Shorewell Park

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

As of Feb 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Shorewell Park is around 2,353. This figure reflects an increase of 203 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,150. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 2,341 following examination of ABS data released in June 2024 and validation of an additional 164 new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 632 persons per square kilometer. The suburb's growth rate of 9.4% since the 2021 census exceeded that of its SA3 area (4.5%) and SA4 region, marking it as a growth leader. Interstate migration contributed approximately 59.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year, and Tasmania State Government's Regional/LGA projections for areas not covered by this data, released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. According to these projections, the suburb's population is expected to decline by 54 persons by 2041. However, growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, particularly the 75 to 84 age group which is projected to expand by 36 people.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Shorewell Park 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 Shorewell Park has experienced approximately 18 dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years. This totals an estimated 92 homes. In FY-26 so far, 12 approvals have been recorded. The average new resident per year per dwelling constructed between FY-21 and FY-25 is 0.8, indicating that supply meets or exceeds demand, providing ample buyer choice and capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts.

Average construction value of new homes is $469,000, suggesting a focus on the premium market with high-end developments. Commercial approvals this financial year total $42.2 million, demonstrating high local commercial activity. Compared to Rest of Tas., Shorewell Park records 115.0% more building activity per person, offering buyers greater choice but showing a recent slowdown in activity. All new construction consists of standalone homes, maintaining the area's traditional low density character focused on family homes.

The location has approximately 160 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market despite stable or declining population expectations, potentially creating housing buying opportunities.

Shorewell Park has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 39thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified one major project likely impacting this region. Key projects include Homes Tasmania - Park Grove Subdivision, University of Tasmania - Cradle Coast Campus Redevelopment (West Park), Burnie Cultural Precinct Redevelopment, and Marinus Link. The following 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 performance in Shorewell Park lags significantly behind most other regions nationally

Shorewell Park has a diverse workforce with equal representation of white and blue collar jobs. The unemployment rate is 12.8%. Over the past year, employment growth was estimated at 4.6%.

As of September 2025734 residents are employed while the unemployment rate stands at 9.0%, higher than Rest of Tas.'s 3.8%. Workforce participation is lower at 44.1% compared to Rest of Tas.'s 58.6%. Only 3.6% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 impacts may have influenced this figure. Leading industries include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and accommodation & food.

Retail trade is particularly strong with an employment share 1.5 times the regional level. Agriculture, forestry & fishing employs just 3.1% of local workers, below Rest of Tas.'s 8.4%. Employment opportunities locally may be limited as indicated by Census data comparing working population to resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment increased by 4.6% while labour force grew by 4.2%, reducing unemployment by 0.3 percentage points. 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. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, published in May-25, project national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Shorewell Park's industry mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.0% over five years and 13.0% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year ending June 2023, Shorewell Park had a median taxpayer income of $35,399 and an average income of $43,036. These figures are below the national averages of $49,689 and $59,358 respectively for Rest of Tas. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.6% since financial year ending June 2023, estimated current incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $38,797 (median) and $47,167 (average). According to Australian Bureau of Statistics Census figures from 2021, household, family, and personal incomes in Shorewell Park all fall within the lowest three percentiles nationally. The earnings profile shows that 35.5% of residents earn between $400 - $799 per week (835 individuals), differing from broader area patterns where the $1,500 - $2,999 band dominates with 28.5%. This indicates a high proportion of lower-income residents, with 47.9% earning under $800 per week, suggesting constrained household budgets across much of Shorewell Park. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 78.4% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the second percentile nationally.

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

Shorewell Park's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 86.7% houses and 13.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro Tas.'s 89.9% houses and 10.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Shorewell Park stood at 18.8%, with the rest being mortgaged (22.3%) or rented (58.9%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,074, below Non-Metro Tas.'s average of $1,274. The median weekly rent figure was $220, compared to Non-Metro Tas.'s $250. Nationally, Shorewell Park's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Shorewell Park features high concentrations of lone person households, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households account for 60.9% of all households, including 18.4% couples with children, 20.0% couples without children, and 21.5% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 39.1%, with lone person households at 35.3% and group households comprising 2.9%. The median household size is 2.3 people, which aligns with the average for the Rest of Tas.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 8.5%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent at 6.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.4%) and graduate diplomas (1.1%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 36.6% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas (6.0%) and certificates (30.6%).

Educational participation is high, with 27.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.5% in primary education, 8.1% in secondary education, and 2.7% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Shorewell Park has 17 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 67 different routes that together facilitate 6,094 weekly passenger trips. The park's transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents on average located 188 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outwards daily due to its residential nature. Cars remain the primary mode of transportation, used by 95% of residents. On average, there is one car per dwelling, lower than the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, only 3.6% of residents work from home, which could be attributed to COVID-19 conditions. Across all routes, an average of 870 trips are made daily, equating to approximately 358 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Shorewell Park faces significant health challenges, as assessed by AreaSearch's evaluation of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Multiple health conditions impact both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is extremely low at approximately 44% (around 1,040 people), compared to 49.1% in the rest of Tasmania and a national average of 55.7%.

Mental health issues affect 14.8% of residents, while asthma impacts 12.1%. Conversely, 49.3% report no medical ailments, compared to 62.0% in the rest of Tasmania. Working-age residents face notable health challenges due to high chronic condition rates. The area has 22.6% (531 people) aged 65 and over, lower than the 24.9% in the rest of Tasmania. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, largely mirroring national rankings for the general population.

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

Shorewell Park, surveyed in June 2016, had a culturally diverse population with 90.0% citizens, 92.8% born in Australia, and 96.9% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the dominant religion, comprising 38.1%. The 'Other' category stood at 0.6%, slightly higher than the regional average of 0.7%.

In terms of ancestry, Australian was prominent at 37.8%, exceeding the regional average of 32.6%. English and Australian Aboriginal followed at 31.9% and 8.7% respectively. Notable differences existed in Sri Lankan (0.2% vs 0.1%), Hungarian (0.2% vs 0.1%), and Spanish (0.3% vs 0.1%) representation compared to regional averages.

Shorewell Park's population is slightly older than the national pattern

Shorewell Park's median age is 40 years, which is significantly below the Rest of Tas. average of 45 but somewhat older than Australia's median age of 38 years. The age profile shows that those aged 15-24 are particularly prominent at 14.2%, while the 55-64 group is comparatively smaller at 10.1% than in Rest of Tas.. Between 2021 and now, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 6.7% to 7.6% of the population. Conversely, the 85+ cohort has declined from 5.3% to 4.3%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate substantial demographic changes for Shorewell Park. The 85+ cohort is projected to grow by 22%, adding 21 residents to reach 123. Senior residents aged 65 and above will drive all of the population growth, underscoring trends towards demographic aging. However, population declines are projected for the 65-74 and 0-4 age cohorts.