Devonport

Devonport is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

Demographic assessments by AreaSearch utilizing ABS data and verified new addresses indicate the population of the suburb of Devonport is approximately 14,788 as of May 2026. This indicates an expansion of 307 people (2.1%) from the 2021 Census, which documented a population of 14,481 residents. This adjustment is based on a resident population estimate of 14,786 by AreaSearch, derived from the ABS ERP data release (June 2025) along with 110 validated new addresses added since the census. The current population translates to a density of 1,437 persons per square kilometer, which exceeds the national average for locations analyzed by AreaSearch. The 2.1% growth rate of the suburb of Devonport is within 1.7 percentage points of the wider SA4 region (3.8%), indicating solid growth fundamentals. Recent population gains were almost entirely fueled by overseas migration, which served as the primary growth contributor.

Projections for each SA2 region published in 2024 with a 2022 baseline by ABS and Geoscience Australia are utilized by AreaSearch. For SA2 regions lacking this coverage, and to calculate age structure shifts past 2032, population trends are derived from the Tasmania State Government's Regional/LGA forecasts from 2022 with a 2021 baseline, adjusted via weighted aggregation from LGA to SA2 levels. Looking ahead, population growth is expected to align with the lower quartile of regional areas nationwide, with projections indicating an expansion of 127 persons by 2041, representing a total increase of 0.8% over the 16 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in Devonport, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally

Evaluation of building approval statistics from statistical areas by AreaSearch reveals that Devonport recorded an annual average of about 33 new home approvals. Over the last 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), 169 homes were approved, with 12 approvals registered so far during FY-26. Amid recent population declines, construction volumes have been relatively sufficient, which is beneficial for buyers. Newly built dwellings have a mean value of $504,000, indicating developers are focusing on upmarket, premium projects. Additionally, commercial building approvals reached $70.8 million during the current financial year, pointing to strong local business investment.

Standalone houses account for 90.0% of the new construction projects, while medium and high-density residential options make up 10.0%, maintaining the detached suburban character that appeals to buyers seeking space. The ratio of 644 people for each dwelling approval indicates a highly mature market.

Future forecasts suggest Devonport will add 115 residents by 2041 based on the most recent quarterly estimates from AreaSearch. Current levels of building activity are expected to sufficiently satisfy housing demand, creating positive conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth that outpaces current predictions.

Devonport has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Local infrastructure projects, major planning initiatives, and new developments have a substantial impact on regional performance. AreaSearch has identified a total of 19 projects that are expected to influence the community. Prominent initiatives include the Devonport Mental Health Hub, the Devonport Oval Sports Complex, the Devonport Showground Housing Development, and the Spirit of Tasmania New Vessels and Port Upgrade, with details provided on those of greatest relevance.

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 drivers in Devonport are experiencing difficulties, placing it among the bottom 20% of areas assessed across Australia

Devonport exhibits a balanced job market with both white collar and blue collar roles, where essential services are well represented, an unemployment rate of 5.9%, and an estimated employment growth of 3.1% over the past year, according to AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data. As of March 2026, 6,729 residents are in work, and the unemployment rate is 2.0% above Regional Tas.'s rate of 3.9%, while workforce participation is somewhat below standard (56.8% compared to Regional Tas.'s 58.8%). Based on Census responses, a low 4.9% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

The primary employment sectors for local residents are health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction. The community is highly specialized in retail trade, employing residents at 1.2 times the regional rate. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing is less prominent, employing 5.7% of the workforce compared to 8.4% across the region. Despite local job availability, comparisons between the census working population and local resident numbers suggest that a significant portion of residents travel outside the area to work.

Analysis of SALM and ABS data, which has been aggregated from larger statistical regions, shows that over the 12 months to March 2026, employment grew by 3.1% and the labour force expanded by 3.3%, leading to a 0.1 percentage point increase in the unemployment rate. In comparison, Regional Tas. experienced a 1.8% rise in employment and a 1.7% growth in the labour force, resulting in a slight decline in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 provide additional context regarding future demand in Devonport. These projections, which span five and ten-year periods, have been overlaid on the local employment structure to estimate growth trends. National employment is projected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, though industry-specific growth varies considerably. When these sectoral forecasts are applied to Devonport's employment composition, local employment is expected to rise by 6.1% over five years and 13.1% over ten years, noting that this represents a basic weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not incorporate localized population projections.

Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis

Taxpayer income records from the ATO for financial year 2023 aggregated by AreaSearch show that Devonport has below-average income levels compared to the rest of the nation. The median taxpayer income is $45,757 and the average income is $54,000, compared to regional Tasmanian averages of $49,689 and $59,358. Adjusting for a Wage Price Index growth of 10.95% since financial year 2023, contemporary estimates point to a median income of approximately $50,767 and an average of $59,913 as of March 2026. The 2021 Census placed household, family, and individual incomes in Devonport between the 7th and 14th national percentiles. The local earnings structure indicates the $400 - 799 range is the most common, capturing 28.6% of taxpayers (4,229 individuals), whereas the regional leader is the $1,500 - 2,999 range at 28.5%. Housing costs represent a significant burden, leaving residents with only 84.3% of their income, which sits in the 8th percentile.

