Cambridge

Population growth drivers in Cambridge are above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Cambridge's population is around 8,990 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 417 people (4.9%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 8,573 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 8,853 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 327 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 88 persons per square kilometer, providing significant space per person and potential room for further development. Over the past decade, Cambridge has demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a 1.5% compound annual growth rate, outpacing the SA4 region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by natural growth, which contributed approximately 54.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

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. Considering the projected demographic shifts, a population increase just below the median of national areas is expected, with the area expected to expand by 1,127 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 11.0% in total over the 17 years.

Residential development activity is slightly higher than average within Cambridge when compared nationally

Cambridge has averaged around 33 new dwelling approvals each year, with 167 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 34 so far in FY-26. With an average of 4.2 people per year moving to the area for each dwelling built over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), demand is significantly outpacing supply, which typically puts upward pressure on prices and increases competition among buyers, while new properties are constructed at an average value of $374,000, showing that developers are focusing on the premium market with high-end developments. Additionally, $40.2 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, suggesting robust local business investment.

When measured against Greater Hobart, Cambridge shows approximately 63% of the construction activity per person while it places among the 38th percentile of areas assessed nationally, meaning somewhat limited buyer options while strengthening demand for established dwellings. Further, recent building activity consists entirely of detached houses, preserving the area's low density nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. The estimated count of 487 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment.

Future projections show Cambridge adding 990 residents by 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Present construction rates appear balanced with future demand, fostering steady market conditions without excessive price pressure.

Cambridge has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 6thth percentile nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 16 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the Tasman Highway Duplication Project, Cambridge-Clarence Recycled Water Interconnector, Lauderdale Primary School, and Cambridge Primary School Redevelopment, with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

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.

AreaSearch analysis of employment trends sees Cambridge performing better than 85% of local markets assessed across Australia

Cambridge has a well-educated workforce, with essential services sectors well represented, an unemployment rate of just 1.4%, and relative employment stability over the past year. As of December 2025, 4,922 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 2.7% below Greater Hobart's rate of 4.0%, and workforce participation is fairly standard (68.4% compared to Greater Hobart's 64.0%). Based on Census responses, a low 12.0% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

The key industries of employment among residents are health care & social assistance, construction, and public administration & safety. The area has particular employment specialization in construction, with an employment share of 1.4 times the regional level. On the other hand, accommodation & food is under-represented, with only 5.0% of Cambridge's workforce compared to 8.0% in Greater Hobart. The ratio of 0.6 workers for each resident, as at the Census, indicates a level of local employment opportunities above the norm.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, during the year to December 2025, the labour force decreased by 0.1% alongside a 0.0% employment decline, keeping the unemployment rate relatively stable. In contrast, Greater Hobart experienced employment growth of 0.1% and labour force decline of 0.1%, with a 0.2 percentage point drop. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Cambridge. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Cambridge's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.6% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

Income metrics indicate excellent economic conditions, with the area achieving higher performance than 75% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch

The Cambridge SA2 shows a median taxpayer income of $60,871 and an average of $75,703 according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY-23. This is very high nationally, contrasting with Greater Hobart's median income of $54,577 and average income of $65,190. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.6% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $66,715 (median) and $82,970 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes all rank highly in Cambridge, between the 77th and 77th percentiles nationally. The earnings profile shows the largest segment comprises 33.7% earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (3,029 residents), aligning with the surrounding region where this cohort likewise represents 32.2%. Cambridge demonstrates considerable affluence with 32.3% earning over $3,000 per week, supporting premium retail and service offerings. After housing costs, residents retain 89.2% of income, reflecting strong purchasing power and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

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

Dwelling structure within Cambridge, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 96.5% houses and 3.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Hobart metro's 85.3% houses and 14.7% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Cambridge was well beyond that of Hobart metro, at 42.7%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (49.8%) or rented (7.5%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well above the Hobart metro average at $1,800, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $400, compared to Hobart metro's $1,517 and $350. Nationally, Cambridge's mortgage repayments are lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are exceeding the national figure of $375.

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

Family households dominate at 81.1% of all households, comprising 39.6% couples with children, 32.0% couples without children, and 8.7% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 18.9%, with lone person households at 17.4% and group households comprising 1.5% of the total. The median household size of 2.8 people is larger than the Greater Hobart average of 2.4.

The educational profile of Cambridge exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

At 28.9%, university qualification levels in Cambridge sit marginally below the SA4 region average of 32.8%, though the modest gap indicates reasonable educational competitiveness. Bachelor degrees lead at 19.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.9%) and graduate diplomas (3.6%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 37.5% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (11.7%) and certificates (25.8%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 27.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.8% in primary education, 7.8% in secondary education, and 3.9% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 103 active transport stops operating within Cambridge, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 215 individual routes, collectively providing 16,405 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as moderate, with residents typically located 482 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 94%. Vehicle ownership averages 2.1 per dwelling, which is above the regional average. A relatively low 12.0% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 2,343 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 159 weekly trips per individual stop. The accompanying map shows the 100 nearest stops to the location centrepoint.

Cambridge'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 Cambridge, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. There is a very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups, and the rate of private health cover is very high at approximately 57% of the total population (~5,088 people), compared to 51.7% across Greater Hobart.

The most common medical conditions in the area were found to be arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 9.9% and 7.6% of residents, respectively, while 68.7% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 65.5% across Greater Hobart. Health outcomes among the working-age population are broadly typical. The area has 23.5% of residents aged 65 and over (2,110 people), which is higher than the 19.9% in Greater Hobart. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

Cambridge is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Cambridge was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 88.6% of its population born in Australia, 94.2% being citizens, and 96.4% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Cambridge is Christianity, which makes up 46.1% of the population, compared to 39.8% across Greater Hobart.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Cambridge are English, comprising 36.5% of the population, Australian, comprising 30.4% of the population, and Irish, comprising 8.8% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Dutch is represented at 1.5% of Cambridge (vs 1.5% regionally), Welsh at 0.6% (vs 0.5%), and Polish at 0.7% (vs 0.8%).

Cambridge's median age exceeds the national pattern

The 43-year median age in Cambridge is significantly above Greater Hobart's average of 39 and similarly considerably older than Australia's 38 years. Relative to Greater Hobart, Cambridge has a higher concentration of 65 - 74 residents (13.9%) but fewer 25 - 34 year-olds (7.3%). Following the 2021 Census, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 5.3% to 7.8% of the population, while the 65 to 74 cohort increased from 11.8% to 13.9%. Conversely, the 25 to 34 cohort has declined from 9.9% to 7.3% and the 55 to 64 group dropped from 15.7% to 13.8%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections reveal significant shifts in Cambridge's age structure. Leading the demographic shift, the 45 to 54 group will grow by 49% (571 people), reaching 1,727 from 1,155. Conversely, the 15 to 24 and 25 to 34 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.