Glenorchy
Statistical Area - sa2

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

Glenorchy's population, as of August 2025, is approximately 12,377, marking an increase of 90 people since the 2021 Census. This increase represents a 0.7% rise from the previous population count of 12,287. The change is inferred based on the estimated resident population of 12,341 in June 2024 and an additional 91 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population results in a density ratio of 1,183 persons per square kilometer, which aligns with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Over the past decade, Glenorchy has maintained resilient growth patterns, with a compound annual growth rate of 1.2%, outpacing the SA3 area. The primary driver of population growth was overseas migration.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 using 2022 as the base year. 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 with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation from LGA to SA2 levels. Future population trends suggest an increase just below the median of Australian statistical areas, with Glenorchy expected to grow by 1,039 persons to 2041 based on latest numbers, representing an 8.1% total increase 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 experienced approximately 32 dwelling approvals per year. Development approval data is provided by the ABS on a financial year basis, totalling 161 approvals across the past five financial years from FY-21 to FY-25, with an additional five approvals so far in FY-26. This results in an average of 0.6 new residents per new home over these years, indicating that supply is meeting or exceeding demand and offering greater buyer choice while supporting potential population growth. The average value of new dwellings developed is $310,000, which is lower than regional levels, suggesting more affordable housing choices for buyers.

In FY-26 alone, $110.1 million in commercial approvals have been registered, indicating robust local business investment. Compared to Greater Hobart, Glenorchy has around two-thirds the rate of new dwelling approvals per person and ranks among the 16th percentile nationally, resulting in relatively constrained buyer choice and supporting interest in existing dwellings. This is reflective of market maturity and possible development constraints. New development consists of 76% detached dwellings and 24% townhouses or apartments, preserving Glenorchy's suburban nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers.

With around 1050 people per approval, Glenorchy shows a mature, established area. Future projections indicate Glenorchy adding 1,003 residents by 2041. Development is keeping pace with projected growth, though buyers may face increasing competition as the population expands.

Glenorchy has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 8thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 33 projects likely to impact the region. Notable initiatives include Homes Tasmania Social Housing Program, Homes Tasmania Affordable Housing Units - Glenorchy, Coraki Street Chigwell Social Housing, and Hobart Heritage Rail Project. Below is a list detailing those most relevant.

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

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

Glenorchy has a well-educated workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate in Glenorchy is 6.7%.

As of June 2025, there are 5944 residents employed while the unemployment rate is 2.6% higher than Greater Hobart's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation is lower at 57.2%, compared to Greater Hobart's 61.6%. Employment in Glenorchy is concentrated in health care & social assistance, retail trade, and accommodation & food services. Retail trade particularly stands out with employment levels at 1.3 times the regional average.

Education & training has limited presence with 6.9% employment compared to the regional average of 10.8%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. In Glenorchy, between June 2024 and June 2025, the labour force decreased by 1.6%, while employment declined by 1.7%, leaving unemployment broadly flat. Conversely, in Greater Hobart, employment contracted by 1.5%, the labour force fell by 1.6%, and unemployment fell by 0.2 percentage points. Statewide, as of Sep-25, TAS employment grew by 0.77% year-on-year with an unemployment rate of 4.3%. Nationally, the unemployment rate is 4.5% with a lower employment growth rate of 0.26%. Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts national employment to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Glenorchy's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.5%% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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

Glenorchy's median income among taxpayers was $47,246 in financial year 2022. The average income stood at $51,275 during the same period. For Greater Hobart, these figures were $51,272 and $63,777 respectively. By March 2025, based on a Wage Price Index growth of 11.94%, median income in Glenorchy is estimated to be approximately $52,887, with the average being around $57,397. Census data shows that incomes in Glenorchy fall between the 10th and 14th percentiles nationally for households, families, and individuals. In terms of income distribution, 27.3% of Glenorchy's population (3,378 individuals) earn within the $800 - $1,499 range, differing from the surrounding region where incomes primarily fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket 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

