Median house price
$1.34M
Q1 2025
SA · Unley Council
Forestville, 5035
Est. population · Jun 2025
1,422
Growth (1 yr)
+0.8%
Growth (5 yr)
+3.0%
Median age
39
Median income
$1,981/wk
Employment rate
69.4%
Median house price · Q1 2025
$1,340,000
Languages at home
19.7%non-English
Most common: Greek, Italian, Mandarin
2021 Census · usual residence
Desirability score
- Education hub
- High desirability
- Excellent transport
- Heritage area
- Café precinct
Suburb profile
Forestville is a practical smaller community in Unley Council, well placed for families who want metro access without the inner-city squeeze. Residents are mostly families and working professionals, with family life visible on every street. Schooling is a clear local strength compared with many peer areas.
Daily life is practical and well connected, with the city and nearby suburbs easy to tap into. Getting around is straightforward, with buses, trams, and trains tying neighbouring communities together. Homes cost more here than in most comparable suburbs.
Local crime has been trending higher of late. Historic fabric and newer builds sit side by side as the area renews without erasing its past.
Against similar metro suburbs, the suburb sits around average overall, mainly because parks and green space, plus local dining and lifestyle amenities lag behind, despite relative strength in community and employment.
At a glance
Forestville snapshot
A quick read of housing, growth, livability, and risk
Median rent
$540/wk
Houses $575 · Units $465
Population (ERP)
1,422
+0.8% annual growth
Dwelling vacancy
5.5%
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
#39
among Metro Adelaide · Established
Safety
66th
percentile in state (higher = safer)
Pop. growth
64th
percentile in SA
Advantage (IRSAD)
9/10
national SEIFA decile
School ICSEA
88th
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
- 48.1/100 — Average
- State standing
- Top 33% of South Australia's suburbs
- National rank
- 2425th in Australia
- State rank
- 228th in SA
- Peer rank
- #39 among Metro Adelaide · Established suburbs
- Cohort rank
- #174 among Metro Adelaide suburbs
- Data confidence
- 86%
Data sources & freshness
- Suburb Guide desirability index — Suburb Guide (derived) · current · Updated
Housing
- Flats / units (01/01/26 to 31/03/26)
- $465
- Houses (01/01/26 to 31/03/26)
- $575
- All types (01/01/26 to 31/03/26)
- $540
- Rental bonds lodged (01/01/26 to 31/03/26)
- 15
- Median house price (Q1 2025)
- $1,340,000
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 sales — Government of South Australia · 1 January - 31 March 2026; 1Q 2025 · Updated · Quarterly; metro-fringe sales only
Population
Estimated resident population
1,422(June 2025)
+0.8% annual · +3.0% over 5 years · 64th percentile in SA
Growth figures & methodology
- Annual growth
- +0.8%
- 5-year growth
- +3.0%
- Change in 1 year
- +11
- Change in 5 years
- +41
- Growth rank in SA
- 64th 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 (~1,450), extrapolated at +0.3% average annual growth since 2011. It is illustrative only — not an official ABS forecast.
2021 Census figures
2021 Census
- Population
- 1,400
- Median age
- 39
- Median household income / week
- $1,981
- Dwelling vacancy
- 5.5%
- Unoccupied private dwellings
- 35 of 631
- Median monthly mortgage
- $1,733
- Employment rate
- 69.4%
- Dwelling mix (houses / semi / flats)
- 318 / 155 / 120
Contributes to desirability score · Community (5%)
Employment, household income and age diversity (2021 Census)
Data sources & freshness
- 2021 Census — General Community Profile — Australian Bureau of Statistics · Updated
The 2026 Census runs in August 2026; suburb-level updates are expected from mid-2027.
