 is higher than the Brisbane metro average of $1,863, and the median weekly rent is $500, compared to $380 in metropolitan Brisbane. Nationally, mortgage payments in the suburb of Forestdale are higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rent is also higher than the national figure of $375.

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Family households are the main demographic, making up 88.7% of homes. This includes 47.3% couples with children, 32.6% couples without children, and 7.5% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 11.3%, with single-person households at 9.3% and group households representing 1.1% of the total. The median size of households is 3.1 people, which is larger than the Greater Brisbane average of 2.6.

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Educational qualifications in the suburb of Forestdale are high compared to the wider region, with 26.6% of residents aged 15+ holding a university degree, compared to 14.3% in the SA3 area and 16.2% in the SA4 region. This education profile positions the population well for knowledge-intensive roles. Bachelor degrees are the most common qualification at 19.2%, followed by postgraduate degrees (5.0%) and graduate diplomas (2.4%). Vocational and technical training is also common, with 36.3% of residents aged 15+ holding qualifications, consisting of advanced diplomas (11.0%) and certificate level credentials (25.3%).

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Public transport analysis identifies 2 active stops within the suburb of Forestdale, consisting of bus services. These stops are served by 1 routes, which provide 182 weekly passenger trips. Public transport accessibility is classified as limited, with an average distance of 856 meters to the nearest stop. The suburb of Forestdale is primarily a commuter area, with 94% of residents using a private car to travel. Car ownership is high, averaging 2.5 vehicles per household, which is above the regional average. In the 2021 Census, 18.0% of residents worked from home, which may reflect pandemic-era arrangements.

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Assessments of mortality rates and chronic health conditions by Districts show excellent health statistics for the suburb of Forestdale, with low rates of common illnesses across all age groups. Private health insurance coverage is slightly higher than the SA2 average, at approximately 52% of the population (~1,383 people), compared to 55.8% for Greater Brisbane.

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The suburb of Forestdale displays a high level of cultural diversity, with 28.5% of residents born outside Australia and 19.8% speaking a non-English language at home. Christianity is the main religion, followed by 56.0% of the population. There is a higher proportion of Jewish residents than the regional average, making up 0.5% of the population compared to 0.1% across Greater Brisbane.

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The median age in the suburb of Forestdale is 43, which is older than the Greater Brisbane average of 36 and the Australian average of 38. The 65 - 74 age group is highly represented at 13.6% compared to Greater Brisbane, while the 25 - 34 cohort is less common at 6.3%. Post-2021 Census data shows the 35 to 44 age group increased from 11.7% to 12.9% of the population, and the 15 to 24 group rose from 14.1% to 15.2%. In contrast, the 25 to 34 age bracket declined from 8.1% to 6.3%. Forecasts for 2041 suggest changing demographics for the suburb of Forestdale, with the to group expected to increase by ( people), rising from to while the to group is projected to show no growth (no new residents, remaining at people).

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Forestdale currently has an estimated 92 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 103 children aged 0-2 and 68 children aged 3-4. This cohort declined by an estimated 7% since the previous census. though population forecasts indicate future growth, with an anticipated increase of 1% by 2041 (to approximately 93 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 301. Birth rates in the area have averaged 13.6 per 1,000 residents over the latest two-year period, a high rate (among the top 20% of areas assessed nationally).