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

As of Feb 2026, the estimated population of Devonport is around 14,891, reflecting a growth of 410 people since the 2021 Census. This increase represents a 2.8% rise from the previous population count of 14,481. The change is inferred from an estimated resident population of 14,850 by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 109 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1,447 persons per square kilometer, which is higher than the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Devonport's growth rate of 2.8% since the census places it within 2.3 percentage points of the SA4 region (5.1%), indicating competitive growth fundamentals. The primary driver of population growth in the area was overseas migration, which was essentially the sole contributor to population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data and to estimate growth by age group post-2032, the Tasmania State Government's Regional/LGA projections are adopted with adjustments made using a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Looking ahead, lower quartile growth is anticipated for regional areas across the nation, with Devonport expected to expand by 239 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 1.3% in total over the 17-year period.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Devonport according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, shows Devonport recorded around 33 residential properties granted approval per year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 169 homes. As of FY-26 so far, six approvals have been recorded. Between FY-21 and FY-25, an average of 1.1 people moved to the area for each dwelling built. However, this figure has eased to -1.6 people per dwelling over the past two financial years. New properties are constructed at an average expected cost value of $504,000.

In FY-26 so far, there have been $70.8 million in commercial approvals. Recent construction comprises 90% standalone homes and 10% townhouses or apartments.

Devonport has around 646 people per approval, indicating a mature, established area. Population forecasts suggest Devonport will gain 188 residents by 2041. Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

Devonport has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 19 projects likely impacting the area. Key projects include Devonport Mental Health Hub, Devonport Oval Sports Complex, Devonport Showground Housing Development, and Spirit of Tasmania New Vessels and Port Upgrade. The following list details those 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 performance in Devonport has been below expectations when compared to most other areas nationally

Devonport's workforce is balanced across white and blue-collar jobs, with essential services well-represented. As of September 2025, the unemployment rate was 5.5%, with an estimated employment growth of 6.6% over the past year, according to AreaSearch data aggregation. In September 2025, 6,819 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.7% higher than Rest of Tas.'s rate of 3.8%.

Workforce participation was similar to Rest of Tas.'s 58.6%. Census responses indicated that only 4.9% of residents worked from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction. Retail trade has a particularly high employment share at 1.2 times the regional level, while agriculture, forestry & fishing has limited presence with 5.7% employment compared to 8.4% regionally.

Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. Over the 12 months to September 2025, employment increased by 6.6%, labour force grew by 5.6%, causing a fall in unemployment rate of 0.9 percentage points, compared to Rest of Tas.'s growth rates of 0.7% and 0.5%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia indicate that Devonport's employment should increase by 6.1% over five years and 13.1% over ten years, based on simple weighted extrapolations of national projections against local employment mix.

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

The suburb of Devonport's median income among taxpayers was $45,757 in financial year 2023. The average income stood at $54,000 during the same period. In comparison, Rest of Tas.'s median and average incomes were $49,689 and $59,358 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.6% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Devonport's median income would be approximately $50,150 as of September 2025, with the average estimated at around $59,184 during the same period. According to the 2021 Census figures, incomes in Devonport fall between the 7th and 14th percentiles nationally. The $400 - 799 earnings band captures 28.6% of Devonport's community (4,258 individuals), differing from regional patterns where the $1,500 - 2,999 band dominates with 28.5%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Devonport, with only 84.3% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 8th percentile nationally.

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

Dwelling structure in Devonport, as per the latest Census data, comprised 83.4% houses and 16.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Non-Metro Tas.'s dwelling structure was 89.9% houses and 10.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Devonport stood at 34.1%, with the remaining dwellings either mortgaged (28.9%) or rented (37.0%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Devonport was $1,192, lower than Non-Metro Tas.'s average of $1,274. The median weekly rent figure in Devonport was recorded at $250, matching Non-Metro Tas.'s figure. Nationally, Devonport's median monthly mortgage repayment is significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 61.3% of all households, including 20.2% couples with children, 25.8% couples without children, and 14.2% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 38.7%, with lone person households at 35.5% and group households comprising 3.2%. The median household size is 2.2 people, smaller than the Rest of Tas. average of 2.3.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 16.2%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 11.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.5%) and graduate diplomas (1.5%). Vocational credentials are held by 38.2% of residents aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 9.3% and certificates at 28.9%. Educational participation is high, with 25.6% currently enrolled in formal education: 10.2% in primary, 7.2% in secondary, and 2.5% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 25.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.2% in primary education, 7.2% in secondary education, and 2.5% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis shows two active transport stops operating within Devonport, consisting of a mix of bus services. These stops are served by six individual routes, collectively offering 156 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as limited, with residents typically located 1592 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward. The car remains the dominant mode of transport at 92%, with 5% walking. Vehicle ownership averages 1.2 per dwelling, below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, a relatively low 4.9% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 22 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 78 weekly trips per individual 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

Devonport 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 groups.

Private health cover is low, with approximately 49% of Devonport's total population (~7,231 people) having coverage compared to the national average of 55.7%. The most prevalent medical conditions in the area are arthritis (affecting 11.7% of residents) and mental health issues (impacting 10.8%). Conversely, 59.3% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 62.0% across the Rest of Tas. The working-age population in Devonport faces notable health challenges due to elevated chronic condition rates. As of 2021, 24.4% of Devonport's residents are aged 65 and over (3,633 people). Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

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

Devonport, as per the findings, exhibited lower than average cultural diversity. The population breakdown showed 89.9% were citizens, 88.0% were born in Australia, and 93.5% spoke English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 41.8% of Devonport's residents.

Notably, Judaism was slightly overrepresented at 0.1%, compared to the rest of Tasmania which also had 0.1%. In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (34.4%), Australian (33.2%), and Irish (7.1%). Some ethnic groups showed significant differences: Australian Aboriginal was overrepresented at 4.7% in Devonport compared to 4.1% regionally, Vietnamese at 0.3% versus 0.1%, and Korean at 0.1%.

Devonport hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

Devonport's median age is 43 years, slightly lower than Rest of Tas.'s 45 but considerably higher than Australia's national norm of 38. Compared to the Rest of Tas. average, Devonport has a notably over-represented 25-34 cohort (13.1%) and an under-represented 65-74 age group (11.3%). Between 2021 and present day, the 35-44 age group grew from 10.9% to 12.4%, while the 75-84 cohort increased from 8.1% to 9.6%. Conversely, the 45-54 cohort declined from 12.0% to 10.9%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Devonport's age profile will significantly evolve. The 85+ age group is projected to grow by 293 people (56%), from 521 to 815. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 73% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. In contrast, population declines are projected for the 0-4 and 15-24 cohorts.