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This analysis uses Suburbs and Localities (SAL) boundaries, which can materially differ from Statistical Areas (SA2) even when sharing the same name.
SAL boundaries are defined by Australia Post and the Australian Bureau of Statistics to represent commonly-known suburb names used in postal addresses.
Statistical Areas (SA2) are designed for census data collection and may combine multiple suburbs or use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
est. as @ -- *
2021 Census | -- people
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Dodges Ferry has an estimated 2,690 residents, up from 2,646 at the 2021 Census — a change of 44 people, or 1.7%. Growth has averaged 0.6% a year over five years, slower than 82% of areas nationally. That puts 419 residents on each square kilometre. Population is estimated from ABS Estimated Resident Population releases and GNAF address data, re-based from the 2021 Census and updated annually.
Detail
According to ABS population figures compiled for the broader region and validated address updates from AreaSearch post-Census, the suburb of Dodges Ferry has an estimated population of 2,690 as of May 2026. This represents a gain of 44 residents (1.7%) relative to the 2,646 individuals recorded during the 2021 Census. This adjustment is based on the resident count of 2,688 calculated by AreaSearch using the latest ABS ERP release from June 2025 alongside 14 validated new addresses added since the Census. Such a population size results in a density of 419 persons per square kilometer, indicating low-density living and scope for future expansion.
The 1.7% post-Census growth rate for the suburb of Dodges Ferry is within 2.2 percentage points of the wider SA4 region's rate of 3.9%, showing competitive expansion. In recent times, population increases were mostly driven by interstate migration, which accounted for roughly 46.0% of the growth, even though all indicators including overseas migration and natural growth registered positive trends. Projections from the ABS and Geoscience Australia published in 2024 with a 2022 baseline are utilized for SA2 zones. For locations lacking this coverage, and to calculate age cohort changes after 2032, regional projections from the Tasmanian Government issued in 2022 using a 2021 baseline are applied, adjusted by aggregating growth patterns from the LGA to the SA2 level. Based on these expected demographic transformations, the suburb of Dodges Ferry is projected to grow faster than the median national statistical area, adding 383 residents by 2041 according to combined SA2 projections, which is a 14.2% expansion over the 16 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
49 new dwellings have been approved in Dodges Ferry over the past five years, an average of 9 a year. That is 3.7 approvals per 1,000 residents. Approvals are currently running at an annualised 2, well below that longer-run average. Figures come from ABS building approvals aggregated to this Suburb (SAL) boundary and are updated monthly as the ABS releases them.
Detail
According to building approval figures from the ABS allocated across statistical areas, Dodges Ferry sees approximately 9 new homes approved annually, totaling 49 dwelling approvals over the last 5 financial years from FY-21 to FY-25, and 2 approvals registered in FY-26 so far. Over the 5 financial years from FY-21 to FY-25, there was an average of 1.6 new residents moving to the area for every home built, pointing to balanced supply and demand conditions, though this metric shifted to -0.7 people per approved dwelling over the last 2 financial years, showing a further adjustment in the market.
The average construction value for these projects stands at $369,000, indicating that developers are prioritizing upscale, premium properties. Furthermore, commercial approvals reached $1.2 million this financial year, confirming that local development remains overwhelmingly residential. New residential construction in Dodges Ferry is low compared to the regional benchmark, sitting 63.0% below the Greater Hobart average per person. This limited supply of new dwellings generally supports demand and values for existing properties. Recent building activity has consisted entirely of detached houses, preserving the low-density style of the area and providing spacious options for families. The ratio of 597 people for every building approval highlights a quiet construction market. Projections indicate that Dodges Ferry will add 381 residents by 2041, based on recent quarterly calculations. If building activity remains at its current pace, housing supply could fall behind population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting property values.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Dodges Ferry
Loading development applications…
| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
|---|
SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks 12 current infrastructure and development projects close to Dodges Ferry, worth an estimated $1.07 billion. 3 are already under construction and 2 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans education & training, transport & logistics and agriculture & rural development. Records are compiled from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, council planning portals and public announcements, reviewed and updated daily, then ranked by proximity, construction stage, completion horizon and project scale.
