Bridgewater - Gagebrook
Statistical Area - sa2

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

Bridgewater - Gagebrook's population was approximately 8,830 as of November 2025. This figure represents an increase of 680 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 8,150. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 8,669 in June 2024 and an additional 292 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 158 persons per square kilometer. Bridgewater - Gagebrook's growth rate of 8.3% since the 2021 census exceeded both the SA4 region (4.3%) and the metropolitan area, indicating it as a growth leader in the region. Natural growth contributed approximately 53.4% to overall population gains during recent periods, with all drivers including interstate migration and overseas migration being positive factors.

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, Tasmania State Government's Regional/LGA projections are adopted with adjustments made employing weighted aggregation methods from LGA to SA2 levels. Future demographic trends suggest an above median population growth for the area analysed by AreaSearch, with an expected increase of 2,017 persons to 2041 based on the latest population numbers, representing a total increase of 21.0% over the 17 years.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Bridgewater - Gagebrook when compared nationally

Bridgewater - Gagebrook has recorded approximately 57 residential properties granted approval per year. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, a total of 287 homes were approved, with an additional 5 approved so far in FY26. On average, around 3.2 people have moved to the area for each dwelling built over these five years.

This supply lagging demand has led to heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures, with new properties constructed at an average expected cost of $230,000. In terms of commercial development, $26.8 million in approvals have been registered this financial year, indicating steady investment activity. Comparatively, Bridgewater - Gagebrook has about three-quarters the rate of new dwelling approvals per person compared to Greater Hobart.

Nationally, it ranks around the 45th percentile for areas assessed, offering more limited housing choices and supporting demand for existing homes. The area's building activity is predominantly detached houses at 94.0%, with townhouses or apartments making up 6.0%. This maintains Bridgewater - Gagebrook's low-density nature, attracting space-seeking buyers. As of now, there are an estimated 1183 people in the area per dwelling approval. Looking forward, Bridgewater - Gagebrook is projected to grow by 1,856 residents by 2041. Building activity is currently keeping pace with these growth projections, though increased competition among buyers can be expected as the population expands.

Bridgewater - Gagebrook has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 7thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 16 projects that could affect this region. Notable ones include New Bridgewater Bridge, Boyer Road Precinct Plan, Main Road Granton Shared Path Extension, and Whitestone Point Housing Development. 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 conditions in Bridgewater - Gagebrook face significant challenges, ranking among the bottom 10% of areas assessed nationally

Bridgewater - Gagebrook has a diverse workforce with both white and blue collar jobs, predominantly in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 19.6% as of June 2025, with an estimated employment growth of 0.6% over the past year.

There are 2,656 residents employed currently, which is 15.5% higher than Greater Hobart's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation in Bridgewater - Gagebrook stands at 46.9%, significantly lower than Greater Hobart's 61.6%. Key employment sectors include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction. Retail trade is particularly prominent with an employment share 1.5 times the regional level.

Conversely, education & training has a limited presence at 5.6% compared to the regional average of 10.8%. Employment opportunities locally appear scarce as indicated by the difference between Census working population and resident population. Over the past year, employment increased by 0.6%, while labour force decreased by 1.6%, leading to an unemployment rate drop of 1.8 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Hobart saw a 1.5% decrease in employment, a 1.6% contraction in labour force, and a 0.2 percentage point fall in unemployment. According to Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025, overall employment is projected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. However, growth rates vary significantly between sectors. Applying these projections to Bridgewater - Gagebrook's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.2% over five years and 13.1% over ten years.

The area's income levels rank in the lower 15% nationally based on AreaSearch comparative data

AreaSearch's data for financial year 2022 shows median income in Bridgewater - Gagebrook was $48,671 and average income was $53,540. This is below national averages of $51,272 (median) and $63,777 (average) in Greater Hobart. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.83% from financial year 2022 to September 2025, estimated median income would be $55,402 and average income $60,945 by then. Census data reveals Bridgewater - Gagebrook incomes fall between the 3rd and 5th percentiles nationally. Income brackets indicate 31.8% of residents earn $400-$799 weekly, contrasting with metropolitan trends where 32.2% earn $1,500-$2,999 weekly. Lower-income prevalence (41.8% under $800/week) suggests constrained household budgets. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 79.0% of income remaining, ranking at the 4th percentile.

