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This analysis uses Suburbs and Localities (SAL) boundaries, which can materially differ from Statistical Areas (SA2) even when sharing the same name.
SAL boundaries are defined by Australia Post and the Australian Bureau of Statistics to represent commonly-known suburb names used in postal addresses.
Statistical Areas (SA2) are designed for census data collection and may combine multiple suburbs or use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
est. as @ -- *
2021 Census | -- people
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Smithton has an estimated 3,897 residents, down from 3,934 at the 2021 Census. The population has thinned by an average 0.7% a year over five years, slower than 95% of areas nationally. Density is about 43 people per square kilometre. Population is estimated from ABS Estimated Resident Population releases and GNAF address data, re-based from the 2021 Census and updated annually.
Detail
According to evaluations of broader regional ABS demographic releases alongside post-Census address verification by AreaSearch, the suburb of Smithton is assessed to have approximately 3,897 inhabitants as of Aug 2026. Relative to the 3,934 residents recorded at the 2021 Census, this represents a contraction of 37 people (0.9%). The adjustment incorporates an Estimated Resident Population (ERP) figure of 3,886 determined from the ABS June 2025 data set, combined with 40 validated new addresses added after the Census. Consequently, population density settles at 42 persons per square kilometer, ensuring considerable personal space across the locality.
Net population gains in recent times have been underpinned almost entirely by overseas migration. Projections for the suburb of Smithton utilize ABS/Geoscience Australia models published in 2024 (taking 2022 as the base year), supplemented where needed—and for age breakdowns extending beyond 2032—by the Tasmanian State Government's 2022 releases (using 2021 as the base year) through weighted LGA-to-SA2 geographic distribution. These demographic outlooks point to a broad contraction in resident numbers, anticipating a net reduction of 229 persons by 2041. In contrast to the general downward trajectory, particular demographic segments are set to expand, prominent among them the 75 to 84 age group, which is forecast to increase by 121 people. More detailed breakdowns are available in the age section.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
91 new dwellings have been approved in Smithton over the past five years, an average of 18 a year. That is 4.3 approvals per 1,000 residents. Approvals are currently running at an annualised 2, well below that longer-run average. Figures come from ABS building approvals aggregated to this Suburb (SAL) boundary and are updated monthly as the ABS releases them.
Detail
Analysis of ABS building approvals by AreaSearch, mapped from statistical divisions, indicates that local planning authorities have authorized an average of roughly 18 new homes each year in Smithton. Across the past 5 financial years (from FY-21 to FY-25), around 91 homes received approval, including 2 so far in FY-25. In the context of recent demographic shrinkage, residential construction volume has remained proportionate to demand, offering positive conditions for prospective purchasers, while average construction costs for new dwellings sit at $415,000. Additionally, commercial development has seen modest engagement, with $5.7 million approved across the current financial year.
Recent residential construction shows a distribution of 65.0% detached houses alongside 35.0% townhouses or apartments, introducing a broader spectrum of medium-density formats that range from family residences to affordable compact dwellings. This marks a noticeable shift from the existing housing stock, where standalone houses account for 92.0%, driven by tightening site availability alongside changing household preferences and affordability targets. A ratio of 1114 people per approved dwelling highlights a comparatively restrained and quiet pace of local property development. With demographic forecasts pointing toward flat or decreasing resident numbers, residential market pressures in Smithton are likely to remain subdued, creating an advantageous setting for property buyers.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Smithton
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| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
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SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks 47 current infrastructure and development projects close to Smithton, worth an estimated $1.54 billion. 13 are already under construction and 13 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans residential development, transport & logistics and sports & recreation. Records are compiled from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, council planning portals and public announcements, reviewed and updated daily, then ranked by proximity, construction stage, completion horizon and project scale.
