Hobart

Hobart lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the Census Hobart's population is estimated at around 3669 as of May 2026. This reflects an increase of 279 people (8.2%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3390 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 3669, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and an additional 133 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1609 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Hobart's 8.2% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area (1.8%), along with the SA4 region, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the suburb of Hobart was primarily driven by overseas migration, which was essentially the sole driver of population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and to estimate growth by age group in the years post-2032, the Tasmania State Government's Regional/LGA projections, released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year, are adopted with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. As we examine future population trends, a population increase just below the median of national statistical areas is expected, with the suburb of Hobart expected to increase by 261 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 7.1% in total over the 16 years.

Residential development activity is slightly higher than average within Hobart when compared nationally

Hobart has received approximately 27 dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling about 135 homes. In FY-26, six approvals have been recorded so far. Each dwelling built attracts around 3.2 people annually on average between FY-21 and FY-25. This has led to high demand exceeding new supply, resulting in price growth and increased buyer competition.

The average construction cost of new dwellings is $571,000, indicating a focus on the premium segment. Commercial approvals this financial year amount to $172.2 million, reflecting robust local commercial activity. Compared to Greater Hobart, Hobart shows 175.0% higher construction activity per capita. However, recent construction activity has eased. New development consists of 6.0% standalone homes and 94.0% attached dwellings, promoting higher-density living suitable for downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers.

With around 333 people per approval, Hobart reflects a transitioning market. Future projections estimate Hobart adding 261 residents by 2041. Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should meet demand, offering favourable conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

Hobart has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 42ndth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 24 projects likely affecting the region. Notable initiatives include Royal Hobart Hospital Emergency Department Expansion, In The Hanging Garden Cultural Precinct, Hobart City Deal, and Macquarie Wharf Redevelopment (Hobart Port Precinct Capacity Improvements). Following is a list of most relevant projects.

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AreaSearch assessment indicates Hobart faces employment challenges relative to the majority of Australian markets

Hobart's workforce is highly educated with well-represented essential services sectors. As of December 2025, the unemployment rate was 8.6%. This rate is 4.6% higher than Greater Hobart's rate of 4.0%, indicating room for improvement.

Workforce participation in Hobart is broadly similar to Greater Hobart's 63.7%. According to Census responses, a low 9.3% of residents work from home. The dominant employment sectors are health care & social assistance, accommodation & food, and retail trade. Hobart specializes particularly in accommodation & food, with an employment share of 2.2 times the regional level.

Conversely, construction shows lower representation at 2.7%, compared to the regional average of 8.7%. The area functions as an employment hub, hosting more jobs than residents and attracting workers from surrounding areas, with a ratio of 8.7 workers per resident. Over the 12 months to December 2025, labour force levels decreased by 0.4% while employment declined by 0.7%, resulting in an unemployment rate rise by 0.2 percentage points. This contrasts with Greater Hobart, where employment rose by 0.1%, the labour force fell by 0.1%, and unemployment fell by 0.2 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, released in May-25, project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Hobart's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.9% over five years and 14.3% over ten years.

Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch

The median taxpayer income in Hobart is $41,843, with an average of $58,085, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year 2023. This is lower than national averages. Greater Hobart's median income is $54,577 and its average is $65,190. Based on a 10.95% increase since financial year 2023, current estimates suggest median income of approximately $46,425 and average income of $64,445 as of March 2026. Census data shows household, family, and personal incomes in Hobart rank modestly, between the 22nd and 33rd percentiles. Income distribution indicates that 29.6% (1,086 individuals) earn between $1,500 and $2,999 annually, aligning with regional levels where this cohort represents 32.2%. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 78.0% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 25th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 6th decile.

Hobart features a more urban dwelling mix with significant apartment living, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Hobart's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 19.1% houses and 80.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In contrast, Hobart metro had 85.3% houses and 14.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Hobart was at 16.6%, with mortgaged dwellings at 12.7% and rented ones at 70.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,848, higher than Hobart metro's average of $1,517. The median weekly rent figure was $380, compared to Hobart metro's $350. Nationally, Hobart's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents exceeded the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 43.5% of all households, including 8.2% composed of couples with children, 27.9% consisting of couples without children, and 6.3% being single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 56.5%, with lone person households at 40.6% and group households comprising 15.8%. The median household size is 2.0 people, which is smaller than the Greater Hobart average of 2.4.

The educational profile of Hobart exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

Hobart's educational attainment is notably high, with 53.4% of residents aged 15+ having university qualifications, compared to 25.5% in Tasmania and 30.4% nationally. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 30.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (20.7%) and graduate diplomas (2.5%). Vocational pathways account for 18.7%, with advanced diplomas at 7.7% and certificates at 11.0%. Educational participation is high, with 44.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 29.4% in tertiary education, 2.8% in secondary education, and 2.6% pursuing primary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 44.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 29.4% in tertiary education, 2.8% in secondary education, and 2.6% pursuing primary education.

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

Public transport analysis shows 38 active transport stops operating within Hobart, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 99 individual routes, collectively providing 7,321 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 130 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward - walking is notably common at 51%, with 8% by bus. Vehicle ownership averages 0.6 per dwelling, below the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, a relatively low 9.3% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions.

Service frequency averages 1,045 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 192 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Hobart faces significant health challenges according to AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts.

Approximately 50% of the total population (~1,841 people) have private health cover, which is lower than the national average of 55.7%. The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues impacting 12.6% of residents and asthma affecting 6.3%. 69.6% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 65.5% across Greater Hobart. Health outcomes among the working-age population are broadly typical. The area has 15.0% of residents aged 65 and over (550 people), which is lower than the 20.0% in Greater Hobart. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

Hobart is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Hobart has a significant cultural diversity, with 35.1% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 43.6% born overseas by June 2021. Christianity is the predominant religion in Hobart, comprising 28.1% of the population as of this date. Notably, Buddhism is overrepresented in Hobart compared to Greater Hobart, with 5.1% versus 1.4%.

The top three ancestry groups are English at 24.2%, Australian at 17.9%, and Chinese at 13.3%. These figures were notably lower than the regional averages of 31.8%, 28.0%, and 2.7% respectively by June 2021. Other ethnic groups with notable divergences include Korean (0.8% vs 0.2%), Sri Lankan (0.5% vs 0.1%), and Vietnamese (1.1% vs 0.3%).

Hobart hosts a very young demographic, ranking in the bottom 10% of areas nationwide

Hobart's median age is 31, which is younger than Greater Hobart's figure of 39 and Australia's national average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Hobart, Hobart has a higher proportion of residents aged 25-34 (31.5%) but fewer residents aged 5-14 (2.8%). This concentration of 25-34 year-olds is significantly higher than the national figure of 14.6%. Between the 2021 Census and the present, the proportion of residents aged 75-84 has increased from 4.1% to 5.6%, while those aged 35-44 have risen from 11.8% to 13.1%. Conversely, the proportion of residents aged 55-64 has decreased from 7.7% to 6.5%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic shifts in Hobart, with the strongest growth projected for the 45-54 age group (40%), adding 104 residents and reaching a total of 369. Meanwhile, both the 65-74 and 35-44 age groups are expected to see reduced numbers.