Detail
Local infrastructure projects, planning choices, and major developments have a significant impact on real estate performance. Currently, no projects have been identified that are expected to directly affect the area. Notable regional projects include Tranche 3 of the Tasmanian Irrigation Schemes, the Cethana Pumped Hydro Energy Storage Project, the Marinus Link, and the Telstra InfraCo Intercity Fibre Network.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Tasman Highway Duplication Project
Duplication of the Tasman Highway between Hobart and Sorell, including widening the Midway Point and Sorell Causeways from two to four lanes, and building a second bridge next to McGees Bridge. The project aims to double vehicle capacity, improve safety, and includes shared walking and cycling paths. Currently pending environmental approvals.
Sorell School Redevelopment
A $27 million redevelopment has transformed Sorell School into a modern, unified Kindergarten to Year 12 campus, delivering a combination of new buildings and refurbishment of existing facilities, including a new Child and Family Learning Centre.
Hobart Airport Terminal Expansion Project
Hobart Airport is undertaking a $200 million terminal upgrade to double its footprint, increasing boarding gates, food & beverage, and retail options. It will also allow larger aircraft and direct international flights.
Lauderdale Primary School
The Tasmanian Government will undertake a $6.5 million upgrade of Lauderdale Primary School to provide additional contemporary learning spaces, amenities and replacement of outdated outdoor play areas. This includes the construction of new general learning areas and car park upgrades to address increasing student enrollment and provide modern facilities.
Draft Cambridge Oval Master Plan
A master plan for the redevelopment of the Cambridge Memorial Oval and surrounding area, including new and upgraded soccer and cricket facilities, recreation facilities, a new sports pavilion, indoor gymnasium, and outdoor multi-use hard court for school and community use.
Cambridge Primary School Redevelopment
The Tasmanian Government is undertaking an $18 million redevelopment of Cambridge Primary School, providing additional contemporary learning facilities for students and staff, and traffic and car parking improvements.
Brighton to Cambridge Freight Route Study
A study investigating the feasibility of future freight routes from Brighton to Cambridge, considering current routes, road conditions, and necessary upgrades. Community consultation has closed.
Cambridge-Clarence Recycled Water Interconnector
A $19.1 million investment in southeast Tasmania to provide around 190 megalitres of recycled water per year for agriculture and preserve the health of the Pitt Water-Orielton Lagoon.
1,317 residents of Dodges Ferry are employed, from a labour force of 1,386. Unemployment sits at 5.0%, with participation at 62.5%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 6.5% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth. The working-day population is estimated at 2,015, about 75% of the resident population, so more people leave the area for work than travel in. Unemployment and labour force come from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, updated quarterly; the industry and occupation profile is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
The local workforce is characterized by a strong presence of essential service personnel, with an unemployment rate of 5.0% according to statistical area data. In March 2026, employed residents numbered 1,317, with the local unemployment rate sitting 0.6% higher than the Greater Hobart average of 4.4%. Workforce participation is overall equivalent to the 63.8% recorded across Greater Hobart. Census data shows that a small proportion of residents, 8.8%, worked from home, though this figure was influenced by pandemic-related lockdown measures. The primary employment sectors for residents are health care & social assistance, construction, and education & training.
