Brighton - Pontville
Statistical Area - sa2

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

Brighton-Pontville's population, as of Aug 2025, is approximately 7,111. This figure reflects a growth of 662 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 6,449. This increase (10.3%) was inferred from ABS's estimated resident population of 6,955 in June 2024 and an additional 193 validated new addresses post-Census. The population density is around 80 persons per square kilometer, indicating ample space per person and potential for further development. Brighton-Pontville's growth rate (10.3%) exceeded the SA4 region (4.2%) and metropolitan area, positioning it as a growth leader in the region. Interstate migration contributed approximately 55.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

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 from LGA to SA2 levels. Based on projected demographic shifts, Brighton-Pontville is forecasted to grow by 2,316 persons by 2041, an increase of 30.4% over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Brighton - Pontville among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

Brighton - Pontville has averaged approximately 57 new dwelling approvals annually. Development approval data is compiled by the ABS on a financial year basis, with a total of 287 approvals over the past five financial years from FY-21 to FY-25 and an additional 17 in FY-26 so far. On average, around 3.3 people have moved to the area for each dwelling built during these years, indicating supply is significantly lagging demand. This typically results in heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures.

New properties are being constructed at an average expected cost of $410,000. In FY-26 alone, commercial approvals worth $27.6 million have been registered, demonstrating steady commercial investment activity. Compared to Greater Hobart, Brighton - Pontville exhibits similar development activity per capita, maintaining market balance with surrounding areas.

Recent development has exclusively consisted of detached houses, preserving the area's low-density character and appealing to space-seeking buyers. Interestingly, developers are constructing more traditional houses than current demographics suggest (85.0% at Census), suggesting strong demand for family homes. With approximately 219 people per approval, Brighton - Pontville reflects a shifting market dynamic. Looking forward, Brighton - Pontville is projected to gain around 2,160 residents by 2041. Current building activity appears aligned with these growth projections, though increased competition among buyers can be anticipated as the population grows.

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

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 12 projects expected to impact the area. Notable projects include Homes Tasmania Brighton Subdivision, Ted Jeffries Memorial Park Upgrade, Brighton Town Square Development, and New Brighton High School. The following list details those deemed most relevant.

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

Employment performance in Brighton - Pontville has been broadly consistent with national averages

Brighton-Pontville has a balanced workforce with both white and blue-collar jobs. The construction sector is prominent, with an unemployment rate of 3.1%.

As of June 2025, 3809 residents are employed, below Greater Hobart's rate by 1.0%, and participation is higher at 70.4%. Key sectors include healthcare & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. Construction stands out with employment levels at 1.7 times the regional average. Education & training is under-represented at 5.5% compared to Greater Hobart's 10.8%.

Over June 2024 to June 2025, labour force decreased by 1.7%, employment by 2.2%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.5 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Hobart saw employment decline of 1.5% and unemployment fall by 0.2%. As of Sep-25, Tasmania's employment grew by 0.77% year-on-year, with an unemployment rate of 4.3%, outperforming the national average growth of 0.26%. By May 2025, national employment forecasts suggest a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Brighton-Pontville's mix, local growth is estimated at approximately 6.2% over five years and 13.0% over ten years.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

Brighton - Pontville has a median taxpayer income of $49,698 and an average income of $54,755 according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year 2022. This is below the national average, contrasting with Greater Hobart's median income of $51,272 and average income of $63,777. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.94% since financial year 2022, estimated incomes as of March 2025 would be approximately $55,632 (median) and $61,293 (average). According to the 2021 Census figures, household, family, and personal incomes in Brighton - Pontville rank modestly, between the 43rd and 56th percentiles. The income bracket of $1,500 - 2,999 captures 38.6% of the community (2,744 individuals), which is consistent with broader regional trends showing 32.2% in the same category. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 84.5% of income remaining, ranking at the 45th percentile.

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

Brighton-Pontville's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 84.9% houses and 15.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This is compared to Hobart metro's 89.1% houses and 10.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Brighton-Pontville stood at 27.6%, with the rest being mortgaged (53.5%) or rented (18.9%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,508, higher than Hobart metro's $1,400. The median weekly rent was $350, compared to Hobart metro's $280. Nationally, Brighton-Pontville's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,508 versus Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were also lower at $350 compared to the national figure of $375.

Brighton - Pontville features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 78.2% of all households, consisting of 35.7% couples with children, 27.0% couples without children, and 14.6% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 21.8%, with lone person households at 19.8% and group households comprising 1.9% of the total. The median household size is 2.7 people, which is larger than the Greater Hobart average of 2.6.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 8.9%, significantly lower than the SA4 region average of 32.8%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 6.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.4%) and graduate diplomas (1.0%). Vocational credentials are held by 43.3% of residents aged 15+, with advanced diplomas comprising 7.5% and certificates making up 35.8%. Current educational participation is high at 27.5%, including 12.3% in primary, 6.8% in secondary, and 2.5% in tertiary education.

Brighton Primary School serves the area with an enrollment of 517 students. Educational conditions vary across Brighton - Pontville; while there is one school focused on primary education, secondary options are available in nearby areas.

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

Transport analysis indicates 23 active stops serving Brighton - Pontville. These are bus stops, totaling 52 routes offering 3,504 weekly passenger trips. Accessibility is moderate with residents typically 583 meters from nearest stop.

Daily service averages 500 trips across all routes, equating to around 152 weekly trips per stop.

Health performance in Brighton - Pontville is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across the board, though to a considerably higher degree among older age cohorts

Brighton - Pontville faces significant health challenges. Common health conditions are prevalent across all age groups but to a higher degree among older cohorts.

Private health cover is low at approximately 47% of the total population (~3,356 people), compared to the national average of 55.3%. The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and arthritis, affecting 10.2% and 9.5% of residents respectively. 66.4% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 63.0% across Greater Hobart. The area has 14.6% of residents aged 65 and over (1,038 people), which is lower than the 15.7% in Greater Hobart. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges that require more attention than those for the broader population.

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

Brighton-Pontville had a cultural diversity score below average, with 95.2% of its residents born in Australia, 95.1% being citizens, and 97.9% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Brighton-Pontville as of 45.4%, compared to 42.9% across Greater Hobart. The top three ancestry groups were Australian (36.9%), English (35.3%), and Irish (6.8%).

Notably, Polish residents made up 1.0% of the population in Brighton-Pontville, higher than the regional average of 0.7%, while Australian Aboriginal representation was 5.5%, lower compared to the region's 7.4%.

Brighton - Pontville's population is younger than the national pattern

Brighton-Pontville has a median age of 35, which is younger than Greater Hobart's figure of 39 and slightly below Australia's median age of 38. The 5-14 age group constitutes 13.5% of the population in Brighton-Pontville, higher than Greater Hobart's representation. Conversely, the 75-84 age cohort is less prevalent at 4.8%. Between 2021 and present, the 35 to 44 age group has increased from 12.4% to 13.4% of the population. During this period, the 5 to 14 age group has decreased from 14.4% to 13.5%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Brighton-Pontville's age structure. Notably, the 35 to 44 age group is projected to grow by 38%, adding 363 people and reaching a total of 1,319 from its current count of 955.