Longford (Tas.)

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

According to ABS population updates for the wider region and new address data validated by AreaSearch since the Census, the suburb of Longford (Tas.) has an estimated population of 4,536 as of May 2026. This represents a rise of 268 people (6.3%) compared to the 2021 Census, when 4,268 people were counted. This adjustment is calculated from a resident population of 4,506, estimated by AreaSearch using the ABS June 2025 ERP release, combined with an additional 141 validated new addresses since the Census date. The resulting population density is 25 persons per square kilometer, which ensures residents have plenty of space. The growth rate of 6.3% since the 2021 census outpaced Tasmania's statewide average of 4.0% and the local SA4 region, establishing the area as a regional growth leader. This population increase was mostly driven by interstate migration, which accounted for approximately 53.0% of the total demographic growth in recent times.

AreaSearch utilizes the 2024 population projections from the ABS and Geoscience Australia, which use 2022 as their baseline year. For any SA2 regions lacking this coverage, and to project age distribution trends beyond 2032, regional and LGA forecasts published by the Tasmania State Government in 2022 (with a 2021 baseline) are integrated by aggregating LGA-level growth up to SA2 levels using a weighted method. Given these demographic projections, the suburb of Longford (Tas.) is expected to track in the lower quartile of national regional growth, adding 172 persons by 2041 under aggregated SA2-level modeling, which equates to an overall expansion of 3.1% over the 16 years.

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

AreaSearch evaluations of building approvals from the ABS, mapped to local statistical boundaries, show that Longford average approximately 37 dwellings approved for development annually, giving a total of 185 homes over the last 5 financial years. During the current FY-26 period, 55 approvals have been registered. Over the 5 financial years from FY-21 to FY-25, an average of 1.8 new residents arrived for every new home built, showing a good equilibrium between supply and demand, though this ratio has dropped to 1.2 people per dwelling over the last 2 financial years, pointing to a more balanced supply environment. Newly built properties have an average construction cost of $385,000, which suggests developers are focusing on the higher-end, premium housing market. Furthermore, $7.6 million in commercial building approvals have been logged in the current financial year, highlighting that the area is mostly residential.

When compared against the Rest of Tas. region, Longford exhibits slightly higher construction activity, running 17.0% above the regional per capita average over the 5 year period, which maintains choice for buyers while preserving the value of existing homes. Recent construction has consisted entirely of single-family detached houses, preserving the area's classic low-density feel and catering to families who want extra space. There are roughly 128 people per dwelling approval, showing a growing market.

Demographic projections show that Longford is on track to add 142 residents by 2041, starting from the most recent quarterly estimate by AreaSearch. With current construction rates, the supply of new housing should easily satisfy demand, maintaining favorable purchasing conditions and potentially paving the way for growth that exceeds current demographic forecasts.

Longford has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 32ndth percentile nationally

Changes in local infrastructure, major developments, and urban planning play a critical role in shaping regional performance. AreaSearch has identified a total of 16 projects that are expected to influence the local area. Key developments include the Longford Child and Family Learning Centre, the Longford Ambulance Station, Skyeview Estate, and the Longford Expansion Strategy alongside the Longford Racecourse precinct master plan, with the following list highlighting the most significant undertakings.

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

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The labour market in Longford demonstrates typical performance when compared to similar areas across Australia

The local workforce displays a balanced mix of professional and industrial occupations, with a notable presence in manufacturing and production, alongside a very low unemployment rate of 3.1% according to statistical area data aggregated by AreaSearch. In March 2026, the employed resident population stood at 2,080, while the local unemployment rate sat 0.9% below the Regional Tas. benchmark of 3.9%. Local workforce participation is somewhat lower than average, standing at 56.2% compared to 58.8% for Regional Tas. Census statistics show a low proportion of residents working from home at 7.6%, though this was likely affected by Covid-19 lockdown restrictions.

The primary employment sectors for local residents are health care & social assistance, manufacturing, and construction. The community displays a strong focus on manufacturing, where employment concentration is 1.4 times the regional average. Conversely, accommodation & food services are underrepresented, employing 5.1% of local workers compared to 7.7% across Regional Tas. The local area appears to have a shortage of jobs nearby, as shown by comparing the count of Census working residents against the overall resident workforce.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, aggregated from broader statistical areas, over the 12 months to March 2026, labour force levels decreased by 1.6% while employment declined by 1.1%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.5 percentage points. This compares to Regional Tas., where employment grew by 1.8%, labour force expanded by 1.7%, and unemployment fell marginally. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Longford. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Longford's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.8% over five years and 12.7% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