The local workforce has a notable concentration in the construction sector, employing residents at 1.7 times the regional average rate. Conversely, retail trade accounts for only 6.7% of local jobs, compared to 9.6% across Greater Hobart. The discrepancy between the local working population and resident workers suggests the area is mostly residential with limited local employment options. Labour force statistics from the ABS and SALM show that over the 12-month period, the local labor force contracted by 1.5% and total employment fell by 2.0%, leading to a 0.5 percentage point increase in the unemployment rate. In comparison, Greater Hobart experienced a 0.1% decrease in employment, a 0.2% rise in the labor force, and a 0.3 percentage point increase in unemployment. Employment forecasts published by Jobs and Skills Australia in May-25 offer additional context on future demand, which has been mapped against local industry distributions to estimate growth. While national employment is projected to rise by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, trends vary by sector. Projecting these industry trends onto the local workforce profile suggests employment for residents could grow by 6.5% over five years and 13.4% over ten years, assuming a simple weighted extrapolation based on industry mix.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Dodges Ferry is $1,412 a week (about $73,000 a year), with median personal income at $775 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $52,682 a year against an average of $59,955. Household income is from the 2021 Census; taxable income is from ATO Taxation Statistics for the latest financial year available, indexed forward using the ABS Wage Price Index.
Detail
Taxpayer statistics for the postcode area in the 2023 financial year show a median income of $52,682 and an average income of $59,955. These figures are below national benchmarks and compare to a median of $54,577 and an average of $65,190 in Greater Hobart. Adjusting for a Wage Price Index increase of 10.95% since the 2023 financial year yields estimated values of approximately $58,451 for the median and $66,520 for the average in March 2026. In the 2021 Census, household, family, and individual incomes in the area fell between the 29th and 43rd percentiles.
The most common income band is $1,500 - 2,999, which includes 35.0% of the population (941 individuals), similar to the regional average of 32.2% in this bracket. After accounting for housing costs, residents retain 85.7% of their income for other living expenses.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Dodges Ferry had 1,023 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 100% detached houses and 0% apartments. 48% are owned with a mortgage, 17% rented and 35% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $340 a week and the median mortgage repayment $1,300 a month. Rent absorbs 24.1% of household income here and mortgage repayments 21.2%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
According to the latest Census, houses comprised 99.6% of the dwelling stock, while semi-detached properties, apartments, and other dwellings made up 0.4%, compared to 85.3% houses and 14.7% other dwellings in metropolitan Hobart. Homeownership stood at 35.0%, matching the metropolitan average, with the rest of the dwellings being mortgaged (47.6%) or rented (17.3%). The median mortgage payment was $1,300 per month, which is below the Hobart metropolitan average of $1,517. The median weekly rent was $340, compared to $350 in the metropolitan area. Nationally, local monthly mortgage costs are lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and weekly rents are below the national average of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Dodges Ferry counted 1,023 households at the 2021 Census, averaging 2.4 people each. 25% are couples with children, against 31% couples without children. 27% of households are people living alone, and families average 1.7 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Families make up 71.2% of local households, consisting of couples with children (25.4%), couples without children (30.9%), and single-parent households (13.6%). The remaining 28.8% are non-family households, which are mostly single-person households (26.8%) along with group households (2.3%). The median household size of 2.4 residents is equal to the Greater Hobart average.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
22.5% of adults in Dodges Ferry hold a university qualification, including 15.7% with a bachelor degree and 4.6% with postgraduate qualifications. A further 30.8% hold a vocational qualification. 2 schools serve the area, with 551 enrolment places and an average ICSEA of 979 against a national benchmark of 1,000. Qualifications come from the 2021 Census; school enrolments, ICSEA and results come from ACARA's current release.
