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

According to the analysis by AreaSearch, the population of Central Highlands stands at approximately 2,509 as of May 2026. This represents a growth of 82 residents (3.4%) from the 2,427 individuals recorded during the 2021 Census. This adjustment is calculated using the June 2025 ABS estimated resident population of 2,494, combined with 122 validated new addresses registered since the Census. Such a population size results in a density of 0.30 persons per square kilometer, indicating a low-density environment with substantial space per inhabitant. Over the last ten years, Central Highlands has shown stable expansion with a 1.7% compound annual growth rate, exceeding the broader SA3 region. This population increase was primarily supported by overseas migration, which served as the exclusive source of population gains in recent times.

AreaSearch utilizes the 2024 population projections from the ABS and Geoscience Australia, which use 2022 as their baseline. For SA2 regions lacking this coverage, and to project age group changes beyond 2032, projections from the Tasmania State Government released in 2022 with a 2021 baseline are applied, adjusted using a weighted aggregation method of population growth from the LGA to the SA2 level. Future projections point toward a contraction in the overall population, with a projected loss of 104 residents by 2041 under this approach. Conversely, expansion is predicted within particular age brackets, most notably the 75 to 84 cohort, which is expected to increase by 104 individuals. Detailed cohort statistics can be found in the age section.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Central Highlands according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

Central Highlands has recorded an average of approximately 9 new residential approvals annually, totaling 49 approvals over the last 5 financial years (from FY-21 to FY-25) and 4 during FY-26 so far. Dwelling construction has coincided with an average addition of 2.4 new residents per home over the past 5 financial years (from FY-21 to FY-25), demonstrating solid demand that underpins local property values. The average construction value of these new builds is $182,000, which sits below the regional average and points to more affordable opportunities for buyers. Additionally, commercial approvals have reached $26.6 million during the current financial year, demonstrating ongoing business investment.

Relative to Rest of Tas., the rate of new residential approvals per capita in Central Highlands is approximately three-quarters as high, placing it in the 36th percentile of all areas evaluated nationwide, which translates to fewer choices for buyers and elevates demand for existing homes. Recent construction has consisted entirely of single-family detached homes, preserving the established low-density aesthetic of the area and catering to families desiring larger properties. The average of 457 people per residential approval reflects a quiet construction sector with limited development activity.

Given that the population is projected to stabilize or decrease, the housing market in Central Highlands is likely to experience less pressure, which could benefit prospective purchasers.

Central Highlands has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 35thth percentile nationally

Local infrastructure projects, major developments, and planning changes are key drivers of regional performance. AreaSearch has tracked a total of 54 projects expected to influence the region. Notable projects include the Bothwell Water Treatment Plant, Cellars Hill Wind Farm, Weasel Solar Farm, and the Tarraleah Power Station Redevelopment, with the most relevant initiatives listed below.

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.

Central Highlands has seen below average employment performance when compared to national benchmarks

The labor market in Central Highlands is balanced between white and blue collar occupations across multiple industries, showing an unemployment rate of 4.6% and an estimated annual job growth rate of 10.8%. As of March 2026, there are 1,100 employed residents. The unemployment rate is 0.6% higher than the Regional Tas. benchmark of 3.9%, while the labor force participation rate of 53.2% is considerably lower than the 58.8% observed in Regional Tas.. Census data indicates a moderate 14.3% of workers perform their duties from home, though this figure may reflect the influence of Covid-19 pandemic restrictions.

The primary sectors employing local residents are agriculture, forestry & fishing, accommodation & food, and health care & social assistance. The local workforce has a notable concentration in agriculture, forestry & fishing, where employment is 3.7 times higher than the regional average. In contrast, the health care & social assistance sector is underrepresented, employing only 9.1% of local workers compared to 16.5% across Regional Tas.. A comparison of the Census working population against the resident population suggests the local area offers a limited number of job opportunities.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, employment rose by 10.8% during the 12-month period, while the labour force grew by 10.3%, leading to a 0.4 percentage point decline in the unemployment rate. In contrast, Regional Tas. saw employment grow by 1.8% and the labour force by 1.7%, resulting in a marginal drop. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 provide additional 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

According to postcode-level ATO records compiled by AreaSearch for the 2023 financial year, taxpayers in the Central Highlands SA2 had a median income of $50,064 and an average income of $55,101. These figures are below national benchmarks, contrasting with the Regional Tas. median of $49,689 and average of $59,358. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 10.95% since the 2023 financial year, current estimates would be approximately $55,546 for the median and $61,135 for the average as of March 2026. Census statistics indicate that household, family, and individual incomes in Central Highlands fall between the 4th and 8th percentiles nationwide. The data shows that the weekly income bracket of $400 - 799 contains 32.7% of the population (820 individuals), whereas the wider region is led by the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket at 28.5%. The fact that 42.8% of the community earns less than $800 weekly highlights economic difficulties for many residents. Although housing expenses are low with 90.6% of income retained, overall disposable income sits at the 8th percentile nationally.

