Dodges Ferry

Dodges Ferry has seen population growth performance typically on par with national averages when looking at short and medium term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates, the estimated population of Dodges Ferry as of November 2025 is around 2788. This reflects an increase of 142 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2646. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of the resident population at 2761 following examination of the latest ERP data release by ABS in June 2024, along with an additional 14 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 434 persons per square kilometer. Dodges Ferry's growth rate of 5.4% since the 2021 census exceeded the SA4 region's growth rate of 4.3%. Population growth was primarily driven by interstate migration, contributing approximately 46.0% of overall 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, 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. Considering projected demographic shifts, an above median population growth is projected for the suburb, with an expected increase of 496 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a total increase of 17.0% over the 17 years.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Dodges Ferry when compared nationally

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, Dodges Ferry averaged around 14 new dwelling approvals per year. Between FY21 and FY25, approximately 72 homes were approved, with one more in FY26 so far. Each year, an average of 3.5 people moved to the area for each dwelling built during these years.

This significant demand outpaces supply, potentially putting upward pressure on prices and increasing competition among buyers. New homes are being constructed at an average value of $369,000, aligned with broader regional development trends. In FY26, there have been $334,000 in commercial approvals, indicating minimal commercial development activity compared to residential growth.

When compared to Greater Hobart, Dodges Ferry records roughly half the building activity per person and ranks among the 67th percentile of areas assessed nationally. Recent development has consisted entirely of detached dwellings, preserving the area's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. With around 204 people per dwelling approval, Dodges Ferry shows characteristics of a low-density area. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Dodges Ferry is projected to gain 475 residents by 2041. Construction pace has been reasonable with projected growth, but growing competition among buyers may arise as population increases.

Dodges Ferry has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 15thth percentile nationally

No changes can significantly impact an area's performance like modifications to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified zero projects that are expected to affect this area. Notable projects include Tasmanian Irrigation Schemes: Tranche 3, Cethana Pumped Hydro Energy Storage Project, Marinus Link, and Telstra InfraCo Intercity Fibre Network. The following list outlines those anticipated to be most relevant.

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Employment performance in Dodges Ferry has been below expectations when compared to most other areas nationally

Dodges Ferry has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. Its unemployment rate is 4.8%, as per AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

As of June 2025, 1,400 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 4.8%, which is 0.7% higher than Greater Hobart's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation in Dodges Ferry is comparable to Greater Hobart at 61.6%. Key industries for employment among residents include health care & social assistance, construction, and education & training. Notably, construction is particularly specialized with an employment share 1.7 times the regional level.

Conversely, retail trade is under-represented, with only 6.7% of Dodges Ferry's workforce compared to Greater Hobart's 9.6%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities based on Census data comparing working population and resident population. From June 2024 to June 2025, the labour force decreased by 1.7%, with employment decreasing by 1.8% in Dodges Ferry. In comparison, Greater Hobart experienced an employment decline of 1.5% and a labour force decline of 1.6%, with unemployment falling by 0.2 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 project national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Dodges Ferry's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by approximately 6.5% over five years and 13.4% over ten years, assuming constant population projections for illustrative purposes.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year ending June 2022 shows that income in Dodges Ferry is lower than average nationally. The median income was $52,682 and the average income stood at $59,955. In comparison, Greater Hobart had a median income of $51,272 and an average income of $63,777. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.83% from financial year ending June 2022 to September 2025, current estimates indicate the median income would be approximately $59,968 and the average income around $68,247 by that date. Census data reveals household, family, and personal incomes in Dodges Ferry rank modestly, between the 29th and 43rd percentiles. The data shows 35.0% of the population (975 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, similar to metropolitan regions where 32.2% occupy this range. After housing costs, 85.7% of income remains for other expenses.

Dodges Ferry is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

Dwelling structure in Dodges Ferry, as evaluated at the latest Census on 27 June 2016, comprised 99.6% houses and 0.4% other dwellings. In comparison, Hobart metro had 97.7% houses and 2.3% other dwellings. Home ownership in Dodges Ferry was 35.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 47.6% and rented dwellings at 17.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,300, lower than Hobart metro's average of $1,408. Median weekly rent in Dodges Ferry was $340, compared to Hobart metro's $350. Nationally, Dodges Ferry's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were less than the national figure of $375.

Dodges Ferry has a typical household mix, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households constitute 71.2% of all households, including 25.4% couples with children, 30.9% couples without children, and 13.6% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 28.8%, with lone person households at 26.8% and group households making up 2.3%. The median household size is 2.4 people, which aligns with the Greater Hobart average.

Educational outcomes in Dodges Ferry fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

The area's university qualification rate is 22.5%, 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 15.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.6%) and graduate diplomas (2.2%). Vocational credentials are held by 41.3% of residents aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 10.5% and certificates at 30.8%.

Educational participation is high, with 28.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.5% in primary, 8.0% in secondary, and 3.0% in tertiary education. The area has two schools serving 551 students: Marisol Miro Quesada Le Roux School (name yet to be determined) and Dodges Ferry Primary School. These schools focus on primary education with secondary options available nearby. The area functions as an educational hub, offering 19.8 school places per 100 residents, above the regional average of 9.9. It attracts students from surrounding communities.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

Health performance in Dodges Ferry is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Dodges Ferry faces significant health challenges with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is relatively low at approximately 51% of the total population (~1,419 people), compared to 48.0% across Greater Hobart.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 10.1 and 9.9% of residents respectively, while 65.8% declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 62.3% across Greater Hobart. The area has 20.4% of residents aged 65 and over (568 people), which is lower than the 22.3% in Greater Hobart. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, performing even better than the general population in health metrics.

The latest Census data sees Dodges Ferry placing among the least culturally diverse areas in the country when compared across a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Dodges Ferry had a cultural diversity score below average, with 90.6% of its residents being citizens and 90.5% born in Australia. English was spoken at home by 96.9%. Christianity was the dominant religion, practiced by 37.4% of people.

There was no representation of Judaism (0.0%), similar to Greater Hobart's 0.0%. The top three ancestral groups were English (33.6%), Australian (33.2%), and Irish (8.7%). Notable differences existed in the representation of Dutch (1.5% vs regional 1.2%) and French (0.5% vs 0.4%) ethnicities, with a slightly lower proportion of Australian Aboriginal residents (2.8% vs 3.1%).

Dodges Ferry hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

The median age in Dodges Ferry is 43 years, which is significantly higher than Greater Hobart's average of 39 and Australia's national average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Hobart, Dodges Ferry has a higher proportion of residents aged 55-64 (15.6%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (10.2%). According to the 2021 Census, the population aged 75-84 grew from 4.0% to 5.6%, while the 35-44 age group increased from 12.5% to 13.7%. Conversely, the 55-64 age group declined from 17.6% to 15.6%, and the 25-34 age group decreased from 11.3% to 10.2%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Dodges Ferry's age structure. The 45-54 age group is expected to grow by 45%, adding 150 people and reaching 482 from 331. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 54% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. In contrast, the 35-44 age group is projected to decrease by 51 residents.