Hobart

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

Hobart's population, as of May 2026, is approximately 9,325 people. This figure represents a growth of 300 individuals since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 9,025. The increase was inferred from ABS data showing an estimated resident population of 9,325 in June 2025 and an additional 289 validated new addresses post-Census. This results in a population density ratio of 1,408 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Hobart's growth rate of 3.3% since the 2021 Census exceeds that of the SA3 area (1.8%), positioning it as a growth leader in the region. 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 post-2032 age group estimations, Tasmania State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2022 with a base year of 2021 are adopted, adjusted using weighted aggregation methods from LGA to SA2 levels. Future demographic trends indicate a population increase just below the median for statistical areas analysed by AreaSearch, with an expected growth of 702 persons to reach approximately 10,027 people by 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a total gain of 7.5% over the 16-year period.

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. Over the past five financial years (FY-21 to FY-25), 276 homes were approved, with an additional 12 approved so far in FY-26. On average, 1.3 new residents arrived per new home over these years, indicating a balanced supply and demand market that supports stable conditions.

New properties are constructed at an average expected cost of $261,000. This year has seen $184.5 million in commercial development approvals, reflecting strong commercial development momentum. Compared to Greater Hobart, Hobart records 117.0% more construction activity per person. Recent construction comprises 11.0% detached dwellings and 89.0% attached dwellings, marking a shift from the current housing pattern of 37.0% houses. This location has approximately 483 people per dwelling approval, reflecting an established area. Future projections estimate Hobart to add 702 residents by 2041.

With current construction levels, housing supply should adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Hobart has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 13thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 29 projects likely affecting the area. Key projects include Royal Hobart Hospital Emergency Department Expansion, In The Hanging Garden Cultural Precinct, Hobart City Deal, and Macquarie Point Stadium. Below is a list detailing 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.

Hobart shows employment indicators that trail behind approximately 70% of regions assessed across Australia

Hobart has an educated workforce with well-represented essential services sectors. The unemployment rate is 5.2%. Employment stability has been relative over the past year.

As of December 2025, 5,524 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 1.2% higher than Greater Hobart's rate of 4.0%. Workforce participation is 67.0%, close to Greater Hobart's 63.7%. According to Census responses, 11.1% of residents work from home. Key industries include health care & social assistance, accommodation & food, and education & training.

The area specializes in accommodation & food with an employment share of 1.9 times the regional level. Construction is under-represented at 3.6%. There are 4.7 workers per resident, indicating Hobart functions as an employment hub attracting workers from surrounding areas. In the 12-month period ending December 2025, labour force decreased by 0.2% and employment by 0.1%, with unemployment remaining essentially unchanged. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest a 6.6% expansion over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Hobart's employment mix, local employment is expected to increase by 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

In AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data released for financial year 2023, Hobart SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $56,738 and an average level of $75,633. Nationally, these figures are high compared to Greater Hobart's median of $54,577 and average of $65,190. Projecting forward using Wage Price Index growth of 10.95%, estimated incomes as of March 2026 would be approximately $62,951 (median) and $83,915 (average). According to the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in Hobart are at the 53rd percentile nationally. Income distribution shows that 31.9% of Hobart's population falls within the $1,500 - $2,999 range, similar to regional levels (32.2%). Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 82.5% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 48th percentile. 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

Hobart's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 36.8% houses and 63.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Hobart metro's 85.3% houses and 14.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Hobart stood at 26.5%, with mortgaged dwellings at 17.5% and rented ones at 56.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,800, higher than the Hobart metro average of $1,517. The median weekly rent in Hobart was $415, compared to Hobart metro's $350. 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 account for 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 make up the remaining 49.7%, with lone person households at 37.4% and group households comprising 12.3% of the total. The median household size is 2.1 people, which is smaller than the Greater Hobart average of 2.4.

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

Educational attainment in Hobart is significantly higher than broader benchmarks. As of 2016, 54.9% of residents aged 15+ held university qualifications, compared to 25.5% in Tasmania and 30.4% nationally. This educational advantage positions the area strongly for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees were the most common at 31.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (19.1%) and graduate diplomas (4.1%).

Vocational pathways accounted for 19.8% of qualifications among those aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 8.4% and certificates at 11.4%. Educational participation was notably high, with 34.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education as of 2016. This included 17.7% in tertiary education, 4.3% in secondary education, and 3.8% pursuing primary education.

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

The analysis of public transport in Hobart indicates that there are 65 active transport stops currently operating, all of which service a mix of bus routes. These stops are collectively served by 142 individual routes, providing a total of 10,338 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these transport services is rated as good, with residents typically located approximately 203 meters from their nearest stop. As a predominantly residential area, most residents commute outward, primarily using cars at a rate of 44%. Walking and public bus transportation account for 43% and 6% respectively. The average vehicle ownership per dwelling is 0.8, which is below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census data, only 11.1% of residents work from home, a figure that may have been influenced by COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages at approximately 1,476 trips per day across all routes, translating to about 159 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Hobart is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Hobart faces significant health challenges based on AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts.

The rate of private health cover is very high at approximately 57% of the total population (~5,277 people), compared to 51.7% across Greater Hobart. The most common medical conditions in the area were found to be mental health issues and arthritis, impacting 11.5 and 6.9% of residents respectively. 68.9% of residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 65.5% across Greater Hobart. Health outcomes among the working-age population are broadly typical. The area has 18.2% of residents aged 65 and over (1,698 people), which is lower than the 20.0% in Greater Hobart. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, with national rankings even higher than the general population.

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 cultural diversity was found to be higher than most local markets, with 25.9% of its population speaking a language other than English at home as of 2016 Census data. This figure stood at 35.8% for those born overseas in the same period. Christianity was the predominant religion in Hobart, accounting for 28.8% of people.

However, Hinduism showed significant overrepresentation with 4.4%, compared to the Greater Hobart average of 2.8%. In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (28.0%), Australian (19.7%), and Other (11.0%). Notable divergences existed for certain ethnic groups: Chinese at 8.2% in Hobart vs regional 2.7%, Polish at 0.9% vs 0.8%, and Korean at 0.5% vs 0.2%.

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 comprises 26.9% of Hobart's population, compared to Greater Hobart's percentage and the national average of 14.6%. The 5-14 age group makes up 4.2% of Hobart's population. Between 2021 and the present, the 75-84 age group has increased from 5.1% to 6.5%, while the 15-24 cohort has risen from 16.2% to 17.5%. Conversely, the 55-64 cohort has decreased from 10.3% to 8.6% and the 45-54 group has fallen from 9.8% to 8.6%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate that Hobart's 45-54 age cohort is expected to increase by 354 people (44%), from 805 to 1,160. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 65-74 and 35-44 cohorts.