Mowbray (Tas.)

An assessment of population growth drivers in Mowbray reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium 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, Mowbray's population is estimated at around 4189 as of November 2025. This reflects an increase of 141 people, or approximately 3.5%, since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 4048 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 4142 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest Economic Regional Population (ERP) data release by the ABS in June 2024, along with an additional 26 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 451 persons per square kilometer, providing significant space per person and potential room for further development. Mowbray's 3.5% growth since census positions it within 0.4 percentage points of the SA3 area (3.9%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 85.0% 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, projections indicate a decline in overall population for the suburb, with the population expected to reduce by 16 persons by 2041 according to this methodology. However, growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, led by the 45 to 54 age group, which is projected to expand by 73 people.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Mowbray according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

Mowbray has seen approximately 10 dwelling approvals annually based on AreaSearch analysis using ABS building approval numbers. Around 54 homes were approved between financial years FY-21 to FY-25, with an additional 6 approved in FY-26 so far. The average new resident per new home over the past five financial years is around 0.9.

This suggests supply meets or exceeds demand, offering greater buyer choice and potential for population growth. Average dwelling development cost is $331,000, aligning with regional trends. In FY-26, Mowbray has seen $1.3 million in commercial approvals, indicating its residential nature. Comparatively, Mowbray shows around 59% of construction activity per person relative to the Rest of Tas., placing it at the 49th percentile nationally.

This suggests limited buyer choices and supports demand for existing homes. The area's activity is below average nationally, reflecting maturity and possible planning constraints. All new construction in Mowbray has been detached dwellings, preserving its low-density nature with an emphasis on family homes despite increasing density pressures. Mowbray reflects a low-density area with around 331 people per approval. With population projections indicating stability or decline, housing demand pressures are expected to reduce, benefiting potential buyers.

Mowbray has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 22ndth percentile nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 22 projects that could affect this region. Notable initiatives include Northern Suburbs Community Recreation Hub (The Hub), kanamaluka Cultural Centre (including Conference & Exhibition Space), UTAS Stadium Redevelopment, and Newnham Subdivision (Fairlands Property). 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.

The labour market performance in Mowbray lags significantly behind most other regions nationally

Mowbray's workforce is skilled with diverse sector representation. The unemployment rate was 6.6% as of June 2024.

In June 2025, the unemployment rate increased to 7.1%, which is 3.2 percentage points higher than Rest of Tas.'s rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation in Mowbray is 59.0%, slightly above Rest of Tas.'s 55.7%. The dominant employment sectors are health care & social assistance, retail trade, and accommodation & food. Mowbray has a particular specialization in accommodation & food, with an employment share of 1.5 times the regional level.

However, construction is under-represented, with only 5.6% of Mowbray's workforce compared to 8.9% in Rest of Tas.. Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. In the 12-month period ending Sep-22, labour force decreased by 1.3%, and employment declined by 0.3%, causing a fall in unemployment rate by 1.0 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 suggest that Mowbray's employment should increase by 6.3% over five years and 13.4% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to Mowbray's employment mix.

Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows that income in Mowbray is below the national average. The median assessed income is $42,608 and the average income stands at $47,116. This contrasts with Rest of Tas.'s figures where the median income is $47,358 and the average income is $57,384. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.83% since financial year 2022, current estimates for Mowbray would be approximately $48,501 (median) and $53,632 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals that household, family and personal incomes in Mowbray all fall between the 9th and 10th percentiles nationally. Income brackets indicate that the predominant cohort spans 31.6% of locals (1,323 people) in the $800 - 1,499 category, unlike trends in the metropolitan region where 28.5% fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 range. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Mowbray, with only 82.0% of income remaining, ranking at the 9th percentile nationally.

