Central Highlands
Statistical Area - sa2

Central Highlands has seen population growth performance typically on par with national averages when looking at short and medium term trends

As of Aug 2025, Central Highlands' population is approximately 2,520. This figure represents a growth of 93 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 2,427. The increase is inferred from ABS's estimated resident population of 2,493 in June 2024 and an additional 108 validated new addresses post-Census. This results in a density ratio of 0.40 persons per square kilometer. Over the past decade (2015-2025), Central Highlands exhibited a compound annual growth rate of 1.5%, outperforming its SA3 region. Interstate migration drove population growth, contributing about 59.1% of overall gains.

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 and post-2032 estimates, Tasmania State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2022 (base year: 2021) are adopted with adjustments made via weighted aggregation from LGA to SA2 levels. Between now and 2041, Central Highlands' population is projected to decrease by 103 persons overall. However, specific age cohorts are expected to grow, notably the 75-84 age group, which is 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. Development approval data is produced by the ABS on a financial year basis, with 47 homes approved over the past five financial years (between FY20 and FY25), and one so far in FY26. On average, 4.2 new residents have been recorded per home built over these years. This supply lagging demand indicates heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures, with new homes being constructed at an average value of $326,000, below regional norms, offering more affordable housing options for purchasers.

In FY26, $26.6 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, suggesting balanced commercial development activity. Compared to the Rest of Tas., Central Highlands shows around 75% of construction activity per person and ranks among the 36th percentile nationally, implying more limited housing choices for buyers. Recent developments have consisted solely of detached houses, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes.

The estimated population count of 457 people per dwelling approval reflects its quiet development environment. With an expected stable or declining population, Central Highlands may see reduced pressure on housing, potentially creating opportunities for buyers.

Central Highlands has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 9thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 55 projects likely to affect the region. Key initiatives include Bothwell Water Treatment Plant, Cellars Hill Wind Farm, Weasel Solar Farm, and Tarraleah Power Station Redevelopment. The following list details those most relevant.

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

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 white and blue collar jobs, diverse sector representation, and an unemployment rate of 4.5% as of June 2025. The area employs 1,023 residents with an unemployment rate at 0.5% above Rest of Tas.'s rate of 3.9%.

Workforce participation lags significantly at 49.2%, compared to Rest of Tas.'s 55.7%. Leading employment industries are agriculture, forestry & fishing, accommodation & food, and health care & social assistance. The area has a particular specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with an employment share 3.7 times the regional level. Conversely, health care & social assistance is under-represented at 9.1% of Central Highlands's workforce compared to Rest of Tas.'s 16.5%.

Local employment opportunities appear limited based on Census working population vs resident population comparison. Over the year to June 2025, labour force levels decreased by 4.8%, and employment fell by 5.5%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate by 0.7 percentage points. This contrasts with Rest of Tas., where employment contracted by 0.5% and labour force fell by 0.6%. State-level data to Sep-25 shows TAS employment grew by 0.77% year-on-year, adding 1,170 jobs, with the state unemployment rate at 4.3%, outpacing the national average of 0.26%. Jobs and Skills Australia's projections from May 2025 estimate national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Central Highlands's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 4.9% over five years and 11.0% over ten years, although these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes only.

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

Central Highlands had a median taxpayer income of $47,433 and an average of $52,370 in financial year 2022. This is lower than the national average, with Rest of Tas. having a median income of $47,358 and an average of $57,384. By March 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $53,097 (median) and $58,623 (average), based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.94%. Central Highlands' household, family, and personal incomes all fall between the 4th and 8th percentiles nationally. The $400 - 799 earnings band captures 32.7% of the community (824 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. Despite modest housing costs allowing for 90.6% income retention, total disposable income ranks at just the 9th 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 assessed at the latest Census held on 28th August 2016, consisted of 96.4% houses and 3.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This is compared to Non-Metro Tas., where 97.8% were houses and 2.2% were other dwellings. The home ownership level in Central Highlands stood at 52.7%, with the rest of the dwellings either mortgaged (28.7%) or rented (18.5%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $894, lower than Non-Metro Tas.'s figure of $1,200. The median weekly rent was recorded at $200, compared to Non-Metro Tas.'s $240. Nationally, Central Highlands's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were 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 constitute 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 comprise the remaining 41.5%, with lone person households at 38.3% and group households comprising 3.2% of the total. 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 has lower university qualification rates (14.3%) compared to the Australian average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are most common (9.4%), followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.7%) and graduate diplomas (1.2%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 39.0% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (8.3%) and certificates (30.7%). Educational participation is high at 25.3%, with 11.5% in primary, 6.7% in secondary, and 1.7% in tertiary education.

The area has two schools serving 79 students: Ouse District School and Bothwell District High School. Central Highlands has varied educational conditions, with limited local school capacity (3.1 places per 100 residents vs regional average of 7.1), leading many families to travel for schooling.

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 common conditions prevalent across both younger and older age groups. Private health cover stands at approximately 46%, covering around 1,164 people, compared to the national average of 55.3%.

The most frequent medical conditions are arthritis (affecting 12.2% of residents) and mental health issues (8.7%). Around 61% report no medical ailments, slightly lower than Rest of Tas.'s 62.3%. Residents aged 65 and over comprise 27.1%, totaling 681 people, higher than Rest of Tas.'s 22.0%. Health outcomes among seniors exceed averages, outperforming the general population in health 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 showed lower cultural diversity, with 86.9% citizens, 88.8% born in Australia, and 96.3% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the primary religion, at 53.3%, compared to 49.6% regionally. The top ancestry groups were English (36.5%), Australian (34.8%), and Irish (8.0%).

Notably, Australian Aboriginal were overrepresented at 4.0% versus 4.6% regionally, and Hungarian was higher at 0.3% compared to 0.1%.

Central Highlands ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

The median age in Central Highlands is 50 years, significantly higher than the Rest of Tas.'s average of 45 years and well above the national norm of 38 years. Compared to the Rest of Tas., the cohort aged 55-64 is notably over-represented at 18.7% locally, while those aged 5-14 are under-represented at 8.8%. This concentration of the 55-64 age group is well above the national average of 11.2%. From 2021 to present, the population aged 75 to 84 has grown from 6.5% to 8.3%, while the cohort aged 5-14 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 47%, adding 99 residents to reach a total of 310. Residents aged 65 and above will drive 57% of population growth, highlighting demographic aging trends. Conversely, both the cohorts aged 0-4 and 15-24 are projected to see reduced numbers.