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 analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the Census, Chigwell's population is estimated at around 2,159 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 109 people (5.3%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,050 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 2,145 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 114 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 717 persons per square kilometer, which is relatively in line with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Chigwell's 5.3% growth since the 2021 census exceeded that of the SA3 area (2.4%), along with the SA4 region, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by overseas migration which contributed approximately 84.0% 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 areas not covered by this data, and to estimate growth by age group post-2032, 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. As we examine future population trends, lower quartile growth is anticipated for Australian statistical areas, with the suburb expected to expand by 87 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 1.5% in total over the 17 years.

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, allocated from statistical area data, shows Chigwell averaged approximately 26 new dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years. This totals an estimated 131 homes. As of FY-26, 20 approvals have been recorded. On average, 0.5 new residents are associated with each dwelling constructed annually between FY-21 and FY-25.

Current construction rates match or exceed demand, providing buyers with more options and potentially enabling population growth beyond current expectations. The average value of new homes being built is $642,000, indicating a focus on the premium market with high-end developments. In FY-26, commercial approvals totalled $435,000, suggesting minimal commercial development activity. Compared to Greater Hobart, Chigwell has 182.0% higher new home approvals per person. This activity is above average nationally, reflecting strong developer confidence in the area.

New developments consist of 71.0% detached houses and 29.0% medium and high-density housing, maintaining Chigwell's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes. With around 98 people per dwelling approval, Chigwell exhibits characteristics of a low density area. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Chigwell is projected to gain 33 residents by 2041. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

Chigwell has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 45thth percentile nationally

The performance of a region can significantly be influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified five projects that are expected to impact this area. Notable among these are Glenorchy Showgrounds Redevelopment, Homes Tasmania Coraki Street Housing Development, Windermere Bay Foreshore Reserve Environmental Project, and Whitestone Point Housing Development. The following list provides details on those projects likely 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 Chigwell face significant challenges, ranking among the bottom 10% of areas assessed nationally

Chigwell has a mixed workforce comprising white and blue-collar jobs, with prominent essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 9.5%, according to AreaSearch's statistical area data aggregation. As of September 2025959 residents are employed, while the unemployment rate is 5.5% higher than Greater Hobart's rate of 4.0%.

Workforce participation is similar to Greater Hobart's 63.8%. Census responses show that only 3.0% of residents work from home. Key industries for employment among residents are health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. The area has a notable concentration in transport, postal & warehousing, with employment levels at 1.8 times the regional average.

However, education & training has limited presence with 7.1% employment compared to 10.8% regionally. The area may offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the difference between Census working population and resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, the labour force decreased by 1.1%, alongside a 1.2% employment decline, resulting in an unemployment rate rise of 0.1 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Hobart recorded an employment decline of 0.7%, labour force decline of 0.9%, and a fall in unemployment by 0.2 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates vary significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Chigwell's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 6.3% over five years and 13.3% over ten years.

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

The suburb of Chigwell had a median income among taxpayers of $48,228 and an average income of $52,288 in the financial year 2023, according to ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This compares to figures for Greater Hobart of $54,577 and $65,190 respectively. By September 2025, estimates based on a 9.6% Wage Price Index growth suggest the median income would be approximately $52,858 and the average income $57,308. The 2021 Census figures show household, family and personal incomes in Chigwell falling between the 15th and 22nd percentiles nationally. In Chigwell, 31.8% of the population (686 individuals) had incomes ranging from $800 to $1,499, unlike regional patterns where incomes between $1,500 and $2,999 dominate at 32.2%. Housing affordability pressures in Chigwell are severe, with only 81.0% of income remaining, 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

Dwelling structure in Chigwell, as evaluated at the Census conducted in 2016, comprised 81.0% houses and 19.0% other dwellings. In comparison, Hobart metro had 85.3% houses and 14.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Chigwell was 22.0%, with the remainder being mortgaged (39.9%) or rented (38.1%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Chigwell was $1,300, below Hobart metro's average of $1,517 and Australia's national average of $1,863. The median weekly rent figure in Chigwell was $300, lower than Hobart metro's $350 and the national average of $375.

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

Family households account for 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 constitute the remaining 35.7%, with lone person households at 31.8% and group households comprising 4.4% of the total. The median household size is 2.4 people, which aligns with 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%. This indicates a need for targeted educational initiatives. 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.

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 offering bus services. These stops are served by 49 different routes, together facilitating 3,170 weekly passenger journeys. The average distance to the nearest stop for residents is 135 metres, indicating excellent accessibility. Predominantly residential, Chigwell sees most commuters travelling outward. Cars remain the primary mode of transport at 89%, with buses used by 8%. On average, there are 1.3 vehicles per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, only 3% of residents work from home, potentially influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Across all routes, service frequency averages 452 trips daily, equating to roughly 243 weekly trips per 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. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are high across various health conditions affecting both younger and older age cohorts. Private health cover is low at approximately 48% of the total population (around 1,034 people), compared to 51.7% in Greater Hobart and a national average of 55.7%.

Mental health issues and asthma are the most common conditions, affecting 12.1% and 10.1% of residents respectively. Conversely, 62.2% of residents claim to be completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 65.5% in Greater Hobart. Working-age individuals face notable health challenges due to elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 13.5% of residents aged 65 and over (291 people), lower than the 19.9% in Greater Hobart. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, aligning broadly with national rankings for the general population.

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

Chigwell, surveyed in June 2016, had low cultural diversity with 85.9% citizens, 85.5% born in Australia, and 88.1% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the dominant religion at 38.1%. Hinduism, at 2.2%, was higher than Greater Hobart's 2.8%.

Ancestry showed Australian (31.4%), English (31.1%), and Other (8.4%) as top groups. Notably, Australian Aboriginal (5.9% vs 3.0%), Filipino (1.3% vs 0.5%), and Maori (0.4% vs 0.1%) were overrepresented compared to regional averages.

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

Chigwell's median age is 32 years, which is considerably lower than Greater Hobart's average of 39 years and Australia's median age of 38 years. Compared to Greater Hobart, Chigwell has a higher proportion of residents aged 5-14 (15.2%) but fewer residents aged 75-84 (4.1%). Between the 2021 Census and the present, the population aged 35-44 has grown from 13.9% to 15.8%, while the 65-74 age group increased from 6.3% to 7.9%. Conversely, the 45-54 age group declined from 11.3% to 9.0%, and the 55-64 cohort dropped from 10.6% to 9.2%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic changes for Chigwell, with the strongest growth projected for the 45-54 age group (49%), adding 95 residents to reach a total of 290. In contrast, population declines are projected for the 0-4 and 55-64 age cohorts.