Sign In Register

Forbes, Australia

New South Wales · Australia

Forbes is a small city in New South Wales, Australia with a population of 8,481. Elevation: 797 ft (243 m). Average temperature: 62°F (17°C).

3.2 /5.0
B Good
8,481 Population 4/sq mi density
797 ft Elevation 243 meters
62°F Avg Temperature 17°C
21.2 in Annual Rain
Australia / Sydney Timezone
$23,863 Median Income
B
Overall
3.2 / 5.0
Good overall score based on economy, affordability, safety and education
C+
Economy
2.8 / 5.0
$23,863 median income, 4.2% unemployment
B+
Affordability
3.6 / 5.0
$129,600 home value, $648/mo rent

Discover Forbes, Australia

Explore over 40 sections covering people, economy, housing, health, crime, climate, community, costs, trends, schools, colleges, hospitals, treatment centers, industries, museums, libraries, breweries, farmers markets, grocery stores, pharmacies, campgrounds, parks, trails, stadiums, ski resorts, daycare centers, nursing homes, churches, fire stations, cell towers, bridges, power plants, EV stations, prisons, radio stations, airports, police stations, post offices, Amtrak stations, superfund sites, UNESCO sites, and more.
Use the tabs and dropdown menus below to navigate every data point we track for this city.

Full City Profile

About Forbes

Forbes

Forbes is a town in the Central West region of New South Wales, Australia, located on the Newell Highway between Parkes and West Wyalong. According to the 2021 census, Forbes has a population of 6,319. Forbes is probably named after Sir Francis Forbes, first Chief Justice of NSW.

People

Population8,481
Median Age42.0 yrs
Density4/mi²

Economy

C+
Median Income$23,863
Per Capita$23,863
Unemployment4.2%

Housing

B+
Home Value$129,600
Rent$648
Ownership70.6%
Housing Units3,392

Climate

Avg Temp62°F (17°C)
Rain21.2 in/yr
Sunny Days298/yr
Elevation797 ft (243 m)
Population8,481
Population Density4 / sq mi
Elevation797 ft (243 m)
Coordinates-33.3844°, 148.0076°
TimezoneAustralia/Sydney
Country🇦🇺 Australia
State / ProvinceNew South Wales
Average Temperature62°F (17°C)
January Average77°F (25°C)
July Average48°F (9°C)
Annual Precipitation21.2 inches (539 mm)
Annual Snowfall0.0 inches (0 cm)
Median Household Income$23,863
Median Age42.0 years

About Forbes

Forbes is a small city in Australia (New South Wales) with a population of 8,481. The city sits at an elevation of 797 feet (243 meters) above sea level. The average annual temperature is 62°F (17°C). Temperatures range from 77°F in January to 48°F in July. Annual precipitation averages 21.2 inches. The timezone is Australia/Sydney.

Forbes has a population of 8,481 with a density of 4 people per square mile, spread across 2,014.3 square miles. The median age is 42.0 years, 8% older than the national median of 38.9.

Population

8,481
Total Population
4
People / sq mi
42.0yrs
Median Age
8% above Australia avg
2,014.3mi²
Land Area

Language Spoken at Home

Other Languages 100.0%

Social Characteristics

Forbes vs Australia Average

The median household income in Forbes is $23,863, which is 68% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $23,863 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $459, 68% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 4.2% (above the 3.6% US average). The area has 806 business establishments.

Income: Forbes vs Australia

Commute Mode

Income

Median HH Income$23,863
68% below Australia avg
Per Capita Income$23,863
Avg Weekly Wage$459

Employment & Poverty

Unemployment4.2%
17% above Australia avg
Establishments (County)806

Business (County)

Tax & Cost of Living

Commute & Transportation

Walkability

The median home value in Forbes is $129,600, 54% below the national median of $281,900. Monthly rent averages $648 (44% below the national average of $1,163). 70.6% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 3,392 total housing units in the city. The home price-to-income ratio is 5.4x, above the traditionally affordable threshold of 3-4x.

Home Value Sources

Ownership Split

Home Values

Census Median$129,600
54% below Australia avg

Real Estate Market (Redfin)

Rental Costs

Census Median Rent$648
44% below Australia avg

Ownership & Property

Homeownership70.6%
Owner-Occupied70.6%
Renter-Occupied29.4%
Housing Units3,392

Property Tax

Climate in Forbes

Forbes has an average annual temperature of 17.1°C (63°F). The hottest month is Jan (26.6°C), the coldest is Jul (8.6°C). Average annual precipitation is 492 mm.

