Bridgewater (Tas.)

Population growth drivers in Bridgewater are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the suburb of Bridgewater (Tas.) has an estimated population of around 5,072 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 480 people (10.5%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,592 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 5,050 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 182 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 294 persons per square kilometer, providing significant space per person and potential room for further development. Bridgewater's 10.5% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA4 region (4.9%), along with the Greater Hobart, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by natural growth that contributed approximately 53.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, 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 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 national statistical areas is projected for Bridgewater (Tas.), with the area expected to increase by 1,173 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 19.3% in total over the 17 years.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Bridgewater when compared nationally

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers in Bridgewater shows an average of around 44 new dwelling approvals per year. Between FY-21 and FY-25, approximately 220 homes were approved, with a further 5 approved so far in FY-26. This translates to an estimated 2.4 new residents per year for each dwelling built over the past five financial years.

The average construction cost value of new homes is $381,000, indicating a focus on the premium segment. In FY-26, there have been $19.3 million in commercial approvals, reflecting steady commercial investment activity. Compared to Greater Hobart, Bridgewater's development activity per person is comparable, maintaining market equilibrium with surrounding areas.

Recent construction consists of 94.0% detached houses and 6.0% townhouses or apartments, preserving the area's low density nature. As of Bridgewater's dwelling approvals, there are around 277 people per dwelling. AreaSearch estimates that Bridgewater is expected to grow by 980 residents through to 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.

Bridgewater has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 40thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified ten projects likely affecting the region. Notable initiatives include New Bridgewater Bridge, Boyer Road Precinct Plan, Main Road Granton Shared Path Extension, and Homes Tasmania Brighton Subdivision, with the following list detailing those most relevant.

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

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Employment conditions in Bridgewater face significant challenges, ranking among the bottom 10% of areas assessed nationally

Bridgewater's workforce comprises diverse sectors with an unemployment rate of 17.4% as of September 2025. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 1.7%. Residents in work totalled 1,576 while the unemployment rate was 13.4% higher than Greater Hobart's rate of 4.0%.

Workforce participation stood at 49.7%, significantly lower than Greater Hobart's 63.8%. Only 3.0% of residents worked from home as per Census responses, considering Covid-19 lockdown impacts. Leading employment industries were health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction. Retail trade was particularly prominent with an employment share 1.5 times the regional level.

Conversely, education & training was under-represented at 5.1% compared to Greater Hobart's 10.8%. Employment opportunities locally appeared limited based on Census working population vs resident population comparison. During September 2025, employment levels increased by 1.7%, labour force decreased by 0.1%, and unemployment fell by 1.5 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Hobart saw employment fall by 0.7%, labour force contract by 0.9%, and unemployment fall by 0.2 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia May-25 project national growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying rates across sectors. Applying these projections to Bridgewater's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.2% over five years and 13.2% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis

Bridgewater's median taxpayer income is $48,014 and average is $52,817 in financial year 2023. This is lower than national averages. Greater Hobart has a median income of $54,577 and average of $65,190. By September 2025, estimated incomes are approximately $52,623 (median) and $57,887 (average), accounting for a 9.6% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023. Census data shows Bridgewater's household, family, and personal incomes fall between the 2nd and 4th percentiles nationally. The predominant income cohort in Bridgewater is 32.5% of locals (1,648 people) earning $400 - $799 per week, differing from regional patterns where $1,500 - $2,999 dominates with 32.2%. Lower-income residents prevail at 42.9%, indicating constrained household budgets. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 78.2% of income remaining, ranking at the 3rd percentile nationally.

Bridgewater is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Bridgewater's housing structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 88.4% houses and 11.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). Hobart metro had 85.3% houses and 14.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Bridgewater was at 20.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 23.0% and rented ones at 56.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,083, below Hobart metro's average of $1,517. Median weekly rent in Bridgewater was $260, compared to Hobart metro's $350. Nationally, Bridgewater's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 68.5% of all households, consisting of 20.5% couples with children, 17.0% couples without children, and 29.2% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 31.5%, with lone person households at 28.2% and group households comprising 3.6%. The median household size is 2.5 people, which is larger than the Greater Hobart average of 2.4.

Bridgewater faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area's university qualification rate is 7.8%, significantly lower than the SA4 region average of 32.8%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 5.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.0%) and graduate diplomas (0.6%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 35.1% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (5.0%) and certificates (30.1%). Educational participation is high, with 33.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 16.3% in primary education, 9.0% in secondary education, and 1.8% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Transport analysis shows 41 active transport stops in Bridgewater, offering a mix of bus services. These stops are served by 104 individual routes, facilitating 8,187 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 182 meters from the nearest stop. In this primarily residential area, most commuters travel outward; car remains dominant at 90%, while bus accounts for 6%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.2 per dwelling, below the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, a relatively low 3.0% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions.

Service frequency averages 1,169 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 199 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Bridgewater is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Bridgewater faces significant health challenges according to AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are high across various health conditions, affecting both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is low at approximately 48% of Bridgewater's total population (~2,440 people), compared to Greater Hobart's 51.7% and the national average of 55.7%.

Mental health issues and asthma are the most common medical conditions in Bridgewater, affecting 13.1% and 10.9% of residents respectively. However, 57.8% of residents claim to be completely clear of medical ailments, compared to Greater Hobart's 65.5%. Working-age population health challenges include elevated chronic condition rates. Bridgewater has 15.0% of residents aged 65 and over (760 people), lower than Greater Hobart's 19.9%. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, broadly in line with national rankings for the general population.

The latest Census data sees Bridgewater placing among the least culturally diverse areas in the country when compared across a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Bridgewater's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 87.3% of its population being citizens, 93.3% born in Australia, and 95.6% speaking English only at home as of the latest data. Christianity is the predominant religion in Bridgewater, comprising 38.1% of people, according to a report dated June 2021. However, Islam shows an overrepresentation with 1.5% of the population compared to Greater Hobart's average of 1.3%.

In terms of ancestry, the top three represented groups in Bridgewater are English at 35.0%, Australian at 34.1%, and Australian Aboriginal at 10.7%, all substantially higher than their respective regional averages of 28.0% and 3.0%. Notably, Hungarian (0.2%), Sri Lankan (0.1%), and Serbian (0.1%) ethnic groups are also overrepresented in Bridgewater compared to regional averages.

Bridgewater hosts a very young demographic, ranking in the bottom 10% of areas nationwide

Bridgewater's median age is 31, which is significantly younger than Greater Hobart's figure of 39 and Australia's national average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Hobart, Bridgewater has a higher proportion of residents aged 5-14 (16.1%) but fewer individuals aged 35-44 (10.8%). Between the 2021 Census and present, the population aged 25 to 34 has grown from 14.9% to 16.2%, while the 15 to 24 age group increased from 14.1% to 15.2%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has decreased from 11.2% to 9.4%, and the 5 to 14 age group has dropped from 17.3% to 16.1%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate substantial demographic shifts in Bridgewater. The 35 to 44 age cohort is projected to grow by 31%, adding 172 residents to reach a total of 720. Meanwhile, the 55 to 64 age group is expected to decrease by 12 residents.