SA · Unley Council

Black Forest, 5035

Est. population · Jun 2025

2,012

Growth (1 yr)

+0.8%

Growth (5 yr)

+3.0%

Median age

39

Median income

$1,664/wk

Employment rate

63.9%

Median house price · Q1 2026

$1,485,500

Languages at home

21.6%non-English

Most common: Greek, Nepali, Punjabi

2021 Census · usual residence

Desirability score

46.6/100
Average

Top 36% of South Australia's suburbs

Verified 96% confidence

How this score is calculated
  • Excellent transport
  • Café precinct
  • Heritage area
  • Education hub
  • Cycling
What Black Forest is known for: Excellent transport, Café precinct, Heritage area, Education hub, Cycling

Suburb profile

Black Forest hums with inner-city energy, a smaller community where there is always something happening nearby. Its inner position means surrounding suburbs are never far away, whether for a meal out or a change of scene. Families and commuters make up much of the community, with plenty of young families in the mix.

Local eateries and coffee spots give the area a friendly, everyday social rhythm. Parks and open space are a real strength relative to many metro suburbs, easy for walks, sport and weekend downtime. Buses, trams, and trains connect the area to surrounding suburbs, keeping the wider city within easy reach.

Housing is expensive relative to much of the state. Light infill development is updating a few streets while the wider area stays largely unchanged.

Against similar metro suburbs, the suburb sits around average overall, mainly because safety lag behind, despite relative strength in growth momentum, plus schools and education. Limited access to some essential local services also trimmed the result.

At a glance

Black Forest snapshot

A quick read of housing, growth, livability, and risk

Median house price

$1.49M

+36% change

Median rent

$510/wk

Houses $635 · Units $480

Population (ERP)

2,012

+0.8% annual growth

Dwelling vacancy

7.2%

Census unoccupied dwellings

Livability profile

Desirability pillars vs the peer median (50th percentile)

How it compares

Relative standing using percentiles, ranks, and national deciles

Desirability

#75

among Metro Adelaide · Emerging

Safety

58th

percentile in state (higher = safer)

Pop. growth

68th

percentile in SA

Advantage (IRSAD)

8/10

national SEIFA decile

School ICSEA

86th

percentile among schools with ICSEA

Population growth

Recent ERP change over 1 and 5 years

Housing mix

Dwelling types from the 2021 Census

Risks & flags

Quick scan — open a section below for full context

Living here

Desirability

Ranks & confidence
Desirability score
46.6/100 — Average
State standing
Top 36% of South Australia's suburbs
National rank
2639th in Australia
State rank
255th in SA
Peer rank
#75 among Metro Adelaide · Emerging suburbs
Cohort rank
#195 among Metro Adelaide suburbs
Data confidence
96%

Data sources & freshness

  • Suburb Guide desirability indexSuburb Guide (derived) · current · Updated

Housing

Flats / units (01/01/26 to 31/03/26)
$480
Houses (01/01/26 to 31/03/26)
$635
All types (01/01/26 to 31/03/26)
$510
Rental bonds lodged (01/01/26 to 31/03/26)
10
Median house price (Q1 2026)
$1,485,500
Median price change
+36.3%

Median weekly rent from SA Housing Authority rental bond data. Figures can be unreliable where few bonds were lodged in the quarter.

Median house sale prices cover metropolitan Adelaide and selected fringe councils (19 LGAs, including Adelaide Hills and Gawler), not all of regional South Australia.

Contributes to desirability score · Housing (15%) · Future Growth (7%)

Median price, rental yield and vacancy Recent price momentum

Data sources & freshness

  • SA rent report & metro median house salesGovernment of South Australia · 1 January - 31 March 2026; 1Q 2026 · Updated · Quarterly; metro-fringe sales only

Population

Estimated resident population

2,012(June 2025)

+0.8% annual · +3.0% over 5 years · 68th percentile in SA

Growth figures & methodology
Annual growth
+0.8%
5-year growth
+3.0%
Change in 1 year
+17
Change in 5 years
+58
Growth rank in SA
68th percentile

ABS Estimated Resident Population allocated to this suburb from SA2-level data. Not an official ABS suburb count.