Detail
Infrastructure upgrades, major capital works, and planning programs significantly shape local economic performance, though AreaSearch has identified no major projects likely to directly impact the immediate area. Key regional undertakings include the Bass Highway Wynyard to Marrawah Corridor Strategy, Robbins Island and Jim's Plain Wind, North West Transmission Developments, and Marinus Link, with relevant initiatives outlined below.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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.
Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Wynyard Affordable Housing Development
Development of 47 energy-efficient affordable and social rental homes featuring single and double-storey units in Wynyard, Tasmania. Funded under Round 1 of the Housing Australia Future Fund and delivered by Housing Choices Tasmania in partnership with Homes Tasmania.
Cooee to Wynyard Coastal Pathway
A 13.2 km shared pedestrian and bicycle pathway along Tasmania's north-west coast between Cooee (Burnie) and Wynyard. Works included seven erosion-control rock revetments, penguin fencing upgrades, bridge safety works and integration of existing sections. Officially opened on 24 October 2024.
Bass Highway Cooee to Wynyard Upgrades
Priority works to realign and upgrade an approximate 3.2 kilometre stretch of the Bass Highway from Somerset to Wynyard, including the construction of two overtaking lanes, a central median safety barrier and enhanced lane markings along this section of the highway to improve road safety and traffic congestion.
East Wynyard Foreshore Master Plan
The Master Plan sets a clear vision for the future management and beautification of the East Wynyard Foreshore reserve, addressing opportunities and challenges over a five-year period. It focuses on safe access and circulation, events and markets, nature relaxation and design, and active recreation. Key actions include pathway widening, boardwalk renewal, parking redevelopment, exercise equipment replacement, and sensory garden construction.
Martin Street Subdivision
Staged subdivision to develop 30 new homes near Camp Creek, with minimal impact on road safety. The development includes one lot with six two-bedroom homes and another lot with 24 homes having two or more bedrooms. Estimated cost $9 million.
Bowick Street Subdivision
A residential subdivision developed by Homes Tasmania, providing 36 affordable housing lots ranging from 455m2 to 1430m2, located near the town centre, golf course, and beach in Wynyard. Lots were released for sale starting in 2022, with final stages selling as of 2025.
Seabrook Waters Subdivision
Residential land subdivision opposite the beach and alongside Seabrook Golf Club in East Wynyard. Ongoing releases and sales activity indicate servicing and titles underway or delivered for initial stages, with additional stages flagged. Builders are offering house and land packages tailored to the estate.
Langley Park Building Upgrades
Redevelopment of the Langley Park pavilion and amenities as part of the Somerset Sports Precinct Master Plan. Works include refurbished clubrooms, accessible facilities, all-gender player and umpire changerooms, lift installation, upgraded canteen, spectator seating, public amenities and improved accessibility. Construction commenced in April 2026 and is expected to finish in late 2026.
1,886 residents of Smithton are employed, from a labour force of 1,968. Unemployment sits at 4.2%, with participation at 60.7%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 4.3% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth. Unemployment and labour force come from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, updated quarterly; the industry and occupation profile is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
The local labour market in Smithton spans both professional and industrial roles, featuring strong representation in manufacturing, an unemployment rate of 4.2%, and an estimated 2.8% rise in employment over the preceding year according to AreaSearch regional aggregations. As of March 2026, employed residents total 1,886, while joblessness sits 0.2% above the 3.9% recorded for Regional Tas., and labour force participation remains steady at 60.7% (compared to 58.7% regionally). Census records also showed a modest 4.5% working from home, a figure influenced by contemporary Covid-19 restrictions. Resident employment is primarily anchored by manufacturing, agriculture, forestry & fishing, and retail trade.