Month Avg °C / °F Min / Max °C Rain (mm)
Jan 26.6°C / 80°F 18.4° / 34.8° 27.6
Feb 25.4°C / 78°F 17.9° / 32.9° 51.8
Mar 22°C / 72°F 14.5° / 29.6° 62.5
Apr 17°C / 63°F 9.4° / 24.6° 31.8
May 12.4°C / 54°F 5.4° / 19.3° 33.3
Jun 9.6°C / 49°F 3.8° / 15.3° 49.0
Jul 8.6°C / 47°F 2.6° / 14.7° 37.7
Aug 9.6°C / 49°F 2.7° / 16.5° 32.9
Sep 13°C / 55°F 5.2° / 20.7° 36.0
Oct 16.9°C / 62°F 8.6° / 25.2° 36.0
Nov 20.8°C / 69°F 12.7° / 29° 45.0
Dec 23.8°C / 75°F 15.5° / 32.2° 48.8
Forbes enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 62°F (17°C). Winters average 77°F in January while summers reach 48°F in July / relatively mild seasonal variation. The area gets 298 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 21.2 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The city sits at an elevation of 797 feet.

Temperature

77°F Jan (25°C) 48°F Jul (9°C)
Annual Average62.3°F
15% above Australia avg
January Average77°F (25°C)
July Average48°F (9°C)
Sunny Days298 days/yr

Geography

Elevation797 ft (243 m)
Area2,014.3 sq mi (5,217.1 km²)
Population Density4/sq mi
Coordinates-33.3844°N, 148.0076°W
TimezoneAustralia/Sydney

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall 21.2"
44% below Australia avg
Snowfall 0.0"
Wettest Month (Jan) 2.24"
Driest Month (Jun) 1.38"

Air Quality

Earthquake History

37 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990. Strongest: M4.2. Most recent: M4.2 on Apr 13, 2017.

Apr 13, 2017 23 km WSW of Millthorpe, Australia M4.2 90 km
Oct 11, 1992 25 km NW of Temora, Australia M4.1 120 km
Oct 16, 1998 18 km WSW of Temora, Australia M4.0 137 km
Aug 22, 2002 9 km NE of Grenfell, Australia M3.9 56 km
Mar 14, 1999 22 km WSW of West Wyalong, Australia M3.9 116 km
Jun 22, 2012 23 km N of Boorowa, Australia M3.8 114 km
Nov 23, 2001 9 km ENE of Grenfell, Australia M3.8 57 km
Aug 21, 1994 16 km E of Forbes, Australia M3.8 17 km
Mar 18, 2008 32 km NE of Peak Hill, Australia M3.7 104 km
Jan 18, 2005 8 km N of West Wyalong, Australia M3.7 91 km
Aug 19, 1994 21 km E of Forbes, Australia M3.5 21 km
Aug 19, 1994 29 km NW of Grenfell, Australia M3.4 32 km
Aug 21, 1994 25 km E of Forbes, Australia M3.4 25 km
Aug 19, 1994 23 km E of Forbes, Australia M3.4 24 km
May 20, 1991 23 km S of Cowra, Australia M3.4 100 km
Jul 11, 2003 15 km WNW of Cootamundra, Australia M3.3 137 km
Sep 18, 1994 15 km N of Grenfell, Australia M3.2 43 km
Mar 13, 2001 8 km NW of West Wyalong, Australia M3.2 97 km
May 18, 2001 12 km WNW of Boorowa, Australia M3.2 125 km
Feb 27, 2000 14 km SSE of Young, Australia M3.1 121 km
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)

Monthly Weather

Month Avg Temperature Precipitation Summary
January 77°F (25°C) 2.2 in Warmest, Wettest
February 76°F (25°C) 1.7 in
March 71°F (22°C) 1.5 in
April 63°F (17°C) 1.6 in
May 56°F (13°C) 1.9 in
June 50°F (10°C) 1.4 in Driest
July 48°F (9°C) 1.8 in Coldest
August 50°F (10°C) 1.8 in
September 55°F (13°C) 1.7 in
October 61°F (16°C) 2.1 in
November 67°F (20°C) 1.7 in
December 73°F (23°C) 1.9 in

Forbes has a seasonal temperature swing of 29°F / from 48°F in July to 77°F in January. Total annual precipitation is 21.2 inches, with January being the wettest month (2.2") and June the driest (1.4").

View full weather details →

Colleges & Universities in Forbes

Institution Type Founded Website
Red Bend Catholic College University

Schools in Forbes

4 public schools (NCES 2022-23 data).

School Level Enrollment Teachers Student/Teacher
Forbes Public School
Forbes North Public School
Forbes High School
St Laurence's Parish School
View full schools details →

Radio Stations near Forbes

0 stations within ~55 km.

