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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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Somerset (Tas.) has an estimated 4,197 residents, up from 4,067 at the 2021 Census — a change of 130 people, or 3.2%. That puts 156 residents on each 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 AreaSearch's evaluation of ABS regional updates alongside 61 validated new addresses registered following the Census date, the suburb of Somerset (Tas.) has an estimated population of approximately 4,197 as of Aug 2026. This indicates a net gain of 130 people (3.2%) relative to the 2021 Census tally of 4,067 people. The figures draw upon an estimated resident population of 4,169 established by AreaSearch via the June 2025 ABS ERP release. With 156 persons per square kilometer, the locality maintains an open, low-density environment capable of accommodating future residential development.
The 3.2% post-census expansion in the suburb of Somerset (Tas.) sits within 0.2 percentage points of the wider SA3 region (3.4%), demonstrating sound growth dynamics. Recent expansion has been anchored predominantly by interstate arrivals, who generated around 83.0% of the overall population additions. Projections for the suburb of Somerset (Tas.) apply 2024 ABS/Geoscience Australia models (using 2022 as the base year) across individual SA2 boundaries, supplemented where necessary by Tasmanian State Government Regional/LGA figures from 2022 (benchmarked to 2021) using a weighted LGA-to-SA2 aggregation method to project post-2032 age cohorts. Under this framework, demographic modelling points toward long-term contraction, anticipating a net reduction of 374 persons by 2041. In contrast to the overarching downward trend, specific senior demographics will continue expanding, headed by the 75 to 84 age cohort with a forecast addition of 173 people.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
60 new dwellings have been approved in Somerset (Tas.) over the past five years, an average of 12 a year. That is 2.5 approvals per 1,000 residents. Approvals are currently running at an annualised 5, 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 by AreaSearch of ABS residential approval statistics shows Somerset registers approximately 12 new home permits per year, totalling around 60 dwellings across the 5 financial years from FY-21 to FY-25, alongside 5 approvals recorded during FY-25 to date. Over the 5 financial years spanning FY-21 through FY-25, incoming population averaged 1.4 people per approved residence, pointing to stable alignment between local supply and dwelling demand; this ratio adjusted to -0.8 people per dwelling over the preceding 2 financial years, reflecting balanced development conditions. Building costs for these new homes average $378,000.
In addition, commercial construction approvals reached $554,000 in the current financial year, underlining the predominant focus on residential property. Per capita residential building approvals in Somerset reach roughly two-thirds of the rate recorded in Rest of Tas., placing the suburb within the 22nd percentile nationally. This restrained supply pipeline limits incoming buyer selection and channels demand toward the existing housing stock. These metrics fall below national benchmarks, characteristic of an established urban environment with planning constraints. Construction remains focused entirely on freestanding houses, reinforcing low-density neighborhood character and catering to buyers prioritizing space. A ratio of 646 people for every approved dwelling underlines the calm, modest pace of development. Given population projections pointing to demographic stabilization or contraction, Somerset is anticipated to experience reduced pressure on housing stock, expanding choices for prospective purchasers.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Somerset (Tas.)
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| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
|---|
SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks 3 current infrastructure and development projects inside Somerset (Tas.), worth an estimated $17 million. A further 44 sit in the immediately surrounding suburbs, taking the tracked pipeline within reach of the area to $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 investments, local planning frameworks, and civic works play a fundamental role in shaping community development. AreaSearch has highlighted 3 notable projects underway or planned in the area. Key works include the Langley Park Clubroom Redevelopment and Amenities Upgrade, the Draft Outline Development Plan - Malakoff Street, the North West Coastal Pathway - Wynyard to Burnie Section, and the Marinus Link.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
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Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
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.
Draft Outline Development Plan - Malakoff Street
A Draft Outline Development Plan (ODP) prepared by Waratah-Wynyard Council to guide potential future residential development in the Malakoff Street area of Somerset. The ODP is a direct outcome of the Liveable Waratah-Wynyard Settlement Strategy 2021 and provides a strategic framework for how future growth could occur, addressing connectivity, community amenity, landscape values, and environmental protection. The plan does not itself rezone land; rather it is intended to guide any future planning scheme amendments (rezoning applications) that landowners may pursue.Landholder consultation closed 22 July 2025 and public consultation ran from 15 August to 24 October 2025, with feedback now being considered to help finalise the plan.
North West Coastal Pathway - Wynyard to Burnie Section
The North West Coastal Pathway is a 13.2 km shared coastal pathway that runs between Burnie and Wynyard. The project involved transforming a disused rail line into a path for cycling and walking, and included the construction of seven rock revetment structures to prevent coastal erosion. The path features a new walking and cycling bridge over the Cam River and a 2.6m wide asphalt surface. Landscaping works are ongoing with planting to be completed by the end of April 2025.
