West Hobart

West Hobart has seen population growth performance typically on par with national averages when looking at short and medium term trends

By November 2025, West Hobart's population is estimated at approximately 6,461 people. This figure reflects a decrease of 64 individuals since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 6,525. The current estimate is inferred from AreaSearch's validation of new addresses and ABS ERP data released in June 2024, indicating a resident population of 6,456 plus an additional 10 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1,591 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The primary driver for West Hobart's population growth has been overseas migration, contributing approximately 86.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch employs ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data and to estimate growth by age group post-2032, Tasmania State Government's Regional/LGA projections are adopted, released in 2022 with a base year of 2021, adjusted using weighted aggregation methods from LGA to SA2 levels. Future population trends indicate an expected increase just below the median for statistical areas analysed by AreaSearch, with West Hobart projected to grow by 507 persons to reach approximately 6,968 by 2041, reflecting a gain of around 7.9% over the 17-year period.

The level of residential development activity in West Hobart is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, shows West Hobart has seen approximately seven new homes approved annually. Over the past five financial years, between FY21 and FY25, around 39 homes were approved, with eight more approved in FY26 so far. On average, 0.6 people per year have moved to the area for each dwelling built over these five years, indicating that new construction is meeting or exceeding demand.

The average expected construction cost value of new properties is $320,000, which is below regional levels, suggesting more affordable housing options for buyers. This financial year has seen $81,000 in commercial development approvals, demonstrating a predominantly residential focus. Comparatively, West Hobart shows significantly reduced construction activity compared to Greater Hobart, with 57.0% fewer dwellings approved per person. This constrained new construction typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing properties. Nationally, the area's building activity is also below average, reflecting its maturity and potential planning constraints.

The majority of new building activity consists of detached dwellings (89.0%), with townhouses or apartments making up the remaining 11.0%, preserving West Hobart's suburban character and attracting space-seeking buyers. With around 1178 people per dwelling approval, West Hobart reflects a highly mature market. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, the area is forecasted to gain approximately 508 residents by 2041. If current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag behind population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and supporting price growth in the future.

West Hobart has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 19thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified twelve projects likely impacting the region. Notable initiatives include the Royal Hobart Hospital Emergency Department Expansion, Royal Hobart Hospital Redevelopment - Stage 2, Hobart City Deal, and Greater Hobart Urban Growth Boundary Extension. The following list details those expected to be most relevant.

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

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.

Employment conditions in West Hobart demonstrate exceptional strength compared to most Australian markets

West Hobart has a highly educated workforce with an unemployment rate of 2.1%, as per AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of June 2025, 3903 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 2.0% lower than Greater Hobart's rate of 4.1%.

Workforce participation in West Hobart stands at 68.7%, compared to Greater Hobart's 61.6%. Key industries of employment among residents include health care & social assistance, education & training, and public administration & safety. Notably, professional & technical services have employment levels at 1.6 times the regional average. Conversely, construction shows lower representation at 3.7% compared to the regional average of 8.7%.

The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Between June 2024 and June 2025, West Hobart's labour force decreased by 1.6%, with employment declining by 1.4%, leading to a fall in unemployment of 0.2 percentage points. Greater Hobart recorded similar trends during the same period. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to West Hobart's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.0% over five years and 14.4% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localised population projections.

Income analysis reveals strong economic positioning, with the area outperforming 60% of locations assessed nationally by AreaSearch

West Hobart's median income among taxpayers was $53,746 and average income stood at $72,940 in financial year 2022. These figures are higher than Greater Hobart's median of $51,272 and average of $63,777 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.83% since financial year 2022, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $61,179 (median) and $83,028 (average). According to Census 2021 income data, West Hobart's household, family and personal incomes cluster around the 71st percentile nationally. The earnings profile shows that 31.0% of residents (2,002 people) fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket, aligning with the regional figure of 32.2%. After housing expenses, 86.2% of income remains for other expenses. West Hobart's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 8th decile.

