🔍

Forest Lake

QLD 4078 • Greater Brisbane

22,676
Population (2021)
$99,892
Median Household Income
9.82 km²
Area
$390/wk
Median Rent
Lakeside LivingMaster-PlannedEstablishedOutdoor Lifestyle

About Forest Lake

Forest Lake is a master-planned suburb of 22,500 residents in Brisbane's southwestern corridor, 18 kilometres from the CBD. Built around a large man-made lake, it offers scenic living with established trees and waterways. The Centenary Highway provides city access, while comprehensive facilities have developed over its 30-year history.

The suburb centres on its namesake lake—walking trails, water views, and parklands create genuine lifestyle appeal. Shopping, schools, and services are comprehensive, and the community has matured from growth area to established suburb. Forest Lake attracts families seeking lakeside living, outdoor lifestyle, and suburban amenity at accessible prices.

Forest Lake falls under postcode 4078 and is governed by Brisbane Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Inala electorate.

📰 Featured In

🇻🇳 Top 10 Suburbs for Vietnamese in Brisbane

📍 Location

State
Queensland
Postcode
4078
Urban Area
Wacol - Doolandella - Forest Lake
LGA / Council
Brisbane
Federal Electorate
Oxley
State Electorate
Inala
Type
Major Urban
Timezone
Brisbane (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-27.62°, 152.96°
Statistical Area
Greater Brisbane
Area
9.82 km²
Elevation
40m

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$390
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,690
Avg Household Size
2.8 people
Median Age
37 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
1.4%

103 state housing + 6 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Local bus services — Brisbane CBD 54-72 min

Commute to Brisbane CBD

Distance
18 km
By Train
Approximately 45 min to Brisbane CBD (Central) by train
By Car (Peak)
25-45 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
20-35 min

🛣️ Located 18 km south of Brisbane CBD

Walkability Somewhat Walkable

Daily errands can often be done on foot near local shopping strips, but a car is useful for larger trips

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

  • Coles
    Forest Lake Boulevard Forest Lake 4078 QLD
  • Woolworths
    235 Forest Lake Boulevard Forest Lake 4078 QLD
  • ALDI
    235 / M3 Forest Lake Boulevard, Forest Lake QLD 4078

🎓 Schools

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

These are the latest rates for the Brisbane Local Government Area, which contains Forest Lake. Rates are per 100,000 residents for calendar year 2025; trends compare 2 and 10 year periods.

Break & enter (dwelling)
832.9 / 100k
2yr Down 25.0% 10yr Stable
Motor vehicle theft
371.6 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Up 77.2%
Non-FV assault
713.9 / 100k
2yr Up 17.9% 10yr Up 138.5%
Robbery (unarmed)
29 / 100k
2yr Down 15.0% 10yr Up 83.4%
Steal from vehicle
616.8 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Up 28.4%
View all offence categories for Brisbane →

Source: Queensland Police Service via data.qld.gov.au

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
22,904
Census 2021
22,676
▼ 1% decline

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Personal Income 2016
$38,584
Personal Income 2021
$41,652
▲ 8.0% increase

2021 Census income breakdown

Personal = median for one earner. Household = all members of a dwelling pooled. Family = related members only. Annual = weekly × 52.

Personal
$41,652 / yr
$801/wk
Household
$99,892 / yr
$1921/wk
Family
$111,280 / yr
$2140/wk

Personal Income Comparison (2016 vs 2021)

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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 13,306
Born Overseas 8,785

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. New Zealand 1,406
  • 2. Vietnam 1,213
  • 3. England 829
  • 4. India 817
  • 5. China 384
  • 6. Sri Lanka 370
  • 7. Philippines 313
  • 8. Samoa 253
  • 9. South Africa 224
  • 10. Fiji 171

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 6,908
Australian 5,853
Scottish 1,876
Vietnamese 1,810
Irish 1,742
Chinese 1,122
Indian 1,054
German 1,028
Samoan 782
Filipino 478

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

7,706
Both parents born in Australia
11,591
Both parents born overseas
2,698
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

Christianity
44.5%
No Religion
36.1%
Buddhism
5.8%
Hinduism
4.1%
Islam
3.0%
Sikhism
1.2%
Judaism
0.0%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
1,363 (6.0%)
5-14 years
3,218 (14.2%)
15-19 years
1,700 (7.5%)
20-24 years
1,367 (6.0%)
25-34 years
2,797 (12.3%)
35-44 years
3,108 (13.7%)
45-54 years
3,436 (15.2%)
55-64 years
2,699 (11.9%)
65-74 years
1,779 (7.8%)
75-84 years
928 (4.1%)
85+ years
277 (1.2%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Forest Lake known for? +

Forest Lake is a well-established residential suburb in Brisbane, QLD, known for its mix of housing types, local schools, and community facilities. The suburb has a population of approximately 22,676 residents and forms part of the broader Greater Brisbane region.

How far is Forest Lake from Brisbane CBD? +

Forest Lake is approximately 18 kilometres from Brisbane CBD, typically a 20-35 min drive under normal traffic conditions. Peak hour travel can take longer due to traffic.

Does Forest Lake have public transport? +

Forest Lake is served by local bus services connecting residents to the broader metropolitan network. The nearest train station provides connections to Brisbane CBD.

What is the population of Forest Lake? +

According to the 2021 Census, Forest Lake has a population of approximately 22,676 residents. The suburb is a significant residential area within the Brisbane district.

Is Forest Lake a good place to live? +

Forest Lake appeals to families, professionals, and established residents who value its range of local amenities, schools, and community facilities. With a median taxable income of around $49,610, it attracts a mix of household types. Like most QLD suburbs, lifestyle quality depends on proximity to work and preferred amenities.

What is the postcode for Forest Lake? +

The postcode for Forest Lake, QLD is 4078.

What is the average income in Forest Lake? +

Based on the 2021 Census, the median personal income in Forest Lake is about $801 per week (around $41,700 per year). The median household income is $1,921 per week and the median family income is $2,140 per week.

What is the age profile of Forest Lake? +

The median age in Forest Lake is 37. The largest age group is 45–54 (3,436 residents, around 15%). Around 28% of residents are under 20 and about 13% are aged 65 or older. (2021 Census)

Is Forest Lake a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Forest Lake is part of the Brisbane LGA — see the Crime Statistics section on this page for the latest recorded offence rates per 100,000 residents, along with 2-year and 10-year trends.

How much is rent in Forest Lake? +

In Forest Lake, the median weekly rent is $390, and the median monthly mortgage repayment is $1,690 (2021 Census).