🔍

Forster

NSW 2428 • Rest of NSW

14,187
Population (2021)
$30,212
Median Income
32.54 km²
Area
$340/wk
Median Rent
Coastal TownRetirement FriendlySea ChangeLake & Beach

About Forster

Forster is a popular coastal town on the NSW mid-north coast, where over 14,000 permanent residents are joined by countless holiday visitors. The twin towns of Forster-Tuncurry straddle Wallis Lake, providing both ocean beaches and lake recreation. The modest median income reflects its retirement and tourism-focused economy.

The main street offers solid coastal-town shopping, while the beach and lake provide the main attractions. The climate is mild, fishing is excellent, and the pace is genuinely relaxed. Forster attracts retirees, sea-changers seeking affordable coastal living, and anyone who prefers beach accessibility over urban convenience. It's mid-coast living at its most affordable.

Forster falls under postcode 2428 and is governed by Mid-Coast Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Myall Lakes electorate.

📍 Location

State
New South Wales
Postcode
2428
Urban Area
Forster
LGA / Council
Mid-Coast
Federal Electorate
Lyne
State Electorate
Myall Lakes
Type
Urban
Timezone
Sydney (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-32.23°, 152.53°
Statistical Area
Rest of NSW
Area
32.54 km²
Elevation
1m

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

  • Coles
    Forster Village Shopping Centre Cnr Breeze Parade & Water Street Forster South 2428 NSW
  • Woolworths
    Cnr The Lakes Way And Breese Parade Forster 2428 NSW

🎓 Schools

🔍 Crime Statistics

NSW crime data is provided by the Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR). Use the interactive tool below to explore recorded crime incidents in Forster by offence type, year and trend.

📊 View Forster Crime Statistics on BOCSAR ↗

Data source: NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research · Search for "Forster" under Suburb

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$340
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,733
Avg Household Size
2.1 people
Median Age
57 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
3.7%

100 state housing + 133 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
13,740
Census 2021
14,187
▲ 3.3% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Income 2016
$25,324
Income 2021
$30,212
▲ 19.3% increase

Income Comparison

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021
💰 Income: ABS Census 2021

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 11,600
Born Overseas 1,622

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 452
  • 2. New Zealand 176
  • 3. Philippines 73
  • 4. Scotland 68
  • 5. Germany 61
  • 6. South Africa 55
  • 7. Nepal 51
  • 8. India 50
  • 9. Netherlands 49
  • 10. United States 31

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 6,425
Australian 5,784
Irish 1,696
Scottish 1,528
Australian Aboriginal 840
German 506
Italian 262
Dutch 152
Filipino 97
Maltese 94

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

9,822
Both parents born in Australia
1,961
Both parents born overseas
1,368
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

Christianity
55.7%
No Religion
35.1%
Buddhism
0.7%
Hinduism
0.7%
Islam
0.3%
Sikhism
0.1%
Judaism
0.0%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
501 (3.5%)
5-14 years
1,348 (9.5%)
15-19 years
648 (4.6%)
20-24 years
448 (3.2%)
25-34 years
1,026 (7.2%)
35-44 years
1,249 (8.8%)
45-54 years
1,500 (10.6%)
55-64 years
2,032 (14.3%)
65-74 years
2,713 (19.1%)
75-84 years
1,893 (13.3%)
85+ years
834 (5.9%)

Nearby Suburbs