Detail
Higher education completion is low in the area, with 22.5% of residents holding a university qualification compared to the regional average of 32.8%. Among university degree holders, bachelor degrees are the most common at 15.7%, followed by postgraduate degrees at 4.6% and graduate diplomas at 2.2%. Vocational training is highly represented, with 41.3% of residents aged 15+ holding technical qualifications, consisting of advanced diplomas (10.5%) and certificates (30.8%). There is a strong rate of educational enrollment in the community, with 28.7% of residents currently studying. This student population includes 11.5% in primary school, 8.0% in high school, and 3.0% in tertiary education programs.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Getting around Dodges Ferry means driving: households keep an average of 1.7 vehicles, and no scheduled public transport appears in the current timetable feeds. Service data is built from operators' published GTFS timetables; vehicle ownership is from the 2021 Census.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
65.8% of residents in Dodges Ferry report no long-term health condition. 4.4% need daily assistance with core activities, and 50.9% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 5.3 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
Based on local mortality data and the prevalence of chronic illnesses, health measures point to below-average outcomes, with common medical conditions slightly elevated across both younger and older cohorts, and private health insurance coverage sitting at approximately 51% of the population, which represents about 1,370 individuals. Arthritis and mental health conditions are the most prevalent health concerns, affecting 10.1% and 9.9% of the population, respectively. Meanwhile, 65.8% of residents reported having no chronic medical conditions, compared to 65.5% in Greater Hobart. Chronic illness rates among working-age residents are higher than average.
Residents aged 65 and over make up 21.1% of the population (567 people), compared to 20.0% in Greater Hobart. Senior health outcomes are above average, with national percentiles exceeding the general population metrics.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Dodges Ferry is largely Australian-born, at 90.5% of residents, with 3.1% speaking a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are English (33.6%) and Australian (33.2%). Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Cultural diversity is below average, with citizenship at 90.6%, Australian-born residents at 90.5%, and households speaking only English at 96.9%. Christianity is the most common religion, followed by 37.4% of the population. The most distinct statistical variation is in Judaism, which is followed by none of the residents, compared to 0.1% of the population in Greater Hobart. The primary ancestries reported are English at 33.6%, Australian at 33.2% (exceeding the regional average of 28.0%), and Irish at 8.7%. Other ancestries include Dutch at 1.5% (equal to the regional average of 1.5%), French at 0.5% (compared to 0.3% regionally), and Australian Aboriginal at 2.8% (compared to 3.0% regionally).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Dodges Ferry is 43. 20.5% of residents are aged 15 to 34. Age cohorts are not raw Census counts: the Census split is re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections.
Detail
The median age of 43 years is higher than the Greater Hobart median of 39 and the national median of 38 years. Compared to Greater Hobart, there is a higher proportion of residents in the 55 - 64 age range (15.3%) and a lower proportion in the 25 - 34 bracket (9.7%). Since the 2021 Census, the 75 to 84 cohort has increased from 4.0% to 6.0%, and the 35 to 44 cohort has risen from 12.5% to 14.1%. Meanwhile, the 55 to 64 group has decreased from 17.6% to 15.3%, and the 25 to 34 group has fallen from 11.3% to 9.7%.
By 2041, demographic projections suggest the 45 to 54 cohort will grow by 45% (an increase of 138 people, rising from 309 to 448). The combined age brackets from 65 onwards will account for 54% of total population growth, while the 35 to 44 age cohort is projected to decrease by 64 residents.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Dodges Ferry
9 of 14 data sections on this page were updated within the last 12 months — the newest current to Aug 2026.
Everything is aggregated to the Suburb (SAL) boundary shown above, on a 2021 Census baseline. Only 3 sections — housing, households and cultural diversity — still wait on the 2026 Census.