Methodology

Figures are allocated from ABS Estimated Resident Population at Statistical Area Level 2 (SA2), using 2021 Census share within overlapping SA2 regions. Where Census data is unavailable, area overlap is used instead.

The dashed chart line is a simple growth-trend estimate to June 2030 (~2,050), extrapolated at +0.3% average annual growth since 2011. It is illustrative only — not an official ABS forecast.

2021 Census figures

2021 Census

Population
1,982
Median age
39
Median household income / week
$1,664
Dwelling vacancy
7.2%
Unoccupied private dwellings
66 of 916
Median monthly mortgage
$1,733
Employment rate
63.9%
Dwelling mix (houses / semi / flats)
499 / 71 / 272

Contributes to desirability score · Community (5%)

Employment, household income and age diversity (2021 Census)

Data sources & freshness

  • 2021 Census — General Community ProfileAustralian Bureau of Statistics · Updated

    The 2026 Census runs in August 2026; suburb-level updates are expected from mid-2027.

  • Estimated Resident PopulationAustralian Bureau of Statistics · 2025 · Updated · SA2 ERP allocated to suburb boundaries

Community & culture

No 2021 Census cultural diversity data for this suburb yet.

Data sources & freshness

  • 2021 Census — General Community ProfileAustralian Bureau of Statistics · Updated

    The 2026 Census runs in August 2026; suburb-level updates are expected from mid-2027.

Crime & safety

Reported offences increased compared with the previous period.

Offence counts & rates
Total offences (2024–25)
84
Against the person
18
Against property
66
Rate per 1,000 residents
41.7
Person-crime prevalence
About 1 in 110 residents
State safety percentile
58th (lower crime is better)
Family & domestic abuse offences
39
Increase (daily rate)
+2.7%

Most common offence types

  • Other Property Damage And Environmental15
  • Other Theft17
  • Sct - Residence11
  • Serious Assault Not Resulting In Injury8
  • Theft From Motor Vehicle7

Contributes to desirability score · Safety (18%)

Crime rate and year-on-year trend

Data sources & freshness

Family & Lifestyle

Schools & preschools

Schools within 2 km
1
Median school ICSEA (9 schools)
1,108
Median ICSEA percentile
86th
School list
  • Black Forest Primary SchoolPrimary · Government · ICSEA 1108 · 86th percentile · LBOTE 19% · 410 students · Top SEA quarter 44% · 0.3 km awayView on My School →
  • Aspect Treetop SchoolSpecial · Independent · ICSEA 1080 · 79th percentile · LBOTE 32% · 75 students · Top SEA quarter 34% · 1.1 km awayView on My School →
  • St Anthony's SchoolPrimary · Catholic · ICSEA 1090 · 81th percentile · LBOTE 25% · 116 students · Top SEA quarter 34% · 1.1 km awayView on My School →
  • Cabra Dominican CollegeCombined · Catholic · ICSEA 1065 · 74th percentile · LBOTE 9% · 1,165 students · Top SEA quarter 19% · 1.2 km awayView on My School →
  • Goodwood Primary SchoolPrimary · Government · ICSEA 1147 · 95th percentile · LBOTE 31% · 408 students · Top SEA quarter 58% · 1.5 km awayView on My School →
  • St Thomas' SchoolPrimary · Catholic · ICSEA 1116 · 88th percentile · LBOTE 11% · 297 students · Top SEA quarter 44% · 1.6 km awayView on My School →
  • Westbourne Park Primary SchoolPrimary · Government · ICSEA 1126 · 90th percentile · LBOTE 19% · 480 students · Top SEA quarter 51% · 1.7 km awayView on My School →
  • Plympton Primary SchoolPrimary · Government · ICSEA 1071 · 76th percentile · LBOTE 59% · 272 students · Top SEA quarter 31% · 1.8 km awayView on My School →
  • Richmond Primary SchoolPrimary · Government · ICSEA 1122 · 90th percentile · LBOTE 84% · 362 students · Top SEA quarter 47% · 1.9 km awayView on My School →

Contributes to desirability score · Education (15%)

School and preschool counts, median school ICSEA

Data sources & freshness

Childcare

3 childcare services from OpenStreetMap

  • Black Forest Primary School OSHCchildcare
  • Nido Early Schoolkindergarten
  • childcarechildcare

Contributes to desirability score · Education (15%)

