Latrobe

Population growth drivers in Latrobe are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

As of Feb 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Latrobe is around 5,829, reflecting a growth of 799 people since the 2021 Census. This increase represents a 15.9% rise from the previous population count of 5,030. The change was inferred from the resident population estimate of 5,395 by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 226 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 91 persons per square kilometer, indicating significant space per person and potential room for further development. Latrobe's growth exceeded both the SA4 region (5.1%) and state averages since the 2021 census, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Interstate migration contributed approximately 83.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopted ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data, Tasmania State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year were adopted and adjusted using a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Based on projected demographic shifts, a population increase just below the median of regional areas nationally is expected for the suburb of Latrobe by 2041, with an aggregate SA2-level projection indicating an expansion of 519 persons over the next 17 years, reflecting a total increase of 1.0%.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Latrobe among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, indicates Latrobe recorded around 52 residential properties granted approval annually over the past five financial years. This totals an estimated 262 homes. As of FY-26, 36 approvals have been recorded. On average, 2.5 people move to the area per new home constructed in the past five financial years (FY-21 to FY-25), reflecting robust demand that supports property values.

New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost of $368,000, indicating a developer focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties. In FY-26, $13.8 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, showing steady commercial investment activity. Compared to Rest of Tas., Latrobe records 75.0% more building activity per person, offering buyers greater choice. Recent construction comprises 96.0% detached houses and 4.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space.

With around 111 people per dwelling approval, Latrobe shows characteristics of a growth area. Future projections show Latrobe adding 58 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.

Latrobe has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 49thth percentile nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified nine projects that may affect the region. Notable ones include the North West Hospitals Masterplan - Mersey Community Hospital, Bass Highway Cool Storage Development, Latrobe Flood Levees Project, and Sassafras Wesley Vale Irrigation Scheme Augmentation. The following list details those most relevant.

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.

The employment environment in Latrobe shows above-average strength when compared nationally

Latrobe has a diverse workforce with both white and blue collar jobs, notably in manufacturing and industrial sectors. Its unemployment rate is 3.5%. In the year up to September 2025, employment grew by 5.7%.

As of that month, 2,560 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 0.3% lower than Rest of Tas.'s 3.8%, and workforce participation at 58.6%. Home-based workers comprise 5.8% of the population, considering Covid-19 impacts. Key industries include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction. Transport, postal & warehousing is particularly strong, employing 1.7 times the regional average.

Public administration & safety employs just 3.6%, below Rest of Tas.'s 5.1%. Employment opportunities locally may be limited, as indicated by resident-to-working population ratio. Between September 2024 and 2025, employment increased by 5.7% while labour force rose by 5.9%, increasing unemployment by 0.2 percentage points. Rest of Tas., however, saw employment growth of 0.7%, labour force growth of 0.5%, and a decrease in unemployment by 0.2 percentage points. National employment forecasts from May-25 project overall growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Latrobe's industry mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.9% over five years and 12.8% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

The area's income levels rank in the lower 15% nationally based on AreaSearch comparative data

The median taxpayer income in Latrobe suburb is $47,811, with an average of $58,960, based on the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. This is lower than the national averages of $49,689 median and $59,358 average in Rest of Tas. By September 2025, estimated incomes are approximately $52,401 median and $64,620 average, assuming a 9.6% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023. Census data shows household, family, and personal incomes in Latrobe fall between the 11th and 15th percentiles nationally. In terms of income distribution, 29.8% of individuals (1,737) earn between $1,500 and $2,999, which is similar to regional levels at 28.5%. After accounting for housing costs, 85.0% of income remains, ranking at the 13th percentile nationally.

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

The latest Census evaluation of Latrobe's dwelling structures showed 93.4% houses and 6.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). Non-Metro Tas., in comparison, had 89.9% houses and 10.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Latrobe was at 36.5%, with the rest mortgaged or rented at 35.2% and 28.3% respectively. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,300, above Non-Metro Tas.'s average of $1,274. Median weekly rent in Latrobe was $250, matching Non-Metro Tas.'s figure. Nationally, Latrobe's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Latrobe has a typical household mix, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households account for 68.4% of all households, including 24.2% couples with children, 30.9% couples without children, and 12.2% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 31.6%, with lone person households at 29.3% and group households comprising 2.0% of the total. The median household size is 2.3 people, which aligns with the average for the Rest of Tas.

Latrobe faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area's university qualification rate is 13.3%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. This discrepancy presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common, with 9.1% of residents holding one, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 2.7% and graduate diplomas at 1.5%. Vocational credentials are prevalent among residents aged 15 and above, with 39.7% holding such qualifications.

Advanced diplomas account for 7.4%, while certificates make up 32.3% of these credentials. Educational participation is high, with 25.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.8% in primary education, 7.3% in secondary education, and 2.3% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Latrobe has two operational public transport stops, serving a mix of bus routes. These six routes collectively facilitate 439 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is limited, with residents typically residing 1144 meters from the nearest stop. Most Latrobe residents commute outward daily, predominantly using cars (94%). On average, there are 1.5 vehicles per dwelling. According to the 2021 Census, only 5.8% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions.

Across all routes, service frequency averages 62 trips per day, equating to approximately 219 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Latrobe is well below average with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Latrobe faces significant health challenges, according to AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are substantial, affecting various age groups.

Private health cover is relatively low at approximately 51% of the total population (~2,945 people), compared to the national average of 55.7%. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (12.2%) and asthma (9.1%). Conversely, 59.9% of residents report no medical ailments, slightly lower than the Rest of Tas. figure of 62.0%. Working-age individuals face notable health challenges due to elevated chronic condition rates. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over (26.0%, or 1,515 people) compared to Rest of Tas. (24.9%). Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, aligning with national rankings for the general population.

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

Latrobe, as per the 2016 Census, had a population with 90.9% being Australian citizens, 90.1% born in Australia, and 95.0% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the dominant religion, comprising 41.2%. Judaism was slightly overrepresented at 0.1%, compared to 0.1% in the rest of Tasmania.

The top three ancestry groups were Australian (35.6%), English (33.9%), and Irish (7.7%). Notably, Australian Aboriginal people were overrepresented at 5.3% compared to 4.1% regionally, Dutch at 1.4% versus 1.7%, and Russian at 0.2% versus 0.1%.

Latrobe hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

Latrobe's median age is 43 years, which is slightly lower than Rest of Tas.'s 45 but notably higher than Australia's national norm of 38. Compared to Rest of Tas., Latrobe has a notably higher percentage of the 75-84 age group (9.6% locally) and a lower percentage of 55-64 year-olds (11.8%). Between 2021 and present, the 75-84 age group has increased from 7.8% to 9.6%, while the 5-14 cohort has decreased from 11.8% to 11.0%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Latrobe's age profile will change significantly. The 45-54 age group is projected to grow by 165 people (25%), from 658 to 824. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups are expected to account for 63% of total population growth, reflecting Latrobe's aging demographic profile. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 55-64 and 65-74 cohorts.