- Estimated Resident Population — Australian 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 Profile — Australian 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)
- 72
- Against the person
- 11
- Against property
- 61
- Rate per 1,000 residents
- 50.6
- Person-crime prevalence
- About 1 in 127 residents
- State safety percentile
- 65.5th (lower crime is better)
- Family & domestic abuse offences
- 39
- Increase (daily rate)
- +20.3%
Most common offence types
- Other Property Damage And Environmental14
- Other Theft12
- Serious Assault Not Resulting In Injury5
- Theft From Motor Vehicle13
- Theft From Shop7
Contributes to desirability score · Safety (18%)
Crime rate and year-on-year trend
Data sources & freshness
- SAPOL reported crime statistics — South Australia Police — OpenData · 2023-24 → 2024-25; 2024-25 · Updated · Financial-year releases
Family & Lifestyle
Schools & preschools
- Median school ICSEA (7 schools)
- 1,116
- Median ICSEA percentile
- 88th
School list
- Aspect Treetop SchoolSpecial · Independent · ICSEA 1080 · 79th percentile · LBOTE 32% · 75 students · Top SEA quarter 34% · 0.6 km awayView on My School →
- Goodwood Primary SchoolPrimary · Government · ICSEA 1147 · 95th percentile · LBOTE 31% · 408 students · Top SEA quarter 58% · 0.7 km awayView on My School →
- St Thomas' SchoolPrimary · Catholic · ICSEA 1116 · 88th percentile · LBOTE 11% · 297 students · Top SEA quarter 44% · 1.1 km awayView on My School →
- Black Forest Primary SchoolPrimary · Government · ICSEA 1108 · 86th percentile · LBOTE 19% · 410 students · Top SEA quarter 44% · 1.2 km awayView on My School →
- Richmond Primary SchoolPrimary · Government · ICSEA 1122 · 90th percentile · LBOTE 84% · 362 students · Top SEA quarter 47% · 1.2 km awayView on My School →
- Cabra Dominican CollegeCombined · Catholic · ICSEA 1065 · 74th percentile · LBOTE 9% · 1,165 students · Top SEA quarter 19% · 1.8 km awayView on My School →
- Annesley CollegePrimary · Independent · ICSEA 1164 · 97th percentile · LBOTE 14% · 292 students · Top SEA quarter 67% · 1.9 km awayView on My School →
Contributes to desirability score · Education (15%)
School and preschool counts, median school ICSEA
Data sources & freshness
- School ICSEA (ACARA) — Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority · 2025 · Updated · Annual release
Public transport
9 public transport stops in this suburb
- Stop 3 Anzac Hwy - South East side
- Stop 4 Forestville
- Stop 6 Leader St - South side
- Stop 7 Leah St - East side
- Stop 7A Leah St - East side
Contributes to desirability score · Accessibility (15%)
Public transport stop coverage
Data sources & freshness
- Adelaide Metro GTFS stops — Department for Infrastructure and Transport (SA) · current · Updated
Amenities
107 nearby amenities within ~1.5 km
3 cafes · 1 pharmacies · 1 bakeries · 1 playgrounds · 1 sports centres · 3 swimming pools
Local character & venue list
Local character
- A car helps for daily errands
- Decent local green space — 1 parks in suburb, 1 playgrounds nearby
- Reasonable bus and transport access — 9 public transport stops
- Walkability proxy
- 37/100
- Cafés per 1,000 residents
- 2.14
- Food & drink per 1,000 residents
- 2.86
- Parks per 1,000 residents
- 0.71
Food & drink(4)
- Teli OriginalBakery
5 Aroha Terrace
- Coffee NotesCafe
- Cool Down CafeCafe
- DaisyCafe
Shopping(1)
No named venues listed.
Health & services(1)
- Chemist WarehousePharmacy
62-64 Maple Avenue, Forestville
Sport & outdoors(7)
- Forestville ReservePark
- Playground
- Unley Swimming CentreSports centre
- Sports field
- Swimming pool (3)
Transport(8)
6 bus stops · 1 tram stops · 1 train stations
Other(21)
- Artwork (2)
- ElementalArtwork
- Bbq (2)
- Bench (16)
- Bicycle Parking (8)
- Bleachers
- Dressing Room
- Drinking water (2)
- Fitness Station (3)
- Initial DHairdresser
- Welcome to the Forestville Reserve Skate FacilityInformation
- Derringers MusicMusical Instrument
- Outdoor Seating
- Parking (24)
- Picnic Table (2)
- Australia PostPost Box
- Street LibraryPublic Bookcase
- Public toilets
- Recycling
- Shelter (10)
- Waste Basket (7)
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 insights — Suburb Guide (derived) · current · Updated
- OpenStreetMap amenities — OpenStreetMap contributors · current · Updated
Green cover
- Parks & woodland (OSM)
- 2
- Parks (OSM)
- 1
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
- OpenStreetMap green cover — OpenStreetMap contributors · current · Updated
Health access
- Nearest hospital
- Ashford Hospital (0.5 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)
- 30
- Participants per 1,000 residents
- 21.1
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
- NDIS participants by SA2 — National Disability Insurance Agency · 2026-Q1 · Updated · Quarterly SA2 counts allocated to suburb boundaries
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 normals — WorldClim 2.1 · Updated
Future & Planning
Planning & development
Development applications from PlanSA register and EPA licensed activities.
