Penguin

An assessment of population growth drivers in Penguin reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

Population estimates for the suburb of Penguin, based on ABS updates and AreaSearch validation, indicate a population of approximately 4,287 as of Feb 2026. This figure represents an increase of 155 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 4,132. The current resident population estimate is 4,244, derived from AreaSearch's examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 94 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 94 persons per square kilometer. Over the past decade, Penguin has exhibited resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 0.9%, outperforming its SA3 area. Interstate migration contributed approximately 59.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including overseas migration and natural growth were positive factors.

AreaSearch employs 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 are adopted with adjustments made using a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Projections indicate an overall population decline for the suburb by 212 persons by 2041. However, specific age cohorts are expected to grow, notably the 75 to 84 age group, projected to expand by 127 people.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Penguin 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, Penguin has seen around 18 new homes approved each year. An estimated 91 homes have been approved over the past five financial years, between FY21 and FY25, with a further five approved so far in FY26. On average, each dwelling built attracts approximately 2.6 new residents per year over these five financial years, indicating solid demand that supports property values.

New homes are being constructed at an average expected cost of $422,000, suggesting developers focus on the premium market with high-end developments. This financial year has seen $20.4 million in commercial approvals, demonstrating moderate levels of commercial development. Compared to the Rest of Tas., Penguin has slightly more development, with 12.0% above the regional average per person over the five-year period, balancing buyer choice while supporting current property values.

Recent building activity consists entirely of detached houses, preserving the area's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. With around 258 people per dwelling approval, Penguin exhibits characteristics of a low-density area. Given that population is expected to remain stable or decline, there should be reduced pressure on housing in Penguin, potentially creating opportunities for buyers.

Penguin has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

The performance of an area is significantly influenced by changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified nine projects that are expected to impact the area. Notable projects include the Dial Regional Sports Complex Infrastructure Upgrades, Ironcliffe Road Upgrade Project, Penguin Town Centre Masterplan, and Frith Street, Penguin Water Main Renewal. The following list details those projects likely to be most 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.

AreaSearch assessment positions Penguin ahead of most Australian regions for employment performance

Penguin has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate is 3.1%. Over the past year, there was an estimated employment growth of 5.7%, based on AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data.

As of September 2025, 2,120 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 0.7% lower than Rest of Tas.'s rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation stands at 61.3%, compared to Rest of Tas.'s 58.6%. According to Census responses, 8.2% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. The dominant employment sectors among residents include health care & social assistance, education & training, and construction.

Penguin shows strong specialization in education & training, with an employment share 1.3 times the regional level. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing employs only 4.9% of local workers, below Rest of Tas.'s 8.4%. Employment opportunities locally appear limited based on Census working population vs resident population count. Over a 12-month period ending in September 2025, employment increased by 5.7% alongside labour force growth of 5.8%, keeping the unemployment rate stable at 3.1%. In contrast, Rest of Tas. saw employment rise by 0.7%, labour force grow by 0.5%, and unemployment fall by 0.2 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project a 6.6% expansion over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Penguin's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.3% over five years and 13.4% over ten years, based on simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year ending June 30, 2023 shows that in Penguin, median income is $47,925 and average income is $58,054. In comparison, Rest of Tas. has a median income of $49,689 and an average income of $59,358. By September 2025, based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.6%, estimated median income in Penguin would be approximately $52,526 and average income would be around $63,627. According to the 2021 Census, incomes in Penguin fall between the 20th and 20th percentiles nationally for households, families, and individuals. The earnings profile indicates that 29.5% of locals (1,264 people) earn between $1,500 and $2,999 annually, similar to the metropolitan region where 28.5% fall into this category. Penguin residents retain 87.1% of their income after housing costs, placing total disposable income at the 24th percentile nationally.

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

The dwelling structure in Penguin, as per the latest Census, consisted of 91.0% houses and 8.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Non-Metro Tas. had 89.9% houses and 10.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Penguin was 41.3%, with the rest being mortgaged (37.1%) or rented (21.7%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,300, higher than Non-Metro Tas.'s average of $1,274. The median weekly rent in Penguin was $260, compared to Non-Metro Tas.'s $250. Nationally, Penguin's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,300 versus Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were also lower at $260 compared to the national figure of $375.

Penguin has a typical household mix, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households constitute 68.1% of all households, including 24.5% couples with children, 32.7% couples without children, and 10.6% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 31.9%, with lone person households at 29.7% and group households making up 1.9% of the total. The median household size is 2.3 people, which matches the average for the Rest of Tas.

Educational outcomes in Penguin fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

The area's university qualification rate is 19.4%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 13.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.6%) and graduate diplomas (2.3%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 40.4% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (9.4%) and certificates (31.0%). Educational participation is high at 26.1%, with 10.8% in primary education, 7.5% in secondary education, and 3.3% pursuing tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 26.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.8% in primary education, 7.5% in secondary education, and 3.3% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Penguin has 21 active public transport stops, served by 57 routes offering 3,692 weekly passenger trips. Residents are typically 343 meters from the nearest stop. Most commute outward, with cars being dominant at 96%. Average vehicle ownership is 1.6 per dwelling. According to the 2021 Census, 8.2% of residents work from home. Service frequency averages 527 trips daily across all routes, equating to approximately 175 weekly trips per stop.

Service frequency averages 527 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 175 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Penguin is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Penguin's health data shows significant issues based on AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are high in both younger and older age groups.

Around half of Penguin's population (approximately 2,151 people) has private health cover, lower than the national average of 55.7%. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (11.3% of residents) and mental health issues (9.5%). About 61.3% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 62.0% in the rest of Tasmania. Working-age individuals face notable health challenges due to high chronic condition rates. Penguin has a significant senior population, with 25.7% being aged 65 and over (1,101 people). Health outcomes among seniors present additional challenges, ranking higher than the general population nationally.

The latest Census data sees Penguin placing among the least culturally diverse areas in the country when compared across a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Penguin's population showed limited cultural diversity, with 88.9% born in Australia, 92.4% being citizens, and 97.7% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 42.4%. There was no representation of Judaism (0.0%), compared to 0.1% regionally.

Ancestry-wise, Australian (34.5%) and English (33.7%) were the largest groups, followed by Scottish at 6.9%. Notably, Dutch were overrepresented at 2.2%, Australian Aboriginal at 5.7%, and French at 0.5%.

Penguin hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Penguin's median age is 47, slightly higher than Rest of Tas.'s 45 and Australia's 38 years. Compared to Rest of Tas., Penguin has an over-representation of the 45-54 cohort (12.4%) and under-representation of the 25-34 cohort (9.8%). Since 2021, the 35-44 age group has increased from 10.4% to 11.9%, while the 45-54 cohort has decreased from 13.6% to 12.4%. By 2041, projections indicate significant shifts in Penguin's age structure. The 75-84 age group is expected to grow by 115 people (31%), from 372 to 488. Residents aged 65 and above will drive 72% of population growth, reflecting demographic aging trends. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 0-4 and 25-34 age cohorts.