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

Central Highlands' population is approximately 2,537 as of November 2025. This figure reflects an increase of 110 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,427. The growth is inferred from the estimated resident population of 2,500 in June 2024 and an additional 113 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 0.40 persons per square kilometer. Over the past decade, Central Highlands has shown resilient growth with a 1.5% compound annual growth rate, outperforming the SA3 area. Interstate migration contributed approximately 59.1% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data and post-2032 growth estimates, Tasmania State Government's Regional/LGA projections are adopted with adjustments made using a method of weighted aggregation from LGA to SA2 levels. Future population trends indicate an overall decline by 103 persons by 2041 according to this methodology. However, certain age cohorts are expected to grow, notably the 75 to 84 age group, projected to increase by 115 people.

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 approximately nine new homes approved annually, with a total of 49 homes approved over the past five financial years from FY21 to FY25. In the current financial year, FY26, two homes have been approved so far. On average, 4.2 people moved to the area for each dwelling built over these five years.

This has led to a significant demand exceeding new supply, resulting in price growth and increased buyer competition. New properties are constructed at an average expected construction cost of $182,000, which is below the regional average, suggesting more affordable housing options for buyers. This financial year has seen $26.6 million in commercial approvals, indicating steady commercial investment activity in Central Highlands.

Compared to Rest of Tas., Central Highlands has around three-quarters the rate of new dwelling approvals per person and ranks among the 36th percentile of areas assessed nationally, suggesting somewhat limited buyer options while strengthening demand for established properties. Recent development in Central Highlands 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 per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment. With population expected to remain stable or decline, Central Highlands should see reduced pressure on housing in the future, potentially creating opportunities for buyers.

Central Highlands has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 36thth percentile nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 55 projects that could impact this region. Notable ones include Bothwell Water Treatment Plant, Cellars Hill Wind Farm, Weasel Solar Farm, and Tarraleah Power Station Redevelopment. 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 drivers in Central Highlands are experiencing difficulties, placing it among the bottom 20% of areas assessed across Australia

Central Highlands has a balanced workforce with both white and blue collar jobs, diverse sector representation, and an unemployment rate of 4.3% as of September 2025. The area employs 1,032 residents with an unemployment rate of 4.8%, which is 0.5% higher than Rest of Tas.'s rate of 3.8%.

Workforce participation in Central Highlands is lower at 49.2% compared to Rest of Tas.'s 55.7%. Dominant employment sectors include agriculture, forestry & fishing, accommodation & food, and health care & social assistance. Agriculture, forestry & fishing has a notable concentration with employment levels at 3.7 times the regional average. However, health care & social assistance is under-represented at 9.1% compared to Rest of Tas.'s 16.5%.

Limited local employment opportunities are indicated by the Census working population vs resident population count. In the 12-month period ending September 2025, labour force decreased by 2.2%, employment declined by 1.8%, and unemployment fell by 0.4 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Tas. experienced employment growth of 0.7% and labour force growth of 0.5%, with a 0.2 percentage point drop in unemployment. State-level data to 25-Nov-25 shows TAS employment contracted by 0.35% (losing 2,010 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 4.1%. This compares favourably to the national unemployment rate of 4.3%, but lags behind national employment growth of 0.14%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Central Highlands' employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 4.9% over five years and 11.0% over ten years, based on simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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

The Central Highlands SA2 had a median taxpayer income of $47,433 and an average income of $52,370 in the financial year 2022. This is lower than the national average, with Rest of Tas. having a higher median income of $47,358 and average income of $57,384 during the same period. By September 2025, estimates suggest the median income could reach approximately $53,993 and the average income around $59,613, based on a Wage Price Index growth of 13.83% since financial year 2022. Census data indicates that household, family, and personal incomes in Central Highlands fall between the 4th and 8th percentiles nationally. The $400 - 799 earnings band captures 32.7% of the community (829 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 faced by 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

The dwelling structure in Central Highlands, as per the latest Census, was 96.4% houses and 3.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Non-Metro Tas. had 97.8% houses and 2.2% other dwellings. Home ownership in Central Highlands stood at 52.7%, with mortgaged dwellings at 28.7% and rented ones at 18.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $894, lower than Non-Metro Tas.'s average. The median weekly rent figure was $200, compared to Non-Metro Tas.'s $1,200 and $240. Nationally, Central Highlands's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $894 versus the Australian average of $1,863. Rents in Central Highlands were substantially below the national figure of $375 at $200.

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

Family households account for 58.5% of all households, including 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%. The median household size is 2.1 people, smaller than the Rest of Tas. average of 2.4.

Central Highlands faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area's university qualification rate is 14.3%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 9.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.7%) and graduate diplomas (1.2%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 39.0% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (8.3%) and certificates (30.7%). Educational participation is high, with 25.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education: 11.5% in primary, 6.7% in secondary, and 1.7% in tertiary education.

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 well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Central Highlands faces significant health challenges with high prevalence of common conditions across all age groups. Private health cover is low at approximately 46%, compared to the national average of 55.3%.

The most prevalent conditions are arthritis (12.2%) and mental health issues (8.7%). A total of 61% report no medical ailments, slightly lower than Rest of Tas.'s 62.3%. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 27.1%, compared to the state average of 22%. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors are above average, even better than the general population in certain metrics.

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 have a cultural diversity below average, with 86.9% citizens, 88.8% born in Australia, and 96.3% speaking English only at home. The dominant religion is Christianity, comprising 53.3%, compared to 49.6% across Rest of Tas.. Top ancestry groups are English (36.5%), Australian (34.8%), and Irish (8%).

Notably, Australian Aboriginal representation is higher at 4.0% than the regional average of 4.6%, while Hungarian stands out at 0.3% compared to the regional 0.1%.

Central Highlands ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

The median age in Central Highlands is significantly higher than the Rest of Tasmania's average of 45 years, which is also above the national norm of 38 years. Compared to the Rest of Tasmania average, the 55-64 age cohort is notably over-represented at 18.7% locally, while the 5-14 year-olds are under-represented at 8.8%. This concentration of the 55-64 age group is well above the national average of 11.2%. Between 2021 and present, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 6.5% to 8.3% of the population. Conversely, the 5-14 year-old cohort has declined from 10.5% to 8.8%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes in Central Highlands. The 75 to 84 age group is projected to grow by 46%, adding 98 residents to reach 310. Senior residents aged 65 and above will drive 58% of population growth, underscoring trends towards an aging population. Conversely, both the 0-4 and 15-24 age groups are expected to decrease in numbers.