Industrial concentration is especially pronounced, with local manufacturing participation reaching 2.7 times the broader regional benchmark. Conversely, health care & social assistance accounts for only 8.0% of local jobs compared to 16.5% across the wider region. Comparisons between the working population and total local residents suggest that a considerable share of workers travel outside the immediate area for their daily employment. According to combined ABS and SALM figures aggregated by AreaSearch, the twelve months to March 2026 saw local employment expand by 2.8% while the workforce expanded by 3.2%, yielding a 0.3 percentage points increase in the jobless rate. In contrast, Regional Tas. experienced a 1.8% rise in employment, a 1.7% increase in the labour pool, and a slight reduction in unemployment. Projections from Jobs and Skills Australia as of Mar-26 provide additional context on future workforce trajectories. While nationwide employment is projected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, industry sector paths vary considerably. Translating these sector benchmarks onto the local occupational structure points to potential employment gains of 4.3% over five years and 10.5% over ten years (calculated via weighted industry extrapolation for indicative purposes, excluding local population adjustments).
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Smithton is $1,189 a week (about $62,000 a year), with median personal income at $652 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $48,028 a year against an average of $55,132. Household income is from the 2021 Census; taxable income is from ATO Taxation Statistics for the latest financial year available, indexed forward using the ABS Wage Price Index.
Detail
Based on ATO postcode data released for financial year 2023, the suburb of Smithton recorded a median taxpayer income of $48,028 alongside an average of $55,132, trailing the Regional Tas. benchmarks of $49,689 (median) and $59,358 (average) as well as national levels. Factoring in subsequent Wage Price Index growth of 10.95% since financial year 2023, estimated earnings stand at approximately $53,287 for the median and $61,169 for the average as of March 2026. The 2021 Census placed local household, family, and individual incomes between the 12th and 19th percentiles nationwide.
The $1,500 - 2,999 bracket is the most prevalent, encompassing 29.8% of residents (1,161 people), closely aligning with the regional share of 28.5%. Although 87.5% of income is retained after housing expenses, overall disposable income sits at the 17th percentile nationally.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Smithton had 1,521 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 92% detached houses and 1% apartments. 34% are owned with a mortgage, 29% rented and 37% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $222 a week and the median mortgage repayment $1,083 a month. Rent absorbs 18.7% of household income here and mortgage repayments 21.0%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
Census records show that separate houses comprise 92.2% of the local dwelling profile, with semi-detached, apartment, and other residential formats accounting for 7.8%, compared to 89.9% and 10.1% across Regional Tas.. Outright home ownership stands at 37.2%, trailing the regional rate, while 34.2% of properties are mortgaged and 28.6% are rented. Typical monthly mortgage payments are comparatively low at $1,083 compared to $1,274 for Regional Tas. and $1,863 nationally. Similarly, median weekly rent was recorded at $222, sitting well below the regional rate of $250 and the Australian average of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Smithton counted 1,521 households at the 2021 Census, averaging 2.3 people each. 23% are couples with children, fewer than in 76% of areas nationally, against 31% couples without children. 31% of households are people living alone, and families average 2.1 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Family units constitute 66.2% of local households, consisting of couples without children (30.8%), couples with children (23.3%), and single parent families (10.8%). Non-family living arrangements make up the other 33.8%, split between lone person households at 30.8% and group households at 3.0%. The local median household size is 2.3 people, matching the average for Regional Tas..
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
12.0% of adults in Smithton hold a university qualification, including 8.2% with a bachelor degree and 3.2% with postgraduate qualifications, lower than 96% of areas nationally. A further 30.4% hold a vocational qualification. 4 schools serve the area, with 874 enrolment places and an average ICSEA of 874 against a national benchmark of 1,000. Qualifications come from the 2021 Census; school enrolments, ICSEA and results come from ACARA's current release.
