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.) had an estimated population of around 5066 as of May 2026. This reflected an increase of 474 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4592 people. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 5062 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025, along with an additional 188 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population resulted in a density ratio of 293 persons per square kilometer. Bridgewater's growth rate of 10.3% since the 2021 census exceeded that of its SA4 region (3.9%) and Greater Hobart, marking it as a growth leader in the area. Population growth was primarily driven by natural growth contributing approximately 53.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopted ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered, Tasmania State Government's Regional/LGA projections were used, released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Future population dynamics forecast a significant increase in the top quartile of statistical areas across the nation, with Bridgewater expected to increase by 1188 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 23.4% in total over the 16 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Bridgewater averaged approximately 44 new dwelling approvals annually. From FY21 to FY25, around 220 homes were approved, with a further 5 in FY26. Each year, about 3.3 people moved to the area per dwelling built during these five financial years.

This high demand relative to supply may put upward pressure on prices and increase buyer competition. The average construction value of new homes is $381,000, indicating a focus on premium properties. In FY26, there have been approximately $19.3 million in commercial approvals, suggesting steady commercial investment activity.

Compared to Greater Hobart, Bridgewater's development activity per capita is similar, maintaining market equilibrium with surrounding areas, though recent periods show some moderation. Recent construction comprises 94% detached houses and 6% townhouses or apartments, preserving the area's low-density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. With around 285 people per dwelling approval, Bridgewater exhibits a developing market. By 2041, AreaSearch estimates Bridgewater will grow by approximately 1,184 residents. Current development appears aligned with future needs, supporting steady market conditions without extreme price pressure.

Bridgewater has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 37thth percentile nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified ten projects that could impact this region. Notable initiatives include New Bridgewater Bridge, Boyer Road Precinct Plan, Main Road Granton Shared Path Extension, and Homes Tasmania Brighton Subdivision. The following list details those expected to be 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 has a balanced workforce with diverse sector representation. As of December 2025, the unemployment rate was 17.4%, showing an estimated employment growth of 3.6% over the past year based on AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data. In December 2025, 1,678 residents were in work while the unemployment rate was 13.3% higher than Greater Hobart's rate of 4.0%.

Workforce participation lagged significantly at 52.5%, compared to Greater Hobart's 63.7%. Only 3.0% of residents worked from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Leading employment industries among residents comprised health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction. Bridgewater had a particular employment specialization in retail trade, with an employment share of 1.5 times the regional level.

Conversely, education & training was under-represented, with only 5.1% of Bridgewater's workforce compared to 10.8% in Greater Hobart. The area appeared to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population. During the year to December 2025, employment levels increased by 3.6%, and labour force increased by 1.8%, resulting in a fall in unemployment by 1.5 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Hobart saw employment grow by 0.1%, labour force contract by 0.1%, and unemployment fall by 0.2 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 offered further insight into potential future demand within Bridgewater. These projections estimated that national employment should expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with growth rates differing significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Bridgewater's employment mix suggested local employment should increase by 6.2% over five years and 13.2% over ten years.

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

The median taxpayer income in Bridgewater was $48,014 and the average was $52,817 in financial year 2023. This is lower than the national average, with Greater Hobart having a median income of $54,577 and an average income of $65,190. By March 2026, estimates suggest the median income will be approximately $53,272 and the average will be around $58,600, based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.95%. Bridgewater's household, family, and personal incomes all fall between the 2nd and 4th percentiles nationally. The predominant income cohort in Bridgewater is 32.5% (1,646 people) earning $400 - $799 per week, differing from the regional pattern where the $1,500 - $2,999 category dominates with 32.2%. With 42.9% of residents earning less than $800 per week, household budgets are constrained across much of Bridgewater. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 78.2% of income remaining after housing costs, 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

Dwelling structure in Bridgewater, as evaluated at the latest Census, consisted of 88.4% houses and 11.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Hobart metro's 85.3% houses and 14.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Bridgewater was at 20.0%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (23.0%) or rented (56.9%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,083, below Hobart metro's average of $1,517. Median weekly rent in Bridgewater was recorded at $260, compared to Hobart metro's $350. Nationally, Bridgewater's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are 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, including 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 at 33.8%, comprising 16.3% in primary education, 9.0% in secondary education, and 1.8% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably 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

Bridgewater has 41 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 104 different routes that together facilitate 8,187 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically living just 182 metres from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outwards due to Bridgewater being primarily residential. Cars remain the dominant mode of transport at 90%, while only 6% use buses. On average, there are 1.2 vehicles per dwelling, which is below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, a relatively low 3.0% of residents work from home, possibly due to COVID-19 conditions. Across all routes, an average of 1,169 trips are made daily, 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, as indicated by AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and prevalence of chronic conditions are high, affecting both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is low at approximately 48% of the total population (around 2,437 people), compared to 51.7% in Greater Hobart and a national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are mental health issues (13.1%) and asthma (10.9%). Conversely, 57.8% of residents report no medical ailments, lower than the 65.5% in Greater Hobart. Working-age individuals face notable health challenges due to high chronic condition rates. The area has 15.4% of residents aged 65 and over (780 people), which is lower than the 20.0% in Greater Hobart. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, generally aligning with national rankings.

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. Christianity is the predominant religion in Bridgewater, comprising 38.1% of people. However, Islam is overrepresented compared to Greater Hobart, making up 1.5% versus 1.3%.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups are English (35.0%), Australian (34.1%), and Australian Aboriginal (10.7%). These percentages are higher than the regional averages of 28.0% for Australian and 3.0% for Australian Aboriginal respectively. Notably, Hungarian, Sri Lankan, and Serbian ethnicities show similar representation in Bridgewater compared to Greater Hobart, with each group comprising 0.2%, 0.1%, and 0.1% respectively.

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

Bridgewater's median age is 31, which is 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 (16.2%) but fewer residents aged 35-44 (11.1%). Between the 2021 Census and present day, the population aged 25 to 34 has grown from 14.9% to 16.2%, while the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 11.2% to 9.5%. The 5-14 age group has also decreased slightly, from 17.3% to 16.2%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic changes for Bridgewater. The 35 to 44 cohort is projected to grow by 36%, adding 201 residents to reach a total of 764. Meanwhile, the 55 to 64 cohort is expected to grow modestly by 1%, with an increase of just 5 people.