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, as of Aug 2025, is approximately 9,419 people. This figure represents an increase of 394 individuals since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 9,025 people. The change can be inferred from the estimated resident population of 9,306 in June 2024 and an additional 284 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1,422 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Hobart's growth rate of 4.4% since the 2021 census exceeded that of both the SA3 area (2.0%) and the SA4 region, positioning it as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration was the primary driver of population growth during recent periods.

AreaSearch employs 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 growth by age group post-2032, Tasmania State Government's Regional/LGA projections are adopted, released in 2022 with a base year of 2021, using a method of weighted aggregation from LGA to SA2 levels. Based on the latest population numbers, demographic trends suggest an expected increase just below the median for statistical areas analyzed by AreaSearch. The area is projected to gain 842 persons by 2041, resulting in a total growth of 7.7% 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. Development approval data, produced by the ABS on a financial year basis, shows 276 homes over the past five financial years from FY-21 to FY-25, with six approvals so far in FY-26. On average, around 1.3 new residents arrive per new home built annually over these five years, indicating a balanced supply and demand market with stable conditions. The average construction value of new properties is $571,000, which is moderately above regional levels, suggesting an emphasis on quality construction.

This financial year has seen $184.5 million in commercial approvals, demonstrating high local commercial activity compared to Greater Hobart, where development activity per person is 118.0% higher. Recent construction comprises 11.0% detached dwellings and 89.0% attached dwellings, marking a significant shift from the current housing pattern of 37.0% houses. This location has approximately 483 people per dwelling approval, reflecting an established area with a population forecast to gain 727 residents by 2041. Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating further population growth beyond current projections.

Population forecasts indicate Hobart will gain 727 residents through to 2041. Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

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

The performance of an area can be significantly influenced by changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. A total of 29 such projects have been identified by AreaSearch as potentially impacting the area. Among these key projects are Royal Hobart Hospital Redevelopment - Stage 2, In The Hanging Garden Cultural Precinct, Hobart City Deal, and Macquarie Wharf Redevelopment (Hobart Port Precinct Capacity Improvements). A detailed list of these projects is provided below for those seeking more relevant information.

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

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

Hobart has an educated workforce with well-represented essential services sectors and an unemployment rate of 5.2% as of June 2025. There are 5,511 residents employed while the unemployment rate is 1.1 percentage points higher than Greater Hobart's rate of 4.1%.

Workforce participation is similar to Greater Hobart at 61.6%. Key industries for employment among residents are health care & social assistance, accommodation & food, and education & training. The area specializes in accommodation & food with an employment share 1.9 times the regional level. Construction is under-represented with only 3.6% of Hobart's workforce compared to 8.7% in Greater Hobart.

There are 4.7 workers for every resident, indicating it functions as an employment hub hosting more jobs than residents and attracting workers from surrounding areas. Between Jun-24 and Jun-25, labour force decreased by 1.6% and employment by 1.5%, resulting in a 0.1 percentage point drop in unemployment rate. In contrast, Greater Hobart experienced a 1.5% employment decline and a 1.6% labour force decline with a 0.2 percentage point drop in unemployment rate. State-level data to Sep-25 shows TAS employment grew by 0.77% year-on-year, adding 1,170 jobs, with the state unemployment rate at 4.3%. This compares favourably to the national unemployment rate of 4.5%, with the state's employment growth outpacing the national average of 0.26%. National employment forecasts from May 2025 suggest a 6.6% expansion over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Hobart's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 7.0% over five years and 14.5% over ten years, although this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localized population projections.

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 and an average level of $73,896. Nationally, these figures are high compared to median and average incomes of $51,272 and $63,777 respectively across Greater Hobart. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.94% since financial year 2022, estimated current incomes as of March 2025 would be approximately $59,561 (median) and $82,719 (average). According to the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes in Hobart are around the 54th percentile nationally. Income distribution shows that 31.9% of Hobart's population falls 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

Dwelling structure 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 the remaining dwellings either mortgaged (17.5%) or rented (56.0%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Hobart was $1,800, aligning with Hobart metro's average. The median weekly rent figure in Hobart was recorded at $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 than the national figure of $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%. The median household size is 2.1 people, which is 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 educational attainment is notably high, with 54.9% of residents aged 15 and above holding university qualifications, surpassing both Tasmania's state average of 25.5% and Australia's national average of 30.4%. The most common qualification is the bachelor degree at 31.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 19.1%, and graduate diplomas at 4.1%. Vocational pathways account for 19.8% of qualifications, 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, including 17.7% in tertiary education, 4.3% in secondary education, and 3.8% pursuing primary education.

There are 11 schools serving 4,122 students in Hobart, which has above-average socio-educational conditions (ICSEA: 1082). The educational mix includes 3 primary, 2 secondary, and 6 K-12 schools. Hobart functions as an education hub with 43.8 school places per 100 residents, significantly above the regional average of 22.8, attracting students from surrounding communities. Note: for schools showing 'n/a' in enrolments, please refer to the parent campus.

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 currently 69 active transport stops operating within the city. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, with a total of 123 individual routes providing service to these locations. The combined weekly passenger trips facilitated by this network amounts to 13,216.

The accessibility of transport in Hobart is rated as good, with residents typically residing approximately 203 meters from the nearest transport stop. Across all routes, service frequency averages 1,888 trips per day, equating to around 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 positive outcomes for its residents, with common health conditions similar across both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is high at approximately 56% of the total population (~5,321 people), compared to 58.9% across Greater Hobart.

Mental health issues and arthritis are the most prevalent conditions, affecting 11.5 and 6.9% of residents respectively. A majority (68.9%) report no medical ailments, slightly lower than Greater Hobart's 69.8%. The area has a lower proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 17.6% (~1,662 people), compared to Greater Hobart's 18.8%. Despite this, 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, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics Census data from June 30th, 2021, shows significant cultural diversity with 25.9% speaking a language other than English at home and 35.8% born overseas. Christianity is the dominant religion in Hobart at 28.8%. Hinduism's representation stands out at 4.4%, compared to the Greater Hobart average of 3.5%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (28.0%), Australian (19.7%), and Other (11.0%). Notable differences exist for Chinese (Hobart: 8.2% vs regional: 6.2%), Polish (0.9% vs 1.0%), and Korean (0.5% vs 0.4%) groups.

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

Hobart's median age is 33 years, which is significantly younger than Greater Hobart's 39 years and the national average of 38 years. The 25-34 age group constitutes 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 makes up 4.8% of Hobart's population. Between 2021 and present, the 15-24 age group has increased from 16.2% to 18.0%, while the 55-64 cohort has decreased from 10.3% to 8.5%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate that the 45-54 age cohort will increase significantly, growing by 345 people (42%) from 831 to 1,177. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 65-74 and 35-44 cohorts.