Childcare centre count

Data sources & freshness

Public transport

11 public transport stops in this suburb

  • Clarence Park Railway Station
  • Emerson Railway Station
  • Stop 8 East Ave - West side
  • Stop 8 South Rd - East side
  • Stop 9 South Rd - East side

Contributes to desirability score · Accessibility (15%)

Public transport stop coverage

Data sources & freshness

Amenities

194 nearby amenities within ~1.5 km

4 restaurants · 1 cafes · 2 fast food · 1 libraries · 1 places of worship · 4 playgrounds · 1 sports centres · 2 swimming pools

Local character & venue list

Local character

  • A car helps for daily errands
  • Great for outdoor family life2 parks mapped in suburb, 4 playgrounds nearby
  • Reasonable bus and transport access11 public transport stops
  • Strong local sport and recreation11 sport and outdoor facilities nearby
Walkability proxy
31/100
Cafés per 1,000 residents
0.5
Food & drink per 1,000 residents
3.53
Parks per 1,000 residents
1.01
Food & drink(7)
  • The Village BakerCafe
  • Amigo’s PizzeriaFast food
  • BFPS “Take a Bite” CanteenFast food
  • Asian KitchenRestaurant
  • BLIV Cafe & Burger BarRestaurant
  • Chapathi HouseRestaurant

    Unit 6a 715-727 South Road

  • Miss Maria RollsRestaurant

    Unit 10 715-727 South Road

Shopping(1)
  • Southern WorkoutConvenience store
Community(6)
  • Black Forest Primary School OSHCChildcare
  • Clarence Park Community CenterChildcare
  • Clarence Park Community CentreCommunity centre

    72-74 East Avenue, Black Forest

  • Nido Early SchoolKindergarten
  • BFPS LibraryLibrary
  • Black Forest Primary SchoolSchool

    679 South Road, Black Forest

Health & services(1)
  • Black Forest Family VetVeterinary
Sport & outdoors(13)
  • Anytime FitnessGym
  • Southside Muay Thai & FitnessGym
  • Forest Avenue ReservePark
  • Princess Margaret PlaygroundPark
  • Black Forest Primary SchoolPlayground
  • Children's GardenPlayground
  • Playground (2)
  • CircoBats Community CircusSports centre

    775 South Road

  • Brett's NetsSports field
  • Sports field
  • Swimming pool (2)
Entertainment(1)
  • Uniting Church in Australia History CentreMuseum
Transport(6)

4 bus stops · 1 tram stops · 1 train stations

Other(45)
  • Artwork (5)
  • Bbq
  • Bench (40)
  • Bicycle Parking (3)
  • Black Forest Primary School Wheels HubBicycle Parking
  • S.McLay Mechanical RepairsCar repair
  • Drinking water (11)
  • Black Forest RoomEvents Venue
  • Clarence RoomEvents Venue
  • Main HallEvents Venue
  • Blackwell FuneralsFuneral Directors
  • White Lady FuneralsFuneral Directors
  • Black Forest Primary SchoolGarden
  • Garden (2)
  • Roger’s GardenGarden
  • Just for MenHairdresser

    Unit 9 715-727 South Road

  • Ministry of BassHifi
  • Biodiversity GardenInformation
  • Community Fruit Tree OrchardInformation
  • Forest Avenue ReserveInformation
  • From Gardens to GulfInformation
  • Information (3)
  • Rainwater SystemInformation
  • Solar PanelsInformation
  • Letter Box
  • Optical SuperstoreOptician
  • Outdoor Seating
  • The Village BakerOutdoor Seating
  • Parking (23)
  • Picnic Table (10)
  • Black Forest Community ChurchPlace of worship
  • Australia PostPost Box
  • Black Forest Post OfficePost office
  • Book NookPublic Bookcase
  • Public Bookcase
  • Street LibraryPublic Bookcase
  • Public toilets
  • Recycling
  • Schoolyard
  • Shelter (10)
  • Black Forest Primary SchoolSports Hall
  • TelstraTelephone
  • Waste Basket (17)
  • Waste Disposal
  • GreenspanYes

Names and addresses from OpenStreetMap. Unnamed venues show as their type (e.g. Cafe). Transport stops are summarised by type rather than listed individually.

