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

Devonport's population is approximately 14,877 as of November 2025. This figure represents a rise of 396 individuals (2.7%) since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 14,481. The increase is inferred from the estimated resident population of 14,840 in June 2024 and an additional 106 validated new addresses post-census. This results in a population density ratio of 1,447 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Devonport's growth rate of 2.7% since the census is within 2.3 percentage points of the SA4 region (5.0%), 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 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. Considering these projections, locations outside capital cities are expected to have lower quartile growth, with Devonport projected to increase by 239 persons to 2041, reflecting an overall increase of 1.4% 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 approximately 33 residential properties granted approval each year. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25169 homes were approved, with a further 6 approved in FY26 so far. On average, over these five years, 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 built 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% 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%) with attached dwellings making up the remaining 9%.

This maintains the area's traditional suburban character, appealing to those seeking family homes with space. Devonport has approximately 713 people per dwelling approval, indicating an established market. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Devonport is expected to grow by 202 residents by 2041. With current construction levels, housing supply should meet demand adequately, 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

Infrastructure changes significantly influence local performance. AreaSearch identified 19 projects potentially impacting 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 likely 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 performance in Devonport has been below expectations when compared to most other areas nationally

Devonport has a balanced workforce with both white and blue collar jobs. Essential services sectors are well represented, with an unemployment rate of 5.5% as of September 2025. This is 1.7% higher than Rest of Tas.'s rate of 3.8%.

Workforce participation is similar to Rest of Tas., at 58.7%. Only 4.9% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction. Retail trade stands out with employment levels at 1.2 times the regional average.

Agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented, with only 5.7% of Devonport's workforce compared to 8.4% in Rest of Tas.. Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. In the 12 months prior, employment increased by 6.6%, while labour force grew by 5.6%, reducing unemployment by 0.9 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Devonport's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.1% over five years and 13.1% over ten years.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year ended June 2023 indicates Devonport SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $47,849 and an average of $56,055. These figures are below the national averages. Rest of Tas., in comparison, had a median income of $49,689 and an average of $59,358. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.6% since financial year ended June 2023, estimated median and average incomes for Devonport as of September 2025 would be approximately $52,443 and $61,436 respectively. According to the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in Devonport fall between the 7th and 14th percentiles nationally. In income distribution, 28.6% of Devonport's community earns between $400 - $799 (4,254 individuals), unlike surrounding regions where 28.5% fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 range. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Devonport, with only 84.3% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 8th percentile nationally.

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

Dwelling structure in Devonport, as per the latest Census, consisted of 83.4% houses and 16.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Non-Metro Tas. had 89.9% houses and 10.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Devonport stood at 34.1%, with the remaining dwellings either mortgaged (28.9%) or rented (37.0%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,192, lower than Non-Metro Tas.'s average of $1,274. Median weekly rent in Devonport was recorded at $250, aligning with 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 comprise the remaining 38.7%, with lone person households at 35.5% and group households making up 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's university qualification rate is 16.2%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are 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 (9.3%) and certificates (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.

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

Public transport analysis shows two active transport stops in Devonport. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, totaling six individual routes that provide 156 weekly passenger trips combined. Transport accessibility is limited, with residents typically located 1592 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to its residential nature. Car remains the dominant mode at 92%, while walking accounts for 5%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.2 per dwelling, below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, only 4.9% of residents work from home, which 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

Devonport faces significant health challenges, as evidenced by AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are high, affecting both younger and older age groups.

Private health cover is low at approximately 48% of the total population (~7,066 people), compared to the national average of 55.7%. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (11.7%) and mental health issues (10.8%), while 59.3% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 62.0% in the Rest of Tas. Working-age population health is notably challenging due to high chronic condition rates. The area has 24.0% of residents aged 65 and over (3,567 people), with senior health outcomes generally aligning with national rankings.

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

Devonport's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 89.9% of its population being citizens born in Australia who speak English only at home. Christianity is the dominant religion, comprising 41.8% of Devonport's population. While Hinduism makes up only 1.6%, which is slightly higher than the regional average of 1.1%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (34.4%), Australian (33.2%), and Irish (7.1%). Notably, Australian Aboriginal people are overrepresented at 4.7% compared to the regional average of 4.1%, as are Vietnamese at 0.3% versus 0.1%, and Filipino at 0.8% versus 0.4%.

Devonport's median age exceeds the national pattern

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 Rest of Tas., Devonport has a notably over-represented 25-34 age cohort (13.5%) and an under-represented 65-74 age group (11.3%). Between 2021 and the 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 group is projected to increase by 298 people (22%), from 1,368 to 1,667. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups are expected to account for 78% of total population growth, reflecting Devonport's aging demographic trend. In contrast, population declines are projected for the 0-4 and 5-14 cohorts.