Mount Nelson

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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, as of May 2026, the suburb of Mount Nelson's population is estimated at around 2,886. This reflects an increase of 137 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,749 people. The change was inferred from the resident population of 2,886, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and an additional 21 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 540 persons per square kilometer. Mount Nelson's growth rate of 5.0% since the 2021 census exceeded that of the SA3 area (1.8%) and the SA4 region, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, contributing approximately 92.0% 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 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. Based on aggregated SA2-level projections, an above median population growth is projected for the area, with an expected increase of 406 persons by 2041, reflecting a gain of 14.1% in total over the 16 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in Mount Nelson, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Mount Nelson averaged around 7 new dwelling approvals each year. Between FY-21 and FY-25, an estimated 36 homes were approved, with 6 more in FY-26. Over these years, the average new residents per year per dwelling constructed was 0.8.

This indicates that new supply is meeting or exceeding demand, offering ample buyer choice and capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts. The average value of new dwellings developed is $739,000, suggesting developers are targeting the premium market segment with higher-end properties. In FY-26, there have been $10.9 million in commercial approvals, demonstrating moderate levels of commercial development. Compared to Greater Hobart, Mount Nelson has similar development levels per person, maintaining market balance consistent with the broader area.

This activity is below average nationally, reflecting the area's maturity and possible planning constraints. Recent building activity consists entirely of detached houses, preserving the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. New construction favours detached housing more than current patterns suggest (81.0% at Census), indicating ongoing robust demand for family homes despite increasing density pressures. The estimated count of 634 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment. Future projections show Mount Nelson adding 406 residents by 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially heightening buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Mount Nelson has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 21stth percentile nationally

The performance of an area is significantly influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified eight projects that are expected to impact the area. Notable projects include the Southern Outlet Transit Lane, Mount Nelson and Sandy Bay Neighbourhood Plan, Fragrance Group Conservatorium Development, and University of Tasmania Sandy Bay Campus Redevelopment. The following list outlines those projects deemed most relevant.

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

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Employment conditions in Mount Nelson rank among the top 10% of areas assessed nationally

Mount Nelson has an educated workforce with prominent professional services. Its unemployment rate is 0.9% and it saw a 0.9% growth in employment over the past year (AreaSearch data aggregation). As of December 2025, 1,582 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 3.2%, lower than Greater Hobart's 4.0%.

Workforce participation is 65.7%, comparable to Greater Hobart's 63.7%. Only 12.8% of residents work from home (Census data). Major employment sectors include education & training, health care & social assistance, and professional & technical services. Education & training has a strong presence with an employment share 1.6 times the regional level.

Construction has limited representation at 5.7%, compared to the regional average of 8.7%. Employment opportunities locally appear limited based on Census data comparing working population to resident population. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment levels increased by 0.9% and labour force grew by 0.6%, reducing unemployment by 0.3 percentage points (AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data). By comparison, Greater Hobart saw employment growth of 0.1%, labour force decline of 0.1%, and a reduction in unemployment of 0.2 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, released May-25, project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Mount Nelson's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.9% over five years and 14.1% over ten years (simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes, not accounting for localized population projections).

Income levels align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis

Mount Nelson suburb shows median taxpayer income of $54,324 and average income of $91,889 based on latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. This is high nationally compared to Greater Hobart's median income of $54,577 and average income of $65,190. By March 2026, estimates project median income at approximately $60,272 and average income at $101,951, considering Wage Price Index growth of 10.95% since financial year 2023. Mount Nelson's incomes cluster around the 52nd percentile nationally according to census data. Incomes range from $1,500 - 2,999 for 31.1% of residents (897 individuals), aligning with regional levels at 32.2%. After housing costs, residents retain 87.8% of income, indicating strong purchasing power. Mount Nelson's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

Mount Nelson is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Mount Nelson's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 80.9% houses and 19.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Hobart metro's 85.3% houses and 14.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Mount Nelson stood at 40.4%, with mortgaged dwellings at 31.2% and rented ones at 28.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,586, higher than Hobart metro's average of $1,517. The median weekly rent in Mount Nelson was $320, lower than Hobart metro's figure of $350. Nationally, Mount Nelson's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Mount Nelson features high concentrations of group households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 68.8% of all households, including 27.8% couples with children, 29.1% couples without children, and 10.2% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 31.2%, with lone person households at 27.0% and group households comprising 4.4% of the total. The median household size is 2.5 people, larger than the Greater Hobart average of 2.4.

Mount Nelson shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

Mount Nelson has a notably high level of educational attainment among its residents aged 15 and above, with 54.4% possessing university qualifications. This figure exceeds both the Tasmanian average (25.5%) and the national average (30.4%). The area's educational advantage is reflected in its knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees are the most common qualification at 28.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 19.4% and graduate diplomas at 6.2%.

Vocational pathways account for 21.8% of qualifications among those aged 15 and above, with advanced diplomas making up 10.1% and certificates comprising 11.7%. Educational participation is particularly high in Mount Nelson, with 32.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.0% in primary education, 9.1% in tertiary education, and 7.7% pursuing secondary education.

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

Mount Nelson has 33 active public transport stops, all serving buses. These stops are covered by 64 different routes, offering a total of 4563 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically living just 177 meters from the nearest stop. As predominantly residential, most commuters travel outwards. Cars remain the primary mode at 85%, with buses used by 7%. On average, there are 1.4 vehicles per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, only 12.8% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Across all routes, service frequency averages 651 trips daily, equating to around 138 weekly trips per individual stop.

The level of general health in Mount Nelson is notably higher than the national average with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Mount Nelson demonstrates above-average health outcomes based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Both young and old age cohorts show low prevalence of common health conditions. The rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 64% of the total population (1,834 people), compared to 51.7% across Greater Hobart and 55.7% nationally.

The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues impacting 9.6% of residents and arthritis affecting 8.3%. 68.5% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 65.5% across Greater Hobart. Working-age residents show above average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 19.6% of residents aged 65 and over (565 people). Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, with national rankings even higher than the general population.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Mount Nelson was found to be slightly above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Mount Nelson has a higher cultural diversity compared to most local markets, with 26.6% of its population born overseas and 18.7% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Mount Nelson, comprising 33.5% of its population. Islam is overrepresented in Mount Nelson, making up 2.5% compared to 1.3% across Greater Hobart.

The top three ancestry groups are English (28.9%), Australian (23.9%), and Other (9.4%). Notably, Welsh (0.9%) is overrepresented compared to the regional average of 0.5%, as are Russian (0.6% vs 0.2%) and Dutch (1.8% vs 1.5%).

Mount Nelson's population is slightly older than the national pattern

Mount Nelson's median age is 39 years, aligning with Greater Hobart's average of 39 and closely matching Australia's median of 38. Locally, those aged 15-24 are notably over-represented at 15.2%, while those aged 25-34 are under-represented at 11.0%. Post the 2021 Census, the 15 to 24 age group grew from 11.5% to 15.2%, and the 75 to 84 cohort increased from 5.2% to 6.9%. Conversely, the 25 to 34 cohort declined from 13.3% to 11.0%, and the 65 to 74 group dropped from 12.5% to 10.7%. By 2041, demographic modeling projects significant changes in Mount Nelson's age profile. The 45 to 54 cohort is expected to grow by 49%, adding 165 residents to reach 503. Meanwhile, both the 65 to 74 and 35 to 44 age groups are projected to decrease.