Homes Tasmania - Park Grove Residential Subdivision
Homes Tasmania is developing a 55-lot residential subdivision at 32 West Mooreville Road in Park Grove, Burnie. The site spans approximately 5.8 hectares and is masterplanned to deliver a mix of affordable land releases and dedicated social and affordable housing dwellings. Civil works and infrastructure servicing are actively progressing to support local housing supply.
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.
Futuna Ave and West Park Grove Roundabout
Construction of a new roundabout at the intersection of Futuna Avenue and West Park Grove to improve safety. This project is partly funded by the Federal Government's Blackspot program.
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.
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.
1,952 residents of Somerset (Tas.) are employed, from a labour force of 2,027. Unemployment sits at 3.7%, with participation at 56.3%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 6.2% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth. The working-day population is estimated at 3,692, about 88% of the resident population, so more people leave the area for work than travel in. Unemployment and labour force come from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, updated quarterly; the industry and occupation profile is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Somerset has a balanced workforce spanning white and blue collar employment, with essential services sectors well represented, an unemployment rate of only 3.7%, and 3.1% in estimated employment growth over the past year, based on AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data. As of March 2026, 1,952 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 0.2% below Regional Tas.'s rate of 3.9%, and workforce participation is somewhat below standard (56.3% compared to Regional Tas.'s 58.7%). Based on Census responses, a low 5.2% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.
Local workers are primarily engaged in health care & social assistance, retail trade, and education & training. Somerset displays notable industrial concentration in mining, where its workforce share is 3.2 times the regional benchmark. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing accounts for only 2.5% of employment, contrasting with 8.4% across Regional Tas.. Comparisons between resident workers and local job counts from Census data indicate that the locality offers a restricted volume of internal employment. Evaluation of ABS and SALM figures over the past 12-month timeframe indicates employment increased by 3.1% while the workforce expanded by 3.3%, yielding an uptick of 0.1 percentage points in the unemployment rate. By comparison, Regional Tas. recorded a 1.8% rise in employment and a 1.7% increase in the labor pool, accompanied by a marginal easing in unemployment. Long-range outlooks can be drawn from Jobs and Skills Australia's Mar-26 projections, which forecast national job creation of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Mapping these industry projections against Somerset's current sectoral composition indicates local employment would increase by 6.2% over five years and 13.4% over ten years via simple weighted extrapolation.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Somerset (Tas.) is $1,100 a week (about $57,000 a year), with median personal income at $602 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $49,921 a year against an average of $58,506. 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
ATO postcode records compiled by AreaSearch for financial year 2023 place Somerset personal earnings below nationwide averages, reporting a median of $49,921 and a mean of $58,506. These figures compare to Regional Tas. benchmarks of $49,689 (median) and $59,358 (mean). Factoring in the 10.95% Wage Price Index increase since financial year 2023 yields updated March 2026 estimates of approximately $55,387 for median income and $64,912 for average income. Across the 2021 Census, personal, family, and household earnings within Somerset all sat between the 7th and 12th percentiles across Australia. Among local earners, 29.7% (1,246 individuals) fall into the $400 - 799 weekly income bracket, contrasting with major urban centers where 28.5% earn between $1,500 - 2,999.
