Mount Nelson

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

Based on analysis of Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the Census, Mount Nelson's population is estimated at around 2,883 as of November 2025. This reflects an increase of 134 people (4.9%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,749 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 2,866 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest Estimated Resident Population data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 20 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 539 persons per square kilometer, providing significant space per person and potential room for further development. Mount Nelson's 4.9% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area (2.3%), along with the SA4 region, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 92.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and to estimate growth by age group in the years post-2032, the 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. Moving forward with demographic trends, an above median population growth of Australian statistical areas is projected, with the suburb expected to increase by 469 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting recording a gain of 14.6% in total over the 17 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

Mount Nelson averaged approximately five new dwelling approvals annually. Between FY-21 and FY-25, 26 homes were approved, with another three in FY-26 as of current data. This translates to around an average of 1.2 people moving to the area per dwelling built over these years. However, recent data shows this ratio has increased to 6.5 people per dwelling over the past two financial years, indicating growing popularity and potential supply constraints.

The average construction value for development projects in Mount Nelson is $739,000, suggesting a focus on premium market properties. This year, there have been $8.2 million in commercial approvals, reflecting the area's predominantly residential nature. Compared to Greater Hobart, Mount Nelson has roughly two-thirds the rate of new dwelling approvals per person and ranks among the 23rd percentile nationally for housing choices, potentially driving demand for existing homes due to limited options. Recent building activity consists exclusively of detached houses, maintaining the area's traditional low-density character and appealing to those seeking family homes with space.

The estimated population density is 705 people per dwelling approval. Future projections indicate Mount Nelson will add approximately 422 residents by 2041. At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to keep pace with population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Mount Nelson has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 17thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified eight projects likely to impact the area. Key projects include Southern Outlet Transit Lane, Mount Nelson and Sandy Bay Neighbourhood Plan (scheduled for completion in 2025), Fragrance Group Conservatorium Development (commenced April 2019), and University of Tasmania Sandy Bay Campus Redevelopment (expected completion in late 2024). The following list details those 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 a highly educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. Its unemployment rate is 1.0%, as per AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

As of June 2025, 1,527 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 3.2% lower than Greater Hobart's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation is similar to Greater Hobart's 61.6%. Key industries include education & training, health care & social assistance, and professional & technical services. Notably, employment in education & training is at 1.6 times the regional average.

However, construction has limited presence with 5.7% employment compared to the regional average of 8.7%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Between June 2024 and June 2025, the labour force decreased by 1.3%, with employment decreasing by 1.1%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.2 percentage points. This contrasts with Greater Hobart where employment contracted by 1.5%, the labour force fell by 1.6%, and unemployment fell by 0.2 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 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, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localised population projections.

The economic profile demonstrates above-average performance, with income metrics exceeding national benchmarks based on AreaSearch comparative assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows that median income in Mount Nelson is $54,324 and average income stands at $91,889. This contrasts with Greater Hobart's figures of a median income of $51,272 and an average income of $63,777. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.83% since financial year 2022, current estimates would be approximately $61,837 (median) and $104,597 (average) as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes in Mount Nelson are around the 52nd percentile nationally. The earnings profile shows that 31.1% of residents earn between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly, mirroring the broader area where 32.2% fall into this bracket. After housing costs, residents retain 87.8% of their income, reflecting strong purchasing power. The area'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

Dwelling structure in Mount Nelson, as assessed at the latest Census held on 27 August 2016, consisted of 80.9% houses and 19.1% other dwellings such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. In contrast, Hobart metropolitan area had 69.2% houses and 30.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Mount Nelson stood at 40.4%, with mortgaged dwellings accounting for 31.2% and rented dwellings making up 28.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,586, lower than Hobart metro's average of $1,800 as recorded on 27 August 2016. The median weekly rent figure for Mount Nelson was $320 compared to Hobart metro's $390 on the same date. Nationally, Mount Nelson's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially below the national figure of $375 as of 27 August 2016.

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 make up the remaining 31.2%, with lone person households at 27.0% and group households comprising 4.4%. The median household size is 2.5 people, which is larger than the Greater Hobart average of 2.3.

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

Mount Nelson's educational attainment exceeds broader standards. Among residents aged 15+, 54.4% possess university qualifications, compared to 25.5% in Tasmania (TAS) and 30.4% nationally. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 28.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (19.4%) and graduate diplomas (6.2%). Vocational pathways account for 21.8%, with advanced diplomas at 10.1% and certificates at 11.7%.

Educational participation is high, with 32.2% currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.0% in primary education, 9.1% in tertiary education, and 7.7% pursuing secondary education. Mount Nelson Primary School and Hobart College serve a total of 1,587 students. The area's socio-educational conditions are above average (ICSEA: 1085). Educational provision follows conventional lines, with one primary and one secondary institution. As an education hub, the area offers 55 school places per 100 residents, significantly higher than the regional average of 22.7, attracting students from nearby communities.

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

Transport analysis shows 33 active transport stops in Mount Nelson. These are served by a mix of buses along 56 routes. Together, they facilitate 4,491 weekly passenger trips.

Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents located an average of 177 meters from the nearest stop. Service frequency averages 641 trips per day across all routes, resulting in approximately 136 weekly trips per individual stop.

Mount Nelson's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with a fairly standard level of common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts

Mount Nelson residents have relatively positive health outcomes, with common conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts at a fairly standard level. As of March 2021, approximately 64% (1,832 people) have private health cover, which is higher than Greater Hobart's 58.9% and the national average of 55.3%. Mental health issues and arthritis are the most common conditions in the area, affecting 9.6% and 8.3% of residents respectively.

Around 68.5% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to Greater Hobart's 69.8%. The area has a senior population (aged 65 and over) of 19.2%, or 553 people. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, outperforming the general population in health metrics.

Mount Nelson was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Mount Nelson, as of the 2016 Census, had a higher cultural diversity than most local areas with 26.6% of its population born overseas and 18.7% speaking languages other than English at home. Christianity was the dominant religion in Mount Nelson at 33.5%. Islam, however, was more prevalent in Mount Nelson at 2.5%, compared to Greater Hobart's 1.9%.

The top three ancestry groups were English at 28.9%, Australian at 23.9%, and Other at 9.4%. Notably, Welsh (0.9% vs 0.6%), Russian (0.6% vs 0.3%), and Dutch (1.8% vs 1.6%) groups were more represented in Mount Nelson compared to regional averages.

Mount Nelson's median age exceeds the national pattern

Mount Nelson's median age is 39 years, aligning with the Greater Hobart average of 39 and closely matching the Australian median of 38. Locally, the 15-24 cohort is notably over-represented at 14.5%, while those aged 25-34 are under-represented at 11.0%. Post the 2021 Census, the 15-24 age group has increased from 11.5% to 14.5%, and the 75-84 cohort has risen from 5.2% to 6.6%. Conversely, the 25-34 cohort has decreased from 13.3% to 11.0%, and the 65-74 group has dropped from 12.5% to 10.8%. By 2041, demographic modeling projects significant changes in Mount Nelson's age profile. The 45-54 cohort is expected to grow by 42%, adding 150 residents to reach 511. Meanwhile, both the 65-74 and 35-44 age groups are projected to decrease in numbers.