Detail
Attainment levels for higher education present key opportunities for targeted development, with university qualifications held by 12.0% of the local community against the Australian benchmark of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees account for 8.2%, postgraduate credentials make up 3.2%, and graduate diplomas represent 0.6%. Technical and vocational training shows extensive uptake, with 37.9% of residents aged 15+ holding trade credentials, comprising certificates (30.4%) and advanced diplomas (7.5%). Active participation in study is strong across the community, with 27.6% of residents enrolled in structured educational programs. This cohort includes 12.1% attending primary education, 9.2% undertaking secondary education, and 2.0% engaged in tertiary education.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Getting around Smithton means driving: households keep an average of 1.4 vehicles, and no scheduled public transport appears in the current timetable feeds. Service data is built from operators' published GTFS timetables; vehicle ownership is from the 2021 Census.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
64.6% of residents in Smithton report no long-term health condition, a less healthy profile than 83% of areas nationally. 6.5% need daily assistance with core activities, and 49.0% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 7.3 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
Health indicators compiled by AreaSearch regarding mortality and condition incidence reveal significant challenges across both younger and older cohorts in Smithton, accompanied by relatively subdued private health insurance uptake at approximately 49% of the population (~1,910 people), below the Australian average of 55.7%. Arthritis and asthma are the most prevalent reported conditions locally, affecting 10.3 and 8.4% of residents, while 64.6% reported having no chronic medical conditions compared to 62.0% throughout Regional Tas.. Chronic health issues are elevated among working-age individuals. Seniors aged 65 and over comprise 24.6% of the population (958 people), with senior health burdens showing elevated national incidence relative to general community levels.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Smithton is largely Australian-born, at 89.7% of residents, with 5.0% speaking a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are Australian (34.1%) and English (30.0%). 12.8% of residents identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander. Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Cultural diversity measures in Smithton remain modest, with 85.7% holding citizenship, 89.7% born in Australia, and 95.0% speaking English exclusively at home. Christianity forms the largest religious affiliation, covering 48.9% of residents. The most distinct relative representation occurs among followers of Judaism, who comprise 0.1% of the local population, matching the 0.1% share observed in Regional Tas.. The leading reported ancestral origins across Smithton are Australian at 34.1%, English at 30.0%, and Australian Aboriginal at 12.8%, the latter notably exceeding the regional proportion of 4.1%. Additional distinct representations include Maori at 0.7% (compared to 0.2% regionally), Samoan at 0.1% (compared to virtually none regionally), and Dutch at 1.2% (against 1.7% across the region).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Smithton is 42. 23.2% of residents are aged 15 to 34. Age cohorts are not raw Census counts: the Census split is re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections.
Detail
Smithton maintains a comparatively youthful profile relative to Regional Tas., with children and young adults (0 - 24) representing 29.5% of the community as at August 2026 compared to 26.3% across the wider region, while residents in middle aged and young retiree brackets (45 - 64) comprise 23.6% versus 25.6% regionally. The estimated median age stands at 42, matching the 2021 Census and sitting 3 years below the Regional Tas. benchmark of 45 recorded at that time. Retiree and elderly cohorts (65+) have increased from 22.8% at the Census to an estimated 24.6%.
Looking ahead to 2041, senior brackets are projected to experience the highest growth, expanding by 207 residents (22%) to 1,166, whereas younger adult and youth cohorts are expected to contract.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Smithton
9 of 14 data sections on this page were updated within the last 12 months — the newest current to Sep 2026.
Everything is aggregated to the Suburb (SAL) boundary shown above, on a 2021 Census baseline. Only 3 sections — housing, households and cultural diversity — still wait on the 2026 Census.
