East Devonport
Statistical Area - sa2

An assessment of population growth drivers in East Devonport reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

East Devonport's population as of August 2025 is approximately 5,406, reflecting a 6.5% increase from the 2021 Census figure of 5,075 people. This growth, inferred from ABS estimates and validated new addresses, results in a population density of 408 persons per square kilometer. East Devonport's growth rate exceeded both its SA4 region (4.5%) and the state average, indicating strong population expansion since the Census date. Overseas migration was the primary driver for this growth. AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, and Tasmania State Government's Regional/LGA projections for areas not covered by ABS data, with adjustments made using weighted aggregation methods. Based on these projections, East Devonport is expected to grow by 95 persons to reach a population of approximately 6,187 by 2041, marking an overall reduction of 0.6% over the 17-year period.

AreaSearch is adopting 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. Considering the projected demographic shifts, lower quartile growth of non-metropolitan areas nationally is anticipated, with the area expected to grow by 95 persons to 2041 based on the latest population numbers, with a reduction of 0.6% in total over the 17 years.

Recent residential development output has been above average within East Devonport when compared nationally

East Devonport has seen approximately 37 new homes approved annually. Development approval data, as per the Australian Bureau of Statistics, is recorded on a financial year basis: 189 homes were approved over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, with 3 approvals so far in FY-26. On average, around 1.3 people moved to the area annually for each dwelling built between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating a balanced supply and demand. However, this has moderated to 0.8 people per dwelling over the past two financial years, suggesting an improved balance. New properties are constructed at an average expected cost of $347,000, aligning with regional trends.

This year, $951,000 in commercial approvals have been registered, predominantly focused on residential development. Compared to the rest of Tasmania, East Devonport has slightly more development activity, at 23.0% above the regional average per person over the past five years, providing reasonable buyer options while sustaining existing property demand. Recent building activity consists solely of standalone homes, maintaining the area's traditional low-density character and appealing to those seeking family homes with space.

The location currently has approximately 144 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market. With population projections showing stability or decline, East Devonport is expected to experience reduced housing demand pressures in the future, benefiting potential buyers.

East Devonport has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 11thth percentile nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect a region's performance. AreaSearch has identified 14 potential projects that could impact this area. Notable ones include Devonport Mental Health Hub, TasPorts QuayLink Port Development, Spirit of Tasmania New Vessels, and Devonport Oval Sports Complex. The following list details those likely to be most relevant.

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

The labour market performance in East Devonport lags significantly behind most other regions nationally

East Devonport's workforce comprises white and blue-collar jobs across various sectors. The unemployment rate was 7.2% in June 2025, with an estimated employment growth of 3.0% over the past year.

As of June 2025, 2103 residents were employed, while the unemployment rate was 3.2% higher than Rest of Tas.'s rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation in East Devonport lagged at 48.0%, compared to Rest of Tas.'s 55.7%. Key industries for employment among residents included health care & social assistance, retail trade, and agriculture, forestry & fishing. The area showed strong specialization in transport, postal & warehousing, with an employment share 1.6 times the regional level.

However, education & training was under-represented, at 5.1% compared to Rest of Tas.'s 8.8%. Employment opportunities appeared limited locally, as indicated by Census data on working population versus resident population. From June 2024 to June 2025, employment increased by 3.0%, while labour force grew by 2.1%, reducing the unemployment rate by 0.8 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Tas. saw employment decline by 0.5% and labour force decline by 0.6%. State-level data from Sep-25 showed TAS employment growth of 0.77% year-on-year, adding 1170 jobs, with a state unemployment rate of 4.3%, outperforming the national average of 0.26%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 projected national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to East Devonport's employment mix suggested local growth of approximately 5.8% over five years and 12.6% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis

East Devonport's median taxpayer income was $39,574 and average was $46,704 in financial year 2022. This is lower than national averages, with Rest of Tas.'s median at $47,358 and average at $57,384. By March 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $44,299 (median) and $52,280 (average), based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.94%. Census 2021 income data shows East Devonport's household, family, and personal incomes all fall between the 2nd and 6th percentiles nationally. Income distribution indicates that 32.9% earn $400 - $799 weekly (1,778 residents), contrasting with metropolitan regions where the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket leads at 28.5%. The concentration of 42.3% in sub-$800 weekly brackets highlights economic challenges faced by a significant portion of the community. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 83.9% of income remaining, ranking at the 4th percentile nationally.

East Devonport is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

In East Devonport, as recorded in the latest Census, 87.5% of dwellings were houses with the remaining 12.6% comprising semi-detached properties, apartments and other types. This compares to Non-Metro Tas.'s figures of 90.3% houses and 9.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in East Devonport stood at 36.5%, with mortgaged dwellings at 24.4% and rented ones at 39.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,083, significantly lower than Non-Metro Tas.'s average of $1,300 and the national figure of $1,863. The median weekly rent in East Devonport was $236, substantially below Non-Metro Tas.'s $250 and the national average of $375.

East Devonport features high concentrations of lone person households and group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 63.5% of all households, including 18.1% couples with children, 27.3% couples without children, and 16.8% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 36.5%, with lone person households at 32.7% and group households making up 3.8%. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is smaller than the Rest of Tas. average of 2.3.

East Devonport faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates at 12.3%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent at 8.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 2.2% and graduate diplomas at 1.5%. Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 37.9% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas at 7.3% and certificates at 30.6%.

Educational participation is notably high, with 27.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.1% in primary education, 7.7% in secondary education, and 1.9% pursuing tertiary education. East Devonport Primary School provides local educational services within East Devonport, with an enrollment of 206 students as of the latest data. East Devonport demonstrates varied educational conditions across the area. The 1 school focuses exclusively on primary education, with secondary options available in surrounding areas from 2021 onwards. Limited local school capacity (3.8 places per 100 residents vs 14.1 regionally) means many families travel to nearby areas for schooling since 2015.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

Health performance in East Devonport is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

East Devonport faces significant health challenges, with various conditions affecting both younger and older age groups. Approximately 46% (~2,508 people) have private health cover, compared to the national average of 55.3%.

Mental health issues affect 12.2% of residents, while arthritis impacts 12.1%. About 56.0% report being free from medical ailments, compared to 61.1% in the rest of Tasmania. The area has a senior population of 25.0% (1,352 people), with health outcomes among seniors presenting some challenges despite performing better than the general population in health metrics.

East Devonport ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

East Devonport has a cultural diversity profile as follows: 87.0% citizens, 86.4% born in Australia, and 93.1% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion, accounting for 42.8%. The 'Other' category shows an overrepresentation of 0.8%, compared to Rest of Tas's 0.5%.

Top ancestry groups are Australian (33.8%), English (32.6%), and Scottish (7.0%). Notable divergences include Australian Aboriginal at 6.8% (vs regional 4.7%), Samoan at 0.2% (vs none), and Korean at 0.2% (vs regional 0.1%).

East Devonport hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

East Devonport's median age is 44, comparable to Rest of Tas.'s figure of 45 but higher than Australia's national norm of 38. The 25-34 age group represents 13.5%, higher than Rest of Tas., while the 45-54 cohort stands at 10.6%. Post-2021 Census data shows the 35 to 44 age group grew from 9.6% to 11.1%, and the 75 to 84 cohort increased from 8.0% to 9.4%. Conversely, the 65 to 74 cohort declined from 14.2% to 12.9%. By 2041, East Devonport's age composition is expected to shift notably. The 75 to 84 group will grow by 22%, reaching 622 from 508. Those aged 65 and above are projected to account for 99% of population growth, while declines are expected in the 45-54 and 5-14 cohorts.