Glenorchy

Population growth drivers in Glenorchy are above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Glenorchy's population, as of February 2026, is approximately 12,389, marking an increase of 102 people from the 2021 Census figure of 12,287. This growth represents a 0.8% rise since the census date. The estimated resident population in June 2024 was 12,341, with an additional 93 validated new addresses contributing to this increase. The population density is around 1,184 persons per square kilometer, comparable to averages seen across other locations assessed by AreaSearch. Over the past decade, Glenorchy has shown resilience with a compound annual growth rate of 1.2%, outperforming its SA3 area. Overseas migration was the primary driver of population growth during recent periods.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data and to estimate post-2032 growth by age group, Tasmania State Government's Regional/LGA projections are adopted, released in 2022 with a base year of 2021, adjusted using a weighted aggregation method from LGA to SA2 levels. Future population trends suggest an increase just below the median for Australian statistical areas, with Glenorchy expected to grow by 1,039 persons to 2041 based on latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an overall increase of 8.0% over the 17-year period.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in Glenorchy, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally

Glenorchy has received approximately 32 dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling 161 homes. As of FY-26, 25 approvals have been recorded. On average, 0.6 people moved to the area annually for each dwelling built between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating that supply is meeting or exceeding demand, offering more buyer choices while supporting potential population growth above projections. The average expected construction cost of new properties was $212,000 during this period, reflecting more affordable housing options compared to regional norms.

In FY-26, Glenorchy has recorded $110.1 million in commercial development approvals, demonstrating high levels of local commercial activity. Compared to Greater Hobart, Glenorchy has around two-thirds the rate of new dwelling approvals per person and ranks among the 15th percentile nationally, resulting in relatively constrained buyer choice and supporting interest in existing dwellings. New developments consist of 76.0% detached houses and 24.0% townhouses or apartments, sustaining Glenorchy's suburban identity with a concentration of family homes suited to buyers seeking space. With around 1050 people per dwelling approval, Glenorchy reflects a highly mature market.

According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Glenorchy is expected to grow by 991 residents through to 2041. Building activity appears to be keeping pace with growth projections, though buyers may experience increased competition as the population grows.

Glenorchy has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 15thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 30 projects likely impacting the area. Key projects include the Homes Tasmania Social Housing Program, MONA Hotel Development, Homes Tasmania Affordable Housing Units - Glenorchy, and Glenorchy War Memorial Pool Redevelopment. The following list details those most 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.

AreaSearch assessment indicates Glenorchy faces employment challenges relative to the majority of Australian markets

Glenorchy has an unemployment rate of 6.6%. As of September 2025, there are 5,917 residents employed with a 2.5% higher unemployment rate compared to Greater Hobart's 4.0%. Workforce participation is lower at 60.4%, while only 4.8% work from home.

Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, retail trade, and accommodation & food. Retail trade has an employment share of 1.3 times the regional level, but education & training shows lower representation at 6.9%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work. Between September 2024 and September 2025, Glenorchy's labour force decreased by 1.0% with employment decreasing by 0.9%, resulting in a 0.1 percentage point fall in unemployment rate.

National employment forecasts from May-25 project growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but localised projections vary based on industry-specific growth rates.

Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows Glenorchy SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $50,695 and an average of $54,279. Both figures are below the national average. In comparison, Greater Hobart had a median income of $54,577 and an average of $65,190. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.6% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes for September 2025 would be approximately $55,562 (median) and $59,490 (average). Census data indicates Glenorchy's household, family, and personal incomes all fall between the 10th and 13th percentiles nationally. Income distribution shows that 27.3% of Glenorchy residents earn between $800 - 1,499, contrasting with regional levels where the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket leads at 32.2%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Glenorchy, with only 80.1% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 9th percentile nationally.

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

Glenorchy's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 78.6% houses and 21.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Hobart metro had 85.3% houses and 14.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Glenorchy was at 26.8%, with mortgaged dwellings at 28.0% and rented dwellings at 45.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,300, lower than Hobart metro's average of $1,517. Median weekly rent in Glenorchy was $320, compared to Hobart metro's $350. Nationally, Glenorchy's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 60.1% of all households, including 21.0% couples with children, 22.4% couples without children, and 15.2% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 39.9%, consisting of 35.3% lone person households and 4.5% group households. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is smaller than the Greater Hobart average of 2.4.

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

Glenorchy Trail's residents aged 15+ have 27.3% university degrees, compared to SA4 region's 32.8%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 15.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (10.7%) and graduate diplomas (1.6%). Vocational credentials are held by 30.1%, including advanced diplomas (8.1%) and certificates (22.0%). Educational participation is high, with 28.9% currently enrolled in formal education: 8.1% in primary, 6.2% in secondary, and 5.0% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 28.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 8.1% in primary education, 6.2% in secondary education, and 5.0% pursuing tertiary education.

Transport servicing is high compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility

Glenorchy has 90 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 179 individual routes, facilitating a total of 12,256 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents living an average of 183 meters from the nearest stop. Glenorchy, being primarily residential, sees most residents commuting outward. Cars are the dominant mode of transport at 82%, while buses account for 11%. On average, there are 1.1 vehicles per dwelling in Glenorchy, which is below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, only 4.8% of residents work from home, a figure that may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency across all routes averages 1,750 trips per day, translating to approximately 136 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Glenorchy faces significant health challenges, as assessed by AreaSearch through mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Multiple health conditions affect both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is low at 47% (~5,798 people), compared to Greater Hobart's 51.7% and the national average of 55.7%.

Mental health issues and arthritis are the most common conditions, affecting 10.9% and 10.3% respectively. However, 64.3% report no medical ailments, similar to Greater Hobart's 65.5%. Working-age residents have notably high chronic condition rates. The area has 18.4% of residents aged 65 and over (2,277 people), lower than Greater Hobart's 19.9%. Senior health outcomes align with national rankings.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Glenorchy was found to be above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Glenorchy's population showed higher cultural diversity compared to most local markets, with 29.4% born overseas and 27.3% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Glenorchy, comprising 39.6%. Hinduism was notably overrepresented at 11.1%, far exceeding Greater Hobart's average of 2.8%.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (27.1%), Australian (25.5%), and Other (17.0%), with Other being significantly higher than the regional average of 7.4%. Some ethnic groups showed notable differences: Australian Aboriginal at 4.2% in Glenorchy versus 3.0% regionally, Polish at 0.8%, and Indian at 2.7% compared to 1.2%.

Glenorchy's population is younger than the national pattern

Glenorchy's median age is 34 years, which is lower than the Greater Hobart average of 39 years and significantly under the Australian median of 38 years. Compared to Greater Hobart, Glenorchy has a higher percentage of residents aged 25-34 (21.1%) but fewer residents aged 45-54 (9.0%). This concentration of 25-34 year-olds is well above the national average of 14.4%. Between the 2021 Census and now, the population aged 35 to 44 has grown from 12.2% to 15.8%, while the 55 to 64 age group has declined from 10.8% to 9.4% and the 45 to 54 age group has dropped from 10.2% to 9.0%. Demographic projections suggest Glenorchy's age profile will change significantly by 2041. The 45-54 age cohort is projected to grow strongly, increasing by 63% to reach 1,816 residents, adding 698 residents to this group. Conversely, both the 55-64 and 65-74 age groups are projected to decrease in numbers.