The ledger — source, cycle and currency by section
| Section | Source & update cycle | Currency |
|---|---|---|
| Updated within the last 12 months 9 sections | ||
| Population | ABS, GNAF, Geoscience Australia Annual (ABS ERP) | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release) and updated with new dwellings from GNAF address data. Current to May 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to May 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Jun 2026 2 months ago headline measures · May 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Aug 2026 this month all 21 measures |
| Sales from the state Valuer General register, refreshed weekly, and rents from quarterly rental bond lodgements. Both are read live each time this page loads, current to Aug 2026. | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, Local governments Daily | May 2026 3 months ago all 2 projects tracked here |
| Project pipeline maintained continuously from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, local government and public announcements. Records are added and revised daily; this area was last updated May 2026. | ||
| Employment | ABS, DEWR, JSA Quarterly (ABS SALM) | Mar 2026 5 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Unemployment and labour force from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, current to Mar 2026. The growth outlook applies Department of Employment (now Jobs and Skills Australia) forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to the local industry mix, so it measures sector composition rather than local expansion and makes no allowance for population growth. Job demand comes from the same agency via its Internet Vacancy Index; industry and occupation structure from the 2021 Census. | ||
| Education | ABS, ACARA Annual (ACARA) | Aug 2026 this month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Jul 2026 last month all 14 measures |
| Annual and financial-year sources 2 sections | ||
| Income | ABS, ATO Annual (ATO) | FY 2023 3 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| ATO taxable income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index. Census household income provides the distribution detail. | ||
| Health | ABS, ATO Annual | 2024 2 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Census-measured — next update: 2026 Census 3 sections No more current small-area source exists for these, so they are labelled as Census-measured rather than implied to be current. | ||
| Housing | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 30 measures |
| Households | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 18 measures |
| Cultural diversity | ABS, Geoscience Australia 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 44 measures |
"Currency" is the most recent release feeding that section. Where the Census supplies the structural baseline underneath a current headline figure, the row says so.
How the numbers are built
Population
The Census provides the small-area baseline, aggregated from mesh blocks to this boundary. It is then re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release), and new dwellings built since Census night are counted from address data — 14 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for May 2026, not a 2021 count (2,646 at the 2021 Census → 2,690 now). Annual growth rates are compound (CAGR), not simple averages.
Age profile
Cohort shares are not raw Census counts. Every cohort is held as a pair — the Census baseline and a current estimate — and the split is re-based using ERP and state population projections, current to May 2026. Median age is the Census median plus modelled change since. Charts that show both are labelled "2021 Census vs Current Estimate".
Property sales
Sourced from the state valuation authority's sales register — current, not Census, and refreshed weekly. Medians are calculated from settled transactions in the period shown; periods with very low transaction counts are flagged or suppressed, because a handful of sales can move a median substantially.
Rents
Derived from state rental bond lodgement data, by dwelling type and bedroom count. Bonds are lodged at the start of a new tenancy, so this reflects new lettings, not the whole rented stock.
Development & infrastructure
Building approvals come from current ABS releases; development applications are collected from council and state planning portals; the infrastructure pipeline is compiled from Infrastructure Australia and local government sources. Applications are matched to this boundary by address or coordinates, so very recent lodgements may not yet appear.
Employment & income
Industry and occupation structure comes from the Census, but the headline labour-market indicators do not. Unemployment and labour force are derived from ABS Small Area Labour Markets (quarterly). The employment outlook applies Department of Employment forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to this area's own industry mix (the agency is now Jobs and Skills Australia), as does the Internet Vacancy Index used for job demand. Because it is weighted on industry composition alone, that outlook carries no allowance for local population growth — in fast-growing areas the real rise in local jobs will typically be higher. Income combines Census household income with ATO taxable-income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index.
Education, transport & amenities
School enrolments, ICSEA and performance come from ACARA's current release, not the Census. Public transport stops and service frequency are derived from GTFS timetable feeds published by state transport departments. Services and amenities are proximity and count scores built from provider directories, refreshed on their own cycle. The Census contributes only the travel-to-work and qualification measures.
Rankings and benchmarks. Where we rank this area, the comparison set is every area of the same boundary type — suburbs against suburbs, SA2s against SA2s. Benchmarks compare this area against its greater capital city region and the national figure for the same measure and period.
Limits worth knowing. Small areas carry larger error margins, and the ABS introduces small random adjustments to Census counts to protect confidentiality — so totals may not sum exactly. Estimates re-based from regional data describe the area's expected trajectory, not a direct count of it. Figures are indicative for research and are not financial, planning or valuation advice.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (SAL60160). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.