Somerset (Tas.)

Somerset is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the estimated population of the suburb of Somerset (Tas.) is around 4,414 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 347 people (8.5%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,067 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 4,228 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 52 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 164 persons per square kilometer, providing significant space per person and potential room for further development. The suburb's 8.5% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area (4.5%), along with the SA4 region, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration that contributed approximately 83.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, 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. As we examine future population trends, projections indicate a decline in overall population over this period. According to this methodology, the suburb's population is expected to contract by 357 persons by 2041. However, growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, led by the 75 to 84 age group, which is projected to expand by 180 people.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Somerset according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Somerset had approximately 12 new homes approved annually. From FY-21 to FY-25, around 60 homes were approved, with another 3 approved in FY-26 so far. Each dwelling added an average of 2.7 new residents per year over the past five financial years.

The average construction cost value for new homes was $569,000, indicating a focus on premium properties. This fiscal year has seen $554,000 in commercial approvals, suggesting a predominantly residential focus. Compared to Rest of Tas., Somerset records about three-quarters the building activity per person and ranks among the 35th percentile nationally, leading to relatively constrained buyer choice and interest in existing dwellings. This level is below average nationally, reflecting the area's maturity and possible planning constraints.

All new construction since FY-21 has been detached dwellings, preserving Somerset's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. The estimated population per dwelling approval is 467 people. Population projections suggest stability or decline, indicating reduced housing demand pressures in the future, benefiting potential buyers.

Somerset has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure can significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified three projects that are expected to affect the region: Langley Park Clubroom Redevelopment and Amenities Upgrade, Draft Outline Development Plan - Malakoff Street, North West Coastal Pathway - Wynyard to Burnie Section, and Marinus Link. The following list provides details on those projects considered most relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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Employment performance in Somerset exceeds national averages across key labour market indicators

Somerset has a balanced workforce with both white and blue collar jobs. Key sectors include essential services, with an unemployment rate of 3.4%. In the past year, employment grew by 6.6%.

As of September 2025, 1,976 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 0.4% lower than Rest of Tas.'s rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation is at 56.0%, slightly below the state average. Home-based work accounts for a low 5.2% of jobs, though Covid-19 impacts should be considered. Major industries are health care & social assistance, retail trade, and education & training.

Somerset specializes in mining with an employment share 3.2 times the regional level, but agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented at 2.5% compared to Rest of Tas.'s 8.4%. Local employment opportunities appear limited based on Census data. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 6.6%, labour force grew by 6.0%, and unemployment fell by 0.5 percentage points. In comparison, Rest of Tas. saw employment grow by 0.7% and unemployment fall by 0.2 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project overall growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Somerset's industry mix suggests local employment could increase by 6.2% in five years and 13.4% in ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows that in Somerset, median income is $49,921 and average income is $58,506. This compares to Rest of Tas., where median income is $49,689 and average income is $59,358. Based on a 9.6% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023, estimated incomes for September 2025 would be approximately $54,713 (median) and $64,123 (average). Census 2021 income data indicates that household, family, and personal incomes in Somerset fall between the 7th and 12th percentiles nationally. The earnings profile shows that 29.7% of locals (1,310 people) earn $400 - $799 annually, unlike regional trends where 28.5% earn $1,500 - $2,999. After housing costs, 86.2% of income remains, ranking at the 10th percentile nationally.

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

The dwelling structure in Somerset, as per the latest Census, consisted of 89.9% houses and 10.1% other dwellings such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This is similar to Non-Metro Tas., which also had 89.9% houses and 10.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Somerset was at 41.1%, with the rest of dwellings either mortgaged (30.7%) or rented (28.2%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Somerset was $1,192, which is lower than Non-Metro Tas.'s average of $1,274. The median weekly rent figure in Somerset was recorded at $240, compared to Non-Metro Tas.'s $250. Nationally, Somerset's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

Somerset features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 65.1% of all households, including 20.7% couples with children, 31.7% couples without children, and 12.2% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 34.9%, with lone person households at 32.8% and group households comprising 2.2% of the total. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is smaller than the Rest of Tas. average of 2.3.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 12.6%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 8.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.3%) and graduate diplomas (1.5%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 39.7% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (8.8%) and certificates (30.9%). A total of 24.7% of the population is actively engaged in formal education, comprising 10.1% in primary, 7.6% in secondary, and 2.8% in tertiary education.

A substantial 24.7% of the population actively pursues formal education. This includes 10.1% in primary education, 7.6% in secondary education, and 2.8% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Somerset has 32 operational public transport stops, all of which are bus services. These stops are served by a total of 83 routes that facilitate 5,699 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these transport options is deemed good, with residents typically residing 241 meters from the nearest stop. In this predominantly residential area, outward commuting is prevalent, with cars being the primary mode of transport at 96%. On average, there are 1.4 vehicles per dwelling. According to the 2021 Census, a relatively low 5.2% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions.

Across all routes, service frequency averages 814 trips daily, equating to approximately 178 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Somerset faces significant health challenges as per AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are substantial across both younger and older age groups.

Approximately half of Somerset's population (about 2,222 people) has private health cover, lower than the national average of 55.7%. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (11.0% of residents) and mental health issues (10.6%). Conversely, 58.9% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 62.0% in Rest of Tas.. Working-age adults face notable health challenges due to elevated chronic condition rates. Somerset has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over (27.5%, or 1,213 people) than Rest of Tas. (24.9%). Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, broadly in line with national rankings for the general population.

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

Somerset had a lower than average cultural diversity, with 91.5% of its population born in Australia and 92.5% being citizens. English was the language spoken at home by 97.6% of residents. Christianity was the dominant religion, accounting for 43.1% of Somerset's population.

Notably, Judaism was not represented among Somerset's population, compared to a regional average of 0.1%. The top three ancestral groups were Australian (35.0%), English (34.8%), and Irish (7.7%). Some ethnic groups had notable differences in representation: Australian Aboriginal at 5.7% (compared to 4.1% regionally), Dutch at 1.5% (versus 1.7%), and Welsh at 0.5% (against 0.4%).

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

Somerset's median age stands at 49 years, which is significantly higher than the Rest of Tasmania average of 45 and considerably older than Australia's median age of 38. Compared to the Rest of Tasmania average, Somerset has a notably over-represented cohort of 55-64 year-olds (16.3% locally) while those aged 35-44 are under-represented (9.7%). This concentration of 55-64 year-olds is well above the national average of 11.2%. Post-2021 Census data shows that the 65 to 74 age group has grown from 13.5% to 14.9% of the population, while the 5 to 14 cohort has declined from 11.0% to 9.4%, and the 0 to 4 group has dropped from 5.2% to 4.1%. By 2041, Somerset is expected to see notable shifts in its age composition. Leading this demographic shift, the 75 to 84 group will grow by 32% (131 people), reaching 538 from 406. The aging population trend is clear, with those aged 65 and above comprising 100% of projected growth. Conversely, both the 45 to 54 and 65 to 74 age groups are expected to decrease in numbers.