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

Census data indicates that the dwelling mix in Central Highlands is composed of 96.4% houses and 3.6% other residential types like semi-detached properties, apartments, or alternative options, compared to 89.9% houses and 10.1% other dwellings in Regional Tas.. The home ownership rate in Central Highlands stands at 52.7%, which is higher than the rate in Regional Tas., with the remaining households either paying a mortgage (28.7%) or renting (18.5%). The median monthly mortgage payment of $894 is lower than the Regional Tas. average, while the median weekly rent of $200 compares to $1,274 and $250 in Regional Tas.. Nationally, mortgage repayments in Central Highlands are lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents are 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 represent the majority at 58.5% of all residences, consisting of couples without children at 29.8%, couples with children at 20.2%, and single-parent homes at 7.4%. Non-family households account for the remaining 41.5%, with single-person households representing 38.3% and group housing comprising 3.2%. The median household size of 2.1 persons 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 region presents educational challenges, with the proportion of residents holding a university qualification (14.3%) sitting below the national level of 30.4%. This gap indicates both a developmental hurdle and an opportunity for focused educational programs. Bachelor degrees represent 9.4% of qualifications, followed by postgraduate degrees at 3.7% and graduate diplomas at 1.2%. Vocational and technical skills are common, with 39.0% of the population aged 15+ holding a vocational qualification, including advanced diplomas at 8.3% and certificates at 30.7%.

Participation in education is high, with 25.3% of local residents enrolled in formal studies. This group comprises 11.5% in primary schools, 6.7% in secondary schools, and 1.7% in higher 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

Based on AreaSearch's evaluation of mortality statistics and chronic illness rates, Central Highlands faces notable health issues, with common ailments present in both younger and older cohorts, and a low private health insurance rate of approximately 47% of the population (~1,189 people). This compares to a national average of 55.7%.

Arthritis and mental health conditions are the most prevalent health issues locally, affecting 12.2% and 8.7% of residents, respectively. Meanwhile, 61.0% of the population reported no medical issues, compared to 62.0% across Regional Tas.. Residents of working age face notable health issues with elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 28.6% of residents aged 65 and over (716 people), which is higher than the 24.9% in Regional Tas.. Seniors in the area experience above-average health outcomes, with their national rankings exceeding those of the general local 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 has a lower level of cultural diversity than average, with citizens making up 86.9% of the population, 88.8% of residents born in Australia, and 96.3% speaking only English at home. Christianity is the dominant religion, practiced by 53.3% of the population, compared to 43.0% across Regional Tas..

Regarding parent birthplaces, the most common ancestries in Central Highlands are English at 36.5%, Australian at 34.8%, and Irish at 8.0%. There are also differences in the representation of other backgrounds: Australian Aboriginal residents make up 4.0% of the population (compared to 4.1% regionally) and Hungarian residents represent 0.3% (compared to 0.1% regionally).

Central Highlands ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

The median age in Central Highlands is 50 years, which is older than the Regional Tas. average of 45 and the national median of 38. The 55 - 64 age bracket is overrepresented at 18.4% compared to the regional average, while the 15 - 24 age bracket is underrepresented at 8.4%. This local concentration of 55 - 64 year-olds is higher than the national figure of 11.2%. Since 2021, the 75 to 84 age group has increased from 6.5% to 9.6% of the population, while the 5 to 14 cohort has decreased from 10.5% to 9.2%. Projections for 2041 indicate demographic shifts, with the 75 to 84 cohort expected to grow by 34%, adding 80 residents to reach a total of 321. Residents aged 65 and over are projected to account for 53% of all population growth, indicating an aging demographic. In contrast, the cohorts aged 0 to 4 and 15 to 24 are expected to decrease in size.