2026· 25 proposals
August 2026
- Construction of Studio/Storage Shed and Deck34 CHARLES ST FORESTVILLE SA 5035Under Assessment
July 2026
- Footing Underpinning9 ETHEL ST FORESTVILLE SA 5035Decision Made
- Demolition of existing dwelling2 -3 AROHA TCE FORESTVILLE SA 5035Under Assessment
- Primary Community Strata Land Division to create two (2) allotments from one (1) allotmentLOT 501 MAPLE AV FORESTVILLE SA 5035Under Assessment
- Secondary Community Strata Land Division to create 12 allotments in allotment two (2) proposed in a Secondary Plan of division (Development Application ID 26020679)LOT 501 MAPLE AV FORESTVILLE SA 5035Under Assessment
- Secondary Community Strata Land Division to create 81 allotments in allotment one (1) proposed in a Primary Plan of division (Development Application ID 26020679)LOT 501 MAPLE AV FORESTVILLE SA 5035Under Assessment
June 2026
- Partial demolition of existing dwelling, alterations, single storey dwelling addition and carport54 THIRD AV FORESTVILLE SA 5035Under Assessment
May 2026
- Alterations and additions to the existing dwelling, including partial demolition, demolition of ancillary structures, attached verandah and alterations to existing fence40 LEAH ST FORESTVILLE SA 5035Under Assessment
- Demolition of single storey detached dwelling and ancillary structuresUNIT 1 13 SECOND AV FORESTVILLE SA 5035Under Assessment
- Partial demolition of the existing dwelling and construction of dwelling additions and alterations, and carport4 CHARLES ST FORESTVILLE SA 5035Under Assessment
- Variation to Development Application 25027846 - Construction of a single storey detached dwelling, with front fence and combined retaining walls and boundary fencing - Variation to roof design and increase to garage boundary wall height25 FIRST AV FORESTVILLE SA 5035Decision Made
April 2026
- Carport26 NAIRNE TCE FORESTVILLE SA 5035Decision Made
- Removal of a Significant Street Tree (Koelreuteria paniculata).66 SECOND AV FORESTVILLE SA 5035Decision Made
- Alterations and additions to the existing dwelling, including partial demolition, demolition of ancillary structures and construction of a carport and swimming pool with associated safety barriers.19 THIRD AV FORESTVILLE SA 5035Under Assessment
- Emu woven wire front fence and part of side boundary fence, with driveway and pedestrian gates14 NICHOLS ST FORESTVILLE SA 5035Decision Made
- Land division - 1 into 2UNIT 1-2 13 NORMAN TCE FORESTVILLE SA 5035Decision Made
- Removal of a regulated street tree Eucalyptus Sideroxylon (Red Iron Bark) in verge forward of 32 Charles St ForestvilleUNIT 1-4 32 CHARLES ST FORESTVILLE SA 5035Decision Made
March 2026
- Construction of a verandahUNIT 3 69 LEADER ST FORESTVILLE SA 5035Decision Made
- Removal of a regulated tree, Silky Oak (Grevillea robusta)UNIT 2 39 VICTORIA ST FORESTVILLE SA 5035Decision Made
February 2026
- Significant tree removal, Eucalyptus sideroxylon3 THIRD AV FORESTVILLE SA 5035Decision Made
- Front fence with masonry pillars and wall with vertical aluminium slat infill34 SECOND AV FORESTVILLE SA 5035Decision Made
January 2026
- Division of one (1) allotment to create one (1) additional allotmentLOT 501 MAPLE AV FORESTVILLE SA 5035Decision Made
- Regulated Tree Removal (retrospective Section 136(2))17 FIRST AV FORESTVILLE SA 5035Decision Made
- Carport and pergola8 CHARLES ST FORESTVILLE SA 5035Decision Made
- Decking30 FIRST AV FORESTVILLE SA 5035Decision Made
2025· 17 proposals
December 2025
- Alterations and additions to the existing dwelling, including partial demolition, demolition of a verandah and construction of a verandah and deck8 NICHOLS ST FORESTVILLE SA 5035Under Assessment
November 2025
- Variation to Development Application 24042120 comprising reduction in building height and changes to building setbacks, built form, internal configuration, apartment mix and external materialsLOT 700 ACACIA ST FORESTVILLE SA 5035Under Assessment
- Construction of a single storey detached dwelling, with front fence and combined retaining walls and boundary fencing25 FIRST AV FORESTVILLE SA 5035Decision Made
October 2025
- Boundary Re-Alignment Lots 1 and 2 and Lots 33 and 34LOT 1 ACACIA ST FORESTVILLE SA 5035;LOT 2 ACACIA ST FORESTVILLE SA 5035;LOT 32 ACACIA ST FORESTVILLE SA 5035;LOT 33 ACACIA ST FORESTVILLE SA 5035Decision Made
