Oakdowns

Oakdowns lies within the top 10% of areas nationally in terms of population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of short and medium-term trends

Based on ABS population updates and AreaSearch validations since Feb 2026, the suburb of Oakdowns has an estimated population of around 1,978. This reflects a 4.3% increase from the 2021 Census figure of 1,897 people. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's resident population estimate of 1,926 in Jun 2024 and an additional 42 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 2,568 persons per square kilometer, placing Oakdowns in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Over the past decade ending Feb 2026, Oakdowns has shown resilient growth with a compound annual growth rate of 4.7%, outpacing its SA3 area. Interstate migration contributed approximately 70% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including natural growth and overseas migration were positive factors.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, Tasmania State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2022 with a base year of 2021 are adopted and adjusted employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Looking ahead, an above median population growth is projected for Oakdowns, with the suburb expected to increase by 544 persons to reach 2,522 by 2041, reflecting a total increase of 38.4% over the 17-year period.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Oakdowns recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area data, Oakdowns has seen around 9 new homes approved each year. Over the past 5 financial years, between FY-21 and FY-25, an estimated 47 homes were approved, with a further 3 approved so far in FY-26. This indicates an average of approximately 10 people moving to the area per dwelling built over these years.

Given this demand outpacing supply, it typically puts upward pressure on prices and increases competition among buyers. The average construction value of new properties is $393,000, suggesting developers are targeting the premium market segment with higher-end properties. In FY-26, commercial approvals amount to $433,000, indicating a predominantly residential focus in Oakdowns compared to Greater Hobart, which shows 19.0% lower construction activity per person.

Nationally, Oakdowns places among the 41st percentile of areas assessed, suggesting somewhat limited buyer options while demand for established homes strengthens. Recent building activity consists entirely of detached dwellings, sustaining the area's suburban identity with a concentration of family homes suited to buyers seeking space. With around 393 people per dwelling approval, Oakdowns shows a developed market. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Oakdowns is forecasted to gain 759 residents by 2041. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

Oakdowns has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 19thth percentile nationally

No changes can significantly affect a region's performance like alterations to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has pinpointed 0 projects that are expected to impact this area. Notable projects include Lauderdale Primary School, Droughty Peninsula Structure Plan, Cambridge-Clarence Recycled Water Interconnector, and Tasman Highway Duplication Project. The following list details those likely to be most relevant.

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The exceptional employment performance in Oakdowns places it among Australia's strongest labour markets

Oakdowns has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate is 1.3%. Employment stability over the past year is relative.

As of September 2025, 1,258 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 2.8% below Greater Hobart's rate of 4.0%. Workforce participation is high at 84.4%, compared to Greater Hobart's 63.8%. According to Census responses, 7.4% of residents work from home. Dominant employment sectors include health care & social assistance, public administration & safety, and education & training.

Oakdowns specializes in public administration & safety with an employment share 1.4 times the regional level. Accommodation & food services are under-represented at 5.8% compared to Greater Hobart's 8.0%. Limited local employment opportunities are indicated by Census working population vs resident population counts. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment increased by 0.1%, labour force decreased by 0.3%, causing unemployment rate to fall by 0.4 percentage points. In Greater Hobart, employment fell by 0.7%, labour force contracted by 0.9%, and unemployment fell by 0.2 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia for May-25 project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying rates between sectors. Applying these projections to Oakdowns's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.5% over ten years.

Income analysis reveals strong economic positioning, with the area outperforming 60% of locations assessed nationally by AreaSearch

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year ending June 30, 2023 shows that Oakdowns suburb had a median income of $65,982 and an average income of $70,248. This is higher than the national figures of $54,577 (median) and $65,190 (average) for Greater Hobart. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.6% since financial year ending June 30, 2023, estimated median income as of September 2025 would be approximately $72,316 and average income around $76,992. According to Census 2021 data, Oakdowns' personal income ranks at the 74th percentile ($959 weekly) and household income at the 51st percentile. Income distribution shows that 46.2% of locals (913 people) fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 category, similar to the surrounding region where 32.2% occupy this bracket. High housing costs consume 16.2% of income in Oakdowns, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 52nd percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

Oakdowns is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

The dwelling structure in Oakdowns, as per the latest Census, consisted of 97.8% houses and 2.2% other dwellings (including semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In contrast, Hobart metro had 85.3% houses and 14.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Oakdowns stood at 21.8%, with mortgaged dwellings at 50.5% and rented ones at 27.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,517, aligning with Hobart metro's average, while the median weekly rent was $400, compared to Hobart metro's $350. Nationally, Oakdowns' mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents exceeded the national figure of $375.

Oakdowns has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 72.9% of all households, including 29.9% couples with children, 27.8% couples without children, and 13.6% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 27.1%, with lone person households at 25.2% and group households making up 2.5% of the total. The median household size is 2.5 people, larger than the Greater Hobart average of 2.4.

Oakdowns demonstrates exceptional educational outcomes, ranking among the top 5% of areas nationally based on AreaSearch's comprehensive analysis of qualification and performance metrics

The area's university qualification rate is 22.6%, significantly lower than the SA4 region average of 32.8%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 14.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.1%) and graduate diplomas (3.1%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 41.5% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas (9.9%) and certificates (31.6%).

Educational participation is high, with 29.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 11.8% in primary education, 5.7% in secondary education, and 4.9% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Oakdowns has ten active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 45 different routes, together providing 3029 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents located an average of 156 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to Oakdowns being primarily residential. Cars remain the dominant mode of transport, used by 93% of residents. On average, there are 1.4 vehicles per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, only 7.4% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 432 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 302 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health outcomes in Oakdowns are marginally below the national average with common health conditions slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age cohorts

Oakdowns' health indicators show below-average outcomes, according to AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are higher than average for both younger and older age groups.

Private health cover is very high at approximately 55% of the total population (~1,087 people), compared to 51.7% across Greater Hobart. The most prevalent medical conditions are mental health issues (11.7%) and arthritis (8.2%). A total of 67.2% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 65.5% in Greater Hobart. Health outcomes among the working-age population are typical. Oakdowns has 12.7% of residents aged 65 and over (251 people), lower than Greater Hobart's 19.9%. National rankings for health outcomes are broadly in line with the general population.

Oakdowns ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Oakdowns had a cultural diversity score below average, with 90.7% of its residents being citizens, 88.6% born in Australia, and 92.3% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Oakdowns, comprising 43.9% of the population. However, Islam was overrepresented compared to Greater Hobart, making up 1.1% versus 1.3%.

The top three ancestry groups were Australian (34.5%), English (34.3%), and Irish (7.0%). Notably, Dutch ancestry was slightly overrepresented at 1.7%, Korean at 0.4%, and Australian Aboriginal at 2.6%.

Oakdowns's young demographic places it in the bottom 15% of areas nationwide

Oakdowns's median age of 33 years is significantly younger than Greater Hobart's 39 and the national average of 38. The percentage of residents aged 35-44 is high at 18.9%, compared to Greater Hobart, while those aged 65-74 are less prevalent at 6.3%. Between 2021 and present, the proportion of residents aged 35-44 has increased from 14.4% to 18.9%. Conversely, the percentage of residents aged 5-14 has decreased from 13.7% to 11.9%, and those aged 25-34 have dropped from 22.2% to 20.6%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant changes for Oakdowns. The number of residents aged 45-54 is expected to grow by 221 people (an increase of 115%), from 191 to 413. Meanwhile, the number of residents aged 35-44 is projected to grow by a modest 5% (an increase of 20 people).