Austins Ferry

Population growth drivers in Austins Ferry are slightly above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the suburb of Austins Ferry's population is estimated at around 2,770 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 375 people (15.7%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,395 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 2,760 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 111 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,300 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Austins Ferry's 15.7% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area (2.4%), along with the SA4 region, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by interstate migration that contributed approximately 51.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including overseas migration and natural growth were positive factors.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and to estimate growth by age group in the years post-2032, the Tasmania State Government's Regional/LGA projections, released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year, are adopted with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Anticipating future population dynamics, an above median population growth of statistical areas across the nation is projected, with the suburb expected to expand by 563 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting recording a gain of 14.2% in total over the 17 years.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Austins Ferry according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Austins Ferry has granted around 43 residential property approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling approximately 219 homes. As of FY-26, five approvals have been recorded. The average population growth per dwelling built in the area between FY-21 and FY-25 was 1.1 people per year. However, this figure has increased to 8.6 people per dwelling over the past two financial years, suggesting rising demand and tightening supply. Development projects in Austins Ferry have an average construction value of $563,000, indicating a focus on premium market segments with higher-end properties.

This financial year, $1.9 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, reflecting the area's residential nature. Compared to Greater Hobart, Austins Ferry has 307.0% more development activity per person, offering buyers greater choice. However, development activity has moderated in recent periods. This high level of activity is significantly higher than national averages, suggesting strong developer confidence in the location. Recent development has consisted entirely of detached dwellings, preserving the area's suburban nature and attracting space-seeking buyers.

Austins Ferry has approximately 397 people per dwelling approval, indicating an established area. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, the location is projected to add 393 residents by 2041. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

Austins Ferry has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 39thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified one major project likely impacting the region: Chocolate Experience at Cadbury Tasmania. Other key projects include Whitestone Point Housing Development, Glenorchy Sports Centre, and Claremont Link Road Park and Ride Facility. The following list details those most relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

Denotes AI-based impression for illustrative purposes only, not to be taken as definitive under any circumstances. Please follow links and conduct other investigations from the project's source for actual imagery. Developers and project owners wishing us to use original imagery please Contact Us and we will do so.

Austins Ferry has seen below average employment performance when compared to national benchmarks

Austins Ferry has a diverse workforce with both white and blue collar jobs, with essential services well represented. Its unemployment rate is 3.9%. Over the past year, it has shown relative employment stability.

As of September 2025, 1,370 residents are employed, which is 0.1% lower than Greater Hobart's rate of 4.0%. Workforce participation in Austins Ferry is somewhat lower at 61.5%, compared to Greater Hobart's 63.8%. According to Census responses, only 6.2% of residents work from home. The key industries for employment among residents are health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction.

Retail trade has a particularly strong presence with an employment share of 1.4 times the regional level. However, education & training has limited presence at 7.2%, compared to the regional average of 10.8%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the difference between its working population and resident population. Over a 12-month period ending in September 2025, employment increased by 0.1% while labour force decreased by 0.8%, leading to a fall in unemployment rate of 0.8 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Hobart experienced an employment decline of 0.7% and a labour force decline of 0.9%, with a drop in unemployment rate of 0.2 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that Austins Ferry's employment should increase by 6.4% over five years and 13.3% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to the local employment mix.

Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch

The suburb of Austins Ferry's median income among taxpayers is $46,413 and average income stands at $50,588 in financial year 2023. This compares to Greater Hobart's figures of $54,577 and $65,190 respectively. By September 2025, current estimates suggest median income will be approximately $50,869 and average income $55,444 based on a Wage Price Index growth of 9.6% since financial year 2023. According to the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in Austins Ferry rank modestly between the 41st and 42nd percentiles. In terms of income distribution, 39.4% of residents earn $1,500 - $2,999 weekly, mirroring regional levels where 32.2% fall into this bracket. After housing costs, 85.6% of income remains for other expenses.

Austins Ferry is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

The dwelling structure in Austins Ferry, as per the latest Census, consisted of 96.6% houses and 3.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Hobart metro's 85.3% houses and 14.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Austins Ferry was at 33.3%, similar to Hobart metro. The remaining dwellings were either mortgaged (46.2%) or rented (20.4%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,500, below Hobart metro's average of $1,517. The median weekly rent figure was $364, compared to Hobart metro's $350. Nationally, Austins Ferry's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were less than the national figure of $375.

Austins Ferry has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 75.0% of all households, including 30.7% couples with children, 28.0% couples without children, and 14.8% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 25.0%, with lone person households at 23.3% and group households comprising 2.5%. The median household size is 2.6 people, which is larger than the Greater Hobart average of 2.4.

Educational attainment in Austins Ferry aligns closely with national averages, showing typical qualification patterns and performance metrics

The area's university qualification rate is 17.3%, significantly lower than the SA4 region average of 32.8%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 10.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 4.0% and graduate diplomas at 2.4%. Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 38.3% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (8.5%) and certificates (29.8%). Educational participation is high, with 27.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, comprising 9.1% in primary, 8.5% in secondary, and 3.7% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 27.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.1% in primary education, 8.5% in secondary education, and 3.7% pursuing tertiary education.

Transport servicing is high compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility

Public transport analysis shows 16 active stops operating within Austins Ferry. These are served by a mix of buses on 79 routes, providing 6357 weekly passenger trips in total. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 193 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to its residential nature. Car remains dominant at 91%, with bus use at 7%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.6 per dwelling, above regional average.

Only 6.2% of residents work from home (2021 Census). Service frequency averages 908 trips daily across all routes, equating to approximately 397 weekly trips per stop.

Health performance in Austins Ferry is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Austin Ferry faces significant health challenges according to AreaSearch's analysis. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are high across both younger and older age groups. Only approximately 47% of Austin Ferry's total population (~1,307 people) has private health cover, compared to Greater Hobart's 51.7% and the national average of 55.7%.

Mental health issues and arthritis are the most prevalent conditions, affecting 11.7% and 9.9% of residents respectively. However, 61.7% of residents claim to be free from medical ailments, compared to Greater Hobart's 65.5%. The working-age population faces notable health challenges due to elevated chronic condition rates. Austin Ferry has 18.9% of residents aged 65 and over (523 people), lower than Greater Hobart's 19.9%. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, generally in line with national rankings.

Austins Ferry ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Austins Ferry had a cultural diversity level below average, with 86.6% of its population born in Australia, 92.1% being citizens, and 90.4% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 49.8% of Austins Ferry's population. However, there was an overrepresentation in the 'Other' category, which constituted 2.0% compared to the Greater Hobart average of 1.1%.

The top three ancestry groups were English (33.0%), Australian (32.0%), and Irish (8.0%). Notably, Hungarian (0.3%) was overrepresented compared to the regional figure of 0.2%, as were Australian Aboriginal (4.1% vs 3.0%) and Korean (0.3% vs 0.2%).

Austins Ferry's population aligns closely with national norms in age terms

Austin's Ferry median age is 39 years, matching Greater Hobart's average of 39 and closely aligned with Australia's median of 38. Locally, the 15-24 cohort is notably over-represented at 14.0%, while the 25-34 group is under-represented at 13.3%. Post-2021 Census, the 75-84 age group grew from 5.4% to 6.9%, and the 15-24 cohort increased from 12.7% to 14.0%. Conversely, the 25-34 group declined from 14.9% to 13.3%, and the 55-64 group dropped from 12.5% to 10.9%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Austin's Ferry age profile will significantly evolve. The 45-54 cohort is projected to grow by 54%, adding 203 residents to reach 583. Meanwhile, the 35-44 group is expected to contract by 71 residents.