Contributes to desirability score · Lifestyle (15%)

Food, shopping, recreation and sport (OpenStreetMap)

Data sources & freshness

  • Local amenity insightsSuburb Guide (derived) · current · Updated
  • OpenStreetMap amenitiesOpenStreetMap contributors · current · Updated

Green cover

Parks & woodland (OSM)
2
Parks (OSM)
2

OpenStreetMap parks and natural woodland features mapped within the suburb boundary.

Contributes to desirability score · Environment (10%)

Parks and green cover (OpenStreetMap)

Data sources & freshness

Places of worship

1 places of worship within ~1.5 km

  • Black Forest Community Church

From OpenStreetMap within ~1.5 km of the suburb centre.

Data sources & freshness

Health access

Nearest hospital
Ashford Hospital (1.4 km)
Nearest hospital type
Private Hospital
Nearest hospital emergency
No emergency department listed

Contributes to desirability score · Accessibility (15%)

Hospitals and GP clinics

Data sources & freshness

  • Hospitals & GP Plus clinics (SA)SA Health · current · Updated

NDIS participation

NDIS participants (31 March 2026)
43
Participants per 1,000 residents
21.4

Active NDIS participants allocated from NDIA Statistical Area Level 2 (SA2, ASGS 2016) counts to this suburb boundary. Not an official suburb-level NDIS figure · as at 31 March 2026.

For NDIS spend and service-demand exploration by SA2 or postcode, see the Care Sector Demand Map.

Data sources & freshness

Weather

Typical conditions by season for suburbs in the same ~44 km climate area. Rainfall totals are summed from monthly WorldClim layers; rainy-day counts are approximate.

Summer (Dec–Feb)

Usual max / min
27° / 16°
Rainfall
49 mm · ~6 rainy days

Autumn (Mar–May)

Usual max / min
22° / 13°
Rainfall
94 mm · ~12 rainy days

Winter (Jun–Aug)

Usual max / min
16° / 8°
Rainfall
161 mm · ~20 rainy days

Spring (Sep–Nov)

Usual max / min
21° / 11°
Rainfall
95 mm · ~12 rainy days

Contributes to desirability score · Lifestyle (15%)

Temperature and humidity comfort

Data sources & freshness

  • Seasonal climate normalsWorldClim 2.1 · Updated

Future & Planning

Planning & development

Development applications from PlanSA register and EPA licensed activities.

2026· 16 proposals
  • July 2026

  • Ancillary accommodation and associated deck
    4 COWPER RD BLACK FOREST SA 5035Under Assessment
  • Ancillary Accommodation
    6 EMERSON RD BLACK FOREST SA 5035Decision Made
  • June 2026

  • Single storey dwelling addition
    3 COULTER AV BLACK FOREST SA 5035Decision Made
  • Alterations to the existing dwelling including modifying the garage to a carport and the construction of a single storey dwelling addition and verandah
    17 HARTLAND AV BLACK FOREST SA 5035Under Assessment
  • May 2026

  • Verandah
    10 WILSON AV BLACK FOREST SA 5035Decision Made
  • Placing door to access the building and internal fit out
    707 SOUTH RD BLACK FOREST SA 5035Under Assessment
  • April 2026

  • Verandah
    11 AROHA TCE BLACK FOREST SA 5035Decision Made
  • Ancillary Accommodation (Retrospective)
    1 EMERSON RD BLACK FOREST SA 5035Decision Made
  • March 2026

  • Dwelling addition and alterations including the partial demolition of the existing dwelling, and the construction of a verandah and outbuilding
    22 ADDISON RD BLACK FOREST SA 5035Under Assessment
  • Removal of a significant tree (Eucalyptus sideroxylon)
    25 BYRON RD BLACK FOREST SA 5035Decision Made
  • Land division - (creations of two additional allotments) Torrens Title - 2 into 3
    UNIT 1-2 12 -14 HARTLAND AV BLACK FOREST SA 5035;UNIT 1-2 16 HARTLAND AV BLACK FOREST SA 5035Decision Made
  • February 2026

  • Construction of a verandah
    687 SOUTH RD BLACK FOREST SA 5035Decision Made
  • Outbuilding (garage)
    2A GORDON RD BLACK FOREST SA 5035Decision Made
  • Outbuilding (shed)
    45 BYRON RD BLACK FOREST SA 5035Decision Made
  • January 2026

