Devonport

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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Devonport's population is around 14,881 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 400 people (2.8%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 14,481 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 14,840 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 109 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 1,447 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Devonport's 2.8% growth since the census positions it within 2.3 percentage points of the SA4 region (5.1%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which was essentially the sole driver of population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and to estimate growth by age group in the years post-2032, the Tasmania State Government's Regional/LGA projections, released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year, are adopted with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Considering the projected demographic shifts, lower quartile growth of locations outside of capital cities is anticipated, with the area expected to increase by 239 persons by 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 1.3% in total over the 17 years.

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

Devonport has recorded around 33 residential properties granted approval each year, with 169 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 9 so far in FY-26. At an average of 1.1 new residents per year arriving per new home over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), supply and demand appear well-balanced, creating stable market conditions, while recent data shows this has decreased to -1.6 people per dwelling over the past 2 financial years, indicating more balanced supply conditions. New homes are being built at an average value of $256,000. There have also been $70.8 million in commercial approvals this financial year, indicating strong commercial development momentum.

Compared to the Rest of Tas., Devonport records markedly lower building activity (62.0% below regional average per person). This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established properties. This is likewise lower than nationally, reflecting market maturity and pointing to possible development constraints. New development consists of 91.0% standalone homes and 9.0% attached dwellings, maintaining the area's traditional suburban character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. The location has approximately 713 people per dwelling approval, demonstrating an established market.

Looking ahead, Devonport is expected to grow by 198 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). 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 14thth percentile nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 19 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the Devonport Mental Health Hub, Devonport Oval Sports Complex, Devonport Showground Housing Development, and Spirit of Tasmania New Vessels and Port Upgrade, with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

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 performance in Devonport has been below expectations when compared to most other areas nationally

Devonport possesses a balanced workforce spanning white and blue collar employment, with essential services sectors well represented, an unemployment rate of 5.8%, and 6.1% estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 6,801 residents are in work, while the unemployment rate is 1.9% above Regional Tas.'s rate of 3.8%, and workforce participation is broadly similar to Regional Tas.'s 58.9%. Based on Census responses, a low 4.9% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Employment among residents is concentrated in health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction. The area demonstrates a particularly notable concentration in retail trade, with employment levels at 1.2 times the regional average. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented, with only 5.7% of Devonport's workforce compared to 8.4% in Regional Tas.. While local employment opportunities exist in the area, it appears many residents commute elsewhere for work, based on the count of Census working population to local population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, the 12-month period saw employment increasing by 6.1% alongside the labour force increasing by 5.6%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.4 percentage points. In contrast, Regional Tas. experienced employment growth of 1.8% and labour force growth of 1.5%, with a 0.3 percentage point drop. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Devonport. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Devonport's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.1% over five years and 13.1% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis

As per AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released for FY-23, the Devonport SA2's median income among taxpayers is $47,849, with an average of $56,055. This is below the national average, and compares to Regional Tas.'s median of $49,689 and average of $59,358. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.6% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $52,443 (median) and $61,436 (average) as of September 2025. According to 2021 Census figures, household, family and personal incomes in Devonport all fall between the 7th and 14th percentiles nationally. Looking at income distribution, the $400 - 799 earnings band captures 28.6% of the community (4,255 individuals), unlike trends in the surrounding region where 28.5% fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 range. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 84.3% of income remaining, ranking at the 8th percentile.

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

Dwelling structure within Devonport, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 83.4% houses and 16.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Regional Tas.'s 89.9% houses and 10.1% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Devonport lagged that of Regional Tas., at 34.1%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (28.9%) or rented (37.0%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was below the Regional Tas. average at $1,192, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $250, compared to Regional Tas.'s $1,274 and $250. Nationally, Devonport's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are 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 dominate at 61.3% of all households, comprising 20.2% couples with children, 25.8% couples without children, and 14.2% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 38.7%, with lone person households at 35.5% and group households comprising 3.2% of the total. The median household size of 2.2 people is smaller than the Regional Tas. average of 2.3.

Devonport 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 (16.2%) substantially below the Australian average of 30.4%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 11.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.5%) and graduate diplomas (1.5%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 38.2% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (9.3%) and certificates (28.9%).

Educational participation is notably 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.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 2 active transport stops operating within Devonport comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 6 individual routes, collectively providing 156 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as limited, with residents typically located 1592 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 92%, with 5% walking. Vehicle ownership averages 1.2 per dwelling, below the regional average. A relatively low 4.9% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 22 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 78 weekly trips per individual 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

Critical health challenges are evident across Devonport, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. A range of health conditions have marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is very low at approximately 48% of the total population (~7,068 people). The national average is 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 11.7 and 10.8% of residents, respectively, while 59.3% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 62.0% across Regional Tas. The working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 24.4% of residents aged 65 and over (3,636 people). Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

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

Devonport was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 89.9% of its population being citizens, 88.0% born in Australia, and 93.5% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Devonport is Christianity, which makes up 41.8% of the people. However, the most apparent overrepresentation is in Hinduism, which comprises 1.6% of the population, compared to 1.1% across Regional Tas..

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Devonport are English, comprising 34.4% of the population, Australian, comprising 33.2% of the population, and Irish, comprising 7.1% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Australian Aboriginal is notably overrepresented at 4.7% of Devonport (vs 4.1% regionally), Vietnamese at 0.3% (vs 0.1%) and Filipino at 0.8% (vs 0.4%).

Devonport's median age exceeds the national pattern

Devonport's median age of 43 years stands modestly under Regional Tas.'s 45 though considerably older than the national norm of 38. Compared to the Regional Tas. average, the 25 - 34 cohort is notably over-represented (13.1% locally), while 65 - 74 year-olds are under-represented (11.3%). In the period since 2021, the 35 to 44 age group has grown from 10.9% to 12.4% of the population, while the 75 to 84 cohort increased from 8.1% to 9.6%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 12.0% to 10.9%. Demographic modeling suggests Devonport's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 85+ age cohort is projected to grow significantly, expanding by 291 people (56%) from 525 to 817. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 73% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. In contrast, population declines are projected for the 0 to 4 and 5 to 14 cohorts.