Residents retain 86.2% of their income after covering housing commitments, placing the area at the 10th percentile nationally.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Somerset (Tas.) had 1,709 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 90% detached houses and 0% apartments. 31% are owned with a mortgage, 28% rented and 41% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $240 a week and the median mortgage repayment $1,192 a month. Rent absorbs 21.8% of household income here and mortgage repayments 25.0%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
Residential buildings in Somerset at the latest Census were split between 89.9% separate houses and 10.1% attached properties, apartments, or other structures, aligning exactly with the Regional Tas. breakdown of 89.9% houses and 10.1% other dwellings. Outright home ownership stood at 41.1%, mirroring regional norms, with remaining residences divided between mortgaged properties (30.7%) and rental accommodation (28.2%). Typical housing overheads remain lower than wider regional benchmarks, with median monthly home loan repayments of $1,192 and median weekly rent of $240, against $1,274 and $250 across Regional Tas.. Relative to national medians of $1,863 for mortgages and $375 for rent, Somerset provides substantially more affordable living costs.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Somerset (Tas.) counted 1,709 households at the 2021 Census, averaging 2.2 people each. 21% are couples with children, fewer than in 85% of areas nationally, against 32% couples without children. 33% of households are people living alone, and families average 2.0 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Family units account for 65.1% of all local households, divided among couples without children (31.7%), couples with children (20.7%), and one-parent families (12.2%). Non-family living arrangements make up the remaining 34.9%, consisting primarily of single-person dwellings at 32.8% and group households at 2.2%. The area records a median household size of 2.2 people, slightly under the Regional Tas. average of 2.3.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
12.6% of adults in Somerset (Tas.) hold a university qualification, including 8.8% with a bachelor degree and 2.3% with postgraduate qualifications, lower than 89% of areas nationally. A further 30.9% hold a vocational qualification. 2 schools serve the area, with 378 enrolment places and an average ICSEA of 948 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
Educational attainment levels show a lower incidence of tertiary qualifications, with 12.6% of residents holding university degrees compared to the Australian benchmark of 30.4%. Attainment includes bachelor degrees (8.8%), postgraduate credentials (2.3%), and graduate diplomas (1.5%). Technical and trade training represents a core strength of the community, with 39.7% of residents aged 15+ possessing vocational qualifications, comprising certificates (30.9%) and advanced diplomas (8.8%). Formal study engages 24.7% of the local population. This educational cohort consists of 10.1% attending primary schools, 7.6% enrolled in secondary education, and 2.8% undertaking tertiary studies.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Public transport in Somerset (Tas.) reaches 29 stops on 73 routes, timetabled for about 5,400 services a week. The typical home sits about 250 m from its nearest stop. Buses carry the largest share of public transport commuters. Households keep an average of 1.4 vehicles. Stop and service counts are built from operators' published GTFS timetables and refresh with each timetable release; vehicle ownership is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Local public transit infrastructure comprises 29 active bus stops across Somerset. These boarding points are linked by 73 routes, delivering a collective 5,400 weekly passenger trips. Transit access is convenient, with residents situated an average of 246 meters from their closest stop. Given the residential makeup, outward commuting is standard, with private vehicles serving as the dominant transport method at 96%. Households maintain an average of 1.4 vehicles. Working from home was recorded among 5.2% of workers during the 2021 Census under prevailing pandemic settings. Bus services provide an average frequency of 771 trips per day across the network, generating approximately 186 weekly departures at each individual stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
58.9% of residents in Somerset (Tas.) report no long-term health condition, a less healthy profile than 89% of areas nationally. 10.0% need daily assistance with core activities, and 50.4% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 6.7 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
Health assessments by AreaSearch indicate notable community wellbeing considerations, driven by elevated rates of chronic illness and mortality across both younger and older cohorts. Private healthcare insurance uptake is comparatively constrained, covering approximately 50% of residents (~2,113 people), falling below the Australian benchmark of 55.7%. Prevalent medical diagnoses within the population include arthritis (11.0%) and mental health conditions (10.6%), while 58.9% of residents report no long-term illnesses, compared to 62.0% across Regional Tas.. Elevated chronic condition rates are evident across working-age demographics. Seniors aged 65 and over represent 27.1% of the local population (1,137 people), exceeding the Regional Tas.
figure of 25.1%, with older resident health indicators aligning with broader national trends.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Somerset (Tas.) is largely Australian-born, at 91.5% of residents, with 2.4% speaking a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are Australian (35.0%) and English (34.8%). 5.7% 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 background measures show a homogeneous demographic profile, with 91.5% of residents born in Australia, 92.5% holding Australian citizenship, and 97.6% using only English at home. Christianity forms the principal religious affiliation, observed by 43.1% of the community. In contrast, Judaism records no adherents locally, compared to 0.1% across Regional Tas.. Regarding ancestral background, the three most common reported heritages are Australian (35.0%), English (34.8%), and Irish (7.7%). Other cultural lineages exhibit variations from broader regional benchmarks, including Australian Aboriginal heritage at 5.7% (compared with 4.1% regionally), Dutch ancestry at 1.5% (against 1.7%), and Welsh at 0.5% (versus 0.4%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Somerset (Tas.) is 48, older than 88% of areas nationally. 21.2% 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
Age distributions in Somerset mirror Regional Tas. benchmarks, with differences across major age brackets not exceeding 2.7 percentage points. The median age remains at an estimated 48, unchanged since the 2021 Census, which sits 3 years above the Regional Tas. level of 45 and exceeds the Australian Census median of 38. Retirees and senior residents (65+) have increased their share from 24.9% at the Census to an estimated 27.1%. Projections to 2041 indicate this senior demographic will generate the majority of net growth, adding 212 residents (19%) to reach 1,349, while younger adults, children, and middle-aged cohorts are projected to contract.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Somerset (Tas.)
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, State agencies, Local governments Daily | Aug 2026 last month all 3 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 Aug 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 — 61 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for Aug 2026, not a 2021 count (4,067 at the 2021 Census → 4,197 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 (SAL60608). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.