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This analysis uses ABS Statistical Areas Level 2 (SA2) boundaries, which can materially differ from Suburbs and Localities (SAL) even when sharing similar names.
SA2 boundaries are defined by the Australian Bureau of Statistics and are designed to represent communities for statistical reporting (e.g., census and ERP).
Suburbs and Localities (SAL) represent commonly-used suburb/locality names (postal-style areas) and may use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
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ABS ERP | -- people | --
2021 Census | -- people
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Dodges Ferry - Lewisham has an estimated 9,146 residents, up from 8,521 at the 2021 Census — a change of 625 people, or 7.3%. Growth has averaged 1.7% a year over five years. Natural increase accounts for 51.6% of that increase. Density is about 29 people per square kilometre. Population is estimated from ABS Estimated Resident Population releases and GNAF address data, re-based from the 2021 Census and updated annually.
Detail
Based on AreaSearch's analysis, the population of Dodges Ferry - Lewisham stands at approximately 9,146 as of May 2026. This represents an addition of 625 people (7.3%) compared to the 8,521 individuals recorded in the 2021 Census. This growth is calculated using the June 2025 ABS estimated resident population of 9,122 and 76 validated new addresses registered after the Census. The population density is 28 persons per square kilometer, which indicates a low-density environment with substantial space per resident. The 7.3% expansion rate recorded in Dodges Ferry - Lewisham since the 2021 census was higher than the 3.9% increase in the SA4 region, as well as Greater Hobart, positioning it as a regional growth leader.
Natural increase was the main driver of this expansion, accounting for roughly 51.6% of the population gains in recent times, though other factors like interstate and overseas migration also made positive contributions. ABS and Geoscience Australia projections released in 2024 with a 2022 base year are used by AreaSearch for each SA2 area. In cases where this data is unavailable, or to model age cohort shifts past 2032, projections from the Tasmania State Government released in 2022 with a 2021 base year are applied using a weighted aggregation method from the LGA to the SA2 level. These demographic forecasts suggest the area will experience population growth above the national median, with an expected gain of 1,465 residents by 2041 relative to the latest annual ERP numbers, representing a total increase of 15.8% over the 16 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
294 new dwellings have been approved in Dodges Ferry - Lewisham over the past five years, an average of 58 a year. That places the area in the 75th percentile for residential development activity nationally, about 6 approvals per 1,000 residents a year. Of the 42 dwellings approved in the latest reporting year, 100% were detached houses and the rest townhouses or apartments. Approvals are currently running at an annualised 28, well below that longer-run average. Figures come from ABS building approvals aggregated to this SA2 boundary and are updated monthly as the ABS releases them.
Detail
An average of approximately 58 residential building approvals have been registered annually in Dodges Ferry - Lewisham, amounting to 294 dwellings over the last 5 financial years. In the current financial year of FY-26, 26 approvals have been logged. The ratio of new residents to completed dwellings averaged 2.5 between FY-21 and FY-25, pointing to solid demand that supports local property values, with new residential projects averaging an estimated construction cost of $274,000. In addition, commercial development approvals worth $3.7 million have been recorded during the current financial year, highlighting the predominantly residential character of the locality.
Per capita building approvals in Dodges Ferry - Lewisham run at roughly 67% of the rate seen in Greater Hobart, placing the area in the 69th percentile of all assessed locations nationwide. Recent construction has consisted entirely of single-family detached houses, maintaining the low-density landscape and catering to buyers seeking larger properties. The ratio of approximately 197 people per residential approval is consistent with the characteristics of a growing area. Projections indicate that Dodges Ferry - Lewisham will add 1,441 residents by 2041, measured from the most recent quarterly estimate by AreaSearch. Current building volumes appear to align well with projected demand, supporting a stable local property market without driving up construction costs excessively.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Dodges Ferry - Lewisham
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| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
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SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks 19 current infrastructure and development projects close to Dodges Ferry - Lewisham, worth an estimated $1.07 billion. 3 are already under construction and 2 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans education & training, residential development and transport & logistics. Records are compiled from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, council planning portals and public announcements, reviewed and updated daily, then ranked by proximity, construction stage, completion horizon and project scale.
Detail
Changes in local infrastructure projects and planning guidelines represent key influences on regional development. AreaSearch has identified 2 projects expected to influence the locality. The primary initiatives include the Sorell School Redevelopment, the Tasman Highway Duplication Project, the Greater Hobart Urban Growth Boundary Extension, and the Tasmanian Irrigation Schemes: Tranche 3, with specific details provided below.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Sorell School Redevelopment
A $27 million redevelopment has transformed Sorell School into a modern, unified Kindergarten to Year 12 campus, delivering a combination of new buildings and refurbishment of existing facilities, including a new Child and Family Learning Centre.
Tasman Highway Duplication Project
Duplication of the Tasman Highway between Hobart and Sorell, including widening the Midway Point and Sorell Causeways from two to four lanes, and building a second bridge next to McGees Bridge. The project aims to double vehicle capacity, improve safety, and includes shared walking and cycling paths. Currently pending environmental approvals.
Hobart Airport Terminal Expansion Project
Hobart Airport is undertaking a $200 million terminal upgrade to double its footprint, increasing boarding gates, food & beverage, and retail options. It will also allow larger aircraft and direct international flights.
Richardsons Road Residential Development, Sandford
A masterplanned residential development proposing to rezone approximately 73 hectares of land at 52 Richardsons Road, Sandford, south of Lauderdale. Following the approval of the Urban Growth Boundary amendment in May 2025, the developer is advancing a rezone and development application to Clarence City Council, with further community engagement planned in 2025. Approximately 35 hectares will be dedicated as public open space including formalised mountain bike tracks, picnic areas, and protection of the Lauderdale Saltmarsh.The concept targets low-density residential lots on cleared land on the south side of the hill, with staging over many years. Infrastructure assessments confirm adequate sewerage, water, and road capacity.
Roches Beach Living
A modern retirement village comprising 53 architecturally designed 2 and 3 bedroom townhouses, set in landscaped gardens in Lauderdale. Offers independent living with high standards, quality, and easy living, with a community centre on site and access to Home Care Services.
Lauderdale Primary School
The Tasmanian Government will undertake a $6.5 million upgrade of Lauderdale Primary School to provide additional contemporary learning spaces, amenities and replacement of outdated outdoor play areas. This includes the construction of new general learning areas and car park upgrades to address increasing student enrollment and provide modern facilities.
Draft Cambridge Oval Master Plan
A master plan for the redevelopment of the Cambridge Memorial Oval and surrounding area, including new and upgraded soccer and cricket facilities, recreation facilities, a new sports pavilion, indoor gymnasium, and outdoor multi-use hard court for school and community use.
Cambridge Primary School Redevelopment
The Tasmanian Government is undertaking an $18 million redevelopment of Cambridge Primary School, providing additional contemporary learning facilities for students and staff, and traffic and car parking improvements.
4,494 residents of Dodges Ferry - Lewisham are employed, from a labour force of 4,728. Unemployment sits at 4.9%, with participation at 62.1%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 6.2% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth. The working-day population is estimated at 7,324, about 80% of the resident population, so more people leave the area for work than travel in. Unemployment and labour force come from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, updated quarterly; the industry and occupation profile is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Lewisham and Dodges Ferry boast a competent labor pool, with strong representation in critical service industries, an unemployment rate of 4.9%, and steady employment conditions throughout the last year. As of March 2026, 4,494 individuals are employed, and the local unemployment rate stands at 0.5% higher than Greater Hobart's 4.4%, while workforce participation remains comparable to Greater Hobart's 63.8%. Census data reveals that only 10.5% of residents work from home, although the effects of Covid-19 lockdowns should be taken into account. The primary sectors employing local residents are construction, health care & social assistance, and public administration & safety.
The construction sector shows a particularly high concentration, with local employment rates reaching 1.8 times the regional benchmark. In contrast, health care & social assistance is less represented, accounting for 13.9% of workers compared to 17.3% across the region. A comparison between the census-recorded local workforce and the resident working population suggests that regional employment opportunities within the immediate area are relatively limited. Analysis of SALM and ABS data by AreaSearch indicates that the labour force grew by 0.2% while employment fell by 0.3% during the year to March 2026, leading to a 0.5 percentage point increase in unemployment. In Greater Hobart, employment declined by 0.1% and the labour force expanded by 0.2%, resulting in unemployment rising by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 provide additional context for anticipated future demand in Dodges Ferry - Lewisham. These projections, which span five and ten-year intervals, have been overlaid onto local employment data to estimate growth trajectories. Although national employment is projected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, expansion varies considerably across different industry sectors. When these sector-specific forecasts are applied to the employment composition of Dodges Ferry - Lewisham, local employment is expected to rise by 6.2% over five years and 12.9% over ten years. It is important to note that this calculation relies on simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not incorporate localised population projections.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Dodges Ferry - Lewisham is $1,373 a week (about $71,000 a year), with median personal income at $721 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $51,963 a year against an average of $58,569. Household income is from the 2021 Census; taxable income is from ATO Taxation Statistics for the latest financial year available, indexed forward using the ABS Wage Price Index.
Detail
Based on AreaSearch's analysis of postcode-level ATO statistics released for the 2023 financial year, taxpayers in the Dodges Ferry - Lewisham SA2 recorded a median annual income of $51,963 and an average of $58,569. These figures sit below the national benchmarks and compare to a median of $54,577 and an average of $65,190 in Greater Hobart. Applying a Wage Price Index increase of 10.95% since the 2023 financial year, current estimates as of March 2026 would be approximately $57,653 for the median and $64,982 for the average. In the 2021 Census, household, family, and individual incomes in the area were positioned modestly, falling between the 25th and 32nd percentiles.
Distribution metrics indicate that 32.8% of the population (2,999 people) earn between $1,500 and $2,999, which aligns closely with the regional share of 32.2% in this bracket. On average, residents retain 86.5% of their income after meeting housing costs, placing the area in the 29th percentile nationally.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Dodges Ferry - Lewisham had 3,300 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 99% detached houses and 0% apartments. 46% are owned with a mortgage, 14% rented and 39% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $330 a week and the median mortgage repayment $1,300 a month. Rent absorbs 24.0% of household income here and mortgage repayments 21.8%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
At the time of the most recent Census, the housing stock in Dodges Ferry - Lewisham consisted of 99.4% separate houses and 0.7% other dwelling types, such as apartments and semi-detached properties, compared to the Hobart metropolitan split of 85.3% houses and 14.7% other dwellings. The rate of home ownership was higher than the metropolitan average at 39.4%, with mortgaged properties accounting for 46.3% and rental properties making up 14.2%. The median monthly mortgage payment of $1,300 was lower than the Hobart metro average of $1,517, and the median weekly rent of $330 was also below the metro average of $350.
Nationally, mortgage repayments in the area are lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rental costs are below the national median of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Dodges Ferry - Lewisham counted 3,300 households at the 2021 Census, an estimated 3,542 today, averaging 2.4 people each. 26% are couples with children, against 31% couples without children. 28% of households are people living alone, and families average 1.7 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Families make up 69.6% of all households in the area, consisting of couples with children at 26.0%, couples without children at 31.3%, and single-parent households at 11.4%. The remaining 30.4% consists of non-family households, which includes single-person households at 27.8% and group households at 2.7%. The median household occupancy is 2.4 people, matching the average for Greater Hobart.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
19.1% of adults in Dodges Ferry - Lewisham hold a university qualification, including 13.3% with a bachelor degree and 3.6% with postgraduate qualifications. A further 33.2% hold a vocational qualification. 3 schools serve the area, with 681 enrolment places and an average ICSEA of 973 against a national benchmark of 1,000. Qualifications come from the 2021 Census; school enrolments, ICSEA and results come from ACARA's current release.
Detail
Educational attainment levels present specific trends, with university graduation rates at 19.1%, compared to the SA4 regional average of 32.8%. Bachelor degrees are the most common higher education qualification at 13.3%, with postgraduate degrees held by 3.6% of residents and graduate diplomas by 2.2%. Vocational and technical qualifications are highly prevalent, with 43.3% of residents aged 15 and over holding a trade credential, including advanced diplomas at 10.1% and certificate qualifications at 33.2%. Enrolment in education is strong, with 27.4% of the population active in study. Of these students, 11.0% attend primary school, 7.6% are in secondary school, and 3.3% are enrolled in tertiary programs.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Getting around Dodges Ferry - Lewisham means driving: households keep an average of 1.8 vehicles, and no scheduled public transport appears in the current timetable feeds. Service data is built from operators' published GTFS timetables; vehicle ownership is from the 2021 Census.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
63.4% of residents in Dodges Ferry - Lewisham report no long-term health condition. 5.6% need daily assistance with core activities, and 48.4% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 4.4 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
Based on AreaSearch's evaluation of mortality and chronic disease data, the health profile of Dodges Ferry - Lewisham is close to national averages, showing typical rates of common medical conditions across both younger and older demographics. The rate of private health insurance coverage is low, with approximately 48% of the population (~4,426 people) covered, compared to 51.7% in Greater Hobart and a national average of 55.7%. Arthritis and mental health conditions are the most frequently reported diagnoses, affecting 11.0% and 10.5% of residents, respectively. A total of 63.4% of respondents reported no chronic medical conditions, compared to 65.5% across Greater Hobart.
The working-age cohort has relatively high rates of chronic health issues. Seniors aged 65 and over make up 22.5% of the population (2,059 people), which exceeds the 20.0% average in Greater Hobart. Senior health outcomes are favorable, with national standings generally matching the wider population.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Dodges Ferry - Lewisham is largely Australian-born, at 90.0% of residents, with 2.7% speaking a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are English (34.9%) and Australian (32.6%). 3.6% of residents identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander. Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Cultural diversity metrics in Dodges Ferry - Lewisham are below the national average, with citizens making up 90.5% of residents, 90.0% born in Australia, and 97.3% speaking only English at home. Christianity is the primary religion, representing 38.4% of the local population. Judaism is recorded at 0.1%, matching the 0.1% average across Greater Hobart. The top parental ancestries reported in the area are English at 34.9%, Australian at 32.6%, and Irish at 8.4%. Notable variances relative to the wider region include residents identifying as Australian Aboriginal at 3.6% of the population (compared to 3.0% regionally), Dutch at 1.3% (compared to 1.5%), and Scottish at 7.6% (compared to 7.0%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Dodges Ferry - Lewisham is 43. 20.1% of residents are aged 15 to 34. Age cohorts are not raw Census counts: the Census split is re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections.
Detail
The median age of 43 in Dodges Ferry - Lewisham is higher than Greater Hobart's average of 39 and the national median of 38. The area has a high proportion of residents aged 65 to 74 at 14.8%, compared to the national average of 9.4%, and a lower share of 25 to 34 year-olds at 10.3%. Since the 2021 Census, the 75 to 84 cohort has increased from 4.5% to 6.3% of the population, and the 65 to 74 bracket has grown from 13.2% to 14.8%. Meanwhile, the 55 to 64 group decreased from 17.1% to 15.2%, and the 25 to 34 group declined from 12.0% to 10.3%.
Projections to 2041 indicate that the 45 to 54 group will expand by 45% (494 people) to reach 1,589, up from 1,094. The cohorts aged 65 and over will account for 51% of the total projected growth, while the 35 to 44 age group is expected to contract by 206 residents.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Dodges Ferry - Lewisham
9 of 14 data sections on this page were updated within the last 12 months — the newest current to Aug 2026.
Everything is aggregated to the SA2 boundary shown above, on a 2021 Census baseline. Only 3 sections — housing, households and cultural diversity — still wait on the 2026 Census.
The ledger — source, cycle and currency by section
| Section | Source & update cycle | Currency |
|---|---|---|
| Updated within the last 12 months 9 sections | ||
| Population | ABS, GNAF, Geoscience Australia Annual (ABS ERP) | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release) and updated with new dwellings from GNAF address data. Current to May 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to May 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Jun 2026 2 months ago headline measures · May 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Aug 2026 this month all 21 measures |
| Sales from the state Valuer General register, refreshed weekly, and rents from quarterly rental bond lodgements. Both are read live each time this page loads, current to Aug 2026. | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, Local governments Daily | May 2026 3 months ago all 2 projects tracked here |
| Project pipeline maintained continuously from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, local government and public announcements. Records are added and revised daily; this area was last updated May 2026. | ||
| Employment | ABS, DEWR, JSA Quarterly (ABS SALM) | Mar 2026 5 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Unemployment and labour force from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, current to Mar 2026. The growth outlook applies Department of Employment (now Jobs and Skills Australia) forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to the local industry mix, so it measures sector composition rather than local expansion and makes no allowance for population growth. Job demand comes from the same agency via its Internet Vacancy Index; industry and occupation structure from the 2021 Census. | ||
| Education | ABS, ACARA Annual (ACARA) | Aug 2026 this month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Jul 2026 last month all 14 measures |
| Annual and financial-year sources 2 sections | ||
| Income | ABS, ATO Annual (ATO) | FY 2023 3 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| ATO taxable income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index. Census household income provides the distribution detail. | ||
| Health | ABS, ATO Annual | 2024 2 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Census-measured — next update: 2026 Census 3 sections No more current small-area source exists for these, so they are labelled as Census-measured rather than implied to be current. | ||
| Housing | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 30 measures |
| Households | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 18 measures |
| Cultural diversity | ABS, Geoscience Australia 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 44 measures |
"Currency" is the most recent release feeding that section. Where the Census supplies the structural baseline underneath a current headline figure, the row says so.
How the numbers are built
Population
The Census provides the small-area baseline, aggregated from mesh blocks to this boundary. It is then re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release), and new dwellings built since Census night are counted from address data — 76 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for May 2026, not a 2021 count (8,521 at the 2021 Census → 9,146 now). Annual growth rates are compound (CAGR), not simple averages.
Age profile
Cohort shares are not raw Census counts. Every cohort is held as a pair — the Census baseline and a current estimate — and the split is re-based using ERP and state population projections, current to May 2026. Median age is the Census median plus modelled change since. Charts that show both are labelled "2021 Census vs Current Estimate".
Property sales
Sourced from the state valuation authority's sales register — current, not Census, and refreshed weekly. Medians are calculated from settled transactions in the period shown; periods with very low transaction counts are flagged or suppressed, because a handful of sales can move a median substantially.
Rents
Derived from state rental bond lodgement data, by dwelling type and bedroom count. Bonds are lodged at the start of a new tenancy, so this reflects new lettings, not the whole rented stock.
Development & infrastructure
Building approvals come from current ABS releases; development applications are collected from council and state planning portals; the infrastructure pipeline is compiled from Infrastructure Australia and local government sources. Applications are matched to this boundary by address or coordinates, so very recent lodgements may not yet appear.
Employment & income
Industry and occupation structure comes from the Census, but the headline labour-market indicators do not. Unemployment and labour force are derived from ABS Small Area Labour Markets (quarterly). The employment outlook applies Department of Employment forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to this area's own industry mix (the agency is now Jobs and Skills Australia), as does the Internet Vacancy Index used for job demand. Because it is weighted on industry composition alone, that outlook carries no allowance for local population growth — in fast-growing areas the real rise in local jobs will typically be higher. Income combines Census household income with ATO taxable-income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index.
Education, transport & amenities
School enrolments, ICSEA and performance come from ACARA's current release, not the Census. Public transport stops and service frequency are derived from GTFS timetable feeds published by state transport departments. Services and amenities are proximity and count scores built from provider directories, refreshed on their own cycle. The Census contributes only the travel-to-work and qualification measures.
Rankings and benchmarks. Where we rank this area, the comparison set is every area of the same boundary type — suburbs against suburbs, SA2s against SA2s. Benchmarks compare this area against its greater capital city region and the national figure for the same measure and period.
Limits worth knowing. Small areas carry larger error margins, and the ABS introduces small random adjustments to Census counts to protect confidentiality — so totals may not sum exactly. Estimates re-based from regional data describe the area's expected trajectory, not a direct count of it. Figures are indicative for research and are not financial, planning or valuation advice.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (601061034). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.