South Hobart

Population growth drivers in South Hobart are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

By Nov 2025, South Hobart's population is estimated at around 6,087, reflecting a 3.4% increase since the 2021 Census which reported 5,886 people. This growth was inferred from AreaSearch's examination of ABS' latest ERP data release (June 2024) and validation of 16 new addresses since the Census date. The population density is 662 persons per square kilometer. South Hobart's growth exceeded the SA3 area's 2.3%, marking it as a regional growth leader, primarily driven by overseas migration. AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area (released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year), and Tasmania State Government's Regional/LGA projections for areas not covered by this data. By 2041, South Hobart is expected to increase by 812 persons, reflecting a 13.3% total increase over the 17 years.

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, released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year, are adopted with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Moving forward with demographic trends, a population increase just below the median of Australian statistical areas is expected, with the area expected to increase by 812 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting with an increase of 13.3% in total over the 17 years.

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

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area data, South Hobart has seen around 13 new homes approved per year. Between FY21 and FY25, approximately 66 homes were approved, with 3 more approved in FY26 so far. Each dwelling is estimated to bring in an average of 2 new residents annually over the past five financial years, indicating healthy demand which supports property values.

New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost value of $268,000, reflecting more affordable housing options compared to regional norms. This year has seen $1.8 million in commercial development approvals, indicating minimal commercial development activity. Relative to Greater Hobart, South Hobart shows approximately 75% of the construction activity per person. Nationally, it places among the 35th percentile of areas assessed, resulting in relatively constrained buyer choice and supporting interest in existing properties.

This is below average nationally, reflecting the area's maturity and possible planning constraints. New construction has been completely comprised of detached dwellings, maintaining South Hobart's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. Developers are constructing more detached housing than the existing pattern implies (71.0% at Census), reflecting persistent strong demand for family homes amid densification trends. The estimated count of 488 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment. Population forecasts indicate South Hobart will gain 812 residents through to 2041, based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Should current construction levels persist, housing supply could lag population growth, likely intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

South Hobart has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 18thth percentile nationally

The performance of an area can significantly be influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified a total of 19 projects that are anticipated to impact the area. Notable projects include Royal Hobart Hospital Emergency Department Expansion, Greater Hobart Urban Growth Boundary Extension, South Arm Highway Upgrade at Acton Road and South Arm Road intersection, and Southern Outlet Transit Lane. 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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AreaSearch analysis indicates South Hobart maintains employment conditions that align with national benchmarks

South Hobart has a highly educated workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate is 3.3%, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

As of June 2025, there are 3,501 residents in work, and the unemployment rate is 0.8% lower than Greater Hobart's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation stands at 66.3%, slightly higher than Greater Hobart's 61.6%. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, education & training, and public administration & safety. Notably, professional & technical services have an employment share 1.7 times the regional level.

Conversely, construction is under-represented with only 4.3% of South Hobart's workforce compared to Greater Hobart's 8.7%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities based on Census data comparing working population and resident population. In the 12 months prior, labour force decreased by 1.8%, accompanied by a similar decrease in employment, maintaining a stable unemployment rate. By comparison, Greater Hobart saw 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 South Hobart's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.1% over five years and 14.5% over ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes only and do not account for localised population projections.

Income levels align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2022, South Hobart had a median income among taxpayers of $52,291. The average level stood at $79,622. This was among the highest in Australia when compared to levels of $51,272 and $63,777 across Greater Hobart respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.83% since financial year 2022, current estimates would be approximately $59,523 for median income and $90,634 for average income as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data shows household, family and personal incomes in South Hobart cluster around the 58th percentile nationally. Income analysis reveals the largest segment comprises 32.5% earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (1,978 residents). This aligns with the region where this cohort likewise represents 32.2%. After housing, 86.4% of income remains for other expenses. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 8th decile.

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

South Hobart's latest Census showed 71.1% houses and 28.9% other dwellings, compared to Hobart metro's 69.2% houses and 30.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in South Hobart was 36.1%, with mortgaged dwellings at 30.8% and rented at 33.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,648, lower than Hobart metro's $1,800. Median weekly rent was $378, higher than Hobart metro's $390 but below the national average of $375. Nationally, South Hobart's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,648 compared to Australia's average of $1,863.

South Hobart features high concentrations of group households and lone person households, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households constitute 61.7% of all households, including 23.2% couples with children, 27.2% couples without children, and 9.7% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 38.3%, with lone person households at 30.5% and group households making up 7.9%. The median household size is 2.3 people, which aligns with the Greater Hobart average.

Educational achievement in South Hobart places it within the top 10% nationally, reflecting strong academic performance and high qualification levels across the community

Educational attainment in South Hobart is notably high, with 57.0% of residents aged 15 and above holding university qualifications. This exceeds both the Tasmanian average of 25.5% and the Australian average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 32.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (18.3%) and graduate diplomas (5.8%). Vocational pathways account for 19.4% of qualifications, with advanced diplomas making up 8.0% and certificates 11.4%.

Educational participation is high, with 33.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.7% in tertiary education, 9.1% in primary education, and 7.0% pursuing secondary education. The area has two schools serving 462 students: St Michael's Collegiate School - Junior School Campus and South Hobart Primary School. These schools focus exclusively on primary education, with nearby areas offering secondary options due to limited local school capacity (7.6 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 22.7).

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

South Hobart has 74 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 38 different routes that together facilitate 6,147 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of the transport system is rated as excellent, with residents on average located just 138 meters from their nearest stop.

On a daily basis, there are an average of 878 trips across all routes, which equates to approximately 83 weekly trips per individual stop.

The level of general health in South Hobart is notably higher than the national average with prevalence of common health conditions quite low across both younger and older age cohorts

South Hobart shows better-than-average health results, with low prevalence of common conditions across both younger and older age groups.

Private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 59% of its total population of 3,573 people. Mental health issues and arthritis are the most prevalent medical conditions, affecting 9.9% and 8.3% of residents respectively. A significant majority, 70.2%, report no medical ailments, compared to 69.8% in Greater Hobart. The area has a lower proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 17.5% (1,065 people) than the Greater Hobart average of 18.8%. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, aligning with the general population's health profile.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in South Hobart was found to be above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

South Hobart's cultural diversity was found to be above average, with 25.1% of its population born overseas and 15.9% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the main religion in South Hobart, accounting for 25.9% of its population. However, Judaism was overrepresented compared to Greater Hobart, comprising 0.1% versus 0.2%.

The top three ancestry groups were English (30.0%), Australian (24.2%), and Scottish (9.3%). Notably, French (0.8%) Dutch (1.9%), and Polish (1.0%) ethnicities were overrepresented compared to regional averages of 0.5%, 1.6%, and 1.0% respectively.

South Hobart's population aligns closely with national norms in age terms

South Hobart's median age is 38, closely matching Greater Hobart's figure of 39 and Australia's median age of 38. The 15-24 cohort in South Hobart is notably higher at 14.7% compared to the Greater Hobart average, while the 65-74 year-olds are under-represented at 8.6%. Between 2021 and present, the 15-24 age group has increased from 12.7% to 14.7%, while the 25-34 cohort has decreased from 17.4% to 16.3%. By 2041, South Hobart's age profile is projected to change significantly. The 45-54 age group is expected to expand by 331 people (44%), growing from 748 to 1,080 residents. Conversely, the 35-44 age group is projected to contract by 159 residents.