West Hobart

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

As of May 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of West Hobart is around 6,452, reflecting a decrease of 73 people since the 2021 Census. This decline represents a 1.1% change from the previous population count of 6,525. The current estimate is based on AreaSearch's analysis of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2025) and validation of nine new addresses since the census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1,589 persons per square kilometer, which exceeds the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. While West Hobart experienced a 1.1% decline since the Census, the broader SA3 area showed a growth rate of 1.8%, indicating divergent population trends within the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 86.0% of overall population gains during recent periods in West Hobart.

AreaSearch uses 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, the Tasmania State Government's Regional/LGA projections are adopted with adjustments made using weighted aggregation methods from LGA to SA2 levels. Looking ahead, AreaSearch projects that West Hobart will experience a population increase just below the median of statistical areas analysed. By 2041, the suburb is expected to grow by 461 persons, reflecting an overall gain of 7.2% over the 16-year period based on aggregated SA2-level projections.

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

West Hobart has seen approximately seven new homes approved annually based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, around 39 homes were approved, with an additional 19 approved so far in FY26. The population has declined recently, yet housing supply has remained adequate relative to demand, resulting in a balanced market with good buyer choice.

New properties are constructed at an average expected cost of $320,000. This year, $7.6 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, indicating limited focus on commercial development compared to residential. When measured against Greater Hobart, West Hobart shows significantly reduced construction activity, with 56.0% below the regional average per person. This constrained new construction typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing properties. Nationally, West Hobart's construction levels are also below average, reflecting the area's maturity and possible planning constraints.

New building activity comprises predominantly detached dwellings (89.0%) with townhouses or apartments making up the remainder (11.0%), preserving the area's suburban nature 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, West Hobart is forecasted to gain 461 residents by 2041. If current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

West Hobart has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 37thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 11 projects that could impact this region. Notable projects include Royal Hobart Hospital Emergency Department Expansion, Hobart City Deal, Transforming Collins Street, and Greater Hobart Urban Growth Boundary Extension. The following list details those 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 West Hobart ranks among the strongest 15% of areas evaluated nationally

West Hobart has a highly educated workforce with prominent representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 2.1% as of an unspecified date. Over the past year, there has been relative employment stability.

As of December 2025, 3884 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.9%, lower than Greater Hobart's rate of 4.0%. Workforce participation was 69.9%, higher than Greater Hobart's 63.7%. A low 12.6% of residents worked from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Key industries of employment were health care & social assistance, education & training, and public administration & safety.

Professional & technical services had notable concentration, with employment levels at 1.6 times the regional average. Conversely, construction showed lower representation at 3.7% compared to the regional average of 8.7%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities. Over a 12-month period ending in an unspecified date, labour force decreased by 0.2%, employment declined by 0.1%, causing unemployment to fall by 0.1 percentage points. By comparison, Greater Hobart recorded employment growth of 0.1%, labour force decline of 0.1%, with unemployment falling by 0.2 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project national employment expansion by 6.6% over five years and 14.7% 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 these are simple weighting extrapolations for illustrative purposes and do not account for localised population projections.

The economic profile demonstrates above-average performance, with income metrics exceeding national benchmarks based on AreaSearch comparative assessment

The suburb of West Hobart has an income level above the national average, according to the latest Australian Taxation Office data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year ended 30 June 2023. The median income among taxpayers in West Hobart is $53,747, while the average income stands at $72,942. In comparison, Greater Hobart's median and average incomes are $54,577 and $65,190 respectively. Based on a 10.95% increase in wages from financial year 2023 to March 2026, estimated incomes for West Hobart would be approximately $59,632 (median) and $80,929 (average). Census data from 2021 shows that income levels in West Hobart cluster around the 71st percentile nationally. The earnings profile indicates that the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket dominates, with 31.0% of residents (approximately 2,000 people). This aligns with the regional trend where this cohort also represents 32.2%. After housing costs, 86.2% of income remains for other expenses. The area's Socio-Economic Indexes for Advantage (SEIFA) income ranking places it in the 8th decile.

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

West Hobart's dwellings, as per the latest Census, consisted of 76.1% houses and 23.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), contrasting with Hobart metro's 85.3% houses and 14.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in West Hobart was at 35.1%, similar to Hobart metro, with mortgaged dwellings at 30.0% and rented ones at 34.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,950, surpassing the Hobart metro average of $1,517. The median weekly rent figure was recorded at $400, compared to Hobart metro's $350. Nationally, West Hobart's mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents exceeded the national figure of $375.

West Hobart features high concentrations of group households, with a lower-than-average 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, smaller than the Greater Hobart average of 2.4.

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

In West Hobart, residents aged 15 years or above have a notably higher educational attainment than broader benchmarks. Specifically, 55.3% of residents hold university qualifications compared to the state average of 25.5% in Tasmania (TAS) and the national average of 30.4%. This significant educational advantage positions West Hobart favourably for opportunities involving knowledge-based activities. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent, with 31.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 17.7% and graduate diplomas at 5.8%.

Vocational pathways account for 20.2% of qualifications among residents aged 15 years or above, with advanced diplomas comprising 8.7% and certificates making up 11.5%. Educational participation in West Hobart is notably high, with 30.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education programs. This includes tertiary education (9.3%), primary education (8.2%), and secondary education (7.2%).

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 serving a variety of bus routes. These stops facilitate 74 different routes, collectively transporting 7,725 passengers weekly. The average distance to the nearest stop for residents is 198 meters, indicating excellent accessibility. Most trips are outward-bound due to the area's residential nature. Car remains the primary commuting mode at 59%, with walking at 30% and cycling at 4%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.1 per dwelling, below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, only 12.6% of residents work from home, potentially due to COVID-19 conditions. On average, there are 1,103 trips daily across all routes, equating to approximately 297 weekly trips per individual stop.

West Hobart's residents are extremely healthy with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Analysis of health metrics shows strong performance throughout West Hobart. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence were found to be very low across all age groups.

Private health cover was found to be very high at approximately 56% of the total population (~3,617 people), compared to 51.7% across Greater Hobart. The most common medical conditions in the area were mental health issues and arthritis, impacting 10.4 and 8.0% of residents respectively, while 68.7% declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 65.5% across Greater Hobart. The under-65 population demonstrates better than average health outcomes. The area has 19.0% of residents aged 65 and over (1,225 people), which is lower than the 20.0% in Greater Hobart. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

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

West Hobart's cultural diversity was found to be above average, with 23.6% of its population born overseas and 14.4% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the main religion in West Hobart, comprising 26.5% of people. Judaism showed overrepresentation, making up 0.1% compared to the Greater Hobart average of 0.1%.

The top three ancestry groups were English (29.5%), Australian (23.3%), and Irish (10.6%). Notably, Polish was overrepresented at 1.2%, Welsh at 0.8%, and Dutch at 1.7% compared to regional averages of 0.8%, 0.5%, and 1.5% respectively.

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. The 25-34 cohort is notably over-represented in West Hobart at 17.9%, compared to the Greater Hobart average, while the 5-14 year-olds are under-represented at 8.7%. Between 2021 and present, the 35-44 age group has grown from 12.1% to 14.6% of the population, and the 75-84 cohort increased from 4.6% to 6.1%. Conversely, the 45-54 cohort declined from 13.9% to 12.3%, and the 25-34 group dropped from 19.1% to 17.9%. Demographic modeling suggests West Hobart's age profile will significantly evolve by 2041, with the 45-54 age cohort projected to expand by 272 people (34%) from 793 to 1,066. Conversely, both the 25-34 and 35-44 age groups are expected to decrease in numbers.