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

Latest postcode-level tax data from the ATO for financial year 2023 indicates that local taxpayers earn a median income of $48,938, with an average of $56,743. These figures sit below the national benchmarks, comparing to a median of $49,689 and an average of $59,358 across Regional Tas. Adjusting these numbers for a Wage Price Index increase of 10.95% since financial year 2023 yields estimated values of approximately $54,297 for the median and $62,956 for the average as of March 2026. Data from the 2021 Census places household, family, and personal incomes in the area between the 14th and 22nd percentiles nationally. Income distribution details show that 29.4% of the population (representing 1,333 individuals) fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 brackets, which aligns closely with the surrounding region where 28.5% of people sit in this same range. After paying for housing, residents retain 86.0% of their income, which places the area in the 17th percentile nationally.

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

According to the latest Census data, the local housing mix consisted of 85.7% detached houses and 14.4% other housing types like townhouses, apartments, or alternative dwellings, compared to 89.9% houses and 10.1% other dwellings across Regional Tas. The home ownership rate was identical to the Regional Tas. level of 40.4%, with the remaining properties being held under a mortgage (33.7%) or occupied by tenants (26.0%). The median monthly mortgage payment was higher than the Regional Tas. average of $1,274 at $1,300, while the median weekly rent was $265, compared to $250 regionally. On a national level, mortgage costs are much lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and local rents sit far below the national median of $375.

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

Families make up the majority of local households at 67.5%, consisting of couples with children at 22.9%, couples without children at 31.5%, and single parents at 12.3%. Non-family living arrangements account for the remaining 32.5% of households, with lone person households comprising 29.8% and group households representing 2.6%. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is identical to the Regional Tas. average.

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

The local community records low rates of tertiary education, with university qualification levels at 16.0%, which is well below the national average of 30.4%. This highlights a clear opportunity for targeted educational support. Among university graduates, bachelor degrees are the most common at 11.5%, followed by postgraduate degrees at 2.6% and graduate diplomas at 1.9%. Vocational and technical skills are highly prevalent, with 37.7% of residents aged 15+ holding a vocational qualification, consisting of advanced diplomas at 9.1% and certificates at 28.6%.

A significant 24.6% of local residents are enrolled in some form of study. This cohort includes 10.7% attending primary school, 6.0% in secondary school, and 2.4% enrolled in tertiary institutions.

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

Based on AreaSearch assessments of mortality data and the prevalence of chronic illnesses, the community face significant health issues, with common ailments affecting both younger and older residents, while the rate of private health insurance is relatively low, covering approximately 50% of the population (~2,252 people) compared to a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical complaints locally are arthritis and mental health conditions, which affect 12.1% and 9.4% of residents, respectively. Meanwhile, 60.0% of the population reported having no chronic medical conditions, compared to 62.0% across Regional Tas. The working-age cohort experiences notable health difficulties, marked by elevated rates of chronic illness. Seniors aged 65 and over make up 27.4% of the population (1,242 people), which is higher than the regional average of 24.9%. Health outcomes for these older residents present some difficulties, with national rankings generally matching those of the wider population.

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

The area shows lower levels of cultural diversity than the national average, with citizens making up 91.0% of the population, 89.5% of residents born in Australia, and 97.1% speaking only English at home. Christianity is the dominant religion, practiced by 47.7% of local residents, compared to 43.0% across Regional Tas.

Looking at ancestral backgrounds (parents' country of birth), the three most common heritages are English at 37.7%, Australian at 33.9%, and Irish at 7.4%. There are also distinct differences in the representation of other backgrounds: Dutch ancestry is slightly higher at 1.8% (compared to 1.7% in the region), Australian Aboriginal heritage stands at 2.5% (compared to 4.1% regionally), and Serbian ancestry is registered at 0.2% (compared to 0.0% regionally).

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

The median age of 46 years is similar to the Regional Tas. average of 45, and sits well above the Australian median of 38. The age distribution reveals a large proportion of residents in the 75 - 84 bracket (10.2%), while the 45 - 54 bracket is relatively small (10.3%) compared to the wider region. Post-2021 Census figures show the 75 to 84 cohort has expanded from 8.4% to 10.2% of the population, and the 35 to 44 cohort grew from 9.5% to 10.8%. In contrast, the 45 to 54 cohort fell from 12.2% to 10.3%. Demographic modeling projects significant changes by 2041, with the 75 to 84 age bracket expected to rise steadily by 122 people (26%) from 462 to 585. Seniors aged 65 and over will account for 54% of all population growth, highlighting the aging trend, while the 65 to 74 and 0 to 4 brackets are projected to shrink.