The present invention relates to a developer for electrostatic image development comprising: a toner for electrostatic image development which comprises a resin and a colorant; and a carrier formed by a carrier core material and a resin layer including a resistance control agent which is formed on the surface of the carrier core material, wherein the resin layer of the carrier has a concentration gradient of the resistance control agent toward the thickness direction of the resin layer, a concentration of the resistance control agent is the highest in the vicinity of the carrier core material, and is gradually lowered toward the surface of the resin layer, and the resistance control agent is present on the surface of the resin layer, as well as relates to an image forming method, wherein it comprises a step of developing an electrostatic image at a developing speed of 20 m/min or higher, by means of employing the developer for electrostatic image development. The developer for electrostatic image development of the invention exhibits a stable development and transfer behavior without any variation of triboelectric charging performance, electric resistance, or the like, even when used as a two-component developer, and in addition, affords a printed image with high image quality and high grade without any fogging.