🔍

Forestville

NSW 2087 • Greater Sydney

8,659
Population (2021)
$130,364
Median Household Income
4.69 km²
Area
$650/wk
Median Rent
Family-FriendlyBushland SettingQuiet & PeacefulNature Lovers

About Forestville

Forestville is a leafy, family-oriented suburb on Sydney's Upper North Shore, bordered by Garigal National Park and known for its bushland setting. Located about 14 km north of the CBD in the Northern Beaches Council area, it offers a quieter pace of life while still being accessible to Chatswood and the city. The suburb is popular with families seeking good schools, larger blocks, and a connection to nature.

With a median income around $55k, Forestville attracts middle-income families who prioritise space and outdoor lifestyle over inner-city convenience. The local shopping village provides everyday essentials, while Warringah Mall is a short drive away. Bushwalking trails are literally at residents' doorsteps, and the community has a relaxed, unpretentious feel that long-term locals fiercely protect.

Forestville falls under postcode 2087 and is governed by Northern Beaches Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Wakehurst electorate.

📍 Location

State
New South Wales
Postcode
2087
Urban Area
Manly - Warringah
LGA / Council
Northern Beaches
Federal Electorate
Mackellar
State Electorate
Wakehurst
Type
Major Urban
Timezone
Sydney (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-33.76°, 151.21°
Statistical Area
Greater Sydney
Area
4.69 km²
Elevation
130m

🏷️ Property Prices 2025

Median sale prices in Forestville for 2025. Based on every residential settlement recorded by the NSW Valuer General in 2025.

🏡House
$2.5M
105 sales · ▲ 7.2% vs 2024
🏢Unit / Apartment
$1.3M
16 sales · ▼ 13% vs 2024

Source: NSW Valuer General — Property Sales Information. Strata-titled sales are counted as units; all others as houses. Suburbs with fewer than 5 sales in a category are omitted.

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$650
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$3,250
Avg Household Size
2.9 people
Median Age
43 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
3.7%

53 state housing + 54 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Local bus services — Sydney CBD Varies

Commute to Sydney CBD

Distance
12 km
By Train
Train access via local station
By Car (Peak)
25-45 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
20-35 min

🛣️ Located 12 km from Sydney CBD

Walkability Somewhat Walkable

Some errands can be done on foot near the local centre, but most residents rely on a car for daily needs

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

These are the latest 2025 rates for the Northern Beaches Local Government Area, which contains Forestville. Rates are per 100,000 residents; trends compare 2 and 10 year periods ending Dec 2025.

Break & enter (dwelling)
62 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Down 10.9%
Motor vehicle theft
55.4 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Down 1.5%
Non-DV assault
204.6 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Stable
Robbery (unarmed)
4.4 / 100k
2yr — 10yr —
Steal from vehicle
130.4 / 100k
2yr Down 23.8% 10yr Down 9.1%
View all 62 offence types for Northern Beaches →

Source: NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR)

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
8,329
Census 2021
8,659
▲ 4.0% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Personal Income 2016
$39,884
Personal Income 2021
$48,672
▲ 22.0% 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
$48,672 / yr
$936/wk
Household
$130,364 / yr
$2507/wk
Family
$162,500 / yr
$3125/wk

Personal Income Comparison (2016 vs 2021)

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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 5,571
Born Overseas 2,771

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 461
  • 2. China 257
  • 3. New Zealand 174
  • 4. Hong Kong 131
  • 5. South Africa 126
  • 6. Japan 97
  • 7. France 93
  • 8. Iran 82
  • 9. India 61
  • 10. United States 61

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 3,012
Australian 2,592
Irish 884
Scottish 775
Chinese 760
Italian 305
German 286
French 221
Dutch 151
Croatian 113

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

3,110
Both parents born in Australia
3,666
Both parents born overseas
1,546
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

Christianity
50.8%
No Religion
39.0%
Buddhism
1.7%
Judaism
0.8%
Islam
0.7%
Hinduism
0.6%
Sikhism
0.1%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
423 (4.9%)
5-14 years
1,388 (16.0%)
15-19 years
619 (7.1%)
20-24 years
435 (5.0%)
25-34 years
528 (6.1%)
35-44 years
1,106 (12.8%)
45-54 years
1,409 (16.3%)
55-64 years
983 (11.4%)
65-74 years
716 (8.3%)
75-84 years
701 (8.1%)
85+ years
352 (4.1%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Forestville known for? +

Forestville is a well-established residential suburb in Northern Beaches, NSW, with a population of approximately 8,659 residents. The suburb is valued for its local schools, parks, and community facilities.

How far is Forestville from Sydney CBD? +

Forestville is approximately 12 kilometres from Sydney CBD, typically a 20-35 min drive outside peak hours.

Does Forestville have public transport? +

Forestville is served by local bus services connecting to the broader NSW network. Nearby train stations provide access to Sydney CBD.

What is the population of Forestville? +

According to the 2021 Census, Forestville has a population of approximately 8,659 residents.

Is Forestville a good place to live? +

Forestville offers a practical and liveable lifestyle with local schools, parks, and shopping. With a median income around $55,164, it attracts a broad demographic mix.

What is the postcode for Forestville? +

The postcode for Forestville, NSW is 2087.

What is the average income in Forestville? +

Based on the 2021 Census, the median personal income in Forestville is about $936 per week (around $48,700 per year). The median household income is $2,507 per week and the median family income is $3,125 per week.

What is the median house price in Forestville? +

As of 2025, the median house price is $2,500,000, up 7.2% on the previous year, and the median unit/apartment price is $1,305,000, down 13% on the previous year. Figures are based on NSW Valuer General — Property Sales Information.

What is the age profile of Forestville? +

The median age in Forestville is 43. The largest age group is 45–54 (1,409 residents, around 16%). Around 28% of residents are under 20 and about 20% are aged 65 or older. (2021 Census)

Is Forestville a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Forestville is part of the Northern Beaches 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 Forestville? +

In Forestville, the median weekly rent is $650, and the median monthly mortgage repayment is $3,250 (2021 Census).