Economic Profile

The population of Forbes has been rising since 2011 and current estimates indicate it at 10,201. Gross Regional Product is $653.9 million.  Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing is our largest industry in terms of output, valued at $288.7 million, with Manufacturing valued at $174.9 million.

It is estimated that 3,990 people work in Forbes with our largest employer being Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing, followed by Healthcare, Social Assistance and Retail Trade. All of this data and more is now available for viewing and downloading via the links below.

REMPLAN Economic Profile

REMPLAN Community Profile 

Prospectus Data Jan2022

Build a bright future for your business and your family in this thriving rural community where you can enjoy the benefits of a stable economy and an enviable lifestyle.

The population of Forbes has been rising since 2011 and currently sits at 9,844. Gross Regional Product is $594.5 million. Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing is our largest industry in terms of output, valued at $243.3 million, with Manufacturing valued at $173 million. 

It is estimated that 3,990 people work in Forbes with our largest employer being Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing, followed by Healthcare, Social Assistance and Retail Trade.

Strong transport links

The Newell Highway, a major inland road link from Victoria to Queensland, intersects Forbes and runs parallel to the east coast about 400km inland. There are some 330,000 vehicular movements through the Shire each year; 35% being heavy vehicle traffic. Daily flights to and from Sydney are available within a short 20-minute drive. Rail passenger services are accessed via coach from Forbes to Orange or Cootamundra, connecting to NSW Trainlink’s XPT. Quickly approaching is the development of a national logistics hub only 20 minutes from Forbes. Inland Rail’s project will be of significance to importers, exporters and manufacturers eager to tap into the connectivity between the east/west rail line and the north/south Newell Highway. The Forbes Airport is available for private use and includes a refuelling station, non-directional beacons, windsocks and a pilot assisted landing system (airstrip lighting). The Airport is currently being upgraded to include the development of 36 light aircraft hangar sites and several large commercial sites.