The ledger — source, cycle and currency by section
| Section | Source & update cycle | Currency |
|---|---|---|
| Updated within the last 12 months 9 sections | ||
| Population | ABS, GNAF, Geoscience Australia Annual (ABS ERP) | Aug 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release) and updated with new dwellings from GNAF address data. Current to Aug 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | Aug 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to Aug 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Aug 2026 last month headline measures · Jul 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Sep 2026 this month all 21 measures |
| Sales from the state Valuer General register, refreshed weekly, and rents from quarterly rental bond lodgements. Both are read live each time this page loads, current to Sep 2026. | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, Local governments Daily | May 2026 4 months ago all 2 projects tracked here |
| Project pipeline maintained continuously from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, local government and public announcements. Records are added and revised daily; this area was last updated May 2026. | ||
| Employment | ABS, DEWR, JSA Quarterly (ABS SALM) | Mar 2026 6 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Unemployment and labour force from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, current to Mar 2026. The growth outlook applies Department of Employment (now Jobs and Skills Australia) forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to the local industry mix, so it measures sector composition rather than local expansion and makes no allowance for population growth. Job demand comes from the same agency via its Internet Vacancy Index; industry and occupation structure from the 2021 Census. | ||
| Education | ABS, ACARA Annual (ACARA) | Aug 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 2 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Jul 2026 2 months ago all 14 measures |
| Annual and financial-year sources 2 sections | ||
| Income | ABS, ATO Annual (ATO) | FY 2023 3 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| ATO taxable income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index. Census household income provides the distribution detail. | ||
| Health | ABS, ATO Annual | 2024 2 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Census-measured — next update: 2026 Census 3 sections No more current small-area source exists for these, so they are labelled as Census-measured rather than implied to be current. | ||
| Housing | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 30 measures |
| Households | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 18 measures |
| Cultural diversity | ABS, Geoscience Australia 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 44 measures |
"Currency" is the most recent release feeding that section. Where the Census supplies the structural baseline underneath a current headline figure, the row says so.
How the numbers are built
Population
The Census provides the small-area baseline, aggregated from mesh blocks to this boundary. It is then re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release), and new dwellings built since Census night are counted from address data — 40 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for Aug 2026, not a 2021 count (3,934 at the 2021 Census → 3,897 now). Annual growth rates are compound (CAGR), not simple averages.
Age profile
Cohort shares are not raw Census counts. Every cohort is held as a pair — the Census baseline and a current estimate — and the split is re-based using ERP and state population projections, current to Aug 2026. Median age is the Census median plus modelled change since. Charts that show both are labelled "2021 Census vs Current Estimate".
Property sales
Sourced from the state valuation authority's sales register — current, not Census, and refreshed weekly. Medians are calculated from settled transactions in the period shown; periods with very low transaction counts are flagged or suppressed, because a handful of sales can move a median substantially.
Rents
Derived from state rental bond lodgement data, by dwelling type and bedroom count. Bonds are lodged at the start of a new tenancy, so this reflects new lettings, not the whole rented stock.
Development & infrastructure
Building approvals come from current ABS releases; development applications are collected from council and state planning portals; the infrastructure pipeline is compiled from Infrastructure Australia and local government sources. Applications are matched to this boundary by address or coordinates, so very recent lodgements may not yet appear.
Employment & income
Industry and occupation structure comes from the Census, but the headline labour-market indicators do not. Unemployment and labour force are derived from ABS Small Area Labour Markets (quarterly). The employment outlook applies Department of Employment forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to this area's own industry mix (the agency is now Jobs and Skills Australia), as does the Internet Vacancy Index used for job demand. Because it is weighted on industry composition alone, that outlook carries no allowance for local population growth — in fast-growing areas the real rise in local jobs will typically be higher. Income combines Census household income with ATO taxable-income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index.
Education, transport & amenities
School enrolments, ICSEA and performance come from ACARA's current release, not the Census. Public transport stops and service frequency are derived from GTFS timetable feeds published by state transport departments. Services and amenities are proximity and count scores built from provider directories, refreshed on their own cycle. The Census contributes only the travel-to-work and qualification measures.
Rankings and benchmarks. Where we rank this area, the comparison set is every area of the same boundary type — suburbs against suburbs, SA2s against SA2s. Benchmarks compare this area against its greater capital city region and the national figure for the same measure and period.
Limits worth knowing. Small areas carry larger error margins, and the ABS introduces small random adjustments to Census counts to protect confidentiality — so totals may not sum exactly. Estimates re-based from regional data describe the area's expected trajectory, not a direct count of it. Figures are indicative for research and are not financial, planning or valuation advice.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (SAL60606). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.