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

As of February 2026, Devonport's population is approximately 14,881. This figure represents an increase of 400 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 14,481. The growth is inferred from the estimated resident population of 14,840 in June 2024 and the addition of 109 validated new addresses since the Census date. 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 2.8% since the census is within 2.3 percentage points of the SA4 region (5.1%), indicating strong growth fundamentals. The primary driver of population growth was overseas migration.

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 estimates, Tasmania State Government's Regional/LGA projections are adopted, released in 2022 with a base year of 2021. Based on these projections, Devonport is expected to increase by 239 persons to 2041, reflecting an overall increase of 1.3% over the 17-year period.

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 six 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 expected construction cost value of new homes is $256,000. In FY26, Devonport has seen $70.8 million in commercial approvals, indicating active commercial development. Compared to the Rest of Tas., Devonport records significantly lower building activity, at 62.0% below the regional average per person. This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established properties. Nationally, Devonport's building activity is also lower, reflecting market maturity and possible development constraints.

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. The location has approximately 713 people per dwelling approval, indicating an established market. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Devonport is expected to grow by 198 residents through to 2041. With current construction levels, housing supply should meet demand adequately, creating favourable conditions for buyers and potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Devonport has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 14thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 19 projects potentially affecting this region. Notable initiatives 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 diverse workforce with both white and blue collar jobs well represented. Key sectors include essential services, 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%.

The workforce participation rate in Devonport is similar to Rest of Tas., at 58.6%. According to Census data, only 4.9% of residents work from home. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 6.6%. Major employment areas are health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction, with retail trade being particularly notable 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.. Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. Over a 12-month period ending September 2025, employment increased by 6.6%, while the labour force grew by 5.6%, reducing the unemployment rate by 0.9 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Tas. experienced employment growth of 0.7% and labour force growth of 0.5%, with a 0.2 percentage point drop in unemployment rate. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, published in May-25, project national employment to expand by 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

As per AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released in financial year 2023, Devonport SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $47,849 and an average of $56,055. This was below the national average. The Rest of Tas., meanwhile, 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 2023, estimates for September 2025 would be approximately $52,443 (median) and $61,436 (average). According to the 2021 Census figures, incomes in Devonport fell between the 7th and 14th percentiles nationally. In income distribution, 28.6% of Devonport residents earned between $400 - $799, compared to surrounding regions where 28.5% earned between $1,500 - $2,999. Housing affordability pressures were severe in Devonport, with only 84.3% of income remaining, 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

In Devonport, as per the latest Census evaluation, 83.4% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 16.7% being semi-detached properties, apartments, or other types. This contrasts with Non-Metro Tas., where 89.9% of dwellings were houses and 10.1% were other types. Home ownership in Devonport stood at 34.1%, with mortgaged dwellings accounting for 28.9% and rented ones making up 37.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,192, lower than Non-Metro Tas.'s average of $1,274. The median weekly rent in Devonport was recorded at $250, matching the Non-Metro Tas. 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, consisting of 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, which is 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 Australia's average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 11.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.5%) and graduate diplomas (1.5%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 38.2% of residents aged 15+ holding them - 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, 7.2% in secondary, and 2.5% in tertiary education.

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

Devonport has two operational public transport stops, both offering bus services. These stops are served by six distinct routes, collectively facilitating 156 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is considered limited, with residents generally residing 1592 meters away from the nearest stop. Predominantly residential, most Devonport residents commute outward. Cars remain the primary mode of transport at 92%, while walking accounts for 5%. On average, there are 1.2 vehicles per dwelling, lower than the regional norm.

According to the 2021 Census, only 4.9% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Across all routes, service frequency averages 22 trips daily, 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 assessed by AreaSearch. Mortality rates and prevalence of chronic conditions are high, affecting both younger and older age groups.

Private health cover is low at 48% (around 7,068 people), compared to the national average of 55.7%. The most common conditions are arthritis (11.7%) and mental health issues (10.8%), while 59.3% report no medical ailments, compared to 62.0% in the rest of Tasmania. Working-age residents have notably high chronic condition rates. Devonport has 24.4% seniors (3,636 people). Health outcomes among seniors are challenging, aligning with national rankings for 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's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 89.9% of its population being citizens, 88.0% born in Australia, and 93.5% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the main religion, comprising 41.8% of Devonport's population. Hinduism was overrepresented at 1.6%, compared to 1.1% across Rest of Tas., as of a specific date.

The top three ancestry groups were English (34.4%), Australian (33.2%), and Irish (7.1%). Notably, Australian Aboriginal (4.7%) and Vietnamese (0.3%) were overrepresented in Devonport compared to regional averages of 4.1% and 0.1%, respectively. Filipino representation was also higher at 0.8%.

Devonport's median age exceeds the national pattern

Devonport has a median age of 43 years, which is slightly below Rest of Tas.'s 45 but considerably higher than Australia's national norm of 38. Compared to the average in Rest of Tas., Devonport has a notably over-represented cohort aged 25-34 (13.1%) and an under-represented cohort aged 65-74 (11.3%). Between 2021 and present, the population aged 35 to 44 grew from 10.9% to 12.4%, while those aged 75 to 84 increased from 8.1% to 9.6%. Conversely, the cohort aged 45 to 54 declined from 12.0% to 10.9%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Devonport's age profile will change significantly. The cohort aged 85 and above is projected to grow by 291 people (56%), from 525 to 817. Notably, the combined cohorts aged 65 and above will account for 73% of total population growth, reflecting Devonport's aging demographic profile. In contrast, population declines are projected for those aged 0 to 4 and 5 to 14.