Forbes suburb profile
Forbes is a charming rural town located in the Central West region of New South Wales, known for its rich history and vibrant community spirit. Nestled along the banks of the Lachlan River, Forbes offers a picturesque setting with heritage-listed buildings and beautiful parks. The town is renowned for its annual events, such as the Forbes Camel Races and the Kalari-Lachlan River Arts Festival, which draw visitors from across the region. With a strong agricultural base, Forbes supports a thriving local economy and offers a relaxed lifestyle, making it an appealing destination for families and retirees seeking a close-knit community.
Forbes property market performance
Forbes’ property market has shown modest growth over the past 12 months, with house values increasing by 5.4%, bringing the median house price to $500,000. The unit market remains stagnant, with no change in median value and minimal sales activity, as only one unit was sold in the past year.
Sales activity for houses has been moderate, with 33 houses sold over the last 12 months. However, houses are taking longer to sell, with a median of 87 days on the market, indicating a slower pace in buyer decision-making.
The rental market in Forbes has remained stable over the last 12 months, with no change in average rent prices for both houses and units, which are $430 and $300, respectively.
| Houses | Units | |
|---|---|---|
Median price Past 3 months | $500K | N/A |
Change in value Past 12 months | 5.4% | N/A |
Sold Past 3 months | 33 | 1 |
Median days on market Past 12 months | 87 | N/A |
Average rent Past 12 months | $430 | $300 |
Change in rent Past 12 months | N/A | -1.6% |
5 year median price trend for houses and units
Forbes demographics
Forbes, located in the heart of New South Wales, is a charming rural town known for its rich history and strong sense of community. With a population of 8,157, Forbes offers a peaceful lifestyle away from the hustle and bustle of city life. The median age of 42 suggests a mature community, with many families and long-term residents enjoying the town's relaxed atmosphere and close-knit community feel.
The town's housing market reflects a stable and established community, with 39% of properties owned outright and 31.6% owned with a mortgage. This indicates a strong sense of homeownership and investment in the local area. Renting is less common, with 29.4% of properties being rented, which may appeal to those seeking more permanent roots in the community.
Family life is central to Forbes, with couple families with children making up 33.9% of the population, and couple families without children accounting for 45.5%. One-parent families represent 19.1%, highlighting the town's family-friendly environment. The median total household income of $1,221 per week reflects the town's affordability, making it an attractive option for families and retirees looking for a cost-effective lifestyle.
Forbes is a town that values its heritage and community spirit, offering residents a tranquil lifestyle with the benefits of a supportive and welcoming community. Its combination of affordable living, strong homeownership, and family-oriented environment makes it a desirable place for those seeking a balanced and fulfilling rural lifestyle.
Forbes infrastructure, key developments and investment opportunities
Forbes is seeing continued investment in its town centre, with ongoing streetscape improvements, heritage building restorations, and beautification around Lake Forbes helping to enhance walkability and the overall appeal of the main retail and hospitality precinct.[6][7] These upgrades, combined with the town’s established role as a regional service hub for surrounding agricultural areas, are likely to support steady property demand from both local buyers and tree-changers seeking a well-serviced rural centre.[2][5]
Council’s focus on maintaining and improving parks, cycle paths and riverside recreation along the Lachlan River and Lake Forbes is strengthening the suburb’s lifestyle amenities, which can make nearby residential pockets more desirable for families and retirees.[6][7] At present there are no major new transport or large-scale greenfield housing projects flagged that would significantly alter supply or connectivity, so short- to medium-term property trends in Forbes are expected to be driven mainly by incremental amenity upgrades and broader regional economic conditions.[1][2]
Forbes rental market trends
The rental market in Forbes has remained stable, with no change in house rents over the past year, maintaining a median of $430 per week. Similarly, unit rents have held steady at $300 per week. This stability suggests a balanced market, providing consistent opportunities for both renters and investors in this regional suburb.
Suburbs near Forbes
Some popular suburbs near Forbes include:
How does Forbes compare to nearby suburbs?
- Median house prices: Forbes’s median house price is 7.5% higher than Parkes’s.
- House price growth: Over the past 12 months, house prices in Forbes have grown 1.1% higher than in Parkes.
- Selling speed for houses: Properties in Forbes are selling 28.1% faster than in Eugowra.

