George Town

George Town 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 November 2025, the estimated population of George Town is around 5,091 people. This figure reflects a growth of 555 individuals since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,536 people. The increase was inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 4,841 following examination of the latest ERP data release by ABS in June 2024 and an additional 232 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 48 persons per square kilometer. George Town's growth rate of 12.2% since the 2021 census surpassed both the state average of 4.8% and the SA4 region, positioning it as a growth leader in the area. Interstate migration contributed approximately 67.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch employs 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, Tasmania State Government's Regional/LGA projections are adopted, released in 2022 with a base year of 2021, adjusted using weighted aggregation methods from LGA to SA2 levels. According to these projections, the suburb's population is expected to decline by 17 persons by 2041. However, growth within specific age cohorts is anticipated, notably in the 75 to 84 age group, projected to expand by 251 people.

Recent residential development output has been above average within George Town when compared nationally

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, indicates George Town experienced approximately 53 dwelling approvals per year. Over the past five financial years, between FY21 and FY25, around 265 homes were approved, with an additional 14 approved in FY26 to date. On average, 0.7 people moved to the area annually for each dwelling built during these years.

This pace of new construction is meeting or exceeding demand, providing buyers more options and potentially driving population growth beyond current projections. The average expected construction cost value of new properties is $391,000. In FY26, there have been $2.3 million in commercial approvals, suggesting a primarily residential focus. Compared to the Rest of Tas., George Town exhibits 56.0% higher building activity per person, offering ample choice for buyers despite recent slowdowns. This level is notably above the national average, reflecting strong developer confidence in the area.

New development consists predominantly of detached dwellings (96.0%) and a smaller proportion of medium to high-density housing (4.0%), maintaining the area's low density character while attracting space-seeking buyers. The location has approximately 110 people per dwelling approval, suggesting an expanding market. However, with population projections indicating stability or decline, George Town may experience reduced housing demand pressures in the future, benefiting potential buyers.

George Town has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 22ndth percentile nationally

Six projects have been identified by AreaSearch as potentially impacting the area. Key projects include George Town 4-Townhouse Development, South George Town Primary School Redevelopment, Palmerston to George Town High Voltage Transmission Lines, and H2TAS Renewable Hydrogen and Ammonia Facility.

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

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

George Town has a diverse workforce with both white and blue-collar jobs, notably in manufacturing and industrial sectors. Its unemployment rate is 9.9%, according to AreaSearch's statistical area data aggregation as of June 2025.

There are 1,582 residents employed, with an unemployment rate 6.0% higher than Rest of Tas.'s rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation in George Town lags at 43.7%, compared to Rest of Tas.'s 55.7%. Key industries for employment among residents are manufacturing, health care & social assistance, and retail trade. Manufacturing stands out with employment levels at 2.9 times the regional average, while agriculture, forestry & fishing employs just 2.3% of local workers, below Rest of Tas.'s 8.4%.

The area may have limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by Census data comparing working population to resident population. Between June 2024 and June 2025, the labour force decreased by 2.3%, with employment decreasing by 1.6% in George Town, resulting in a 0.6 percentage point fall in unemployment rate. By comparison, Rest of Tas. saw an employment decline of 0.5%, labour force decline of 0.6%, and marginal unemployment reduction. 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 George Town's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.0% over five years and 11.6% over ten years, based on simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes, not accounting for localised population projections.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows that George Town's median income is $41,684 and average income is $51,335. This is below the national averages of $47,358 (median) and $57,384 (average) in Rest of Tas. Based on Wage Price Index growth from financial year 2022 to September 2025, estimated median income in George Town would be approximately $47,449 and average income $58,435. The 2021 Census reveals that incomes in George Town fall between the 1st and 2nd percentiles nationally for households, families, and individuals. In George Town, 34.1% of residents earn between $400 - $799 weekly, contrasting with the broader area where the leading income bracket is $1,500 - $2,999 at 28.5%. Lower income households are prevalent in George Town, with 44.7% earning below $800 weekly. After housing costs, 85.4% of income remains, ranking at the 3rd percentile nationally.

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

George Town's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 87.0% houses and 13.0% other dwellings. In comparison, Non-Metro Tas. had 92.6% houses and 7.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in George Town stood at 39.2%, with mortgaged dwellings at 25.0% and rented ones at 35.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $913, lower than Non-Metro Tas.'s average of $1,198. Weekly rent in George Town was recorded at $220, compared to Non-Metro Tas.'s $230. Nationally, George Town's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $913 versus the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households comprise 64.1% of all households, including 19.1% couples with children, 29.4% couples without children, and 15.0% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 35.9%, with lone person households making up 33.3% and group households comprising 2.4%. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is smaller than the Rest of Tas. average of 2.3.

George Town 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 8.8%, significantly below the Australian average of 30.4%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most common at 5.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 1.6% and graduate diplomas at 1.3%. Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 37.8% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas at 6.6% and certificates at 31.2%.

Educational participation is high, with 26.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.5% in primary education, 8.2% in secondary education, and 1.9% pursuing tertiary education. George Town's 4 schools have a combined enrollment reaching 797 students while the area demonstrates varied educational conditions (ICSEA: 906). The educational mix includes 1 primary, 1 secondary, and 2 K-12 schools. The area functions as an education hub with 15.7 school places per 100 residents - significantly above the regional average of 9.5, attracting students from surrounding communities. Note: where schools show 'n/a' for enrolments, please refer to parent campus.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

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

George Town faces significant health challenges, with various conditions affecting both younger and older residents. Approximately 48% (~2,419 people) have private health cover, lower than the national average of 55.3%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (affecting 13.7%) and mental health issues (11.3%). Conversely, 54.3% report no medical ailments, compared to 60.6% in Rest of Tas.. The area has a lower proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 26.4% (1,344 people), compared to the state average of 27.6%. Seniors' health outcomes present challenges broadly aligned with the general population's profile.

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

George Town was found to have a below average level of cultural diversity, with 87.9% of its population born in Australia, 90.6% being citizens, and 97.0% speaking English only at home. The dominant religion in George Town is Christianity, comprising 41.8% of the population. However, Hinduism, which makes up 0.7% of the population, shows notable overrepresentation compared to the Rest of Tas., where it comprises 0.3%.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups in George Town are English at 36.1%, Australian at 34.7%, and Scottish at 7.2%. There are also notable differences in the representation of certain ethnic groups: Australian Aboriginal is overrepresented at 4.0% compared to the regional average of 3.0%, Dutch at 1.3% (regional average 1.5%), and Maori at 0.3% (regional average 0.2%).

George Town hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

George Town's median age is 45 years, matching the Rest of Tasmania average but exceeding the national average of 38 years. The age profile shows that those aged 65-74 years make up 14.7%, which is prominent compared to other age groups and exceeds the national average of 9.4%. Meanwhile, those aged 25-34 years comprise only 10.6%, which is smaller than in the Rest of Tasmania. Since 2021, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 7.5% to 8.9% of the population, while the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 11.6% to 10.7%. By 2041, George Town's age composition is expected to shift notably. The 75 to 84 age group is projected to grow by 44%, reaching 653 people from the current 453. This growth will be led by those aged 75 and above, who will comprise all of the projected population growth. Conversely, population declines are projected for those aged 45-54 years and 65-74 years.