Brighton (Tas.)

Brighton lies within the top 10% of areas nationally in terms of population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of short and medium-term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, Brighton's population is estimated at around 5635 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 652 people (13.1%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4983 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 5328, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, and an additional 199 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 196 persons per square kilometer. Brighton's 13.1% growth since the 2021 census exceeded Greater Hobart's (4.9%) and the state, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth was primarily driven by interstate migration contributing approximately 55.00000000000001% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data, 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. Future trends forecast a significant population increase in Brighton (Tas.), expected to expand by 1760 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 26.5% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Brighton among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

Brighton has recorded approximately 47 residential properties granted approval each year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 236 homes. In FY-26 so far, 28 approvals have been recorded. On average, 3.1 new residents are associated with each home built in the area between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating significant demand exceeding supply. The average construction cost for new properties is $410,000, suggesting developers target the premium market segment.

This financial year has seen $12.5 million in commercial approvals, reflecting moderate levels of commercial development. Recent building activity consists predominantly of detached houses, maintaining Brighton's traditional low-density character with a focus on family homes.

The area has approximately 175 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market. By 2041, Brighton is projected to grow by 1,493 residents according to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Construction pace is maintaining reasonable growth despite increasing population and potential buyer competition.

Brighton has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 36thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified nine projects likely to impact the area. Key initiatives include Homes Tasmania Brighton Subdivision, New Brighton High School, Ted Jeffries Memorial Park Upgrade, and Brighton Town Square Development. The following list details those most relevant.

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

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AreaSearch assessment positions Brighton ahead of most Australian regions for employment performance

Brighton's workforce is diverse, spanning white and blue collar jobs. The construction sector is prominent. Unemployment stands at 3.1%, as per AreaSearch data aggregation.

As of September 2025, 2,911 residents are employed with an unemployment rate of 0.9% below Greater Hobart's 4.0%. Workforce participation is high at 70.9%. Census data shows 4.5% work from home. Key industries include health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade.

Construction employment is 1.6 times the regional average. Education & training employs only 4.8%, below Greater Hobart's 10.8%. Local employment opportunities seem limited, indicated by working population vs resident population count. Between September 2024 and 2025, Brighton's labour force decreased by 0.7% and employment by 1.1%, raising unemployment by 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Brighton's industry mix suggests local employment could increase by 6.3% in five years and 13.2% in ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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

Brighton suburb's median taxpayer income was $49,305 and average was $54,329 in financial year 2023, according to latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This is lower than national average, contrasting with Greater Hobart's median income of $54,577 and average income of $65,190. By September 2025, estimated median income would be approximately $54,038 and average $59,545, based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.6% since financial year 2023. Census data indicates personal income ranks at 54th percentile ($825 weekly) and household income at 37th percentile. The $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captures 37.5% of Brighton community (2,113 individuals), consistent with broader regional trends showing 32.2% in the same category. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 83.7% of income remaining, ranking at 37th percentile.

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

Brighton's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census evaluation, consisted of 81.7% houses and 18.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), contrasting with Hobart metro's 85.3% houses and 14.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Brighton was at 26.4%, with mortgaged dwellings at 51.1% and rented ones at 22.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,450, lower than Hobart metro's average of $1,517. Median weekly rent in Brighton was recorded at $350, aligning with Hobart metro's figure. Nationally, Brighton's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were less than the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 76.1% of all households, including 33.0% couples with children, 26.4% couples without children, and 15.9% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 23.9%, with lone person households at 22.0% and group households comprising 2.1%. The median household size is 2.6 people, larger than the Greater Hobart average of 2.4.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 7.5%, significantly lower than Greater Hobart's average of 32.8%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 5.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (0.9%) and graduate diplomas (0.9%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 43.5% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (7.1%) and certificates (36.4%). Educational participation is high at 27.2%, with 12.5% in primary education, 6.5% in secondary education, and 2.2% pursuing tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 27.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 12.5% in primary education, 6.5% in secondary education, and 2.2% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Brighton has 25 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 76 different routes that collectively facilitate 5,164 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these transport services is rated as good, with residents typically residing 312 meters away from the nearest stop. In this primarily residential area, most commuters travel outward. Cars remain the dominant mode of transportation, used by 96% of residents. On average, there are 1.8 vehicles per dwelling, which is higher than the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, only 4.5% of residents work from home, a figure that may have been influenced by COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency across all routes averages 737 trips per day, equating to approximately 206 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Brighton faces substantial health challenges, according to AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are notable across both younger and older age cohorts. Only approximately 49% of Brighton's total population (~2,744 people) has private health cover, compared to 51.7% in Greater Hobart and the national average of 55.7%.

Mental health issues and arthritis are the most common medical conditions, affecting 10.2% and 9.5% of residents respectively. However, 66.1% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 65.5% in Greater Hobart. The working-age population faces significant health challenges due to elevated chronic condition rates. Brighton has 15.4% of residents aged 65 and over (867 people), lower than Greater Hobart's 19.9%. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

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

Brighton's population is predominantly born in Australia, with 95.3%, and holds citizenship at 94.6%. The majority speak English only at home, at 97.9%. Christianity is the dominant religion, practiced by 44.3% of Brighton residents.

Judaism, however, is not present in Brighton's population, unlike Greater Hobart where it comprises 0.1%. Ancestry-wise, Australian (37.3%), English (36.2%), and Irish (6.6%) are the top groups represented in Brighton. Notably, Australian Aboriginals are overrepresented at 6.0% compared to the regional average of 3.0%, while Polish and Sri Lankan groups maintain similar percentages to the region at 0.8% and 0.1% respectively.

Brighton hosts a young demographic, positioning it in the bottom quartile nationwide

Brighton's median age is 34 years, which is lower than Greater Hobart's average of 39 and significantly under Australia's median of 38. Compared to Greater Hobart, Brighton has a higher percentage of residents aged 5-14 (13.6%) but fewer residents aged 75-84 (5.2%). Between the 2021 Census and now, the population aged 35-44 has grown from 12.1% to 13.3%, while the 25-34 age group has declined from 17.8% to 16.5% and the 45-54 age group has dropped from 12.3% to 11.2%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Brighton's age profile will change significantly. The 35-44 age cohort is projected to grow by 33%, adding 246 residents to reach a total of 996.