Station Genre Quality

Museums in Forbes

NameTypeAddressPhoneAnnual Revenue
Forbes Historical Museum
Historical Aircraft Restoration Society - Parkes Aviation Museum
McFeeters Motor Museum

Libraries in Forbes

NameAddressStaffAnnual VisitsCirculationCollectionPrograms
Forbes Library0.0
Parkes Shire Library0.0

Restaurants in Forbes

5 restaurants within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Café Aglio & Olio
Chimelong Kitchen
Forbes Garden
The Heritage Bistro
Wan Wah Chinese Restaurant

Cafes in Forbes

3 cafes within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Pantry Cafe & Catering
The Pitt Stop
Wild Bean Cafe

Monuments in Forbes

1 monuments within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Alfred Stokes

Clinics in Forbes

1 clinics within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Forbes Physiotherapy & Allied Health Centre

Veterinaries in Forbes

1 veterinaries within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Lachlan Valley Veternary Clinic

Train Stations in Forbes

2 train stations within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Forbes Railway Station
Forbes Railway Station

Gas Stations in Forbes

5 gas stations within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Ampol
BP
Caltex
EG Australia
Shell Forbes

Banks in Forbes

3 banks within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Commonwealth Bank
NAB
Westpac

Gyms in Forbes

1 gyms within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Anytime Fitness

Golf Courses in Forbes

1 golf courses within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Forbes Golf Course

Airports Near Forbes

9 airports within the area.

AirportIATAType
Cowra AirportCWTMedium Airport
Forbes AirportFRBMedium Airport
Parkes AirportPKEMedium Airport
Canowindra AirportSmall Airport
Fairholme airstripSmall Airport
Fairview AirportSmall Airport
Grenfell AirportGFESmall Airport
Parkes private stripSmall Airport
Peak Hill AirportSmall Airport

Post Offices in Forbes

1 post offices.

Post OfficeAddress
Forbes Post Office

Churches & Religious Organizations in Forbes

5 religious organizations (IRS tax-exempt data).

NameAddress
Forbes Baptist Church
Forbes Uniting Church
St John's Anglican Church
St Laurence O'Toole Church
St. Andrews

Explore Near Forbes

UFO Sightings
1
Reported UFO sightings from the National UFO Reporting Center database
View all →

Quick Facts

Timezone
Australia/Sydney

🇦🇺 About Australia

Capital Canberra
Population 24,992,369
Area 7,686,850 km²
GDP (USD) $1,734,451,264,656
GDP per capita $65,058
HDI 0.946
Life expectancy 83.1 years
Internet users 97.1%
Urban population 87.5%
Currency AUD (Dollar)
Languages English
Calling code +61
TLD .au
Driving side left

Public Holidays in Australia

25 public holidays this year

Date Holiday Local Name
Jan 1 New Year's Day New Year's Day
Jan 26 Australia Day Australia Day
Mar 2 Labour Day Labour Day
Mar 9 Adelaide Cup Day Adelaide Cup Day
Mar 9 Canberra Day Canberra Day
Mar 9 Eight Hours Day Eight Hours Day
Mar 9 Labour Day Labour Day
Apr 3 Good Friday Good Friday
Apr 4 Holy Saturday Easter Eve
Apr 5 Easter Sunday Easter Sunday
Apr 6 Easter Monday Easter Monday
Apr 25 Anzac Day Anzac Day
Apr 27 Anzac Day Anzac Day
May 4 Labour Day Labour Day
May 4 May Day May Day
Jun 1 Reconciliation Day Reconciliation Day
Jun 1 Western Australia Day Western Australia Day
Jun 8 King's Birthday King's Birthday
Aug 3 Picnic Day Picnic Day
Sep 28 King's Birthday King's Birthday
Oct 5 King's Birthday King's Birthday
Oct 5 Labour Day Labour Day
Nov 3 Melbourne Cup Melbourne Cup
Dec 25 Christmas Day Christmas Day
Dec 28 St. Stephen's Day Boxing Day

Download Full City Report

Get a comprehensive, print-ready PDF with all data for Forbes.

Get Report

Frequently Asked Questions About Forbes

What is the population of Forbes?

Forbes has a population of 8,481 residents and is located in Australia. The population density is 4 people per square mile, spread across 2,014.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 42.0 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years.

Is Forbes expensive to live in?

The median household income is $23,863, 68% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $129,600 (54% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $648 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 5.4x, which means housing is a stretch relative to local earnings.

What is the weather like in Forbes?

Forbes enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 62°F (17°C). Winter temperatures average 77°F in January, while summers reach an average of 48°F in July. The area receives 298 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 21.2 inches.

How is the job market in Forbes?

Forbes has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 4.2%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $459. There are 806 business establishments in the area.

How much does housing cost in Forbes?

The median home value in Forbes is $129,600. For renters, the median monthly rent is $648. The homeownership rate is 70.6%.

Nearby Cities

Compare Forbes with another city: