Dodges Ferry - Lewisham

Population growth drivers in Dodges Ferry - Lewisham are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Dodges Ferry - Lewisham's population was around 9,111 as of Nov 2025. This reflected an increase of 590 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 8,521 people. The change was inferred from the estimated resident population of 9,032 from the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 65 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equated to a density ratio of 28 persons per square kilometer. Dodges Ferry - Lewisham's growth of 6.9% since the 2021 census exceeded the SA4 region (4.8%) and Greater Hobart, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth was primarily driven by interstate migration contributing approximately 46.4% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopted ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered, Tasmania State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year were used with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Considering projected demographic shifts, an above median population growth is projected for the area, expected to increase by 1,599 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 16.7% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Dodges Ferry - Lewisham among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

Dodges Ferry - Lewisham has recorded approximately 58 residential property approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling 294 homes. In the current financial year FY-26, 10 approvals have been recorded as of now. Over these five years (FY-21 to FY-25), each dwelling built has resulted in an average of 2.9 new residents per year, indicating strong demand which supports property values. The average expected construction cost value for new homes is $274,000.

In terms of commercial development, $3.7 million in approvals have been registered this financial year, reflecting the area's primarily residential nature. Compared to Greater Hobart, Dodges Ferry - Lewisham records approximately 67% of building activity per person and ranks among the 69th percentile nationally based on areas assessed. Recent development has consisted entirely of detached dwellings, preserving the area's low density character with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers.

With around 195 people per dwelling approval, Dodges Ferry - Lewisham exhibits characteristics of a growth area. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, the area is projected to grow by 1,520 residents by 2041. Current construction rates appear balanced with future demand, fostering steady market conditions without excessive price pressure.

Dodges Ferry - Lewisham has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 3rdth percentile nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified two projects that may affect this region. Notable projects include Sorell School Redevelopment, Tasman Highway Duplication Project, Greater Hobart Urban Growth Boundary Extension, and Tasmanian Irrigation Schemes: Tranche 3. The following details those most likely to be 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 Dodges Ferry - Lewisham has been below expectations when compared to most other areas nationally

Dodges Ferry - Lewisham has an unemployment rate of 4.5% as of September 2025. There are 4,499 residents in work, which is 0.5% higher than Greater Hobart's rate of 4.0%. Workforce participation is similar to Greater Hobart's at 63.8%.

According to Census responses, 10.5% of residents work from home. The key industries of employment are construction, health care & social assistance, and public administration & safety. Construction has notable concentration with employment levels at 1.8 times the regional average. Health care & social assistance shows lower representation at 13.9% compared to the regional average of 17.3%.

The area offers limited local employment opportunities based on Census data. Between September 2024 and September 2025, the labour force decreased by 0.7%, employment decreased by 0.6%, causing unemployment to fall by 0.1 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Hobart had an employment decline of 0.7% and a labour force decline of 0.9%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Dodges Ferry - Lewisham's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.2% over five years and 12.9% over ten years.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2023 indicates that Dodges Ferry - Lewisham SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $51,963 and an average level of $58,569. Both figures are below the national average, which stood at $54,577 for Greater Hobart in the same period. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.6% since financial year 2023, estimated median and average incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $56,951 and $64,192 respectively. According to figures from the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in Dodges Ferry - Lewisham rank modestly, between the 25th and 32nd percentiles. Income distribution data shows that 32.8% of the population (2,988 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, a pattern similar to regional levels where 32.2% occupy this range. After housing costs, 86.5% of income remains, ranking at the 29th percentile nationally.

Dodges Ferry - Lewisham is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Dwelling structure in Dodges Ferry-Lewisham, as per the latest Census, comprised 99.4% houses and 0.7% other dwellings. In comparison, Hobart metro had 85.3% houses and 14.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Dodges Ferry-Lewisham was 39.4%, with mortgaged dwellings at 46.3% and rented ones at 14.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,300, lower than Hobart metro's average of $1,517. Median weekly rent in Dodges Ferry-Lewisham was $330, compared to Hobart metro's $350. Nationally, Dodges Ferry-Lewisham's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,863 and rents substantially below the national figure of $375.

Dodges Ferry - Lewisham has a typical household mix, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households constitute 69.6 percent of all households, including 26.0 percent couples with children, 31.3 percent couples without children, and 11.4 percent single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 30.4 percent, with lone person households at 27.8 percent and group households comprising 2.7 percent of the total. The median household size is 2.4 people, which aligns with the Greater Hobart average.

Educational outcomes in Dodges Ferry - Lewisham fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

The area's university qualification rate is 19.1%, significantly lower than the SA4 region average of 32.8%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 13.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.6%) and graduate diplomas (2.2%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 43.3% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (10.1%) and certificates (33.2%). Educational participation is high at 27.4%, with 11.0% in primary education, 7.6% in secondary education, and 3.3% pursuing tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 27.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.0% in primary education, 7.6% in secondary education, and 3.3% pursuing tertiary education.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

Dodges Ferry - Lewisham's residents are relatively healthy in comparison to broader Australia with a fairly standard level of common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts

Dodges Ferry's health metrics closely match national benchmarks. This was assessed by AreaSearch through mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions were found to be standard across both younger and older age groups.

Private health cover was found to be low at approximately 48% of the total population (~4,409 people), compared to 51.7% in Greater Hobart and a national average of 55.7%. The most prevalent medical conditions were arthritis (11.0%) and mental health issues (10.5%). 63.4% of residents reported no medical ailments, compared to 65.5% across Greater Hobart. The working-age population faces significant health challenges due to higher chronic condition rates. Dodges Ferry has a higher proportion of seniors at 21.4%, with 1,952 people aged 65 and over, compared to 19.6% in Greater Hobart. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, aligning with national rankings for the general population.

The latest Census data sees Dodges Ferry - Lewisham placing among the least culturally diverse areas in the country when compared across a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Dodges Ferry-Lewisham was found to have below average cultural diversity, with 90.5% of its population being Australian citizens, 90.0% born in Australia, and 97.3% speaking English only at home. The predominant religion in Dodges Ferry-Lewisham is Christianity, comprising 38.4% of the population. Notably, Judaism is overrepresented compared to Greater Hobart, with 0.1% of Dodges Ferry-Lewisham's population identifying as Jewish.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups are English (34.9%), Australian (32.6%), and Irish (8.4%). There are also notable differences in the representation of certain ethnic groups: Australian Aboriginal is overrepresented at 3.6% compared to the regional average of 3.0%, Dutch is slightly underrepresented at 1.3% versus 1.5%, and Scottish is overrepresented at 7.6% compared to the regional average of 7.0%.

Dodges Ferry - Lewisham's median age exceeds the national pattern

The median age in Dodges Ferry - Lewisham is 43 years, which is significantly higher than Greater Hobart's average of 39 years and Australia's median age of 38 years. Compared to Greater Hobart, Dodges Ferry - Lewisham has a higher percentage of residents aged 55-64 (15.6%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (10.8%). According to the 2021 Census, the 75 to 84 age group grew from 4.5% to 5.8%, and the 65 to 74 cohort increased from 13.2% to 14.4%. Conversely, the 55 to 64 cohort declined from 17.1% to 15.6%, and the 25 to 34 group dropped from 12.0% to 10.8%. By 2041, demographic projections show significant shifts in Dodges Ferry - Lewisham's age structure. The 75 to 84 age group is projected to grow by 95%, reaching 1,030 people from 529. Notably, the combined age groups of 65 and above will account for 56% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. In contrast, the 35 to 44 age group is projected to contract by 168 residents.