Chigwell

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

As of November 2025, the estimated population of Chigwell is around 2,216, reflecting an increase of 166 people since the 2021 Census. The 2021 Census reported a population of 2,050 in the suburb. This growth was inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 2,152 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, along with an additional 113 validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density ratio is approximately 736 persons per square kilometer, similar to averages seen across other locations assessed by AreaSearch. Chigwell's population growth of 8.1% since the 2021 Census exceeded that of its SA3 area (2.6%) 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 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 from LGA to SA2 levels. Future population trends anticipate lower quartile growth for Australian statistical areas, with the suburb expected to expand by 67 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a decrease of 1.7% 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

Based on AreaSearch analysis, Chigwell averaged approximately 30 new dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years. This totals an estimated 150 homes from FY-21 to FY-25. As of FY-26, 20 approvals have been recorded. On average, 0.4 new residents are added per year per dwelling constructed in Chigwell between FY-21 and FY-25.

This suggests that new construction is meeting or exceeding demand, providing more buying options and enabling population growth. 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 $270,000, suggesting minimal commercial development activity in Chigwell compared to Greater Hobart. Relative to Greater Hobart, Chigwell has 223.0% higher new home approvals per person, offering buyers greater choice despite a recent slowdown in building activity. This high level of developer confidence is significantly above the national average.

New developments consist of 75.0% detached houses and 25.0% medium to high-density housing, maintaining Chigwell's traditional low-density character with a focus on family homes. With around 124 people per dwelling approval, Chigwell exhibits characteristics of a growth area. However, with population expected to remain stable or decline, there may be reduced pressure on housing in the future, potentially creating buying opportunities.

Chigwell has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 19thth percentile nationally

The performance of an area is significantly influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified five projects that are expected to impact the 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 deemed most relevant:.

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

Denotes AI-based impression for illustrative purposes only, not to be taken as definitive under any circumstances. Please follow links and conduct other investigations from the project's source for actual imagery. Developers and project owners wishing us to use original imagery please Contact Us and we will do so.

Employment conditions in Chigwell face significant challenges, ranking among the bottom 10% of areas assessed nationally

Chigwell's workforce is balanced across white and blue collar jobs, with prominent representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate was 9.8% according to AreaSearch data aggregation.

As of June 2025958 residents were employed while the unemployment rate stood at 5.7%, higher than Greater Hobart's 4.1%. Workforce participation was on par with Greater Hobart's 61.6%. Key employment sectors included health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. Notably, transport, postal & warehousing had an employment level of 1.8 times the regional average.

However, education & training had limited presence at 7.1% compared to the regional 10.8%. Local employment opportunities appeared limited based on Census data comparison between working population and resident population. Between June 2024 and June 2025, Chigwell's labour force decreased by 1.8%, with employment declining by 2.1%, leading to an unemployment rate increase of 0.3 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Hobart saw a 1.5% employment decline, 1.6% labour force decline, and a 0.2 percentage point decrease in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 project overall growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Chigwell's employment mix suggests local employment could increase by 6.3% over five years and 13.3% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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

Chigwell's median income among taxpayers in financial year 2022 was $48,228. The average income stood at $52,288 during the same period. In comparison, Greater Hobart had a median income of $51,272 and an average income of $63,777. By September 2025, estimated median income in Chigwell would be approximately $54,898, with the average being around $59,519, based on a Wage Price Index growth of 13.83% since financial year 2022. According to the 2021 Census, incomes in Chigwell fell between the 15th and 22nd percentiles nationally for households, families, and individuals. In Chigwell, 31.8% of the population earned within the $800 - $1,499 income range, differing from regional patterns where earnings predominantly fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket at 32.2%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Chigwell, 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

In Chigwell, as per the latest Census evaluation, 81.0% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 19.0% comprising semi-detached properties, apartments and other types. This compares to Hobart metro's figures of 83.1% houses and 17.0% 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, aligning with Hobart metro's average, while the median weekly rent was $300, compared to Hobart metro's $1,300 for rent and $320 for weekly rent. Nationally, Chigwell's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than Australia's 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 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%. 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 faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates at 13.6%, significantly lower than the SA4 region average of 32.8%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 8.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.9%) and graduate diplomas (0.3%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 40.2% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (6.8%) and certificates (33.4%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 30.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 14.0% in primary, 7.3% in secondary, and 2.7% pursuing tertiary education. St Francis Flexible Learning Centre provides local educational services within Chigwell, enrolling 162 students as of a specific date. The area demonstrates varied educational conditions (ICSEA: 865). Secondary education dominates with one school, while primary students typically attend schools in adjacent catchments. School places per 100 residents are lower than the regional average at 7.3, indicating some students may attend schools in adjacent areas.

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

Transport analysis shows 14 active stops operating in Chigwell, offering a mix of bus services. These stops are served by 25 individual routes, collectively facilitating 1,596 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 135 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 228 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 114 weekly trips per stop.

Health performance in Chigwell is well below average with considerably higher than average prevalence of common health conditions and to an even higher degree among older age cohorts

Chigwell faces significant health challenges with a higher prevalence of common conditions compared to the average. Older age cohorts experience these issues to an even greater extent.

Only approximately 48% of Chigwell's total population (~1,061 people) has private health cover, which is lower than the national average of 55.3%. Mental health issues and asthma are the most prevalent conditions in the area, affecting 12.1 and 10.1% of residents respectively. However, 62.2% of residents report having no medical ailments, compared to 63.7% across Greater Hobart. Chigwell has a lower proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 12.6%, with 279 people in this age group compared to Greater Hobart's 18.7%. While the overall health outcomes among seniors require more attention, they present specific challenges that need to be addressed.

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

Chigwell's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 85.9% of its population being citizens, 85.5% born in Australia, and 88.1% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Chigwell, making up 38.1% of people. However, Hinduism was found to be overrepresented, comprising 2.2% of the population compared to 5.8% across Greater Hobart.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups are Australian at 31.4%, English at 31.1%, and Other at 8.4%. Notably, certain ethnic groups have different representations: Australian Aboriginal is overrepresented at 5.9% (versus 4.0% regionally), Filipino at 1.3% (versus 0.8%), and Maori at 0.4% (versus 0.2%).

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

Chigwell's median age is 32 years, which is significantly lower than Greater Hobart's average of 39 years, and also younger than Australia's median age of 38 years. Compared to Greater Hobart, Chigwell has a higher proportion of residents aged 5-14 (15.4%) but fewer residents aged 75-84 (3.6%). Between the 2021 Census and the present day, the population aged 35-44 has increased from 13.9% to 15.6%, while the 65-74 age group has grown from 6.3% to 7.7%. Conversely, the 45-54 age group has declined from 11.3% to 9.3%, and the 55-64 age group has dropped from 10.6% to 9.5%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic shifts in Chigwell. The 45-54 age cohort is projected to grow by 40%, adding 82 residents and reaching a total of 289. In contrast, the 0-4 and 5-14 cohorts are projected to decline in population.