  • Outbuildings x 2 (pool equipment shed and storage shed)
    67A FOREST AV BLACK FOREST SA 5035Decision Made
  • Removal of a regulated tree - Liquidambar
    5 ERIC AV BLACK FOREST SA 5035Decision Made
2025· 23 proposals
  • December 2025

  • Carport
    12 -14 EGLINGTON AV BLACK FOREST SA 5035Decision Made
  • Change of use to light industry with associated shop, building alterations and illuminated signage
    705 SOUTH RD BLACK FOREST SA 5035Under Assessment
  • October 2025

  • Attached Verandah
    3 HARTLAND AV BLACK FOREST SA 5035Decision Made
  • September 2025

  • Construction of an outbuilding
    5 DAVID AV BLACK FOREST SA 5035Decision Made
  • Alterations and additions to the existing dwelling
    12 DRYDEN RD BLACK FOREST SA 5035Under Assessment
  • August 2025

  • Verandah
    8 ERIC AV BLACK FOREST SA 5035Decision Made
  • Attached verandah (rear of unit 4)
    UNIT 4 41A AROHA TCE BLACK FOREST SA 5035Decision Made
  • Inground swimming pool and safety fence
    9 LINCOLN AV BLACK FOREST SA 5035Decision Made
  • July 2025

  • Swimming Pool and Safety Fence
    67A FOREST AV BLACK FOREST SA 5035Decision Made
  • Verandah with louvre roof
    8 AROHA TCE BLACK FOREST SA 5035Decision Made
  • June 2025

  • construct vernadah attached to dwelling with enclosed side wall
    60 FOREST AV BLACK FOREST SA 5035Decision Made
  • May 2025

  • verandah
    5 BUSBY AV BLACK FOREST SA 5035Decision Made
  • April 2025

  • Removal of a regulated tree (Willow Myrtle) and a significant tree (Umbrella tree)
    8 ERIC AV BLACK FOREST SA 5035Decision Made
  • Addition and alterations to existing dwelling including new alfresco and carport on side boundary
    42 AROHA TCE BLACK FOREST SA 5035Decision Made
  • Additions and alterations to existing dwelling including new garage and alfresco, construction of a new outbuilding (shed) and swimming pool and removal of one (1) Significant tree and one (1) Regulated tree
    19 BYRON RD BLACK FOREST SA 5035Under Assessment
  • Masonry and timber batten front fence to a maximum height of 1.8 metres
    19 GRAY ST BLACK FOREST SA 5035Decision Made
  • February 2025

  • Alterations and additions to the existing dwelling and construction of an outbuilding and verandah
    5 DAVID AV BLACK FOREST SA 5035Under Assessment
  • Construction of an outbuilding (shed)
    1 HILL CT BLACK FOREST SA 5035Decision Made
  • Verandah and partial enclosure of verandah and carport
    6 DRYDEN RD BLACK FOREST SA 5035;6A DRYDEN RD BLACK FOREST SA 5035Decision Made
  • Internal renovations to existing residence in retirement village
    3 HARTLAND AV BLACK FOREST SA 5035Decision Made
  • January 2025

  • Installation of swimming pool and safety barriers
    6 DAVID AV BLACK FOREST SA 5035Decision Made
  • Alterations to rear of existing dwelling
    4 EMERSON RD BLACK FOREST SA 5035Decision Made
  • Carport
    3 FOREST AV BLACK FOREST SA 5035Decision Made
2024· 1 proposal
  • December 2024

  • Double storey detached dwelling
    UNIT 4 11 ADDISON RD BLACK FOREST SA 5035Decision Made

Contributes to desirability score · Future Growth (7%)

Development and planning activity

Data sources & freshness

Roadworks & transport

8 active roadworks / incidents

  • ConstructionSouth Road, Aroha Tce01 May 2025 – 31 Aug 2026
  • ConstructionSouth Road, Emerson Rd01 May 2025 – 31 Aug 2026
  • ConstructionSouth Road, South Rd01 May 2025 – 31 Aug 2026
  • ConstructionSouth Road, Addison Rd01 May 2025 – 31 Aug 2026
  • Median WorksSouth Road, Forest Av13 Apr 2026 – 31 Aug 2026
  • Torrens To Darlington - Civil WorksSouth Road, Aroha Tce01 Sep 2025 – 31 Aug 2026
  • Trenching - Water And SewerSouth Road, Aroha Tce13 Apr 2026 – 31 Aug 2026
  • Vms TrailerSouth Road, Cross Rd18 Jul 2025 – 31 Aug 2026

