Derwent Valley
Statistical Area - sa2

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

Derwent Valley's population, as of August 2025, is approximately 3,503. This figure represents an increase of 179 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 3,324. The estimated resident population in June 2024 was 3,475, with an additional 64 validated new addresses since the Census date contributing to this growth. This results in a population density of 2.7 persons per square kilometer. Derwent Valley's population growth of 5.4% since the 2021 census exceeded both the state average (4.5%) and the non-metro area, positioning it as a regional growth leader. Interstate migration accounted for approximately 50% of overall population gains during recent periods, with other factors such as overseas migration and natural growth also contributing positively.

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 to estimate post-2032 growth by age group, Tasmania State Government's Regional/LGA projections are adopted, released in 2022 with a base year of 2021, adjusted using weighted aggregation from LGA to SA2 levels. Projected demographic shifts indicate an overall population decline for Derwent Valley by 164 persons by 2041. However, specific age cohorts are expected to grow, notably the 75 to 84 age group, projected to increase by 87 people over this period.

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

Derwent Valley has received approximately six dwelling approvals annually. The Australian Bureau of Statistics provides development approval data on a financial year basis, with 33 approvals recorded between FY20 and FY25, including none so far in FY26. Each approved dwelling accommodates an average of 2.9 new residents per year over the past five financial years, indicating strong demand that supports property values. The average construction cost value for new homes is $463,000, which is higher than regional norms due to quality-focused development.

This financial year has seen $12.0 million in commercial development approvals, suggesting balanced commercial development activity. Compared to the Rest of Tas., Derwent Valley records roughly half the building activity per person and ranks in the 52nd percentile nationally for building activity, indicating its established nature and potential planning limitations. All new construction consists of detached houses, maintaining the area's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. The estimated population per dwelling approval is 363 people, reflecting a quiet development environment.

Population projections indicate stability or decline, suggesting reduced housing demand pressures in Derwent Valley.

Derwent Valley has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 19thth percentile nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 14 projects that could affect this region. Notable projects include Incat Boyer Ferry Manufacturing Facility, The Agrarian Kitchen Expansion, Derwent Valley Health and Wellbeing Hub, and New Norfolk Distillery Expansion. The following list details those most likely to be relevant.

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

Despite maintaining a low unemployment rate of 3.5%, Derwent Valley has experienced recent job losses, resulting in a below average employment performance ranking when compared nationally

Derwent Valley has a balanced workforce with white and blue collar jobs, prominent essential services sectors, and an unemployment rate of 3.5%. As of June 2025, there are 1,603 employed residents, with an unemployment rate of 0.4% lower than Rest of Tas.'s rate of 3.9%, and workforce participation at 58.1%.

Key industries include health care & social assistance, construction, and agriculture, forestry & fishing. Construction stands out with employment share 1.3 times the regional level; retail trade is less represented at 7.9% versus the regional average of 10.1%. The area shows limited local employment opportunities based on Census data comparison. In a 12-month period ending June 2025, labour force decreased by 4.9%, employment declined by 5.3%, raising unemployment rate by 0.4 percentage points.

This contrasts with Rest of Tas., where employment contracted by 0.5% and unemployment fell marginally. State-level data to Sep-25 shows TAS employment grew by 0.77% year-on-year, adding 1,170 jobs, with state unemployment rate at 4.3%. Job forecasts from May 2025 suggest national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Derwent Valley's employment mix estimates local growth of approximately 6.0%% over five years and 12.8% over ten years.

Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch

Derwent Valley's median income among taxpayers in financial year 2022 was $46,955. The average income stood at $51,803. This compares to figures for Rest of Tas., which were $47,358 and $57,384 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.94% since financial year 2022, current estimates would be approximately $52,561 (median) and $57,988 (average) as of March 2025. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes in Derwent Valley all fall between the 18th and 23rd percentiles nationally. Distribution data shows the $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captures 32.0% of the community (1,120 individuals). Housing costs are modest with 88.1% of income retained. However, total disposable income ranks at just the 28th percentile nationally.

Derwent Valley is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

Derwent Valley's dwellings were 98.2% houses and 1.8% other dwellings in the latest Census, compared to Non-Metro Tas.'s 97.8% houses and 2.2% other dwellings. Home ownership was at 43.6%, with mortgaged dwellings at 46.7% and rented ones at 9.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,239, higher than Non-Metro Tas.'s average of $1,200. Median weekly rent was $258, compared to Non-Metro Tas.'s $240. Nationally, Derwent Valley's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,239 versus Australia's $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Derwent Valley has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households comprise 74.3% of all households, including 31.4% couples with children, 32.7% couples without children, and 9.7% single parent families. Non-family households account for 25.7%, consisting of 23.7% lone person households and 1.3% group households. The median household size is 2.6 people, larger than the Rest of Tas. average of 2.4.

Derwent Valley 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 at 13.3%, significantly below the Australian average of 30.4%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most common at 8.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.3%) and graduate diplomas (1.4%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 41.4% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas (9.3%) and certificates (32.1%).

Educational participation is high at 28.3%, including primary education (12.0%), secondary education (8.8%), and tertiary education (2.5%). Glenora District School and Westerway Primary School collectively serve 260 students in the area. Derwent Valley demonstrates varied educational conditions, with a mix of schools including one primary school and one K-12 school.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

Health performance in Derwent Valley is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Derwent Valley faces significant health challenges with notable prevalence of common conditions across both younger and older age groups. Private health cover stands at approximately 46%, covering around 1,618 people, which is lower than the national average of 55.3%.

Mental health issues and arthritis are the most prevalent medical conditions in the area, affecting 10.9% and 10.1% of residents respectively. About 62.7% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 62.3% across Rest of Tas.. The area has 19.8% of residents aged 65 and over (693 people), lower than the 22.0% in Rest of Tas.. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, performing better than the general population in health metrics.

The latest Census data sees Derwent Valley placing among the least culturally diverse areas in the country when compared across a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Derwent Valley's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 90.4% of its population being citizens and 89.6% born in Australia. English was spoken at home by 98.1% of the population. Christianity was the main religion, comprising 44.1% of people in Derwent Valley, while Judaism was overrepresented at 0.3%, compared to 0.1% across Rest of Tas., as recorded on 26 June 2016.

In terms of ancestry, English and Australian were the top groups, composing 35.9% and 34.2% respectively, followed by Irish at 8.1%. Dutch, Australian Aboriginal, and Welsh were notably divergent in their representation: Dutch at 1.6%, Australian Aboriginal at 4.5%, and Welsh at 0.5%.

Derwent Valley hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Derwent Valley has a median age of 44, comparable to Rest of Tas.'s figure of 45 but significantly higher than Australia's national norm of 38. The age group of 45-54 is strongly represented at 15.7%, compared to Rest of Tas., while the 25-34 cohort is less prevalent at 8.8%. Post-2021 Census data shows that the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 4.4% to 5.9% of the population, and the 15 to 24 cohort increased from 12.5% to 13.8%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort has declined from 12.5% to 10.7%, and the 35 to 44 group dropped from 12.9% to 11.2%. By 2041, Derwent Valley is expected to see notable shifts in its age composition. Leading this demographic shift, the 75 to 84 group will grow by 32%, reaching 273 people from 206. The aging population trend is clear, with those aged 65 and above comprising 77% of projected growth. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 0 to 4 and 45 to 54 age cohorts.