Longford (Tas.)

Population growth drivers in Longford are slightly above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium term trends

As of Feb 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Longford (Tas.) is around 4,768. This figure reflects an increase of 500 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,268. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 4,477 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, along with an additional 139 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 27 persons per square kilometer. Longford's growth rate of 11.7% since the 2021 census exceeded both the state average of 5.3% and the SA4 region, marking it as a growth leader in the area. Interstate migration contributed approximately 53.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting 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 post-2032 growth estimates, 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, the area is expected to grow by 222 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an overall decrease of 1.6% over the 17 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, shows Longford experienced approximately 37 dwellings receiving development approval per year. Around 186 homes were approved over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, with a further 49 approved so far in FY26. Over these five years, an average of 1.9 new residents arrived per new home. However, this has moderated to 1.2 people per dwelling over the past two financial years.

Development projects averaged $385,000 in construction value, indicating a focus on the premium market with high-end developments. This year, $7.6 million in commercial approvals have been registered, reflecting Longford's primarily residential nature. Compared to the Rest of Tas., Longford has slightly more development, at 18.0% above the regional average per person over the five-year period.

All recent development has comprised detached dwellings, preserving the area's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. With around 129 people per approval, Longford reflects a developing area. Given stable or declining population forecasts, it may experience less housing pressure in the future, creating favourable conditions for buyers.

Longford has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 33rdth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 16 projects that could impact this region. Notable ones include Longford Child and Family Learning Centre, Longford Ambulance Station, Skyeview Estate, and the Longford Expansion Strategy & Longford Racecourse precinct master plan. The following list details those most likely to be 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.

Despite maintaining a low unemployment rate of 3.2%, Longford has experienced recent job losses, resulting in a below average employment performance ranking when compared nationally

Longford has a balanced workforce with white and blue collar employment, as of September 2025. The unemployment rate is 3.2%. This is below the Rest of Tas.'s rate of 3.8%, by 0.6%.

Workforce participation in Longford is 56.5%, compared to Rest of Tas.'s 58.6%. A low 7.6% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Key industries for employment are health care & social assistance, manufacturing, and construction. Manufacturing employs 1.4 times the regional level in Longford, while accommodation & food services employ just 5.1%, below Rest of Tas.'s 7.7%.

Labour force levels decreased by 2.5% over the year to September 2025, alongside a 2.6% employment decline, with unemployment remaining essentially unchanged. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, published in May-25, project growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years nationally. Applying these projections to Longford's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.8% over five years and 12.7% over ten years.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year ending June 2023 indicates that Longford's median income is $48,938 and average income is $56,743. This is lower than national averages of $51,700 (median) and $61,400 (average). In Tasmania excluding Hobart (Rest of Tas.), median income is $49,689 and average income is $59,358. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.6% from June 2023 to September 2025, estimated incomes for Longford would be approximately $53,636 (median) and $62,190 (average). The 2021 Census data shows that household, family, and personal incomes in Longford fall between the 14th and 22nd percentiles nationally. In Longford, 29.4% of residents (1,401 people) earn between $1,500 - 2,999 annually, similar to the broader area where this cohort represents 28.5%. After accounting for housing costs, 86.0% of income remains in Longford, ranking at the 17th percentile nationally.

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

The dwelling structure in Longford, as per the latest Census, was 85.7% houses and 14.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro Tas.'s 89.9% houses and 10.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Longford was at 40.4%, with the remaining dwellings either mortgaged (33.7%) or rented (26.0%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,300, above Non-Metro Tas.'s average of $1,274. The median weekly rent figure in Longford was $265, compared to Non-Metro Tas.'s $250. Nationally, Longford's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 67.5% of all households, including 22.9% couples with children, 31.5% couples without children, and 12.3% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 32.5%, with lone person households at 29.8% and group households at 2.6%. The median household size is 2.3 people, which aligns with the average in the Rest of Tas.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 16.0%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 11.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.6%) and graduate diplomas (1.9%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 37.7% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas (9.1%) and certificates (28.6%). Currently, 24.6% of the population is actively pursuing formal education.

This includes 10.7% in primary education, 6.0% in secondary education, and 2.4% pursuing tertiary education.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

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

Longford faces significant health challenges, as assessed by AreaSearch's analysis of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions are somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts.

The rate of private health cover is relatively low at approximately 50% of the total population (~2,367 people), compared to the national average of 55.7%. The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 12.1 and 9.4% of residents respectively, while 60.0% declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 62.0% across Rest of Tas.. The working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 28.1% of residents aged 65 and over (1,339 people), which is higher than the 24.9% in Rest of Tas.. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

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

Longford's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 91.0% of its population being citizens, 89.5% born in Australia, and 97.1% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the main religion in Longford, making up 47.7% of people, compared to 43.0% across Rest of Tas. In terms of ancestry, the top three groups are English (37.7%), Australian (33.9%), and Irish (7.4%).

Notably, Dutch representation is higher in Longford at 1.8%, compared to 1.7% regionally. Australian Aboriginal representation is also lower at 2.5%, versus 4.1% regionally. Serbian representation is present in Longford at 0.2%, while it is not reported regionally.

Longford hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Longford's median age is 46 years, similar to Rest of Tas.'s 45 years, but significantly higher than Australia's median of 38 years. The age profile shows that the 75-84 year-olds are particularly prominent at 10.6%, while the 45-54 group is smaller at 10.1% compared to Rest of Tas.. Post-2021 Census data indicates that the 75 to 84 age group grew from 8.4% to 10.6%, and the 35 to 44 cohort increased from 9.5% to 11.0%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort declined from 12.2% to 10.1%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Longford's age profile will change significantly. The 75 to 84 age group is projected to grow by 99 people (20%) from 505 to 605. Residents aged 65 and above will drive 63% of population growth, highlighting demographic aging trends. Meanwhile, both the 35 to 44 and 0 to 4 age groups are expected to decrease in number.