Hobart

Population growth drivers in Hobart are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking 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, the estimated population of Hobart as of Feb 2026 is around 3,711. This reflects an increase of 321 people (9.5%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,390 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 3,668 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 135 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,627 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Hobart's 9.5% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area (2.5%) and the SA4 region, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by overseas migration, which was essentially the sole driver of population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. 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 with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Future population trends indicate an increase just below the median of national statistical areas, with the suburb expected to increase by 310 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 5.7% in total over the 17 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Hobart has received around 27 dwelling approvals per year on average over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 136 homes. Six approvals have been recorded so far in FY-26. Between FY-21 and FY-25, approximately 1.3 people moved to the area for each dwelling built annually. The average construction value of new dwellings is $571,000.

This financial year has seen $172.2 million in commercial approvals. Compared to Greater Hobart, Hobart's construction activity per person is 176.0% higher. New development consists of 6.0% standalone homes and 94.0% attached dwellings. AreaSearch projects Hobart will add 212 residents by 2041. Current development patterns suggest new housing supply should meet demand, potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

Future projections show Hobart adding 212 residents by 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). 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.

Hobart has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 45thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 25 projects that may impact this area. Key initiatives include the Royal Hobart Hospital Redevelopment - Stage 2, Royal Hobart Hospital Emergency Department Expansion, In The Hanging Garden Cultural Precinct, and Hobart City Deal. Relevant projects are listed below.

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.

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

Hobart's workforce is highly educated with significant representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 8.8% as of September 2025, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. In September 2025, 1,970 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 4.8% higher than Greater Hobart's rate of 4.0%.

Workforce participation in Hobart was broadly similar to Greater Hobart's 63.8%. Census responses indicated that a low 9.3% of residents worked from home. Dominant employment sectors among residents included health care & social assistance, accommodation & food, and retail trade. The area showed strong specialization in accommodation & food with an employment share of 2.2 times the regional level, while construction had lower representation at 2.7% compared to the regional average of 8.7%.

There were 8.7 workers for every resident as at the Census, indicating Hobart functions as an employment hub hosting more jobs than residents and attracting workers from surrounding areas. Over the 12 months to September 2025, labour force levels decreased by 1.6% while employment declined by 1.9%, resulting in a rise of 0.3 percentage points in unemployment rate. In contrast, Greater Hobart saw employment contract by 0.7%, the labour force fall by 0.9%, and unemployment decrease by 0.2 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 projected national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying growth rates between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Hobart's employment mix suggested 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 suburb of Hobart has a median taxpayer income of $41,843 and an average income of $58,085 according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. This is lower than national averages, with Greater Hobart's median income being $54,577 and average income being $65,190. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.6% since financial year 2023, current estimates for September 2025 would be approximately $45,860 (median) and $63,661 (average). Census data indicates that household, family, and personal incomes in Hobart rank modestly, between the 22nd and 33rd percentiles. Distribution data shows that the $1,500 - $2,999 earnings band captures 29.6% of the community, with 1,098 individuals falling into this category, which aligns with regional levels where this cohort represents 32.2%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Hobart, 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

Dwelling structure in Hobart, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 19.1% houses and 80.8% other dwellings. In comparison, Hobart metro had 85.3% houses and 14.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Hobart was 16.6%, with mortgaged dwellings at 12.7% and rented dwellings at 70.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,848, higher than the Hobart metro average of $1,517. The median weekly rent figure in Hobart 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% that are couples with children, 27.9% that are couples without children, and 6.3% that are 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 exceeds broader standards 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 prevalent at 30.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (20.7%) and graduate diplomas (2.5%). Vocational pathways comprise 18.7% of qualifications, 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, 2.8% in secondary, and 2.6% in 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. These comprise a mix of bus services. They are serviced by 99 individual routes, collectively providing 7,321 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 130 meters from the nearest stop. In this primarily residential area, most commuting is outward-bound. 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 as assessed by AreaSearch. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are high, with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts.

Private health cover is relatively low at approximately 50% of the total population (~1,862 people), compared to the national average of 55.7%. The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues (affecting 12.6% of residents) and asthma (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 14.3% of residents aged 65 and over (530 people), lower than Greater Hobart's 19.9%. 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 high level of cultural diversity, with 35.1% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 43.6% born overseas. Christianity is the main religion in Hobart, accounting for 28.1% of people. However, Buddhism is overrepresented at 5.1%, compared to the regional average of 1.4%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (24.2%), Australian (17.9%), and Chinese (13.3%). Notably, Korean, Sri Lankan, and Vietnamese ethnicities are also overrepresented in Hobart compared to regional averages.

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 (29.8%), but fewer residents aged 5-14 (3.2%). This concentration of 25-34 year-olds is notably higher than the national figure of 14.4%. Between the 2021 Census and the present, the proportion of Hobart's population aged 15 to 24 has increased from 22.0% to 23.8%, while the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 4.1% to 5.5%. Conversely, the 55 to 64 age group has decreased from 7.7% to 5.7%, and the 25 to 34 age group has dropped from 31.6% to 29.8%. Population forecasts for Hobart in 2041 indicate significant demographic changes, with the strongest projected growth in the 45 to 54 age cohort, expected to grow by 43%, adding 108 residents to reach a total of 365. Meanwhile, both the 65 to 74 and 35 to 44 age groups are projected to see reduced numbers.