Forbes
Forbes scores well on core operations (92/100) but only 36/100 on sustainability — a gap worth watching.
"Lachlan River heritage — gold rush town and Ben Hall bushranger country"
See where Forbes ranks: Best Councils in New South Wales 2026
New South Wales · regional council · Pop. 9,295
Data last updated: 2023-24 · Data confidence: high
Overall Score
57 out of 100
#25 of 79 regional councils in NSW
#37 in New South Wales
Score Breakdown
| Category | Score |
|---|---|
| Sustainability | 36/100 |
| Community Services | 50/100 |
| Lifestyle & Amenity | 51/100 |
| Core Operations | 92/100 |
What This Means For You
Among regional councils, Forbes performs strongest in Core Operations (scoring 92 out of 100 against peers), with room to improve in Sustainability (currently 36 out of 100).
What Makes This Place Unique
Lachlan River heritage — gold rush town and Ben Hall bushranger country
Forbes is a heritage town on the Lachlan River in central western NSW with gold rush and bushranger history.
Known For
- Forbes Vintage Festival
- Ben Hall bushranger heritage
- Lachlan River — Lake Forbes recreation
- Heritage streetscape
Living Here
Forbes offers charming country town living at very affordable prices. Basic services are solid.
Hidden Gem
Lake Forbes — a town lake formed by the Lachlan River, popular for water sports and birdwatching.