🔍

Forster

NSW 2428 • Rest of NSW

14,187
Population (2021)
$52,468
Median Household 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

🏷️ Property Prices 2025

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

🏡House
$850K
277 sales · ▼ 3.4% vs 2024
🏢Unit / Apartment
$640K
227 sales · ▲ 10.2% 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)
$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)

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Local bus services — Sydney CBD Varies

Commute to Sydney CBD

Distance
220 km
By Train
Train access via local station
By Car (Peak)
2+ hours
By Car (Off-Peak)
1.5+ hours

🛣️ Located 220 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

  • 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 LGA-wide

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

Break & enter (dwelling)
286.1 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Down 6.0%
Motor vehicle theft
215 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Up 3.8%
Non-DV assault
445.3 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Up 1.1%
Robbery (unarmed)
5.1 / 100k
2yr — 10yr —
Steal from vehicle
196.8 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Down 3.8%
View all 62 offence types for Mid-Coast →

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

🎓 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)

Personal Income 2016
$25,324
Personal Income 2021
$30,212
▲ 19.3% 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
$30,212 / yr
$581/wk
Household
$52,468 / yr
$1009/wk
Family
$70,356 / yr
$1353/wk

Personal Income Comparison (2016 vs 2021)

📊 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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Forster known for? +

Forster is a well-established residential suburb in Mid-Coast, NSW, with a population of approximately 14,187 residents. The suburb is valued for its local schools, parks, and community facilities.

How far is Forster from Sydney CBD? +

Forster is approximately 220 kilometres from Sydney CBD, typically a 1.5+ hours drive outside peak hours.

Does Forster have public transport? +

Forster 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 Forster? +

According to the 2021 Census, Forster has a population of approximately 14,187 residents.

Is Forster a good place to live? +

Forster offers a practical and liveable lifestyle with local schools, parks, and shopping. With a median income around $36,437, it attracts a broad demographic mix.

What is the postcode for Forster? +

The postcode for Forster, NSW is 2428.

What is the average income in Forster? +

Based on the 2021 Census, the median personal income in Forster is about $581 per week (around $30,200 per year). The median household income is $1,009 per week and the median family income is $1,353 per week.

What is the median house price in Forster? +

As of 2025, the median house price is $850,000, down 3.4% on the previous year, and the median unit/apartment price is $640,000, up 10.2% on the previous year. Figures are based on NSW Valuer General — Property Sales Information.

What is the age profile of Forster? +

The median age in Forster is 57. The largest age group is 65–74 (2,713 residents, around 19%). Around 18% of residents are under 20 and about 38% are aged 65 or older. (2021 Census)

Is Forster a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Forster is part of the Mid-Coast 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 Forster? +

In Forster, the median weekly rent is $340, and the median monthly mortgage repayment is $1,733 (2021 Census).