Cambridge (Tas.)

Cambridge lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on analysis of Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) population updates for the broader area around Cambridge, Tasmania, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the Census, the estimated population of the suburb of Cambridge (Tas.) is around 1918 as of November 2025. This reflects an increase of 464 people from the previous figure of 1454 reported in the 2021 Census, marking a growth rate of approximately 31.9%. The current resident population estimate of 1886, provided by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2024), combined with an additional 223 validated new addresses since the Census date, contributes to this overall increase. This level of population density equates to approximately 38 persons per square kilometer, indicating ample space per person in Cambridge. The suburb's growth rate of 31.9% since the 2021 census exceeds that of both the SA4 region (4.3%) and the metropolitan area, positioning it as a significant growth leader in the region. Natural population growth contributed approximately 54.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in June 2024 with 2022 as the base year, to anticipate future demographic trends. For areas not covered by this data and to estimate growth by age group post-2032, AreaSearch employs Tasmania State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in December 2022 with 2021 as the base year, adjusted using a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Looking ahead, the suburb is expected to experience a population increase just below the median of national statistical areas. Based on aggregated SA2-level projections, the area is anticipated to grow by approximately 178 persons by the year 2041, reflecting an overall decrease of around 12.9% in total over these 17 years.

Residential development activity is slightly higher than average within Cambridge when compared nationally

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Cambridge has received around 24 dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years. This totals an estimated 124 homes from FY-20 to FY-25. By FY-26, 18 approvals have been recorded. Each year, on average, one new resident is associated with each dwelling constructed between FY-21 and FY-25.

This suggests that new supply meets or exceeds demand, providing ample buyer choice and capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts. The average construction cost of these homes is $573,000, which is higher than regional norms, indicating quality-focused development. In the current financial year, Cambridge has registered $31.7 million in commercial approvals, reflecting robust local business investment. Compared to Greater Hobart, Cambridge records 176.0% more development activity per person. This should offer buyers ample choice, although building activity has slowed in recent years.

Nationally, this level of activity is well above average, indicating strong developer confidence in the area. All recent building activity consists of standalone homes, maintaining Cambridge's traditional low-density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. The location has approximately 96 people per dwelling approval, suggesting an expanding market. Despite population projections showing stability or decline, Cambridge should see reduced housing demand pressures, benefiting potential buyers.

Cambridge has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 29thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified nine projects likely impacting the area. Key projects include the Tasman Highway Duplication Project, Cambridge Primary School Redevelopment, Draft Cambridge Oval Master Plan, and Brighton to Cambridge Freight Route Study. 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 analysis of employment trends sees Cambridge performing better than 85% of local markets assessed across Australia

Cambridge has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate is 1.2%, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

As of June 2025, Cambridge has 838 residents in work, with an unemployment rate of 2.9% below Greater Hobart's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation stands at 66.4%, compared to Greater Hobart's 61.6%. The key industries for employment among residents are health care & social assistance, construction, and public administration & safety. Construction is particularly notable with employment levels at 1.4 times the regional average.

Professional & technical services have a limited presence, with 4.1% employment compared to the regional average of 6.6%. There are 2.6 workers for every resident in Cambridge, indicating it functions as an employment hub hosting more jobs than residents and attracting workers from surrounding areas. Between June 2024 and June 2025, the labour force decreased by 1.8% while employment declined by 2.0%, with unemployment remaining essentially unchanged. In contrast, Greater Hobart experienced employment decline of 1.5% and labour force decline of 1.6%, with a drop in unemployment of 0.2 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 suggest potential future demand within Cambridge. These projections estimate national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates vary significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Cambridge's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.3% over five years and 13.2% over ten years.

The area exhibits notably strong income performance, ranking higher than 70% of areas assessed nationally through AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 indicates that median income in Cambridge is $58,607 and average income stands at $72,088. This contrasts with Greater Hobart's median income of $51,272 and average income of $63,777. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.83% since financial year 2022, current estimates for Cambridge would be approximately $66,712 (median) and $82,058 (average) as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes in Cambridge are around the 72nd percentile nationally. Income distribution shows that 34.8% of residents fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, consistent with broader trends across regional levels showing 32.2% in the same category. After housing costs, Cambridge residents retain 88.5% of their income, reflecting strong purchasing power and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 6th decile.

