Port Sorell

Population growth drivers in Port Sorell 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, the estimated population of Port Sorell as of November 2025 is around 2,249 people. This reflects an increase of 28 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,221 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 2,223 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 36 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 225 persons per square kilometer. Over the past decade, Port Sorell has demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 2.0%, outpacing the SA3 area. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by interstate migration that contributed approximately 79.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data and to estimate growth by age group 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. As we examine future population trends, a population increase just below the median of Australian non-metropolitan areas is expected for Port Sorell. The suburb is expected to expand by 125 persons to reach 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 8.8% in total over the 17 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers from statistical area data indicates Port Sorell has received around 16 dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling approximately 81 homes. As of FY-26, one approval has been recorded. On average, each dwelling has attracted 2.1 new residents annually between FY-21 and FY-25, reflecting robust demand that supports property values. New homes are being constructed at an average cost of $506,000, which is somewhat higher than regional norms, indicative of quality-focused development.

In the current financial year, commercial approvals valued at $441,000 have been registered, demonstrating the area's residential nature. Compared to the Rest of Tas., Port Sorell has recorded construction levels 22.0% above the regional average per person over the past five years, offering reasonable buyer options while sustaining existing property demand. However, building activity has slowed in recent years.

All new construction comprises detached dwellings, maintaining the area's traditional low-density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. With around 309 people per dwelling approval, Port Sorell exhibits characteristics of a low-density area. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Port Sorell is expected to grow by 198 residents through to 2041. Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering favourable conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified five projects likely affecting the region. Notable ones are Entrance to Port Sorell Roundabout Improvements, Cradle Coast NRM - Rice Grass Control Program, Port Sorell Area Drainage, and Camp Banksia and Banksia Centre Redevelopment. The following list details those 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.

The labour market in Port Sorell demonstrates typical performance when compared to similar areas across Australia

Port Sorell has a skilled workforce with prominent representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate is 3.6%, with an estimated employment growth of 1.4% over the past year (AreaSearch data).

As of June 2025, there are 1,063 residents employed, and the unemployment rate is 0.3% lower than Rest of Tas.'s rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation is somewhat below standard at 53.7%, compared to Rest of Tas.'s 55.7%. Leading industries include health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. The area specializes in construction employment with a share 1.4 times the regional level.

Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented at 5.6% compared to Rest of Tas.'s 8.4%. Employment opportunities appear limited locally based on Census data. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment levels increased by 1.4%, labour force by 1.6%, raising the unemployment rate by 0.1 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Tas. saw employment contract by 0.5% and unemployment fall marginally. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Port Sorell's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.2% over five years and 13.2% over ten years, although this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows Port Sorell's median income among taxpayers is $49,606. The average income in Port Sorell during this period was $61,173. These figures are lower than the national averages. In comparison, Rest of Tas.'s median income was $47,358 with an average of $57,384. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.83% since financial year 2022, current estimates for Port Sorell's median and average incomes are approximately $56,467 and $69,633 respectively as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census figures, household, family and personal incomes in Port Sorell all fall between the 20th and 22nd percentiles nationally. The largest income bracket comprises 29.9% earning $1,500 - $2,999 weekly, with 672 residents falling into this category. This pattern is similar to that seen at regional levels where 28.5% occupy the same income range. Housing costs in Port Sorell are modest, with 88.0% of income retained after expenses. However, the total disposable income ranks at just the 25th percentile nationally.

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

In Port Sorell, as per the latest Census, 90.3% of dwellings were houses with the remaining 9.7% being semi-detached, apartments, or other types. This distribution is similar to Non-Metro Tas., which also had 90.3% houses and 9.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Port Sorell stood at 47.7%, with mortgaged dwellings at 31.9% and rented ones at 20.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,356, higher than Non-Metro Tas.'s average of $1,300. Weekly rent in Port Sorell was $275 compared to Non-Metro Tas.'s $250. Nationally, Port Sorell's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,356 versus Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were also lower at $275 compared to the national figure of $375.

Port Sorell has a typical household mix, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households constitute 73.0% of all households, including 24.2% couples with children, 39.1% couples without children, and 9.3% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 27.0%, with lone person households at 24.2% and group households making up 2.0%. The median household size is 2.3 people, aligning with the average for the Rest of Tas.

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

The area has lower university qualification rates at 16.9%, compared to the Australian average of 30.4%. This presents both challenges and opportunities for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most common at 12.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.1%) and graduate diplomas (1.7%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 41.3% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (8.2%) and certificates (33.1%).

A significant 22.5% of the population is actively pursuing formal education, including 9.2% in primary, 6.0% in secondary, and 2.8% in tertiary education. Port Sorell Primary School serves the local educational needs within Port Sorell, with an enrollment of 289 students as of a recent report. The school focuses exclusively on primary education, with secondary options available in nearby areas, reflecting typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 989) and balanced educational opportunities.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

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

Port Sorell faces significant health challenges, with common conditions prevalent across both younger and older age groups. Private health cover stands at approximately 51% of the total population (~1,156 people), slightly lower than the SA2 area average of 48.3%.

The most common medical conditions are arthritis (affecting 12.6% of residents) and asthma (7.7%), with 61.9% reporting no medical ailments, compared to 61.1% in Rest of Tas. Residents aged 65 and over comprise 30.6% of the population (688 people), higher than the 25.4% in Rest of Tas. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, outperforming the general population in health metrics.

Port Sorell is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Port Sorell's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 86.8% of its population born in Australia, 92.3% being citizens, and 96.9% speaking English only at home. The predominant religion in Port Sorell is Christianity, comprising 42.6% of the population. However, Judaism is notably overrepresented, making up 0.3% compared to 0.1% across the rest of Tasmania.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups are English (35.9%), Australian (34.8%), and Irish (6.9%). Some ethnic groups show significant differences: Hungarian is overrepresented at 0.4% in Port Sorell compared to 0.1% regionally, Dutch at 1.6% versus 1.4%, and Australian Aboriginal at 3.3% versus 4.7%.

Port Sorell ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

The median age in Port Sorell is 52 years, significantly higher than the Rest of Tas.'s average of 45 and the national norm of 38. The 65 - 74 age cohort is notably over-represented in Port Sorell at 17.8%, compared to the Rest of Tas.'s average and the national figure of 9.4%. Conversely, the 25 - 34 age group is under-represented at 7.1%. Between the 2021 Census and present, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 8.4% to 10.8%, while the 15 to 24 cohort increased from 8.1% to 9.2%. The 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 14.0% to 12.3%, and the 25 to 34 group dropped from 8.4% to 7.1%. By 2041, Port Sorell's age composition is expected to shift notably. The 45 to 54 age cohort is projected to grow steadily, increasing by 107 people (39%) from 276 to 384. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 66% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. Conversely, both the 0 to 4 and 25 to 34 age groups are expected to see reduced numbers.