Forestville (SA)

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Based on an evaluation of ABS population updates for the wider region, alongside new address files validated by Districts since the Census, the suburb of Forestville (SA) has a population calculated to be approximately 1,578 as of May 2026. This represents an expansion of 178 people (12.7%) from the 2021 Census, which documented a population of 1,400 people. This shift is deduced from the resident population of 1,578, calculated by Districts through analyzing the latest ERP data release from the ABS (June 2025) and a further 5 validated new addresses since the Census date. Such a population size results in a density ratio of 2,817 persons per square kilometer, which puts it in the highest quartile of national areas assessed by Districts. The 12.7% growth rate of the suburb of Forestville (SA) since the 2021 census outpaced the SA3 area (5.4%) as well as the state, making it a regional leader in population gains. Demographic expansion in the locality was mostly propelled by overseas migration, which made up approximately of the total population growth over recent periods.

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Forestville has a highly qualified workforce, with professional services heavily represented, an unemployment rate of only 2.6%, and an estimated 5.9% increase in jobs over the past year, according to Districts aggregations of statistical area data. As of March 2026990 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 1.3% below the Greater Adelaide rate of 3.8%, and labour force participation is far above the norm (74.8% compared to 66.6% in Greater Adelaide). Based on Census responses, a moderate 14.2% of residents worked from home, although Covid-19 lockdown influences should be taken into account.

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Districts' latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 demonstrates that income in the suburb of Forestville is exceptionally high on a national scale, with the median recorded at $62,954 and the average income reaching $91,923. This compares to Greater Adelaide's median income of $54,808 and average income of $66,852. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.17% since financial year 2023, current projections would be roughly $69,356 (median) and $101,272 (average) as of March 2026. According to 2021 Census statistics, individual earnings are prominent at the 82nd percentile nationally ($1,042 weekly). Income distribution reveals that the largest category is 32.3% earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (509 residents), which matches the surrounding region where this group similarly accounts for . After paying for housing, residents keep of their income, showing strong purchasing power, and the area's SEIFA income ranking falls into the th decile.

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The mix of dwelling types in Forestville at the time of the latest Census consisted of 53.6% houses and 46.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Adelaide metro's 75.2% houses and 24.9% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership in Forestville was comparable to Adelaide metro at 31.1%, with the rest of the properties being mortgaged (36.7%) or rented (32.2%). The median monthly mortgage payment in the area was significantly higher than the Adelaide metro average at $1,733, while the median weekly rent was recorded at $340, compared to Adelaide metro's $1,562 and $320. Nationally, Forestville's mortgage repayments are below the Australian average of $1,863, and rents are below the national figure of $375.

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Family households make up the majority at 63.8% of all households, containing 26.3% couples with children, 27.1% couples without children, and 9.9% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 36.2%, with single-person households making up 29.1% and group households representing 6.4% of the total. The median household size of 2.3 people is smaller than the Greater Adelaide average of 2.5.

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Educational qualifications in Forestville are substantially higher than wider benchmarks, with 48.4% of residents aged 15+ holding university degrees, compared to 25.7% in SA and 28.9% in Greater Adelaide. This major educational lead sets the area up well for knowledge-driven opportunities. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 29.8%, followed by postgraduate degrees (12.9%) and graduate diplomas (5.7%). Trade and technical qualifications are also common, with 25.5% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (8.8%) and certificates (16.7%).

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Public transit analysis shows 8 active transport stops operating within Forestville, consisting of a combination of lightrail and buses. These stops are serviced by 22 individual routes, which combined provide 2,764 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is ranked as excellent, with residents on average located 161 meters from the nearest transit stop. Being a mainly residential area, most residents travel outwards for work - cars are the dominant mode of travel at 69%, followed by 8% cycling and 6% by bus. Vehicle ownership averages 1.1 per household, which is below the regional average. Some 14.2% of residents work from home (2021 Census; which may reflect COVID-19 settings).

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Analysis of health indicators demonstrates positive performance across Forestville, based on Districts' review of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence, with younger and older demographics showing low rates of common illnesses, and the level of private health insurance found to be very high at approximately 63% of the total population (998 people). This compares to 52.7% throughout Greater Adelaide. The national average is 55.7%.

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Forestville has a higher level of cultural diversity than most local markets, with 23.8% of its population born overseas and 19.7% speaking a language other than English at home. The leading religion in Forestville is Christianity, which accounts for 34.1% of residents. However, the most visible overrepresentation was in Other, which accounts for 1.0% of the population, compared to 1.8% across Greater Adelaide.

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At 39 years, the median age in Forestville matches the Greater Adelaide average of 39 and is close to the Australian median of 38. Compared to the Greater Adelaide average, the 25 - 34 age bracket is noticeably over-represented (16.9% locally), whereas 5 - 14 year-olds are under-represented (9.7%). Since the 2021 Census, the 75 to 84 age group has expanded from 3.6% to 5.9% of the population, and the 15 to 24 group grew from 10.6% to 12.4%. On the other hand, the 45 to 54 cohort decreased from 13.7% to 12.4%. Demographic modeling suggests Forestville's age profile will transform significantly by . The to cohort has the highest projected growth at , adding residents to reach . Population aging continues as residents aged and older represent of projected growth. Conversely, population declines are forecast for the to and to cohorts.

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Forestville currently has an estimated 82 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 39 children aged 0-2 and 26 children aged 3-4. This cohort grew by an estimated 14% since the previous census. though population forecasts indicate future decline, with an anticipated decrease of 9% by 2041 (to approximately 75 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 128. While growth has been positive birth rates observed in the area have been low, with approximately 8.0 births per 1,000 residents recorded over the latest two-year period analysed which ranks the area among the bottom 30% of areas assessed nationally. This rate has slowed down slightly in recent years however.