Devonport
Statistical Area - sa2

Devonport is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

Devonport's population was approximately 14,892 as of November 2025. This figure represents an increase of 411 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 14,481. The growth is inferred from ABS data showing an estimated resident population of 14,840 in June 2024 and additional validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density of 1,448 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Devonport's growth rate of 2.8% since the census is within 1.9 percentage points of the SA4 region (4.7%), indicating strong growth fundamentals. Overseas migration was the primary driver of population growth in recent periods.

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 growth by age group, Tasmania State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2022 with a base year of 2021 are adopted after adjustments using weighted aggregation methods. Projected demographic shifts suggest lower quartile growth for locations outside capital cities. Devonport is expected to increase by 239 persons to 2041, reflecting an overall increase of 1.3% over the 17-year period based on latest population numbers.

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

Devonport has recorded approximately 33 residential properties granted approval each year. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25169 homes were approved, with an additional 4 approved so far in FY26. On average, over these five years, about 1.1 new residents arrived per new home built. However, this ratio decreased to -1.6 people per dwelling over the past two financial years.

The average value of new homes being constructed is $256,000. This year has seen $70.8 million in commercial approvals, indicating robust commercial development activity. Compared to the rest of Tasmania, Devonport records significantly lower building activity, at 62.0% below the regional average per person. The limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established properties. New development consists predominantly of standalone homes (91.0%) with a smaller proportion of attached dwellings (9.0%), maintaining the area's traditional suburban character focused on family homes.

Devonport has approximately 713 people per dwelling approval, indicating an established market. By 2041, Devonport is projected to grow by 187 residents. With current construction levels, housing supply should adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Devonport has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 11thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 19 projects likely to impact the area. Key projects include Devonport Mental Health Hub, Devonport Oval Sports Complex, Devonport Showground Housing Development, and Spirit of Tasmania New Vessels and Port Upgrade. The following list details those most relevant.

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.

Employment drivers in Devonport are experiencing difficulties, placing it among the bottom 20% of areas assessed across Australia

Devonport's workforce is balanced across white and blue-collar jobs. Key sectors include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction.

Retail trade stands out with employment levels at 1.2 times the regional average. However, agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented, with only 5.7% of Devonport's workforce compared to 8.4% in Rest of Tas. The unemployment rate was 5.8% as of June 2025, which is 1.8% higher than Rest of Tas.'s rate of 3.9%. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 2.6%.

As of June 2025, 6,720 residents were in work and workforce participation was broadly similar to Rest of Tas.'s 55.7%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. In the 12 months prior, employment increased by 2.6% while labour force grew by 2.1%, reducing the unemployment rate by 0.5 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia (May 2025) project national growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with industry-specific projections suggesting Devonport's employment could increase by approximately 6.1% over five years and 13.1% over ten years.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows Devonport had a median taxpayer income of $45,788 and an average of $54,037. These figures are below the national averages. Rest of Tas.'s median was $47,358 with an average of $57,384. Using Wage Price Index growth of 13.83% since financial year 2022, estimated incomes for Devonport as of September 2025 would be approximately $52,120 (median) and $61,510 (average). According to the 2021 Census, incomes in Devonport fall between the 7th and 14th percentiles nationally. The $400 - $799 earnings band captures 28.6% of Devonport's population, unlike surrounding regions where the $1,500 - $2,999 range is more prevalent. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Devonport, with only 84.3% of income remaining, ranking at the 9th percentile nationally.

Devonport is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Devonport's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 83.4% houses and 16.7% other dwellings. In comparison, Non-Metro Tas. had 90.3% houses and 9.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Devonport was 34.1%, with mortgaged dwellings at 28.9% and rented ones at 37.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,192, below Non-Metro Tas.'s average of $1,300. The median weekly rent in Devonport was $250, equal to Non-Metro Tas.'s figure. Nationally, Devonport's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Devonport features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 61.3% of all households, including 20.2% couples with children, 25.8% couples without children, and 14.2% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 38.7%, with lone person households at 35.5% and group households comprising 3.2%. The median household size is 2.2 people, smaller than the Rest of Tas. average of 2.3.

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

The area has university qualification rates at 16.2%, substantially below Australia's average of 30.4%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 11.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.5%) and graduate diplomas (1.5%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 38.2% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas at 9.3% and certificates at 28.9%.

Educational participation is high, with 25.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.2% in primary education, 7.2% in secondary education, and 2.5% pursuing tertiary education. Devonport has a robust network of 9 schools educating approximately 3,599 students. Educational provision is conventional, split between 4 primary and 5 secondary institutions. The area functions as an education hub with 24.2 school places per 100 residents – significantly above the regional average of 14.1 – attracting students from surrounding communities.

Transport servicing is low compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility

The analysis shows two active public transport stops in Devonport, both serving a mix of bus routes. Four individual routes service these stops, collectively providing 1653 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as limited, with residents typically located 1592 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 236 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 826 weekly trips per stop.

Health performance in Devonport is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Devonport faces significant health challenges, with various conditions affecting both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is low, at approximately 47% (around 6,999 people), compared to the national average of 55.3%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (11.7%) and mental health issues (10.8%). A total of 59.3% of residents report no medical ailments, slightly lower than the Rest of Tas.'s 61.1%. Devonport has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 24.0%, with 3,571 people, compared to Rest of Tas.'s 25.4%. Health outcomes among seniors broadly align with the general population's health profile.

Devonport is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Devonport, as per the findings, had a cultural diversity index below average. Its population composition was predominantly Australian citizens, with 89.9%, and born in Australia, with 88.0%. English was spoken exclusively at home by 93.5% of residents.

Christianity was the prevalent religion, accounting for 41.8% of Devonport's population. Notably, Hinduism had a higher representation in Devonport compared to the rest of Tasmania, comprising 1.6% versus 0.9%. In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English at 34.4%, Australian at 33.2%, and Irish at 7.1%. Some ethnic groups showed significant variations: Australian Aboriginal was equally represented in Devonport as regionally (4.7%), while Vietnamese and Filipino populations were higher than regional averages, at 0.3% versus 0.1% and 0.8% versus 0.5%, respectively.

Devonport hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Devonport's median age is 43 years, which is slightly below Rest of Tas.'s 45 but considerably higher than Australia's average of 38. Compared to the Rest of Tas. average, Devonport has a notably higher proportion of 25-34 year-olds (13.5% locally) and a lower proportion of 65-74 year-olds (11.3%). Between 2021 and present, the 35-44 age group grew from 10.9% to 12.0%, while the 75-84 cohort increased from 8.1% to 9.2%. Conversely, the 65-74 cohort declined from 12.2% to 11.3%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Devonport's age profile will change significantly. The 75-84 age cohort is projected to expand by 296 people (22%), from 1,370 to 1,667. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups are expected to account for 78% of total population growth, reflecting Devonport's aging demographic profile. In contrast, population declines are projected for the 0-4 and 5-14 cohorts.