Derwent Valley

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 is approximately 3,489 as of November 2025. This represents an increase of 165 people, a 5.0% rise from the 2021 Census figure of 3,324. The growth is inferred from ABS estimated resident population of 3,475 in June 2024 and 66 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density of 2.7 persons per square kilometer. Derwent Valley's growth rate of 5.0% since the census is close to the state's 5.1%, indicating competitive growth fundamentals. Interstate migration contributed approximately 50.0% of overall population gains, with other drivers such as overseas migration and natural growth also being positive factors.

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, Tasmania State Government's Regional/LGA projections are adopted, released in 2022 with a base year of 2021 and adjusted using weighted aggregation methods. Projections indicate an overall population decline of 164 persons by 2041, but specific age cohorts like the 75 to 84 group are expected to grow by 87 people during 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 around 9 dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling 47 homes. In FY26 so far, 2 approvals have been recorded. On average, 2.9 people move to the area each year with new home construction, reflecting robust demand that supports property values. New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost of $307,000.

There has also been $12.0 million in commercial approvals this financial year, indicating steady commercial investment activity. Compared to Rest of Tas., Derwent Valley records roughly half the building activity per person and places among the 51st percentile of areas assessed nationally, reflecting market maturity and possible development constraints. Recent development has comprised entirely detached dwellings, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes. The estimated count is 363 people in the area per dwelling approval, reflecting its quiet, low activity development environment.

Population is expected to remain stable or decline, potentially reducing pressure on housing and creating opportunities for buyers.

Derwent Valley has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 38thth percentile nationally

Local infrastructure changes significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 14 projects potentially impacting the area. Notable projects include Incat Boyer Ferry Manufacturing Facility, The Agrarian Kitchen Expansion, Derwent Valley Health and Wellbeing Hub, and Willow Court Heritage Precinct Redevelopment. Relevant projects are detailed below.

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

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The employment landscape in Derwent Valley presents a mixed picture: unemployment remains low at 3.2%, yet recent job losses have affected its comparative national standing

Derwent Valley has a balanced workforce with white and blue collar jobs well represented. Essential services sectors are prominent. The unemployment rate is 3.2%.

As of September 2025, 1,654 residents are employed, which is 0.7% lower than Rest of Tas.'s rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation is similar to Rest of Tas., at 58.7%. According to Census responses, only 9.6% of residents work from home. Leading industries include health care & social assistance, construction, and agriculture, forestry & fishing.

Construction has a particularly high employment share, at 1.3 times the regional level. Retail trade has limited presence, with 7.9% employment compared to 10.1% regionally. The area may have limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by Census data. Between May-24 and Apr-25, labour force decreased by 2.0%, employment declined by 1.4%, leading to a 0.5 percentage point drop in unemployment rate. This contrasts with Rest of Tas., where employment grew by 0.7% and unemployment fell by 0.2 percentage points. 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 Derwent Valley's industry mix suggests local employment could grow by 6.0% over five years and 12.8% over ten years, though this is an illustrative extrapolation and does not account for population projections.

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

Derwent Valley SA2's median income among taxpayers was $49,378 in financial year 2023, according to latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. The average income stood at $54,544 during the same period. These figures compared to Rest of Tas.'s median and average incomes of $49,689 and $59,358 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.6% since financial year 2023, estimated median income for Derwent Valley SA2 as of September 2025 would be approximately $54,118, with average income at around $59,780. Census 2021 data showed that household, family and personal incomes in Derwent Valley all fell between the 17th and 22nd percentiles nationally. Income analysis revealed that 32.0% of residents (1,116 people) earned within the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket, mirroring the region where 28.5% occupied this bracket. Housing costs were modest, with 88.1% of income retained, but total disposable income ranked at just the 28th percentile nationally.

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

Derwent Valley's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 98.2% houses and 1.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Non-Metro Tas.'s 90.6% houses and 9.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Derwent Valley was at 43.6%, with mortgaged dwellings at 46.7% and rented ones at 9.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,239, lower than Non-Metro Tas.'s average of $1,350. The median weekly rent figure was $258, compared to Non-Metro Tas.'s $260. Nationally, Derwent Valley's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,239 versus Australia's average of $1,863, while 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 account for 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 make up the remaining 25.7%, with lone person households at 23.7% and group households comprising 1.3% of the total. The median household size is 2.6 people, larger than the Rest of Tas. average of 2.3.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 13.3%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 8.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.3%) and graduate diplomas (1.4%). Vocational credentials are common, with 41.4% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (9.3%) and certificates (32.1%). Educational participation is high at 28.3%, comprising primary education (12.0%), secondary education (8.8%), and tertiary education (2.5%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 28.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 12.0% in primary education, 8.8% in secondary education, and 2.5% pursuing tertiary education.

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, as indicated by AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are substantial across both younger and older age cohorts. Private health cover is low at approximately 47% of the total population (~1,632 people), compared to 49.1% in Rest of Tas.

and the national average of 55.7%. Mental health issues and arthritis are the most common conditions, affecting 10.9% and 10.1% of residents respectively. However, 62.7% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 62.0% in Rest of Tas. The working-age population has notable health challenges due to elevated chronic condition rates. Derwent Valley has 19.8% of residents aged 65 and over (690 people), lower than the 24.3% in Rest of Tas. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, with national rankings higher than those of the general population.

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 population showed low cultural diversity with 90.4% citizens, 89.6% born in Australia, and 98.1% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion at 44.1%. Judaism, while small at 0.3%, was higher than Rest of Tas's 0.1%.

Top ancestry groups were English (35.9%), Australian (34.2%), and Irish (8.1%). Notable differences included overrepresentation of Australian Aboriginal (4.5% vs regional 4.1%), Dutch (1.6% vs 1.7%), and Welsh (0.5% vs 0.4%).

Derwent Valley hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

Derwent Valley's median age in 2021 was 44 years, similar to Tasmania's figure of 45 but higher than Australia's national norm of 38 years. The 45-54 age group constituted 15.7% of Derwent Valley's population compared to the Rest of Tasmania, while the 25-34 cohort was less prevalent at 8.8%. Post-2021 Census data shows that between 2016 and 2021, the 75 to 84 age group grew from 4.4% to 5.9%, and the 15 to 24 cohort increased from 12.5% to 13.8%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort declined from 12.5% to 10.7%, and the 35 to 44 group decreased from 12.9% to 11.2%. By 2041, Derwent Valley is projected to experience significant shifts in its age composition. The 75 to 84 age group is expected to grow by 33%, adding 67 people to reach a total of 273 from the 205 figure. The aging population trend is evident, 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.