Data sources & freshness

Heritage

8 heritage places

  • Church (former Church of Christ)44A East Avenue BLACK FORESTLocal heritage
  • Clarence Park Institute74 East Avenue BLACK FORESTLocal heritage
  • Dwelling25 Forest Avenue BLACK FORESTLocal heritage
  • Dwelling22 East Avenue BLACK FORESTLocal heritage
  • Dwelling and fence5-5A Forest Avenue BLACK FORESTLocal heritage
  • Princess Margaret Playground Arbour7A Byron Road (cnr Canterbury Tce) BLACK FORESTLocal heritage
  • Dwelling8 Aroha Terrace BLACK FORESTLocal heritage
  • Dwelling14 Aroha Terrace BLACK FORESTLocal heritage

Data sources & freshness

Hazards

Bushfire planning zone
No overlay at centroid

Bushfire overlay checked at suburb centroid against all current SA Planning risk layers (high, medium, general, urban interface, regional, outback). Safer places from CFS designated locations.

Contributes to desirability score · Safety (18%)

Bushfire hazard overlays

Data sources & freshness

Politics & representation

Federal electorate
Boothby
Member of Parliament
Louise MILLER-FROST (Australian Labor Party)
Results from
2025 federal election
Electorate enrolment (2025)
129,524
Turnout (2025)
93.0%
Swing since 2022 (2025)
+7.8 pp toward Labor

Two-party preferred (2025)

Coalition 38.9%Labor 61.1%

Estimated suburb voting profile

Estimated from 8 nearby ordinary polling places (up to 2.3 km away).

Coalition 31.3%Labor 68.7%

7.6 percentage points more Labor-leaning than the electorate

Estimated swing since 2022: +5.1 pp toward Labor

Nearest polling places

  • Black Forest (Boothby)Labor 71.5% · Coalition 28.5% TPP (2025)0.3 km away
  • Black Forest EastLabor 65.0% · Coalition 35.0% TPP (2025)0.4 km away
  • Clarence GardensLabor 64.2% · Coalition 35.8% TPP (2025)1.1 km away
  • South Plympton NorthLabor 66.7% · Coalition 33.3% TPP (2025)1.7 km away
  • Westbourne ParkLabor 62.4% · Coalition 37.6% TPP (2025)1.7 km away

Federal electorate from AEC federal division boundaries (2025 redistribution). Division-level results are official AEC figures from the latest general election, with by-election updates where applicable. The estimated suburb profile blends up to eight nearest ordinary polling booths in the same electorate using inverse-distance weighting from the suburb centroid — an approximation, not official AEC data. Nearest polling places are shown for reference.

Data sources & freshness

Socio-economic

IRSAD decile (2021)
8/10
IRSD decile (2021)
6/10

ABS Socio-Economic Indexes for Areas (SEIFA), 2021 release — the latest available, derived from the 2021 Census. Deciles rank suburbs nationally from 1 (lowest) to 10 (highest).

What do IRSAD and IRSD measure?

IRSAD — Index of Relative Socio-economic Advantage and Disadvantage. Combines indicators of advantage (e.g. high income, skilled occupations) and disadvantage. Higher decile = more advantaged relative to other Australian areas.

IRSD — Index of Relative Socio-economic Disadvantage. Focuses on disadvantage only (e.g. low income, unemployment, limited education). Higher decile = less disadvantage nationally.

A new SEIFA edition typically follows each census; the ABS has not announced a release date beyond 2021.

Contributes to desirability score · Community (5%)

Socio-economic advantage (IRSAD decile)

Data sources & freshness

Compare with

Similar suburbs to weigh up side by side — scores, safety, schools, and lifestyle.

More in Unley Council

Other suburbs in the same local government area.

Comparable suburbs

Similar population and socio-economic profile in other parts of South Australia.