Forster (NSW)

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Based on demographic evaluations from the ABS for the surrounding region, combined with address validations performed by Districts following the Census, the suburb of Forster (NSW) has a projected population of approximately 14,522 as of May 2026. This represents an addition of 335 people (2.4%) relative to the 2021 Census, which documented a total of 14,187 people. This shift is derived from a resident count of 14,518, calculated by Districts using the ABS June 2025 release of ERP details along with 573 validated new addresses confirmed post-census. The current population distribution yields a density of 446 persons per square kilometer, indicating low crowding and potential capacity for future housing projects. The 2.4% post-census growth rate for the suburb of Forster (NSW) is within 0.5 percentage points of the wider SA3 region (2.9%), showing comparable local demand. The primary driver of this population growth was interstate migration, which accounted for roughly 69.0% of the overall population increases during recent timeframes.

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The local economy is supported by a diverse workforce divided between professional and trade roles, with a solid representation of essential services and an unemployment rate of 4.9%. As of March 2026, there are 5,398 employed residents, though the jobless rate sits 0.8% higher than the Regional NSW rate of 4.1%, and participation in the labour force is notably lower at 44.4% compared to the regional benchmark of 60.6%. Census data indicates that a modest 11.2% of the workforce worked from home, though this figure was likely influenced by public health restrictions at the time.

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According to tax statistics from the financial year 2023, tax-paying residents of Forster recorded a median income of $42,027 and an average income of $55,548. These figures are below national averages and compare to median and average levels of $52,390 and $65,215 across Regional NSW. Applying a Wage Price Index increase of 10.32% since financial year 2023 estimates the median and average incomes at $46,364 and $61,281 as of March 2026. Data from the 2021 Census places local household, family, and individual incomes between the 3rd and 9th national percentiles. The largest income bracket contains 30.7% of residents (4,458 people) earning between $400 - 799 weekly, which contrasts with the broader region where the - range is the most common at . Housing affordability is highly constrained, with residents retaining only of their income after housing costs, placing the area in the th percentile nationally.

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The local housing stock at the time of the latest Census consisted of 64.8% standalone houses and 35.2% alternative housing types, such as townhouses, units, or other dwellings, compared to the Regional NSW breakdown of 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Outright home ownership in the area was high at 51.7%, with the remaining properties occupied by residents with a mortgage (20.8%) or renting (27.6%). The median monthly mortgage payment of $1,733 matches the Regional NSW average of $1,733, while the median weekly rent was $340, compared to $330 regionally. On a national level, mortgage payments are below the Australian average of $1,863, and rents are below the national median of $375.

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Families make up 61.9% of households in the area, consisting of 15.8% couples raising children, 34.7% couples without children, and 10.5% single-parent households. The remaining 38.1% are non-family households, which are mostly individuals living alone (35.1%) along with group households (3.1%). The median household size is 2.1 people, which is below the Regional NSW average of 2.4.

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The region presents opportunities for educational development, as university graduation rates stand at 16.8%, which is below the NSW average of 32.2%. Among those with higher education, bachelor degrees are the most common at 11.9%, followed by postgraduate degrees at 2.8% and graduate diplomas at 2.1%. Technical and practical training is highly prevalent, with 42.2% of residents aged 15+ holding a vocational qualification, including 10.8% with advanced diplomas and 31.4% holding certificates.

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The local transit network features 230 active bus stops, which are serviced by 35 distinct routes that provide 595 weekly passenger trips. Access to public transport is high, with the average distance to a stop standing at 119 meters. Because the area is primarily residential, most workers commute out of the suburb, with private vehicles being the primary mode of travel for 92% of workers, while 5% walk. The average vehicle ownership rate is 1.1 cars per household, which is lower than the regional average, and 11.2% of residents work from home based on 2021 Census data.

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Health assessments indicate notable local challenges based on mortality and chronic illness rates across multiple age groups, with private health insurance coverage extending to roughly 49% of the population (~7,108 people). This coverage rate is lower than the Regional NSW average of 51.9% and the national rate of 55.7%.

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Demographic data shows lower cultural diversity relative to broader benchmarks, with 87.7% of residents born in Australia, 90.9% holding citizenship, and 96.0% speaking only English at home. The largest religious affiliation is Christianity, representing 60.3% of the community, compared to 55.9% across Regional NSW.

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The median age of 57 years is substantially higher than the Regional NSW median of 43 and the national average of 38. The population shows a high concentration of residents aged 75 - 84 (15.1%), which is significantly above the national level of 6.1%, while the 25 - 34 age group is smaller at 7.2%. Since the 2021 Census, the 75 to 84 bracket has increased from 13.3% to 15.1%, while the 55 to 64 bracket has decreased from 14.3% to 13.1%. By 2041, the population aged 85+ is projected to expand by 503 people (), rising from to whereas the to and to brackets are projected to shrink.

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Forster currently has an estimated 609 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 358 children aged 0-2 and 239 children aged 3-4. This cohort grew by an estimated 23% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future growth, with an anticipated increase of 14% by 2041 (to approximately 697 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 1,044. While growth has been positive birth rates observed in the area have been low, with approximately 7.6 births per 1,000 residents recorded over the latest two-year period analysed which ranks the area among the bottom 20% of areas assessed nationally. This rate has slowed down slightly in recent years however.