Sorell

Sorell lies within the top 10% of areas nationally in terms of population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of short and medium-term trends

The population of Sorell, as estimated based on analysis of Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) updates and validation by AreaSearch, is around 4,266 as of November 2025. This represents an increase of 669 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 3,597 in Sorell. The estimated resident population (ERP) of 4,205, released by ABS in June 2024 and validated by AreaSearch with additional 350 new addresses since the Census date, indicates this growth. This results in a density ratio of approximately 186 persons per square kilometer, suggesting ample space for further development. Sorell's population growth of 18.6% since the 2021 Census exceeds that of its SA4 region (4.3%) and the metropolitan area, positioning it as a growth leader in the region. Interstate migration contributed significantly to this growth, accounting for approximately 66.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch's projections for Sorell are based on ABS/Geoscience Australia data released in 2024 with a base year of 2022 for SA2 areas. For areas not covered by this data and to estimate growth by age group post-2032, Tasmania State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2022 with a base year of 2021 are adopted, adjusted using a method of weighted aggregation from LGA to SA2 levels. By 2041, the suburb is projected to increase by 1,060 persons based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a total gain of 15.8% over the 17-year period.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Sorell among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Sorell has around 89 residential properties granted approval annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, approximately 445 homes were approved, with a further 23 approved so far in FY-26. On average, one new resident arrives per year for each new home built over these five years, indicating balanced supply and demand conditions.

The average construction cost value of new homes is $461,000. This financial year has seen $16.3 million in commercial approvals registered, reflecting moderate levels of commercial development. Compared to Greater Hobart, Sorell has 140% more development activity per person, offering greater choice for buyers and demonstrating strong developer confidence in the area. New development consists predominantly of standalone homes (97%) with a smaller proportion of attached dwellings (3%), maintaining the area's traditional low density character favoured by families seeking space. The location currently has approximately 47 people per dwelling approval, suggesting an expanding market.

AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate projects Sorell to gain 674 residents by 2041. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing favourable conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

Sorell has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 17thth percentile nationally

The performance of a region is significantly influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified one project that is expected to impact this area. Notable projects include Sorell School Redevelopment, Tasman Highway Duplication Project, Greater Hobart Urban Growth Boundary Extension, and Tasmanian Irrigation Schemes: Tranche 3. The following list details those projects likely to be most relevant.

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

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Employment performance in Sorell has been below expectations when compared to most other areas nationally

Sorell's workforce is balanced across white and blue-collar jobs, with prominent essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate as of June 2025 was 4.5%, according to AreaSearch's aggregated statistical area data.

In Sorell, 1,759 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 4.1% above Greater Hobart's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation in Sorell is significantly lower at 55.7%, compared to Greater Hobart's 61.6%. The dominant employment sectors among residents include health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. Notably, transport, postal & warehousing employs twice the regional average share of workers.

Conversely, professional & technical services employ only 3.7% of local workers, below Greater Hobart's 6.6%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, indicated by the Census working population count versus resident population. Over a 12-month period ending June 2025, Sorell's labour force decreased by 1.8%, with employment decreasing by 1.7%, maintaining a relatively stable unemployment rate. By comparison, Greater Hobart experienced an employment decline of 1.5% and labour force decline of 1.6%, with unemployment falling by 0.2 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 project overall employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Sorell's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.1% over five years and 12.9% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localized population projections.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows that Sorell has lower incomes than average nationally. The median income is $47,221 and the average is $52,692. In contrast, Greater Hobart's median income is $51,272 with an average of $63,777. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.83% since financial year 2022, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $53,752 (median) and $59,979 (average). Census 2021 income data indicates that Sorell's household, family, and personal incomes fall between the 21st and 24th percentiles nationally. The income bracket of $1,500 - $2,999 captures 31.9% of Sorell's community (1,360 individuals), similar to the region where 32.2% occupy this bracket. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Sorell, with only 82.9% of income remaining, ranking at the 21st percentile nationally.

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

Sorell's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 96.7% houses and 3.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). Hobart metro had 97.7% houses and 2.3% other dwellings. Home ownership in Sorell was at 35.7%, with mortgaged dwellings at 37.0% and rented ones at 27.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,517, and the median weekly rent was $350. Nationally, Sorell's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were less than the national figure of $375.

Sorell has a typical household mix, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households account for 69.8 percent of all households, including 25.5 percent that are couples with children, 29.0 percent that are couples without children, and 14.3 percent that are single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 30.2 percent, with lone person households at 29.0 percent and group households comprising 1.5 percent of the total. The median household size is 2.4 people, which matches the Greater Hobart average.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 15.6%, significantly lower than the SA4 region average of 32.8%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 10.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.5%) and graduate diplomas (1.7%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 40.2% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas at 9.6% and certificates at 30.6%. Educational participation is high, with 25.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 10.4% in primary, 6.7% in secondary, and 2.2% in tertiary education. The area has two schools serving 815 students: Indie School - Glenorchy (Sorell Campus) and Sorell School. The ICSEA score is 927. There is one secondary and one K-12 school. The area functions as an educational hub with 19.1 school places per 100 residents, above the regional average of 9.9. It attracts students from surrounding communities. Note: for schools with 'n/a' enrolments, refer to the parent campus.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

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

Sorell faces significant health challenges, with various conditions affecting both younger and older residents. Private health cover is low, at approximately 48%, compared to the national average of 55.3%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (12.8% of residents) and mental health issues (9.8%). Conversely, 59.2% report no medical ailments, slightly lower than Greater Hobart's 62.3%. Residents aged 65 and over comprise 24.9%, higher than Greater Hobart's 22.3%. Health outcomes among seniors in Sorell are broadly similar to those of the general population.

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

Sorell had a cultural diversity below average, with 90.1% of its population being citizens, 88.2% born in Australia, and 93.8% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 46.7% of Sorell's population. The most notable overrepresentation was in the 'Other' category, which made up 1.0% compared to Greater Hobart's 0.6%.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (35.9%), Australian (33.3%), and Irish (7.8%). Notably, Australian Aboriginal (3.3%) was overrepresented in Sorell compared to the regional figure of 3.1%, as were New Zealanders (0.6% vs 0.4%) and South Africans (0.3% vs 0.2%).

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

The median age in Sorell is 41 years, which is higher than Greater Hobart's average of 39 years and exceeds the national average of 38 years. The age profile shows that individuals aged 75-84 years make up a prominent 9.7% of the population, while those aged 15-24 years constitute only 9.3%. Between 2021 and present, the percentage of the population aged 35 to 44 has grown from 11.4% to 12.7%, while the 75 to 84 age group increased from 8.6% to 9.7%. Conversely, the 65 to 74 age group has declined from 11.8% to 11.0%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Sorell's age structure. The population aged 85 and above is projected to grow by 278 people (156%), reaching 458 individuals. Notably, the combined population of those aged 65 and above will account for 69% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. Conversely, the populations aged 25-34 and 35-44 are expected to decline.