Rokeby (Tas.)

Rokeby lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

As of May 2026, the population of the suburb of Rokeby (Tas.) is estimated to be around 5,437 people. This reflects a significant increase from the 2021 Census figure of 4,211 people, marking a growth of 1,226 individuals or approximately 29.1%. This change can be inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 5,322 following their examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and the validation of an additional 602 new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 453 persons per square kilometer, indicating ample space per person with potential room for further development. Notably, Rokeby's growth rate since the 2021 census exceeded that of both its SA4 region (3.9%) and Greater Hobart. The primary driver behind this growth was interstate migration, contributing approximately 70% of overall population gains during recent periods.

However, all factors including natural growth and overseas migration were positive contributors. 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, projections post-2032 are estimated using Tasmania State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2022 with a base year of 2021, adjusted through a method of weighted aggregation from LGA to SA2 levels. Based on these projected demographic shifts and aggregated SA2-level projections, the suburb of Rokeby (Tas.) is expected to grow by an above median rate nationally. By 2041, it is projected to gain an additional 1,083 persons, reflecting a total increase of approximately 17.8% over the 16-year period.

The level of residential development activity in Rokeby was found to be higher than 90% of real estate markets across the country

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, Rokeby has experienced around 122 dwellings receiving development approval per year. Approximately 611 homes have been approved over the past 5 financial years, between FY-21 and FY-25, with an additional 74 approved so far in FY-26. Each dwelling built over these years has resulted in an average of 2.1 new residents per year.

The average expected construction cost value for new homes is $393,000, indicating developers are targeting the premium market segment with higher-end properties. This financial year, $26.7 million in commercial approvals have been registered, suggesting steady commercial investment activity. Compared to Greater Hobart, Rokeby has 343.0% more new home approvals per person. Recent construction activity has eased, though it remains well above average nationally, reflecting strong developer confidence in the area. All new construction has comprised detached dwellings, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space.

The location has approximately 51 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market. Looking ahead, Rokeby is expected to grow by 968 residents through to 2041, according to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

Rokeby has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 20thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. Two projects identified by AreaSearch are likely to impact this area: Cambridge-Clarence Recycled Water Interconnector, Lauderdale Primary School, Droughty Peninsula Structure Plan, and Tasman Highway Duplication Project. The following details those most relevant:.

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Employment performance in Rokeby has been below expectations when compared to most other areas nationally

Rokeby's workforce comprises skilled individuals with prominent representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 6.4% as of December 2025, with an estimated employment growth of 4.1% over the preceding year, according to AreaSearch data aggregation from statistical areas. As of December 2025, 2,723 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 2.4% higher than Greater Hobart's rate of 4.0%.

Workforce participation was 66.7%, slightly above Greater Hobart's 63.7%. Census responses indicated that only 5.4% of residents worked from home in Rokeby. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, retail trade, and public administration & safety sectors. Retail trade shows strong specialization with an employment share 1.3 times the regional level.

However, professional & technical services are under-represented at 4.1% compared to Greater Hobart's 6.6%. Employment opportunities locally appear limited based on Census working population vs resident population count. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment increased by 4.1%, while labour force grew by 3.8%, reducing the unemployment rate by 0.3 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Hobart saw employment growth of 0.1%, labour force contraction of 0.1%, and a fall in unemployment of 0.2 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project overall employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Rokeby's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.3% over five years and 13.2% over ten years, assuming constant population projections for illustrative purposes.

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

In AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2023, Rokeby's median income among taxpayers is $49,469, with an average of $52,667. This is below the national average. Greater Hobart's median is $54,577 and average is $65,190. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.95% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $54,886 (median) and $58,434 (average) as of March 2026. From the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes all rank modestly in Rokeby, between the 18th and 32nd percentiles. Income analysis reveals 32.4% of the population (1,761 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, consistent with broader trends across the surrounding region showing 32.2% in the same category. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 80.4% of income remaining, ranking at the 16th percentile.

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

The dwelling structure in Rokeby, as per the latest Census, consisted of 94.4% houses and 5.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Hobart metro's 85.3% houses and 14.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Rokeby stood at 20.2%, with the rest of dwellings either mortgaged (41.4%) or rented (38.4%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,300, below Hobart metro's average of $1,517. The median weekly rent in Rokeby was $330, compared to Hobart metro's $350. Nationally, Rokeby's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 68.2% of all households, consisting of couples with children (25.0%), couples without children (21.8%), and single parent families (20.1%). Non-family households constitute the remaining 31.8%, with lone person households at 28.3% and group households comprising 3.5%. The median household size is 2.5 people, larger than the Greater Hobart average of 2.4.

Rokeby faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area's university qualification rate is 19.5%, significantly lower than the SA4 region average of 32.8%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 11.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (6.2%) and graduate diplomas (1.7%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 34.7% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (7.1%) and certificates (27.6%). Educational participation is high at 30.3%, with 11.5% in primary education, 7.3% in secondary education, and 3.7% pursuing tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 30.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.5% in primary education, 7.3% in secondary education, and 3.7% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Rokeby has 45 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 103 different routes that together facilitate 8,179 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents located an average of 168 meters from the nearest stop. Most commuters in this primarily residential area travel outward. Car remains the dominant mode of transport, used by 87% of residents, while bus is used by 9%. On average, there are 1.3 vehicles per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, only 5.4% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Across all routes, an average of 1,168 trips are made daily, equating to approximately 181 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Rokeby is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Rokeby faces significant health challenges, as assessed by AreaSearch through mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Multiple health conditions affect both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is low at 48% of Rokeby's total population (~2,612 people), compared to Greater Hobart's 51.7% and the national average of 55.7%.

Mental health issues and arthritis are the most prevalent conditions, affecting 13.1% and 9.4% of residents respectively. However, 63.5% report no medical ailments, slightly lower than Greater Hobart's 65.5%. Working-age residents face notable health challenges due to higher chronic condition rates. Rokeby has 12.1% of residents aged 65 and over (657 people), lower than Greater Hobart's 20.0%. Health outcomes among seniors are broadly in line with national rankings.

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

Rokeby's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 85.3% of its population being citizens, 85.8% born in Australia, and 87.4% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the main religion in Rokeby, comprising 34.5% of people. However, there was an overrepresentation in the 'Other' category, which makes up 1.7% of Rokeby's population compared to 1.1% across Greater Hobart.

In terms of ancestry, the top three represented groups are English (32.9%), Australian (31.9%), and Other (6.9%). Notably, Australian Aboriginal is overrepresented at 5.1% in Rokeby versus the regional average of 3.0%, while Korean and Sri Lankan groups also show higher representation at 0.2% each compared to their respective regional averages of 0.2% and 0.1%.

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

Rokeby's median age is 32 years, which is significantly lower than Greater Hobart's average of 39 years and Australia's national average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Hobart, Rokeby has a higher proportion of residents aged 25-34 (22.5%), but fewer residents aged 75-84 (3.6%). This concentration of residents aged 25-34 is notably higher than the national average of 14.6%. Between the censuses taken on August 10, 2021 and August 9, 2026, the population aged 35 to 44 increased from 14.0% to 17.5%, while the proportion of residents aged 5 to 14 decreased from 13.3% to 10.6%. Additionally, the percentage of residents aged 45 to 54 fell from 9.8% to 8.7%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate substantial demographic shifts in Rokeby. The number of residents aged 45 to 54 is projected to grow by 88%, adding 413 individuals to reach a total of 887. Conversely, the numbers in the 35 to 44 age range are expected to decrease by 76%.