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

Dwelling structure in Mowbray, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 84.6% houses and 15.4% other dwellings. In comparison, Non-Metro Tas. had 82.1% houses and 17.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Mowbray was 25.6%, with the remainder mortgaged at 23.3% or rented at 51.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Mowbray was $1,050, below Non-Metro Tas.'s average of $1,300 and Australia's national figure of $1,863. Median weekly rent in Mowbray was $290, compared to Non-Metro Tas.'s $280 and the national figure of $375.

Mowbray features high concentrations of group households and lone person households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households comprise 58.8% of all households, including 21.7% couples with children, 20.6% couples without children, and 14.9% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 41.2%, with lone person households at 31.2% and group households comprising 9.8%. The median household size is 2.5 people, which is larger than the Rest of Tas. average of 2.3.

Mowbray shows below-average educational performance compared to national benchmarks, though pockets of achievement exist

The area's educational profile is notable regionally with university qualification rates at 25.9% among residents aged 15+, surpassing the Rest of Tas. average of 19.3%. Bachelor degrees are prevalent at 14.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (10.2%) and graduate diplomas (1.5%). Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 29.0% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas (6.5%) and certificates (22.5%).

Educational participation is high, with 34.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.6% in primary education, 9.2% in tertiary education, and 6.7% pursuing secondary education. The area offers educational provision through Mowbray Heights Primary School and Launceston Church Grammar School, serving a total of 1,195 students. These institutions demonstrate typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 1009) with balanced educational opportunities. Educational provision is structured conventionally, consisting of one primary and one secondary institution. The area functions as an education hub, offering 28.5 school places per 100 residents, significantly higher than the regional average of 18.3, attracting students from surrounding communities.

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

Mowbray has seven active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 33 different routes that together facilitate 3,042 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility to these stops is moderate, with residents on average located 526 meters from the nearest one.

The service frequency across all routes averages 434 trips per day, which equates to approximately 434 weekly trips per stop.

Health performance in Mowbray is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across the board, though to a considerably higher degree among older age cohorts

Mowbray faces significant health challenges with common health conditions prevalent across all age groups but to a higher degree among older cohorts. Approximately 46% (~1,920 people) have private health cover, compared to 50.6% in the rest of Tasmania and the national average of 55.3%. The most common medical conditions are mental health issues (10.2%) and arthritis (8.6%), while 68.1% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 63.9% in the rest of Tasmania.

Mowbray has 13.4% of residents aged 65 and over (561 people), lower than the 19.9% in the rest of Tasmania. Health outcomes among seniors require more attention due to presenting challenges.

Mowbray 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

Mowbray's population showed higher cultural diversity compared to most local markets, with 33.1% born overseas and 30.2% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Mowbray, comprising 36.2% of its population. The category 'Other' was overrepresented in Mowbray compared to the rest of Tasmania, with 3.2% versus 1.1%.

In terms of ancestry, the top groups were Australian (27.6%), English (26.7%), and Other (18.4%). Notably, Australian Aboriginal (3.7%) and Chinese (3.8%) groups were overrepresented in Mowbray compared to regional averages of 2.7% and 1.6%, respectively. Korean representation was also higher at 0.3%.

Mowbray hosts a very young demographic, ranking in the bottom 10% of areas nationwide

Mowbray has a median age of 32, which is lower than the Rest of Tas. figure of 45, and significantly lower than Australia's median age of 38 years. Compared to the Rest of Tas., the 25-34 cohort is notably over-represented in Mowbray at 23.7%, while the 65-74 year-olds are under-represented at 6.9%. This concentration of the 25-34 age group is well above the national average of 14.5%. Between 2021 and present, the 35 to 44 age group has grown from 12.5% to 14.5%, while the 55 to 64 cohort increased from 9.9% to 11.5%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort has declined from 11.0% to 8.7%, and the 45 to 54 group dropped from 10.0% to 8.6%. Demographic modeling suggests that Mowbray's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 45 to 54 age cohort is projected to expand by 82 people (23%), growing from 360 to 443. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups are expected to account for 63% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. Meanwhile, the 55 to 64 and 25 to 34 cohorts are anticipated to experience population declines.