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

As of May 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Oakdowns is around 1,971 people. This reflects an increase of 74 individuals since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,897 people. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 1,925 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025, and an additional 42 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 2,559 persons per square kilometer, placing Oakdowns in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Over the past decade ending in 2021, Oakdowns demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 3.6%, outpacing the SA3 area. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by interstate migration that contributed approximately 70.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including natural growth and overseas migration were positive factors.

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, released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year, 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 national areas is projected for Oakdowns, with the suburb expected to increase by 436 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 19.8% in total over the 16 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area data shows Oakdowns had around 9 new homes approved each year. Between FY-21 and FY-25, approximately 46 homes were approved, with a further 5 approved in FY-26. Over the past five financial years, an average of 4.7 people moved to the area for each dwelling built.

This outpaces supply, potentially driving up prices and increasing buyer competition. New properties are constructed at an average expected cost of $393,000, indicating a focus on premium market segments. In FY-26, commercial approvals totalled $433,000, suggesting a predominantly residential focus.

Compared to Greater Hobart, Oakdowns has around 75% of the construction activity per person and ranks in the 43rd percentile nationally for assessed areas. This may limit buyer options while strengthening demand for established homes. Recent building activity consists solely of detached dwellings, maintaining Oakdowns' suburban identity with a concentration of family homes. With approximately 388 people per dwelling approval, Oakdowns indicates a developed market. Population forecasts estimate Oakdowns will gain 390 residents by 2041. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing buyer competition and supporting stronger price growth.

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

No factors influence a region's performance more than alterations to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified zero projects expected to impact this area. Key projects include Lauderdale Primary School, Droughty Peninsula Structure Plan, Cambridge-Clarence Recycled Water Interconnector, and Tasman Highway Duplication Project. 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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The employment landscape in Oakdowns presents a mixed picture: unemployment remains low at 3.5%, yet recent job losses have affected its comparative national standing

Oakdowns has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. Its unemployment rate is 3.5%, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of December 2025981 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 0.5% below Greater Hobart's rate of 4.0%.

Workforce participation in Oakdowns is 68.4%, compared to Greater Hobart's 63.7%. Census responses indicate that a low 7.4% of residents work from home, potentially impacted by Covid-19 lockdowns. Key industries for employment among residents are 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 but has a lower representation of accommodation & food services at 5.8% compared to Greater Hobart's 8.0%.

Limited local employment opportunities are suggested by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Between December 2024 and December 2025, labour force levels decreased by 5.1%, with employment down by 5.3%, leading to an unemployment rate rise of 0.2 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Hobart saw employment growth of 0.1% and a fall in unemployment of 0.2 percentage points during the same period. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project overall employment growth by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying rates across industry sectors. Applying these projections to Oakdowns' employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.5% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localized population projections.

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

AreaSearch's latest data for financial year 2023 shows that Oakdowns' median income is $65,982 and average income is $70,248. This is higher than the national averages of $54,577 (median) and $65,190 (average) for Greater Hobart. Based on a 10.95% growth in Wage Price Index since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of March 2026 would be approximately $73,207 (median) and $77,940 (average). The 2021 Census ranks Oakdowns' personal income at the 74th percentile ($959 weekly) and household income at the 51st percentile. Income distribution shows that 46.2% of individuals earn between $1,500 - 2,999, similar to the regional figure of 32.2%. Housing costs consume 16.2% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 52nd percentile. Oakdowns' 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

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

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

Family households constitute 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 account for the remaining 27.1%, with lone person households at 25.2% and group households comprising 2.5%. The median household size is 2.5 people, which is 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%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 14.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.1%) and graduate diplomas (3.1%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 41.5% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (9.9%) and certificates (31.6%). Educational participation is high at 29.7%, with 11.8% in primary education, 5.7% in secondary education, and 4.9% pursuing tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 29.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 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 that together facilitate 3029 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically living just 156 meters from the nearest stop. Most Oakdowns residents commute outside the area, and cars remain the primary mode of transportation at 93%. On average, there are 1.4 vehicles per dwelling in the area. According to the 2021 Census, only 7.4% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions.

Across all routes, an average of 432 trips are made daily, equating to around 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 shows below-average health outcomes, according to AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are higher than average, particularly for common health conditions affecting both younger and older age groups.

Private health cover is very high at approximately 55% of the total population (1,084 people), compared to 51.7% across Greater Hobart. Mental health issues impact 11.7% of residents, while arthritis affects 8.2%. A total of 67.2% declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 65.5% in Greater Hobart. Health outcomes among the working-age population are typical. The area has 14.5% of residents aged 65 and over (285 people), which is lower than the 20.0% in Greater Hobart. 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 below average cultural diversity with 90.7% citizens, 88.6% born in Australia, and 92.3% speaking English only at home as of the report dated June 2015. Christianity was the main religion, comprising 43.9%. Islam was overrepresented at 1.1%, compared to Greater Hobart's 1.3%.

Top ancestry groups were Australian (34.5%), English (34.3%), and Irish (7.0%). Dutch (1.7%) and Korean (0.4%) were notably overrepresented, while Australian Aboriginal was slightly underrepresented at 2.6% compared to the regional average of 3.0%.

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 also considerably younger than the national average of 38 years. The 35-44 age group comprises 19.2% of Oakdowns' population, compared to Greater Hobart, while the 55-64 cohort makes up only 5.2%. Between 2021 and present, the 35-44 age group has increased from 14.4% to 19.2%, and the 0-4 cohort has risen from 8.1% to 9.7%. Conversely, the 55-64 cohort has decreased from 8.6% to 5.2%, and the 25-34 group has fallen from 22.2% to 19.4%. Population forecasts for Oakdowns indicate substantial demographic shifts by 2041. The 45-54 age cohort is projected to rise significantly, increasing by 181 people (84%) from 214 to 396. Conversely, the 35-44 age range is expected to decrease by 39 people.