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 February 2026. This represents an increase of 165 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,324. The change is inferred from ABS estimates: 3,475 in June 2024 and an additional 67 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 2.7 persons per square kilometer. Derwent Valley's growth rate of 5.0% since the census is within 0.3 percentage points of the state's 5.3%, indicating competitive growth fundamentals. Interstate migration contributed around 50.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, with all drivers including overseas migration and natural growth 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 with adjustments made using weighted aggregation from LGA to SA2 levels. Projections indicate an overall population decline of 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.

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 9 dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling 47 homes. As of FY26, there have been 2 approvals recorded so far. On average, around 2.9 people moved to the area annually for each new home constructed between FY21 and FY25, indicating strong demand that supports property values. The average construction cost value of these new homes was $307,000.

In FY26, there have been $12.0 million in commercial approvals, suggesting consistent commercial investment activity. Compared to the Rest of Tas., Derwent Valley has roughly half the building activity per person and ranks among the 51st percentile nationally, reflecting market maturity and potential development constraints. All recent developments have consisted of detached dwellings, preserving the area's traditional low-density character with a focus on family homes. The estimated population per dwelling approval is 363 people, indicating a quiet, low-activity development environment.

With stable or declining population projections, Derwent Valley may experience reduced housing pressure, potentially offering opportunities for buyers.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 14 projects likely to impact the area. Notable ones include Incat Boyer Ferry Manufacturing Facility, The Agrarian Kitchen Expansion, Derwent Valley Health and Wellbeing Hub, and Willow Court Heritage Precinct Redevelopment. Below is a list of those most relevant.

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, prominent essential services sectors, and an unemployment rate of 3.2%. As of September 2025, 1,654 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 0.7% lower than Rest of Tas.'s 3.8%, and workforce participation similar at 58.6%. Census data shows 9.6% of residents work from home.

Leading industries include health care & social assistance, construction, and agriculture, forestry & fishing. Construction is particularly specialized with an employment share 1.3 times the regional level, while retail trade has a limited presence at 7.9%, compared to 10.1% regionally. The area may have limited local employment opportunities, indicated by working population vs resident population count. Between September 2024 and 2025, labour force decreased by 2.0% and employment declined by 1.4%, reducing unemployment rate by 0.5 percentage points.

In comparison, Rest of Tas. saw employment grow by 0.7%, labour force expand by 0.5%, and unemployment fall by 0.2 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project national growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying rates across industries. Applying these projections to Derwent Valley's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.0% in five years and 12.8% in ten years.

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. The average income stood at $54,544 during the same period. These figures are below those of Rest of Tas., which were $49,689 and $59,358 respectively. By September 2025, estimates suggest median income will be approximately $54,118 and average income around $59,780, based on a 9.6% growth in wages since financial year 2023. Census 2021 data shows Derwent Valley's household, family, and personal incomes fall between the 17th and 22nd percentiles nationally. Income analysis reveals that 32.0% of residents (1,116 people) earn between $1,500 and $2,999, mirroring the national figure of 28.5%. Despite modest housing costs with 88.1% of income retained, total disposable income ranks 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, comprised 98.2% houses and 1.9% other dwellings. In comparison, Non-Metro Tas. had 89.9% houses and 10.1% 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, below Non-Metro Tas.'s average of $1,274. Median weekly rent in Derwent Valley was $258, compared to Non-Metro Tas.'s $250. Nationally, Derwent Valley's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $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 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 constitute 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, which is 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 the most common at 8.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.3%) and graduate diplomas (1.4%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 41.4% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (9.3%) and certificates (32.1%). Educational participation is high, with 28.3% currently enrolled in formal education: 12.0% in primary, 8.8% in secondary, and 2.5% in tertiary education.

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

Health data indicates significant health challenges in Derwent Valley, as assessed by AreaSearch's evaluation of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Notably, common health conditions are prevalent across both younger and older age groups. The rate of private health cover is very low, at approximately 47% of the total population (around 1,632 people), compared to 49.1% in Rest of Tas., and 55.7% nationally.

Mental health issues and arthritis are the most prevalent medical conditions, affecting 10.9% and 10.1% of residents respectively. Conversely, 62.7% of residents report having no medical ailments, compared to 62.0% in Rest of Tas. The working-age population faces significant health challenges due to elevated chronic condition rates. Derwent Valley has 20.8% of residents aged 65 and over (725 people), which is lower than the 24.9% in Rest of Tas. However, health outcomes among seniors are above average, ranking even higher than the general population nationally.

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 had a cultural diversity score below average, with 90.4% of its population being citizens and 89.6% born in Australia. English was the language spoken at home by 98.1%. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 44.1% of residents.

Judaism, however, was overrepresented at 0.3%, compared to 0.1% regionally. In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (35.9%), Australian (34.2%), and Irish (8.1%). Notably, Australian Aboriginal people were overrepresented at 4.5%, Dutch at 1.6%, and Welsh at 0.5%.

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

Derwent Valley has a median age of 44, similar to the Rest of Tasmania's figure at 45 but higher than the national average of 38. The age group of 45-54 is strongly represented at 15.4%, compared to Rest of Tasmania's figure. However, the 75-84 cohort is less prevalent at 6.0%. Post-2021 Census data shows that the 65-74 age group has grown from 11.3% to 13.3% of the population, while the 75-84 cohort increased from 4.4% to 6.0%. Conversely, the 5-14 age group has declined from 12.5% to 10.1%, and the 35-44 group dropped from 12.9% to 10.7%. By 2041, Derwent Valley is expected to see significant shifts in its age composition. Leading this demographic shift, the 75-84 age group will grow by 30%, reaching 273 people from 210. The aging population trend is clear, with those aged 65 and above comprising 75% of projected growth. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 0-4 and 45-54 age cohorts.