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 November 2025, is approximately 9,444 people. This figure represents an increase of 419 individuals, a 4.6% rise since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 9,025. The change can be inferred from the estimated resident population of 9,304 in June 2024 and an additional 288 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1,426 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Hobart's growth rate of 4.6% since the 2021 census surpassed that of the SA3 area (2.5%), indicating it as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration was the primary driver of population growth during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts 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 used, released in 2022 with a base year of 2021, adjusted employing a method of weighted aggregation from LGA to SA2 levels. Looking ahead, demographic trends suggest a population increase just below the median of statistical areas analysed by AreaSearch. By 2041, based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, Hobart is expected to gain an additional 842 persons, reflecting a total growth of 7.4% over the 17-year period.

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

Hobart has recorded approximately 55 residential properties granted approval annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25276 homes were approved, with an additional 11 approved so far in FY-26. On average, over these five years, about 1.3 new residents arrived per new home built, indicating a balanced supply and demand market that supports stable conditions.

The average construction value of new properties during this period was $261,000. In the current financial year, commercial development approvals have reached $184.5 million, demonstrating strong commercial development momentum in Hobart. Compared to Greater Hobart, Hobart records 118.0% more construction activity per person, providing buyers with a wide range of options, although construction activity has recently eased. The recent construction composition shows 11.0% detached dwellings and 89.0% attached dwellings, reflecting a shift towards compact living that offers affordable entry pathways and attracts downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. This marks a significant change from the existing housing pattern of 37.0% houses, potentially due to diminishing developable land availability and evolving lifestyle preferences. Hobart has approximately 483 people per dwelling approval, indicating an established area.

According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Hobart is projected 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 17thth percentile nationally

The performance of an area can significantly be influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified a total of 30 projects that are likely to impact the area. Notable projects include Royal Hobart Hospital Redevelopment - Stage 2, Royal Hobart Hospital Emergency Department Expansion, In The Hanging Garden Cultural Precinct, and Hobart City Deal. 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 a highly educated workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate as of September 2025 is 5.2%. There are 5,509 residents in work while the unemployment rate is 1.2% above Greater Hobart's rate of 4.0%, and workforce participation stands at 67.6%.

According to Census responses, only 11.1% of residents work from home. Key industries for employment among residents are health care & social assistance, accommodation & food, and education & training. The area shows strong specialization in accommodation & food with an employment share 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, Hobart functions as an employment hub hosting more jobs than residents and attracting workers from surrounding areas. Between September 2024 and August 2025, the labour force decreased by 1.0% while employment decreased by 0.9%, with unemployment remaining essentially unchanged. In contrast, Greater Hobart experienced an employment decline of 0.7% and a labour force decline of 0.9%, with a drop in unemployment of 0.2 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that national employment should expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Hobart's employment mix suggests local employment should 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

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year ended June 2023, Hobart SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $56,738 with an average level of $75,633. These figures are high nationally compared to Greater Hobart's median and average incomes of $54,577 and $65,190 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.6% from financial year ended June 2023 to September 2025, estimated current incomes would be approximately $62,185 (median) and $82,894 (average). According to the Census conducted in August 2021, household, family, and personal incomes in Hobart are around the 53rd percentile nationally. Income distribution data shows that 31.9% of Hobart's population (3,012 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 income range, similar to regional levels where 32.2% occupy this bracket. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Hobart, 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

Hobart's dwelling structure, 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 was at 26.5%, with the rest being mortgaged (17.5%) or rented (56.0%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,800, higher than Hobart metro's average of $1,517. The median weekly rent 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 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 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 2.4.

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

Hobart's educational attainment is notably higher than broader averages. Among residents aged 15+, 54.9% have university qualifications, compared to 25.5% in Tasmania (TAS) and 30.4% nationally. University graduates make up the largest group at 31.7%, followed by postgraduates at 19.1% and graduate diplomas at 4.1%. Vocational paths account for 19.8% of qualifications, with advanced diplomas at 8.4% and certificates at 11.4%.

Educational participation is high, with 34.0% currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 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

Public transport analysis shows 65 active transport stops operating within Hobart, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 142 individual routes, collectively providing 10,338 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 203 meters from the nearest transport stop. As of 2021 Census data, most residents commute outward - car remains the dominant mode at 44%, with 43% walking and 6% by bus. Vehicle ownership averages 0.8 per dwelling, below the regional average. A relatively low 11.1% of residents work from home.

Service frequency averages 1,476 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 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 were high, with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts.

Private health cover was found to be very high at approximately 57% of the total population (~5,345 people), compared to 51.7% across Greater Hobart. The most common medical conditions in the area were mental health issues (impacting 11.5% of residents) and arthritis (6.9%), while 68.9% 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 17.6% of residents aged 65 and over (1,666 people), which is lower than the 19.6% 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 population, as per the 2016 Census, had 25.9% speaking a language other than English at home. Overseas-born residents made up 35.8%. Christianity was the predominant religion with 28.8%.

Hinduism stood out at 4.4%, higher than Greater Hobart's 2.8%. Ancestry-wise, English was highest at 28.0%, Australian followed at 19.7% (lower than regional average of 28%), and Other stood at 11.0%. Notable ethnic group divergences included Chinese at 8.2% (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 and the national average of 38. The 25-34 age group constitutes 26.3% of Hobart's population, higher than Greater Hobart but lower than the national average of 14.5%. The 5-14 age group makes up 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 group will increase by 343 people (41%) from 833 to 1,177. Conversely, the 65-74 and 35-44 cohorts are projected to decline in population.