Dodges Ferry - Lewisham
Statistical Area - sa2

Dodges Ferry - Lewisham lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Dodges Ferry-Lewisham's population was 9,094 as of Aug 2025. This reflected an increase of 573 people (6.7%) 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 as of June 2024 and an additional 59 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 6.7% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA4 region (4.2%) and the metropolitan area, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration that contributed 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 by this data and to estimate growth by age group post-2032, Tasmania State Government's Regional/LGA projections were adopted, released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year, 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 was projected for statistical areas across the nation, with Dodges Ferry-Lewisham expected to increase by 1,599 persons to 2041 based on the latest population numbers, indicating a total increase of 16.9% 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 properties granted approval annually. Development approval data is produced by the ABS on a financial year basis, totalling 294 approvals across the past five financial years from FY-21 to FY-25, with one approval so far in FY-26. An average of 2.9 new residents per year has been gained for each dwelling built over these years, indicating healthy demand that supports property values. New homes are being constructed at an average expected cost of $369,000, aligning with regional trends.

Approximately $3.7 million in commercial approvals have been registered this financial year, suggesting the area's residential character. Compared to Greater Hobart, Dodges Ferry - Lewisham records around 67% of building activity per person and ranks among the 69th percentile nationally when assessed areas are considered. Recent development has consisted entirely of detached dwellings, preserving the area's low-density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers with an average of approximately 195 people per dwelling approval.

Looking ahead, Dodges Ferry - Lewisham is projected to grow by 1,537 residents through to 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 5thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified two projects that could affect this region. Notable projects include Sorell School Redevelopment, Tasman Highway Duplication Project, Tasmanian Irrigation Schemes: Tranche 3, and Cethana Pumped Hydro Energy Storage Project. The following list details those most relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

Employment performance in Dodges Ferry - Lewisham has been below expectations when compared to most other areas nationally

Dodges Ferry - Lewisham, as of June 2025, has an unemployment rate of 4.6%. It has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented.

There are 4,461 residents in work, which is 0.5% higher than Greater Hobart's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation is at 59.0%, slightly below Greater Hobart's 61.6%. Key industries of employment among residents are construction, health care & social assistance, and public administration & safety. Construction shows notable concentration with employment levels at 1.8 times the regional average.

Health care & social assistance has lower representation at 13.9% compared to the regional average of 17.3%. The area offers limited local employment opportunities as indicated by Census data. In the year to June 2025, labour force decreased by 1.6% and employment also decreased by 1.6%, leaving unemployment broadly flat. Greater Hobart recorded a 1.5% employment decline with unemployment falling by 0.2 percentage points. State-level data to Sep-25 shows Tasmania's employment grew by 0.77% year-on-year, adding 1,170 jobs, with the state unemployment rate at 4.3%. National employment forecasts from May 2025 suggest national growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Dodges Ferry - Lewisham's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.2%% over five years and 12.9% over ten years.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2022, Dodges Ferry - Lewisham had a median income among taxpayers of $49,012. The average income in this area stood at $55,778 during the same period. Both figures were below the national average. In Greater Hobart, the median income was $51,272 and the average was $63,777. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.94% since financial year 2022, current estimates for Dodges Ferry - Lewisham would be approximately $54,864 (median) and $62,438 (average) as of March 2025. According to the 2021 Census figures, household, family, and personal incomes in Dodges Ferry - Lewisham ranked modestly, between the 26th and 32nd percentiles. Income distribution data showed that 32.8% of the population (2,982 individuals) fell within the $1,500 - $2,999 income range, which was similar to regional levels where 32.2% occupied this range. After housing costs, 86.5% of income remained, ranking at the 30th 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, evaluated at the latest Census, consisted of 99.4% houses and 0.7% other dwellings. In comparison, Hobart metro had 97.7% houses and 2.3% other dwellings. Home ownership in Dodges Ferry - Lewisham was 39.4%, similar to Hobart metro's figure. The remaining dwellings were either mortgaged (46.3%) or rented (14.2%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,300, lower than Hobart metro's average of $1,408. 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 than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were 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% of all households, including 26.0% couples with children, 31.3% couples without children, and 11.4% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 30.4%, with lone person households at 27.8% and group households comprising 2.7% 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 - advanced diplomas comprise 10.1% and certificates make up 33.2%. Educational participation is high at 27.4%, including 11.0% in primary education, 7.6% in secondary education, and 3.3% pursuing tertiary education.

Dodges Ferry - Lewisham's 3 schools have a combined enrollment of 681 students and demonstrate typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 973) with balanced educational opportunities. These schools focus exclusively on primary education, with secondary options available in surrounding areas. School places per 100 residents are 7.5, below the regional average of 9.9, indicating some students may attend schools in adjacent areas. Note: for 'n/a' school enrolments, please refer to parent campus.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

Health performance in Dodges Ferry - Lewisham is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Health data shows significant challenges for Dodges Ferry - Lewisham. Prevalence of common health conditions is notable across both younger and older age groups.

Private health cover rate is very low at approximately 48% (~4,328 people), compared to the national average of 55.3%. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (11.0%) and mental health issues (10.5%). A total of 63.4% of residents report no medical ailments, slightly higher than Greater Hobart's 62.3%. The area has 21.4% of residents aged 65 and over (1,948 people). Health outcomes among seniors are above average, better even than the general population in health metrics.

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 had a lower cultural diversity, with 90.5% of its residents being citizens and 90.0% born in Australia. English was the primary language spoken at home by 97.3%. Christianity was the predominant religion, practiced by 38.4% of the population.

The most notable overrepresentation was Judaism, with 0.1% compared to none across Greater Hobart. The top three ancestral groups were English (34.9%), Australian (32.6%), and Irish (8.4%). Notable differences existed in the representation of certain ethnicities: Australian Aboriginal at 3.6% (regional average 3.1%), Dutch at 1.3% (regional average 1.2%), and Scottish at 7.6% (regional average 7.4%).

Dodges Ferry - Lewisham hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

The median age in Dodges Ferry - Lewisham is 43 years, significantly higher than Greater Hobart's average of 39 years and Australia's average 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 population aged 75-84 grew from 4.5% to 5.8%, while the 65-74 age group increased from 13.2% to 14.4%. Conversely, the 55-64 age group decreased from 17.1% to 15.6%, and the 25-34 age group dropped from 12.0% to 10.8%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Dodges Ferry - Lewisham's age structure. The 75-84 age group is projected to grow by 95%, reaching 1,030 people from 528. Notably, the combined age groups of 65 and above will account for 55% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. In contrast, the 35-44 age group is projected to decrease by 166 residents.