Chigwell

An assessment of population growth drivers in Chigwell reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

Based on ABS population updates and AreaSearch validations, the estimated population of Chigwell as of May 2026 is around 2,264. This reflects a growth of 214 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,050. The increase was inferred from AreaSearch's estimation using latest ERP data release by ABS (June 2025) and additional validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 752 persons per square kilometer, comparable to averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Chigwell's population growth rate of 10.4% since the 2021 census exceeded that of its SA3 area (1.1%) and SA4 region, indicating it as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 84.0% 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 and post-2032 growth estimations by age group, Tasmania State Government's Regional/LGA projections are adopted, released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. According to these projections, lower quartile growth is anticipated for national statistical areas, with Chigwell expected to grow by 82 persons to reach a total of 2,346 by 2041, reflecting a gain of 3.6% over the 16-year period.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Chigwell recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Chigwell experienced around 26 dwelling approvals per year. From FY-21 to FY-25, approximately 131 homes were approved, with a further 21 approved in FY-26. Over these five years, an average of 0.6 people moved to the area for each dwelling built.

This suggests that new construction is meeting or exceeding demand, offering buyers more options and potentially driving population growth beyond current projections. The average expected construction cost value of new dwellings is $642,000, indicating a focus on premium developments. In FY-26, $435,000 in commercial development approvals have been recorded, reflecting the area's residential nature. Compared to Greater Hobart, Chigwell has 177.0% more new home approvals per person, providing buyers with ample choice. However, development activity has moderated in recent periods.

This level is significantly above the national average, indicating strong developer interest in the area. New development consists of 71.0% detached dwellings and 29.0% townhouses or apartments, preserving Chigwell's low-density character with a focus on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. The location has approximately 99 people per dwelling approval, suggesting an expanding market. Looking ahead, Chigwell is expected to grow by 82 residents by 2041 (based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, creating favorable conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

Chigwell has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 41stth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified four projects likely to affect the region: Glenorchy Showgrounds Redevelopment, Homes Tasmania Coraki Street Housing Development, Windermere Bay Foreshore Reserve Environmental Project, and Glenorchy Sports Centre. The following details those most relevant.

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

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The labour market performance in Chigwell lags significantly behind most other regions nationally

Chigwell has a balanced workforce comprising white and blue-collar jobs, with prominent representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 9.9% as of an unspecified past year. Employment growth over the preceding year was estimated at 1.4%.

As of December 2025, 1,046 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 5.9%, which is higher than Greater Hobart's rate of 4.0%. Workforce participation in Chigwell was similar to Greater Hobart's 63.7%. According to Census responses, only 3.0% of residents worked from home. Employment among residents was concentrated in health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade.

The area had a notably high specialization in transport, postal & warehousing, with an employment share 1.8 times the regional level. Conversely, education & training was under-represented, with only 7.1% of Chigwell's workforce compared to Greater Hobart's 10.8%. Employment levels increased by 1.4% and labour force grew by 1.8% in Chigwell during the year to December 2025, leading to a rise in unemployment rate by 0.4 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Hobart recorded employment growth of 0.1%, labour force decline of 0.1%, and a decrease in unemployment by 0.2 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 indicate that while overall employment is projected to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates vary significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Chigwell's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.3% over five years and 13.3% over ten years, though these estimates are illustrative and do not account for localized population projections.

The area's income levels rank in the lower 15% nationally based on AreaSearch comparative data

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year ending June 2023 indicates that median income in Chigwell is $48,228, with average income at $52,288. This is lower than national averages. In Greater Hobart, median income is $54,577 and average income is $65,190. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.95% between financial years 2023 and 2026 (March), estimated incomes for Chigwell would be approximately $53,509 (median) and $58,014 (average). Census data shows household, family, and personal incomes in Chigwell fall between the 15th and 22nd percentiles nationally. The income bracket of $800 - 1,499 captures 31.8% of Chigwell's population (719 individuals), contrasting with metropolitan regions where the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket leads at 32.2%. Housing affordability pressures in Chigwell are severe, with only 81.0% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 13th percentile nationally.

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

Chigwell's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 81.0% houses and 19.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Hobart metro's 85.3% houses and 14.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Chigwell stood at 22.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 39.9% and rented ones at 38.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,300, below Hobart metro's average of $1,517. Median weekly rent in Chigwell was $300, compared to Hobart metro's $350. Nationally, Chigwell's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Chigwell features high concentrations of lone person households and group households, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households constitute 64.3% of all households, including 23.6% couples with children, 17.4% couples without children, and 21.6% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 35.7%, with lone person households at 31.8% and group households comprising 4.4%. The median household size is 2.4 people, which matches the Greater Hobart average.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 13.6%, significantly lower than the SA4 region average of 32.8%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 8.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.9%) and graduate diplomas (0.3%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 40.2% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (6.8%) and certificates (33.4%). Educational participation is high at 30.2%, with 14.0% in primary education, 7.3% in secondary education, and 2.7% pursuing tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 30.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 14.0% in primary education, 7.3% in secondary education, and 2.7% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Chigwell has 13 operational public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 49 different routes, facilitating a total of 3,170 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of transport in Chigwell is rated as excellent, with residents typically residing 135 meters from the nearest stop. As a predominantly residential area, most commutes are outward-bound. Cars remain the primary mode of transportation, used by 89% of residents, while only 8% opt for buses. On average, there are 1.3 vehicles per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, a relatively low 3.0% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages 452 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 243 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Chigwell faces significant health challenges, as indicated by AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. A range of health conditions affects both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is low at approximately 48% of the total population (around 1,084 people), compared to 51.7% in Greater Hobart and the national average of 55.7%.

Mental health issues and asthma are the most common conditions, affecting 12.1% and 10.1% of residents respectively. About 62.2% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 65.5% in Greater Hobart. Working-age individuals face notable health challenges due to higher chronic condition rates. The area has 13.4% of residents aged 65 and over (303 people), lower than Greater Hobart's 20.0%. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, generally aligning with national rankings.

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

Chigwell, as per the census conducted on 27 June 2016, had a cultural diversity index of below average. Its population comprised 85.9% citizens, with 85.5% born in Australia and 88.1% speaking English at home exclusively. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 38.1% of Chigwell's population.

Hinduism, however, showed an overrepresentation at 2.2%, compared to Greater Hobart's 2.8%. Ancestry-wise, Australians topped the list at 31.4%, followed by English at 31.1% and Other at 8.4%. Notably, Australian Aboriginals were overrepresented at 5.9% (regional average: 3.0%), Filipinos at 1.3% (0.5%) and Maori at 0.4% (0.1%).

Chigwell's young demographic places it in the bottom 15% of areas nationwide

Chigwell's median age in 2021 was 33 years, which is younger than Greater Hobart's median age of 39 years and the national average of 38 years. The age group of 5-14 years made up 15.1% of Chigwell's population, higher than Greater Hobart's percentage. However, the 75-84 age cohort constituted only 4.1% of Chigwell's population. Between 2021 and the present, the 35 to 44 age group has increased from 13.9% to 16.5%, while the 65 to 74 age group has grown from 6.3% to 8.0%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 age group has decreased from 11.3% to 9.3%. Population forecasts for 2041 suggest significant demographic changes in Chigwell. The 45 to 54 age cohort is projected to increase by 103 people (49%) from 210 to 314, while the 65 to 74 and 25 to 34 age cohorts are projected to decline in population.