In Glenorchy, as per the latest Census, 78.6% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 21.4% consisting of semi-detached homes, apartments and other types. This is compared to Hobart metro's 83.1% houses and 17.0% other dwellings. Home ownership in Glenorchy stood at 26.8%, with mortgaged properties at 28.0% and rented ones at 45.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,300, matching Hobart metro's average, while the median weekly rent was $320, also in line with Hobart metro figures. Nationally, Glenorchy's median monthly mortgage repayment of $1,300 is lower than Australia's average of $1,863, and its median weekly rent of $320 is 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 39.9%, with lone person households at 35.3% and group households comprising 4.5%. The median household size is 2.3 people, 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

Educational qualifications in Glenorchy trail regional benchmarks, with 27.3% of residents aged 15+ holding university degrees compared to the SA4 region's 32.8%. This gap highlights potential for educational development and skills enhancement. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 15.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (10.7%) and graduate diplomas (1.6%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 30.1% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (8.1%) and certificates (22.0%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 28.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 8.1% in primary, 6.2% in secondary, and 5.0% pursuing tertiary education. Glenorchy's five schools have a combined enrollment reaching 2,562 students as of the latest data (year not specified). Glenorchy demonstrates typical Australian school conditions with an ICSEA score of 953, indicating balanced educational opportunities. The educational mix includes one primary, three secondary, and one K-12 school. School capacity exceeds typical residential needs, with 20.7 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 14.6, suggesting Glenorchy serves as an educational center for the broader region.

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

Glenorchy has 91 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 116 different routes that together facilitate 10,340 weekly passenger trips. The transport system in Glenorchy is rated excellent for accessibility, with residents on average being located 183 meters from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 1,477 trips per day across all routes, which translates to approximately 113 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Glenorchy is well below average with considerably higher than average prevalence of common health conditions and to an even higher degree among older age cohorts

Glenorchy faces significant health challenges with higher prevalence of common conditions compared to averages. Mental health issues affect 10.9%, arthritis impacts 10.3% of residents.

Only 46% have private health cover, below the national average of 55.3%. The majority, 64.3%, report no medical ailments, slightly above Greater Hobart's 63.7%. Glenorchy has a higher proportion of seniors, with 18.2% aged 65 and over (2,257 people). Health outcomes among seniors require more attention due to these challenges.

Glenorchy was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Glenorchy's population shows significant cultural diversity, with 29.4% born overseas and 27.3% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion, representing 39.6%. Hinduism is notably higher in Glenorchy at 11.1%, compared to Greater Hobart's average of 5.8%.

In terms of ancestry, English (27.1%) and Australian (25.5%) are the top groups, with 'Other' at 17.0%, surpassing the regional average of 10.6%. Some ethnic groups have notable representation: Australian Aboriginal at 4.2% (vs regional 4.0%), Polish at 0.8% (same as region), and Indian at 2.7% (vs regional 1.9%).

Glenorchy's population is younger than the national pattern

Glenorchy's median age is 34 years, significantly lower than Greater Hobart's average of 39 years and the Australian median of 38 years. Compared to Greater Hobart, Glenorchy has a higher percentage of residents aged 25-34 (21.5%) but fewer residents aged 45-54 (9.1%). This concentration of 25-34 year-olds is notably higher than the national average of 14.5%. Between the 2021 Census and present, the population aged 35 to 44 has increased from 12.2% to 15.3%, while the 45 to 54 age group has decreased from 10.2% to 9.1% and the 55 to 64 age group has dropped from 10.8% to 9.8%. By 2041, demographic modeling projects significant changes in Glenorchy's age profile, with the strongest growth expected in the 45 to 54 cohort, which is projected to increase by 61%, adding 689 residents to reach a total of 1,816. In contrast, both the 25 to 34 and 65 to 74 age groups are projected to decrease in numbers.