Dilston - Lilydale

Dilston - Lilydale has seen population growth performance typically on par with national averages when looking at short and medium term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Dilston - Lilydale's population is around 4,657 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 303 people (7.0%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,354 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 4,579 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 70 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 3.7 persons per square kilometer, providing ample space per person. Dilston - Lilydale's 7.0% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the state (5.3%) and the SA4 region, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by natural growth, which contributed approximately 54.3% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including overseas migration and interstate migration were positive factors.

AreaSearch adopts 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. Regarding demographic trends, lower quartile growth for locations outside of capital cities is anticipated, with the area expected to grow by 191 persons by 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a gain of 2.4% in total over the 17 years.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Dilston - Lilydale when compared nationally

Dilston - Lilydale has averaged around 21 new dwelling approvals each year, totalling 105 homes over the past 5 financial years. So far in FY-26, 9 approvals have been recorded. With an average of 3.5 people per year moving to the area for each dwelling built over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), demand significantly exceeds new supply, which usually results in price growth and increased buyer competition, while new homes are being built at an average value of $339,000—slightly above the regional average—suggesting a focus on quality developments. There have also been $1.1 million in commercial approvals this financial year, demonstrating the area's residential nature.

Compared to the Rest of Tas., Dilston - Lilydale has around two-thirds the rate of new dwelling approvals per person while it places among the 60th percentile of areas assessed nationally. Further, recent building activity consists entirely of detached houses, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. The location has approximately 256 people per dwelling approval, indicating room for growth.

Population forecasts indicate Dilston - Lilydale will gain 113 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.

Dilston - Lilydale has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 18thth percentile nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 78 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include The Green, Rocherlea Subdivision, Launceston Tennis Centre Upgrades, and Newnham Creek Stabilisation Project, 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 Dilston - Lilydale exceeds national averages across key labour market indicators

Dilston - Lilydale features a skilled workforce, with essential services sectors well represented, and an unemployment rate of just 2.2%. As of December 2025, 2,394 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 1.6% below Regional Tas.'s rate of 3.8%, and workforce participation is well beyond standard (64.9% compared to Regional Tas.'s 58.9%). Based on Census responses, a low 12.8% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Leading employment industries among residents comprise health care & social assistance, construction, and manufacturing. The area demonstrates a particularly notable concentration in construction, with employment levels at 1.3 times the regional average. Conversely, accommodation & food shows lower representation at 3.9% versus the regional average of 7.7%. The area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of the Census working population versus the resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, the 12-month period saw the labour force decrease by 1.9% alongside a 1.9% employment decline, with unemployment remaining essentially unchanged. By comparison, Regional Tas. recorded employment growth of 1.8%, labour force growth of 1.5%, with unemployment falling 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Dilston - Lilydale. 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 Dilston - Lilydale's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.3% over five years and 13.4% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

As per AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released for FY-23, the Dilston - Lilydale SA2's median income among taxpayers is $50,976, with an average of $62,080. 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 $55,870 (median) and $68,040 (average) as of September 2025. From the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes all rank modestly in Dilston - Lilydale, between the 34th and 40th percentiles. Income brackets indicate 35.1% of the population (1,634 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, reflecting patterns seen in the broader area where 28.5% similarly occupy this range. Housing costs are manageable with 90.1% retained, though disposable income sits below average at the 47th percentile and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

Dilston - Lilydale is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Dwelling structure within Dilston - Lilydale, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 99.5% houses and 0.6% 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 Dilston - Lilydale was well beyond that of Regional Tas., at 49.0%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (42.6%) or rented (8.4%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was above the Regional Tas. average at $1,365, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $260, compared to Regional Tas.'s $1,274 and $250. Nationally, Dilston - Lilydale's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

Dilston - Lilydale features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households dominate at 78.3% of all households, comprising 32.1% couples with children, 37.6% couples without children, and 8.0% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 21.7%, with lone person households at 19.7% and group households comprising 2.0% of the total. The median household size of 2.6 people is larger than the Regional Tas. average of 2.3.

Educational outcomes in Dilston - Lilydale fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

Educational qualifications in Dilston - Lilydale trail regional benchmarks, with 22.2% of residents aged 15+ holding university degrees compared to 30.4% in Australia. This gap highlights potential for educational development and skills enhancement. Bachelor degrees lead at 15.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.5%) and graduate diplomas (2.5%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 41.1% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (10.4%) and certificates (30.7%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 27.7% of residents aged 15+ currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.7% in primary education, 8.1% in secondary education, and 2.7% pursuing tertiary education.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

Dilston - Lilydale's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with a fairly standard level of common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts

Health data indicates relatively positive outcomes for Dilston - Lilydale residents, with AreaSearch's analysis of mortality rates and health conditions showing results broadly in line with national benchmarks. A fairly standard level of common health conditions is seen across both young and old age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is relatively low at approximately 50% of the total population (~2,319 people). The national average is 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and asthma, impacting 10.4% and 8.5% of residents, respectively, while 65.4% 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 22.9% of residents aged 65 and over (1,065 people), which is lower than the 24.9% in Regional Tas. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, with national rankings even higher than the general population.

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

Dilston - Lilydale was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 88.8% of its population born in Australia, 91.0% being citizens, and 96.9% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Dilston - Lilydale is Christianity, which makes up 40.7% of people. However, the most apparent overrepresentation was in Judaism, which comprises 0.1% of the population, compared to 0.1% across Regional Tas..

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Dilston - Lilydale are English, comprising 34.8% of the population, Australian, comprising 32.8% of the population, and Scottish, comprising 8.0% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Dutch is notably overrepresented at 2.2% of Dilston - Lilydale (vs 1.7% regionally), German at 4.2% (vs 2.6%) and Australian Aboriginal at 2.5% (vs 4.1%).

Dilston - Lilydale hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Dilston - Lilydale's median age of 46 years is comparable to Regional Tas.'s 45 and is significantly higher than the Australian median of 38. The age profile shows 45 - 54 year-olds are particularly prominent (14.0%), while the 25 - 34 group is comparatively smaller (8.2%) than in Regional Tas.. Post-2021 Census data shows the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 5.4% to 7.7% of the population, while the 65 to 74 cohort increased from 12.6% to 13.9%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 15.6% to 14.0% and the 55 to 64 group dropped from 17.7% to 16.4%. Demographic modeling suggests Dilston - Lilydale's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 75 to 84 age cohort is projected to grow steadily, expanding by 136 people (38%) from 359 to 496. Senior residents (65+) will drive 73% of population growth, underscoring demographic aging trends. Meanwhile, both 25 to 34 and 0 to 4 age groups will see reduced numbers.