West Hobart is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

In West Hobart, as per the latest Census evaluation, 76.1% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 23.8% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. This contrasts with Hobart metropolitan area's figures of 69.2% houses and 30.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in West Hobart stood at 35.1%, mirroring Hobart metro's rate, with mortgaged dwellings at 30.0% and rented ones at 34.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,950, exceeding Hobart metro's average of $1,800. Median weekly rent in West Hobart was $400, compared to Hobart metro's $390. Nationally, West Hobart's mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents exceeded the national figure of $375.

West Hobart features high concentrations of group households, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households constitute 62.2% of all households, including 24.6% couples with children, 28.1% couples without children, and 8.5% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 37.8%, with lone person households at 28.8% and group households comprising 8.8%. The median household size is 2.3 people, which aligns with the Greater Hobart average.

West Hobart shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

In West Hobart, a significant proportion of residents aged 15 and above have achieved high levels of educational attainment. Specifically, 55.3% hold university qualifications, which is notably higher than the state average of 25.5% in Tasmania and the national average of 30.4%. This indicates a substantial educational advantage for the area, positioning it favourably for knowledge-based opportunities. Among these residents with university qualifications, bachelor degrees are the most common at 31.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (17.7%) and graduate diplomas (5.8%).

Vocational pathways also contribute to educational attainment in West Hobart, accounting for 20.2% of qualifications among those aged 15 and above. This includes advanced diplomas (8.7%) and certificates (11.5%). Educational participation is high in the area, with 30.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.3% in tertiary education, 8.2% in primary education, and 7.2% pursuing secondary education. Two schools serve the educational needs of West Hobart: Lansdowne Crescent Primary School and Goulburn Street Primary School. Together, they provide education to 627 students. The area demonstrates significant socio-educational advantages and academic achievement, with an ICSEA score of 1130. Both primary schools in the area focus exclusively on primary education, with secondary options available in surrounding areas. However, there is limited local school capacity, with only 9.7 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 22.7. As a result, many families travel to nearby areas for schooling.

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

West Hobart has 26 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 71 different routes that together facilitate 7,334 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these services is rated as excellent, with residents typically living just 198 meters from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 1,047 trips per day across all routes, which equates to around 282 weekly trips per individual stop.

The level of general health in West Hobart is notably higher than the national average with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

West Hobart shows superior health outcomes for both younger and older age groups, with low prevalence of common conditions. Private health cover is high at approximately 56% (~3,622 individuals), compared to Greater Hobart's 58.9%.

Mental health issues affect 10.4%, arthritis impacts 8.0%, while 68.7% report no medical ailments, close to Greater Hobart's 69.8%. The area has 18.1% seniors (1,169 people), with strong health outcomes among them, outperforming the general population in health metrics.

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

West Hobart's cultural diversity was above average, with 23.6% born overseas and 14.4% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion at 26.5%. Judaism was overrepresented at 0.1%, compared to Greater Hobart's 0.2%.

The top three ancestry groups were English (29.5%), Australian (23.3%), and Irish (10.6%). Polish, Welsh, and Dutch groups showed notable divergences in representation: Polish at 1.2% vs regional 1.0%, Welsh at 0.8% vs 0.6%, and Dutch at 1.7% vs 1.6%.

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

West Hobart's median age is 38, closely matching Greater Hobart's figure of 39 and Australia's median age of 38. Compared to the Greater Hobart average, West Hobart has a notably higher percentage of 25-34 year-olds (18.0%) but fewer 5-14 year-olds (8.9%). Between 2021 and present, the 35-44 age group grew from 12.1% to 14.2%, while the 75-84 cohort increased from 4.6% to 6.0%. Conversely, the 45-54 age group declined from 13.9% to 12.5%, and the 55-64 group dropped from 13.3% to 12.1%. By 2041, West Hobart's age profile is projected to change significantly. The 45-54 age cohort is expected to expand by 272 people (34%), growing from 807 to 1,080. Conversely, the 25-34 and 35-44 age groups are projected to decrease in number.