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 is approximately 12,211 as of May 2026. This figure represents a decrease of 76 individuals, a 0.6% drop from the 2021 Census count of 12,287 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 12,209 in June 2025 and an additional 98 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 1,167 persons per square kilometer, roughly in line with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Over the past decade, Glenorchy has shown resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 1.0%, outperforming the SA3 area. Overseas migration contributed approximately 89.7% of overall population gains during recent periods.

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 growth by age group post-2032, Tasmania State Government's Regional/LGA projections are used with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Population projections indicate an increase just below the median of national statistical areas, with Glenorchy expected to gain 939 persons by 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a total gain of 7.7% over the 16-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 averaged approximately 32 new dwelling approvals annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25161 homes were approved, with a further 27 approved so far in FY-26. On average, around 0.6 new residents have arrived per new home each year over this period, indicating that new construction is meeting or exceeding demand, providing more housing options and facilitating population growth.

The average expected construction cost of these dwellings was $212,000, which is below the regional average, suggesting more affordable housing options for buyers. In FY-26 alone, there have been $110.1 million in commercial approvals, indicating high levels of local commercial activity. Compared to Greater Hobart, Glenorchy has about two-thirds the rate of new dwelling approvals per person and ranks among the 15th percentile nationally, offering limited housing choices for buyers and supporting demand for existing properties. This is reflective of the area's maturity and potential planning constraints.

The current development composition in Glenorchy comprises approximately 76.0% detached dwellings and 24.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining the suburb's suburban identity with a concentration of family homes suited to buyers seeking space. As of now, there are roughly 1050 people per dwelling approval, indicating an established market. Future projections estimate Glenorchy will add around 937 residents by 2041, according to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Construction is keeping pace with projected growth, although buyers may face increasing competition as the population grows.

Glenorchy has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 9thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 29 projects that could impact the region. Key projects include Homes Tasmania Social Housing Program, MONA Hotel Development, Glenorchy War Memorial Pool Redevelopment, and Hobart Heritage Rail Project. The following list details those likely to be 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.

Employment drivers in Glenorchy are experiencing difficulties, placing it among the bottom 20% of areas assessed across Australia

Glenorchy has an educated workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate was 6.7% as of December 2024. Over the past year, employment remained relatively stable.

As of December 2025, 5,927 residents are employed, but the unemployment rate is higher than Greater Hobart's at 7.1%. Workforce participation is lower at 61.0% compared to Greater Hobart's 63.7%. Census data shows that only 4.8% of residents work from home. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, retail trade, and accommodation & food services.

Retail trade has particularly high employment levels at 1.3 times the regional average. However, education & training has limited presence with 6.9% employment compared to 10.8% regionally. Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. Between December 2024 and December 2025, labour force levels decreased by 0.1%, and employment also decreased by 0.1%, keeping the unemployment rate stable at 6.7%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that Glenorchy's employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to its current employment mix.

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

Glenorchy SA2's median income among taxpayers was $50,695 in financial year 2023, according to ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This figure is below the national average. The average income for Glenorchy SA2 during this period was $54,279. In comparison, Greater Hobart's median and average incomes were $54,577 and $65,190 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.95% since financial year 2023, estimated median income for Glenorchy SA2 as of March 2026 would be approximately $56,246, with an average income of around $60,223. Census data shows that household, family and personal incomes in Glenorchy all fall between the 10th and 13th percentiles nationally. The largest income bracket in Glenorchy comprises 27.3% earning $800 - $1,499 weekly (3,333 residents), which differs from patterns across the broader area where $1,500 - $2,999 dominates with 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 evaluation, dwelling structures consisted of 78.6% houses and 21.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Hobart metro's 85.3% houses and 14.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Glenorchy stood at 26.8%, with mortgaged dwellings at 28.0% and rented dwellings at 45.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,300, below 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 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 constitute 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 comprise the remaining 39.9%, with lone person households at 35.3% and group households accounting for 4.5%. 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 the 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% of residents aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 8.1% and certificates at 22.0%. Educational participation is high, with 28.9% currently enrolled in formal education, including primary (8.1%), secondary (6.2%), and tertiary (5.0%) levels.

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's public transport analysis shows 90 active stops operating within the area, serving a mix of bus routes. These stops are serviced by 179 individual routes, collectively providing 12,256 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 183 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to Glenorchy's primarily residential nature. Car remains the dominant mode of transport at 82%, with bus use at 11%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.1 per dwelling, below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, a relatively low 4.8% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 1,750 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 136 weekly trips per 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 indicated by AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Various health conditions impact both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is low at approximately 47% of Glenorchy's total population (~5,714 people), compared to 51.7% in Greater Hobart and the national average of 55.7%.

Mental health issues and arthritis are the most common conditions, affecting 10.9% and 10.3% of residents respectively. However, 64.3% of residents report having no medical ailments, compared to 65.5% in Greater Hobart. Working-age residents face notable health challenges due to elevated chronic condition rates. Glenorchy has 18.2% of residents aged 65 and over (2,219 people), lower than Greater Hobart's 20.0%. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, broadly aligning with national rankings for the general population.

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, accounting for 39.6%. Hinduism, however, was significantly overrepresented at 11.1%, exceeding Greater Hobart's average of 2.8%.

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

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 and significantly under the Australian median of 38. Compared to Greater Hobart, Glenorchy has a higher proportion of residents aged 25-34 (20.9%) but fewer residents aged 5-14 (9.1%). This concentration of 25-34 year-olds is well above the national average of 14.6%. Between the censuses of 2021 and 2026, the proportion of Glenorchy's population aged 35 to 44 grew from 12.2% to 16.1%, while the proportion of those aged 55 to 64 declined from 10.8% to 9.5%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests significant changes in Glenorchy's age profile. The 45-54 age group is projected to grow by 62%, adding 710 residents to reach a total of 1,856. In contrast, both the 55-64 and 65-74 age groups are expected to see reduced numbers.