Cambridge is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

In Cambridge, as per the latest Census evaluation, 92.1% of dwellings were houses with the remaining 7.9% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. This is similar to Hobart metro's dwelling structure, which was 93.4% houses and 6.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Cambridge stood at 41.6%, with mortgaged dwellings at 45.8% and rented ones at 12.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Cambridge was $1,733, higher than Hobart metro's average of $1,538. The median weekly rent in Cambridge was $410, compared to Hobart metro's $350. Nationally, Cambridge's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents exceeded the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 75.4% of all households, including 33.1% that are couples with children, 31.2% that are couples without children, and 9.6% that are single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 24.6%, with lone person households at 23.3% and group households comprising 2.3% of the total. The median household size is 2.6 people, which is larger than the Greater Hobart average of 2.4.

The educational profile of Cambridge exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

Educational qualifications in Cambridge trail regional benchmarks, with 25.7% of residents aged 15+ holding university degrees compared to the SA4 region's 32.8%. This gap highlights potential for educational development and skills enhancement. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 17.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (6.4%) and graduate diplomas (2.0%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 41.9% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (13.2%) and certificates (28.7%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 27.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 11.3% in primary, 6.5% in secondary, and 4.0% pursuing tertiary education. Cambridge Primary School provides local educational services within Cambridge, with an enrollment of 346 students as of the reported date. The area demonstrates above-average socio-educational conditions (ICSEA: 1053). The single school focuses exclusively on primary education, with secondary options available in surrounding areas. School capacity exceeds typical residential needs (18.0 places per 100 residents vs 14.3 regionally), indicating the area serves as an educational center for the broader region.

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

Transport analysis shows 13 active stops operating in Cambridge, consisting of bus services only. These stops are served by 32 unique routes, offering a total of 2,578 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated moderate, with residents located an average of 542 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 368 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 198 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health outcomes in Cambridge are marginally below the national average with common health conditions slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age cohorts

Health indicators suggest below-average outcomes in Cambridge, with common health conditions slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is very high at approximately 56% of the total population (~1,068 people), compared to 51.4% across Greater Hobart.

The most common medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 9.6% and 9.3% of residents respectively. A total of 66.0% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 64.2% across Greater Hobart. The area has 23.3% of residents aged 65 and over (446 people), which is higher than the 21.8% in Greater Hobart. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, performing even better than the general population in health metrics.

Cambridge is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Cambridge's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 88.3% of its population born in Australia, 91.4% being citizens, and 93.8% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the main religion in Cambridge, comprising 49.3% of people. However, the most notable overrepresentation was in Other, which comprised 1.0% of the population compared to Greater Hobart's 0.9%.

In terms of ancestry, the top three represented groups were English at 36.1%, Australian at 29.2%, and Irish at 10.1%. Notably, Dutch representation was overrepresented at 1.5% in Cambridge versus 1.3% regionally, Sri Lankan at 0.3% compared to 0.1%, and South African at 0.5% compared to 0.2%.

Cambridge hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

The median age in Cambridge is 41 years, which is higher than Greater Hobart's average of 39 years and exceeds the national average of 38 years. The age profile shows that those aged 65-74 make up a significant portion at 14.3%, while the 25-34 age group is relatively smaller at 10.2%. Between 2021 and present, the percentage of the population in the 65-74 age group has increased from 12.0% to 14.3%, and the 75-84 cohort has grown from 5.5% to 7.5%. Conversely, the 25-34 age group has decreased from 13.0% to 10.2%, and the 55-64 group has dropped from 14.2% to 12.2%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Cambridge's age structure. The 75-84 age cohort is projected to increase by 36 people (25%), from 143 to 180. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 69% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. Conversely, the 65-74 and 0-4 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.