- Dwelling alterations and two storey addition including partial demolition of the existing dwelling, demolition of a carport and construction of an outbuilding (garage).56 THIRD AV FORESTVILLE SA 5035Decision Made
September 2025
- Erect 1800mm good neighbour Colourbond fence (woodland grey) along side boundary14 NICHOLS ST FORESTVILLE SA 5035Decision Made
- Outbuilding for use as a shed.1 FOSTER ST FORESTVILLE SA 5035Decision Made
- Demolition of the existing dwelling and ancillary structures and the removal of one (1) regulated tree (Hymenosporum flavum)25 FIRST AV FORESTVILLE SA 5035Decision Made
- Construction of a verandahUNIT 1 54C VICTORIA ST FORESTVILLE SA 5035Decision Made
- Variation to Application ID 23020901 for construction of a mixed-use development comprising shops, tourist accommodation, educational facility, rooftop farm, residential flat building, loading and servicing facilities and removal of one (1) regulated treeLOT 501 MAPLE AV FORESTVILLE SA 5035Under Assessment
August 2025
- Façade upgrade and advertising signage18 MAPLE AV FORESTVILLE SA 5035Decision Made
July 2025
- Construction of attached verandah, gazebo and deck36 EVERARD TCE FORESTVILLE SA 5035Decision Made
- Removal of a regulated tree - Melaleuca viminalis (Bottlebrush)25 FIRST AV FORESTVILLE SA 5035Decision Made
- Carport and a front fence to a maximum height of 1.5 metres1 ETHEL ST FORESTVILLE SA 5035Decision Made
- Installation of swimming pool and safety barrier30 FIRST AV FORESTVILLE SA 5035Decision Made
- Dwelling additions and building alterations to existing semi-detached dwellings and partial demolition of the dwellings and demolition of ancillary structures13 FIRST AV FORESTVILLE SA 5035;15 FIRST AV FORESTVILLE SA 5035Decision Made
- Demolition of existing ancillary structures, construction of dwelling additions and alterations (including an alfresco), outbuilding, and in-ground swimming pool and associated pool safety features15 EVERARD TCE FORESTVILLE SA 5035Under Assessment
Contributes to desirability score · Future Growth (7%)
Development and planning activity
Data sources & freshness
- PlanSA development applications & EPA licences — Government of South Australia — PlanSA · 2026 · Updated
Heritage
13 heritage places
- Attached Dwellings1/41-2/41 Charles Street FORESTVILLELocal heritage
- Attached Dwellings43-45 Charles Street FORESTVILLELocal heritage
- Attached Dwellings47-49 Charles Street FORESTVILLELocal heritage
- Attached Dwellings34-36 Ethel Street FORESTVILLELocal heritage
- Attached Dwellings38-40 Ethel Street FORESTVILLELocal heritage
- Bridge BalustradesThird Avenue FORESTVILLELocal heritage
- Bridge BalustradesLeah Street FORESTVILLELocal heritage
- Bridge BalustradesCharles Street FORESTVILLELocal heritage
- Bridge BalustradesEthel Street FORESTVILLELocal heritage
- Bridge BalustradesFirst Avenue FORESTVILLELocal heritage
Data sources & freshness
- SA Heritage Places database — Department for Environment and Water (SA) · current · Updated
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
- Bushfire & hazard overlays (SA) — Government of South Australia · current · Updated
Politics & representation
- Federal electorate
- Adelaide
- Member of Parliament
- Steve GEORGANAS (Australian Labor Party)
- Results from
- 2025 federal election
- Electorate enrolment (2025)
- 131,436
- Turnout (2025)
- 90.2%
- Swing since 2022 (2025)
- +7.2 pp toward Labor
Two-party preferred (2025)
Coalition 30.9%Labor 69.1%
Estimated suburb voting profile
Estimated from 8 nearby ordinary polling places (up to 2.6 km away).
Coalition 28.5%Labor 71.5%
2.4 percentage points more Labor-leaning than the electorate
Estimated swing since 2022: +6.9 pp toward Labor
Nearest polling places
- GoodwoodLabor 78.2% · Coalition 21.8% TPP (2025)0.7 km away
- Goodwood ParkLabor 62.9% · Coalition 37.1% TPP (2025)1.0 km away
- Black Forest (Adelaide)Labor 72.6% · Coalition 27.4% TPP (2025)1.2 km away
- KeswickLabor 72.6% · Coalition 27.4% TPP (2025)1.2 km away
- UnleyLabor 65.6% · Coalition 34.4% TPP (2025)2.1 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
- Federal election results — Australian Electoral Commission · Updated · 2025 election with by-election overlays
Socio-economic
- IRSAD decile (2021)
- 9/10
- IRSD decile (2021)
- 8/10
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
- SEIFA 2021 (IRSAD / IRSD) — Australian Bureau of Statistics · Updated
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.