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

In Bridgewater-Gagebrook, as per the latest Census evaluation, 90.9% of dwellings were houses with the remaining 9.1% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments and other types of dwellings. This is compared to Hobart metropolitan area's figures of 89.1% houses and 10.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Bridgewater-Gagebrook stood at 18.3%, with mortgaged dwellings at 24.0% and rented ones at 57.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,083, significantly lower than Hobart metro's average of $1,400. The median weekly rent figure for Bridgewater-Gagebrook was recorded as $250, compared to Hobart metro's $280. Nationally, Bridgewater-Gagebrook's mortgage repayments were substantially lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were significantly below the national figure of $375.

Bridgewater - Gagebrook has a typical household mix, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households constitute 71.0% of all households, including 22.6% couples with children, 16.7% couples without children, and 29.7% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 29.0%, with lone person households at 25.9% and group households making up 3.3% of the total. The median household size is 2.6 people, which aligns with the Greater Hobart average.

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

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates at 7.8%, substantially below the SA4 region average of 32.8%. Bachelor degrees lead at 5.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 2.0% and graduate diplomas at 0.8%. Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 36.1% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas at 5.4% and certificates at 30.7%. Educational participation is high, with 34.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 17.0% in primary education, 9.4% in secondary education, and 1.7% pursuing tertiary education. A network of six schools operates within Bridgewater - Gagebrook, educating approximately 1,281 students. The area has five primary and one secondary school serving distinct age groups. It functions as an education hub with 14.6 school places per 100 residents, significantly above the regional average of 8.4, attracting students from surrounding communities.

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

Transport analysis shows 85 active stops operating within Bridgewater - Gagebrook, with a mix of buses serving these locations. These stops are covered by 110 individual routes, offering 9,434 weekly passenger trips in total. Transport accessibility is moderate, with residents on average being 404 meters away from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 1,347 trips per day across all routes, which equates to approximately 110 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Bridgewater-Gagebrook faces significant health challenges, with various conditions affecting both younger and older residents. Private health cover stands at approximately 47%, covering around 4,150 people, which is lower than the national average of 55.3%.

Mental health issues impact about 13.5% of residents, while asthma affects 11.3%. Around 59.2% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 63.0% in Greater Hobart. The area has approximately 12.8%, or around 1,126 people aged 65 and over, which is lower than the 15.7% in Greater Hobart. Health outcomes among seniors are generally aligned with those of the broader population.

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

Bridgewater-Gagebrook had a cultural diversity level below average. Its population was predominantly local, with 88.1% being citizens, 94.3% born in Australia, and 96.4% speaking English at home. Christianity was the dominant religion, comprising 35.5% of the population.

The most notable overrepresentation was seen in the 'Other' category, which constituted 0.8% compared to Greater Hobart's 0.6%. In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were Australian (35.3%), English (33.8%), and Australian Aboriginal (12.0%).

Bridgewater - Gagebrook hosts a very young demographic, ranking in the bottom 10% of areas nationwide

Bridgewater-Gagebrook has a median age of 31, which is younger than Greater Hobart's figure of 39 and Australia's national average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Hobart, Bridgewater-Gagebrook has a higher proportion of residents aged 5-14 (17.1%) but fewer residents aged 75-84 (3.9%). Between the 2021 Census and now, the population aged 25-34 has increased from 14.6% to 16.1%, while the 15-24 age group has risen from 14.3% to 15.3%. Meanwhile, the 45-54 age group has decreased from 11.0% to 9.7%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic shifts in Bridgewater-Gagebrook. The 35-44 age cohort is projected to grow by 36%, adding 368 residents to reach a total of 1,402. Conversely, the 55-64 age group is expected to decrease by 34 residents.