Central Highlands

An assessment of population growth drivers in Central Highlands reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Central Highlands's population is around 2,518 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 91 people (3.7%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,427 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 2,490 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 116 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 0.40 persons per square kilometer, providing ample space per person. Over the past decade, Central Highlands has demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a 1.5% compound annual growth rate, outpacing the SA3 area. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration, which contributed approximately 59.1% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts 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. As we examine future population trends, projections indicate a decline in overall population, with the area's population expected to reduce by 103 persons by 2041 according to this methodology. However, growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, led by the 75 to 84 age group, which is projected to grow by 115 people. See the age section for more details.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Central Highlands recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

Central Highlands has seen around 9 new homes approved per year, with 49 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 2 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 significantly exceeds new supply, which usually results in price growth and increased buyer competition, while new properties are constructed at an average value of $182,000—below the regional average—suggesting more affordable housing options for buyers. There have also been $26.6 million in commercial approvals this financial year, indicating steady commercial investment activity.

When measured against Rest of Tas., Central Highlands has around three-quarters the rate of new dwelling approvals per person while it places among the 36th percentile of areas assessed nationally, meaning somewhat limited buyer options while strengthening demand for established properties. Meanwhile, recent development has been entirely comprised of detached houses, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. The estimated count of 457 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment.

With the population expected to remain stable or decline, Central Highlands should see reduced pressure on housing, potentially creating opportunities for buyers.

Central Highlands has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 39thth percentile nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 55 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Bothwell Water Treatment Plant, Cellars Hill Wind Farm, Weasel Solar Farm, and Tarraleah Power Station 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.

Employment performance in Central Highlands has been below expectations when compared to most other areas nationally

Central Highlands features a balanced workforce spanning white and blue collar employment, with diverse sector representation, an unemployment rate of 4.5%, and 4.8% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 1,062 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 0.7% above Regional Tas.'s rate of 3.8%, and workforce participation lags significantly (51.2% compared to Regional Tas.'s 58.9%). Based on Census responses, a moderate 14.3% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

The dominant employment sectors among residents include agriculture, forestry & fishing, accommodation & food, and health care & social assistance. The area demonstrates a particularly notable concentration in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with employment levels at 3.7 times the regional average. On the other hand, health care & social assistance is under-represented, with only 9.1% of Central Highlands's workforce compared to 16.5% in Regional Tas.. The area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, the 12-month period saw employment increasing by 4.8% alongside labour force increasing by 3.8%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.9 percentage points. In contrast, Regional Tas. experienced employment growth of 1.8% and labour force growth of 1.5%, with a 0.3 percentage point drop. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Central Highlands. 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 Central Highlands's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 4.9% over five years and 11.0% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

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

The Central Highlands SA2 shows a median taxpayer income of $50,064 and an average of $55,101 according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY-23. This is lower than average on a national basis, contrasting with Regional Tas.'s median income of $49,689 and average income of $59,358. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.6% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $54,870 (median) and $60,391 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes in Central Highlands all fall between the 4th and 8th percentiles nationally. The data shows the $400 - 799 earnings band captures 32.7% of the community (823 individuals), contrasting with the broader area where the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket leads at 28.5%. The concentration of 42.8% in sub-$800 weekly brackets highlights economic challenges facing a significant portion of the community. While housing costs are modest with 90.6% of income retained, the total disposable income ranks at just the 8th percentile nationally.

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

Dwelling structure within Central Highlands, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 96.4% houses and 3.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Regional Tas.'s 89.9% houses and 10.1% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Central Highlands was well beyond that of Regional Tas., at 52.7%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (28.7%) or rented (18.5%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well below the Regional Tas. average at $894, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $200, compared to Regional Tas.'s $1,274 and $250. Nationally, Central Highlands's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

Central Highlands features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households dominate at 58.5% of all households, comprising 20.2% couples with children, 29.8% couples without children, and 7.4% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 41.5%, with lone person households at 38.3% and group households comprising 3.2% of the total. The median household size of 2.1 people is smaller than the Regional Tas. average of 2.3.

Central Highlands 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 (14.3%) substantially below the Australian average of 30.4%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 9.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.7%) and graduate diplomas (1.2%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 39.0% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (8.3%) and certificates (30.7%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 25.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.5% in primary education, 6.7% in secondary education, and 1.7% pursuing tertiary education.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

Health performance in Central Highlands is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Central Highlands faces significant health challenges, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions are somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is very low at approximately 47% of the total population (~1,193 people). The national average is 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 12.2% and 8.7% of residents, respectively, while 61.0% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 62.0% across Regional Tas. The working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 27.6% of residents aged 65 and over (695 people), which is higher than the 24.9% in Regional Tas. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, with national rankings even higher than the general population.

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

Central Highlands was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 86.9% of its population being citizens, 88.8% born in Australia, and 96.3% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Central Highlands is Christianity, which makes up 53.3% of people in Central Highlands, compared to 43.0% across Regional Tas..

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Central Highlands are English, comprising 36.5% of the population, Australian, comprising 34.8% of the population, and Irish, comprising 8.0% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Australian Aboriginal is notably overrepresented at 4.0% of Central Highlands (vs 4.1% regionally) and Hungarian at 0.3% (vs 0.1%).

Central Highlands ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

The 50-year median age in Central Highlands is significantly above Regional Tas.'s average of 45 and similarly well above the national norm of 38. Compared to the Regional Tas. average, the 55 - 64 cohort is notably over-represented (18.3% locally), while 5 - 14 year-olds are under-represented (8.8%). This 55 - 64 concentration is well above the national 11.2%. In the period since 2021, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 6.5% to 9.2% of the population. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort has declined from 10.5% to 8.8%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Central Highlands. The 75 to 84 cohort shows the strongest projected growth at 34%, adding 78 residents to reach 310. Senior residents (65+) will drive 53% of population growth, underscoring demographic aging trends. Conversely, both 0 to 4 and 15 to 24 age groups will see reduced numbers.