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

According to the latest Census, residential structures in Devonport consisted of 83.4% houses and 16.7% alternative dwellings such as semi-detached homes, apartments, or other formats, compared to 89.9% houses and 10.1% alternative options in Regional Tas. Homeownership in Devonport is lower than the regional rate at 34.1%, with the remaining properties being mortgaged (28.9%) or occupied by tenants (37.0%). The median mortgage payment in the area was lower than the regional average at $1,192 per month, while the median weekly rent was identical to the regional figure at $250, compared to regional benchmarks of $1,274 and $250. Nationally, mortgage costs in Devonport are lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and typical rent costs are below the national median of $375.

Devonport features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Families make up the majority of households at 61.3%, consisting of couples with children at 20.2%, couples without children at 25.8%, and single parents at 14.2%. The remaining 38.7% are non-family households, with single-person households representing 35.5% and group living situations accounting for 3.2%. The median household occupancy is 2.2 people, which is slightly smaller than the Regional Tas. average of 2.3.

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

Educational attainment profiles reveal challenges, with university completion rates at 16.2%, which is lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. This represents an opportunity for targeted educational programs. Bachelor degrees are held by 11.2% of residents, followed by postgraduate degrees at 3.5% and graduate diplomas at 1.5%. Technical and trade credentials are common, with 38.2% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational qualifications, including advanced diplomas at 9.3% and certificates at 28.9%.

Enrolment rates in education are strong, with 25.6% of the local population actively participating in academic programs. This comprises 10.2% of residents in primary schools, 7.2% in high schools, and 2.5% enrolled in higher education institutions.

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

Public transit networks include 2 transit stops operating in Devonport, utilizing a combination of buses. These stops are served by 6 distinct routes, which provide a combined 156 passenger trips each week. Transport connectivity is considered low, with residents living an average of 1592 meters away from their nearest stop. Because the area is mostly residential, most workers commute elsewhere, with private vehicles being the primary mode of travel for 92% of workers, and 5% choosing to walk. Car ownership stands at 1.2 vehicles per home, which is lower than the regional average. A low 4.9% of residents worked from home according to the 2021 Census, which may have been impacted by pandemic conditions.

Transit service schedules average 22 runs per day across all routes, which translates to approximately 78 weekly trips at each transit stop.

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

Significant health issues are apparent in Devonport, based on AreaSearch assessments of mortality and chronic illness rates across multiple age bands, with private health insurance coverage being very low at approximately 49% of residents (~7,181 people) compared to the national average of 55.7%.

Arthritis and mental health conditions are the most prevalent issues, affecting 11.7% and 10.8% of the population. In comparison, 59.3% of residents reported having no chronic medical conditions, which is lower than the 62.0% average for Regional Tas. The local working-age demographic experiences notable health pressures with high rates of chronic illness. Residents aged 65 and over constitute 24.5% of the population (3,623 people), and health measurements for this senior cohort are generally in line with national patterns.

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

Devonport exhibits lower cultural diversity indicators, with citizens making up 89.9% of the population, 88.0% born domestically, and 93.5% speaking only English at home. Christianity is the primary religion, followed by 41.8% of residents. The most distinct religious overrepresentation is Judaism, which accounts for 0.1% of the population, matching the Regional Tas. rate of 0.1%.

In terms of parental heritage, the most common ancestries are English at 34.4%, Australian at 33.2%, and Irish at 7.1%. There are also notable differences in other backgrounds, with Australian Aboriginal ancestry representing 4.7% of the community (compared to 4.1% regionally), Vietnamese at 0.3% (compared to 0.1%), and Korean at 0.1% (compared to 0.1%).

Devonport hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

The median age in Devonport is 43 years, slightly lower than the Regional Tas. median of 45 years but higher than the national standard of 38 years. Relative to the regional average, the 25 - 34 age bracket is overrepresented at 13.1%, while the 65 - 74 bracket is underrepresented at 11.3%. Since 2021, the 35 to 44 age cohort has expanded from 10.9% to 12.5% of the community, and the 75 to 84 bracket rose from 8.1% to 9.7%, whereas the 65 to 74 cohort decreased from 12.2% to 11.3%. Population models indicate the age profile will change by 2041, with the 85+ cohort expected to expand by 277 people (54%) from 517 to 795. Seniors aged 65+ are projected to make up 73% of all population growth, highlighting the aging trend, while declines are forecasted for the 15 to 24 and 0 to 4 age groups.