Smithton

Smithton has shown very soft population growth performance across periods assessed by AreaSearch

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the Census, Smithton's population is estimated at around 3982 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 48 people (1.2%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3934 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 3913, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, and an additional 39 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 43 persons per square kilometer. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by overseas migration during recent periods.

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 with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Anticipating future population dynamics, projections indicate a decline in overall population over this period, with the suburb's population expected to reduce by 215 persons by 2041 according to this methodology. However, growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, led by the 75 to 84 age group, which is projected to increase by 129 people.

The level of residential development activity in Smithton is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, indicates Smithton has experienced around 18 dwellings receiving development approval per year. Approximately 91 homes were approved over the past 5 financial years, between FY-21 and FY-25, with none approved so far in FY-26. Despite population decline in recent years, development activity has been adequate relative to population changes.

The average expected construction cost value of new dwellings is $451,000. This year, $5.7 million in commercial approvals have been registered, suggesting limited focus on commercial development. Recent construction comprises 62.0% detached dwellings and 38.0% townhouses or apartments, indicating an expanding range of medium-density options.

This is a significant change from the current housing mix of 92.0% houses, reflecting reduced availability of development sites and addressing shifting lifestyle demands and affordability requirements. The estimated population per dwelling approval is 874 people, reflecting Smithton's quiet, low activity development environment. With population expected to remain stable or decline, there should be reduced pressure on housing in the area, potentially creating opportunities for buyers.

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

No factors influence a region's performance more than alterations to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has pinpointed 0 projects that could significantly impact this area. Key projects are Bass Highway Wynyard to Marrawah Corridor Strategy, Robbins Island and Jim's Plain Wind, North West Transmission Developments, and Marinus Link. The following list details those most pertinent.

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

Smithton has a diverse workforce with both white and blue collar jobs, notably in manufacturing and industrial sectors. Its unemployment rate is 3.8%, with an estimated employment growth of 2.1% over the past year (AreaSearch data).

As of June 2025, 1,893 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 0.2% lower than Rest of Tas.'s rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation is equal to Rest of Tas.'s 55.7%. Key industries include manufacturing, agriculture, forestry & fishing, and retail trade. Manufacturing employment is particularly high, at 2.7 times the regional average.

Conversely, health care & social assistance has lower representation at 8.0% versus the regional average of 16.5%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work (Census data). In the year to June 2025, employment levels increased by 2.1%, labour force by 2.3%, raising unemployment rate by 0.2 percentage points. By comparison, Rest of Tas. saw employment decline of 0.5% and labour force decline of 0.6%, with marginal unemployment fall. National employment forecasts (Sep-22) project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Smithton's employment mix suggests local employment should grow by 4.3% over five years and 10.5% over ten years, assuming no changes in population projections.

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

Smithton's median taxpayer income is $48,028 and average is $55,132 according to AreaSearch's postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022. This is lower than the national average of $67,944. Rest of Tas., however, has a median income of $47,358 and an average of $57,384. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.83% since financial year 2022, estimated median income for Smithton is approximately $54,670 as of September 2025, with the average being around $62,757. According to the 2021 Census, incomes in Smithton fall between the 12th and 19th percentiles nationally. Income analysis shows that 29.8% of Smithton's population (1,186 individuals) have an income range of $1,500 - 2,999, similar to the regional average of 28.5%. Despite modest housing costs allowing for 87.5% income retention, disposable income in Smithton ranks at only the 17th percentile nationally.

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

Smithton's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, comprised 92.2% houses and 7.8% other dwellings. In contrast, Non-Metro Tas. had 0.0% houses and 0.0% other dwellings. Home ownership in Smithton was 37.2%, with mortgaged dwellings at 34.2% and rented ones at 28.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,083, aligning with Non-Metro Tas.'s average. The median weekly rent was $222, while Non-Metro Tas. had no recorded figures. Nationally, Smithton's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Smithton features high concentrations of lone person households, with a median household size of 2.3 people

Family households account for 66.2% of all households, including 23.3% couples with children, 30.8% couples without children, and 10.8% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 33.8%, with lone person households at 30.8% and group households comprising 3.0%. The median household size is 2.3 people.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 12.0%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 8.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.2%) and graduate diplomas (0.6%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 37.9% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas (7.5%) and certificates (30.4%).

Educational participation is high at 27.6%, including 12.1% in primary education, 9.2% in secondary education, and 2.0% in tertiary education. Smithton's four schools have a combined enrollment of 874 students, serving varied educational conditions (ICSEA: 874). The educational mix includes two primary schools, one secondary school, and one K-12 school. There are 21.9 school places per 100 residents, indicating strong educational infrastructure supporting both local and surrounding communities.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

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

Smithton faces significant health challenges, as indicated by its health data. Both younger and older age groups have high prevalence rates for common health conditions.

Only approximately 49% of Smithton's total population (~1,951 people) has private health cover, which is lower than the national average of 55.3%. The most prevalent medical conditions in the area are arthritis (affecting 10.3% of residents) and asthma (8.4%). A majority of residents, 64.6%, report having no medical ailments, compared to 0% in the Rest of Tas. Smithton has a notable elderly population, with 23.3% of its residents aged 65 and over (927 people). The health outcomes among seniors largely align with those of the general population.

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

Smithton had a lower than average cultural diversity, with 85.7% of its residents being Australian citizens, 89.7% born in Australia, and 95.0% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, making up 48.9% of Smithton's population. Notably, Judaism was overrepresented at 0.1%, compared to None% in the rest of Tasmania.

In terms of ancestry, Australians made up 34.1%, followed by English at 30.0%, and Australian Aboriginal at 12.8%. Some ethnic groups had notable disparities: Maori were overrepresented at 0.7%, Samoan at 0.1%, and Dutch at 1.2% compared to None% regionally for each group.

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

Smithton's median age is 42 years, which is slightly lower than Rest of Tas.'s 45 but higher than the national average of 38 years. Compared to Rest of Tas., Smithton has a higher proportion of residents aged 15-24 (11.9%) but fewer residents aged 45-54 (9.7%). Between the 2021 Census and now, the population aged 35-44 has increased from 10.2% to 12.0%, while the 45-54 age group has decreased from 11.3% to 9.7% and the 25-34 age group has dropped from 12.9% to 11.7%. By 2041, Smithton's population is expected to shift significantly in terms of age composition. The 75-84 age group is projected to grow by 38%, reaching 433 people from the current 314. This demographic aging trend will continue as residents aged 65 and older represent 99% of the anticipated population growth. Conversely, both the 0-4 and 15-24 age groups are expected to decrease in numbers.