Hobart
Statistical Area - sa2

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

Hobart's population was around 9,428 as of November 2025. This reflected an increase of 403 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 9,025 people. The change was inferred from the estimated resident population of 9,307 in June 2024 and an additional 288 validated new addresses since the Census date. This resulted in a population density ratio of 1,424 persons per square kilometer, above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Hobart's growth of 4.5% since the 2021 census exceeded that of the SA3 area (2.3%) and the SA4 region, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration was the primary driver of 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 used, released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year, adjusted employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Based on demographic trends and latest population numbers, Hobart is expected to increase by 842 persons to 2041, recording a gain of 7.6% in total over the 17 years.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Hobart according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

Hobart granted around 55 residential properties approval annually. Between FY21 and FY25276 homes were approved, with 9 more approved in FY26 so far. On average, 1.3 new residents arrived per new home each year over these five years.

This indicates a balanced supply and demand market, supporting stable conditions. The average construction value of new properties was $261,000. In FY26, commercial development approvals totalled $184.5 million, reflecting strong commercial development momentum. Compared to Greater Hobart, Hobart records 118.0% more construction activity per person. Recent construction comprises 11.0% detached dwellings and 89.0% attached dwellings, marking a shift from current housing patterns of 37.0% houses. The location has approximately 483 people per dwelling approval, reflecting an established area.

Future projections show Hobart adding 718 residents by 2041. With current construction levels, housing supply should meet demand adequately, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling population growth that exceeds current forecasts.

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

The performance of a region is significantly influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified 30 such projects that could impact this area. Notable projects include Royal Hobart Hospital Redevelopment - Stage 2, In The Hanging Garden Cultural Precinct, Hobart City Deal, and Macquarie Point Stadium, with the following list providing more details on 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.

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

Hobart's workforce is highly educated with prominent representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 5.2% as of June 2025.

In this month, 5,511 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 1.1% higher than Greater Hobart's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation was similar to Greater Hobart's 61.6%. Key industries for employment among residents include health care & social assistance, accommodation & food, and education & training. The area shows strong specialization in accommodation & food with an employment share of 1.9 times the regional level.

Conversely, construction is under-represented at 3.6% compared to Greater Hobart's 8.7%. With a ratio of 4.7 workers per resident as recorded in the Census, Hobart functions as an employment hub hosting more jobs than residents and attracting workers from surrounding areas. In the 12-month period ending June 2025, labour force decreased by 1.6% and employment decreased by 1.5%, leading to a fall in unemployment rate of 0.1 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Hobart experienced an employment decline of 1.5% and labour force decline of 1.6%, with a drop of 0.2 percentage points in unemployment rate. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 indicate potential future demand within Hobart. These projections suggest national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates vary significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Hobart's employment mix indicates local growth of approximately 7.0% over five years and 14.5% over ten years.

Income levels align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data released for financial year 2022, Hobart had a median income among taxpayers of $53,208. The average income level was $73,896. Nationally, these figures are high compared to the respective levels of $51,272 and $63,777 across Greater Hobart. Based on Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2022, current estimates for median income would be approximately $60,567 by September 2025, with average income estimated at around $84,116 during the same period. According to the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes in Hobart are clustered around the 54th percentile nationally. Distribution data shows that 31.9% of Hobart's population falls within the $1,500 - $2,999 income range, which is similar to regional levels at 32.2%. Housing affordability pressures in Hobart are severe, with only 82.5% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 48th percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

Hobart features a more urban dwelling mix with significant apartment living, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Housing in Hobart, as per the latest Census data, consisted of 36.8% houses and 63.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Hobart metro had 69.2% houses and 30.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Hobart was at 26.5%, with mortgaged dwellings at 17.5% and rented ones at 56.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,800, aligning with the Hobart metro average. The median weekly rent was $415, compared to Hobart metro's $390. Nationally, Hobart's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially higher at $375.

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

Family households constitute 50.3% of all households, including 13.0% couples with children, 29.8% couples without children, and 6.4% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 49.7%, with lone person households at 37.4% and group households comprising 12.3%. The median household size is 2.1 people, smaller than the Greater Hobart average of 2.3.

Hobart shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

Hobart's residents aged 15+ have a higher university qualification rate of 54.9% compared to Tasmania's 25.5% and Australia's 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 31.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (19.1%) and graduate diplomas (4.1%). Vocational pathways account for 19.8%, with advanced diplomas at 8.4% and certificates at 11.4%. Educational participation is high, with 34.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education: 17.7% in tertiary, 4.3% in secondary, and 3.8% in primary education.

Eleven schools serve 4,122 students; the area has above-average socio-educational conditions (ICSEA: 1082). The educational mix includes three primary, two secondary, and six K-12 schools. Hobart functions as an education hub with 43.8 school places per 100 residents, attracting students from surrounding communities. Note: refer to parent campus for schools showing 'n/a' for enrolments.

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

Public transport analysis conducted in Hobart shows 69 active transport stops currently operating within the city. These stops serve a mix of bus routes totalling 123 individual routes. Collectively, these routes provide 13,216 weekly passenger trips.

The report rates transport accessibility as good, with residents typically located 203 meters from their nearest transport stop. Service frequency averages 1,888 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 191 weekly trips per individual stop.

Hobart's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with a fairly standard level of common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts

Hobart's health data shows its residents have a relatively positive health status with common conditions found across all age groups. Approximately 56% (~5,326 people) have private health cover, slightly lower than Greater Hobart's 58.9%.

Mental health issues and arthritis are the most prevalent conditions, affecting 11.5% and 6.9% of residents respectively. About 68.9% claim to be free from medical ailments, close to Greater Hobart's 69.8%. The area has a lower proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 17.6% (1,664 people), compared to Greater Hobart's 18.8%. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, outperforming the general population in health metrics.

Hobart 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

Hobart's population, as per the 2016 Census, showed higher cultural diversity than most local markets with 25.9% speaking a language other than English at home and 35.8% born overseas. Christianity was the predominant religion in Hobart, accounting for 28.8%. Hinduism was overrepresented compared to Greater Hobart, making up 4.4% of Hobart's population versus 3.5%.

The top three ancestry groups were English (28.0%), Australian (19.7%), and Other (11.0%). Some ethnic groups showed notable differences: Chinese at 8.2% in Hobart compared to 6.2% regionally, Polish at 0.9% versus 1.0%, and Korean at 0.5% against 0.4%.

Hobart hosts a young demographic, positioning it in the bottom quartile nationwide

Hobart's median age is 33 years, which is younger than Greater Hobart's 39 years and the national average of 38 years. The 25-34 age group makes up 26.3% of Hobart's population, higher than Greater Hobart's percentage but lower than the national average of 14.5%. The 5-14 age group comprises 4.8% of Hobart's population. Between 2021 and present, the 15 to 24 age group has increased from 16.2% to 18.0%, while the 55 to 64 cohort has decreased from 10.3% to 8.5%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate that the 45-54 age cohort will increase by 344 people (41%), from 832 to 1,177. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 65-74 and 35-44 cohorts.