King Island

King Island is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

King Island's population was approximately 1,670 as of February 2026. This figure represents an increase of 53 people from the 2021 Census count of 1,617 individuals. The population growth is inferred from the estimated resident population of 1,660 in June 2024 and an additional 47 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1.5 persons per square kilometer. Over the past decade, King Island has shown resilience with a compound annual growth rate of 0.3%, outperforming its SA3 area. Overseas migration was the primary driver of population gains during this period.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by these data and post-2032 growth estimation by age group, Tasmania State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2022 with a base year of 2021 are adopted, adjusted using a weighted aggregation method from LGA to SA2 levels. Future demographic trends indicate an overall population decline in the area, with a projected reduction of 177 persons by 2041. However, specific age cohorts are expected to grow, notably the 75 to 84 age group with a projected increase of 54 people.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in King Island, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally

King Island has received approximately five dwelling approvals per year. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, 25 homes were approved, with one more approved in FY26 so far. On average, about 1.1 people moved to the area annually for each dwelling built during these years. However, this figure has decreased to -3.8 people per dwelling over the past two financial years.

The average construction value of new homes is $286,000. This year, commercial approvals totaling $13.0 million have been registered, indicating consistent commercial investment activity. Compared to the Rest of Tas., King Island has 14.0% lower construction activity per person and ranks in the 18th percentile nationally, offering more limited housing choices for buyers. New constructions have been exclusively detached dwellings, maintaining the area's low-density character and appealing to those seeking space in family homes.

With an estimated 1101 people per dwelling approval, King Island has a quiet development environment. Given the expected stable or declining population, pressure on housing is likely to remain reduced, potentially presenting buying opportunities.

King Island has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 6thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified six projects likely impacting the region. Key initiatives include King Island Hospital Redevelopment - Stage 2, Currie Main Street Improvements, King Island Hub Project, and Ocean Dunes Golf Course Expansion. The following details 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.

Employment conditions in King Island rank among the top 10% of areas assessed nationally

King Island has a diverse workforce with balanced white and blue collar employment. Its unemployment rate is 1.1%, lower than the national average of 3.8%. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 5.6%.

As of September 2025960 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 2.7% and workforce participation at 71.7%. Only 13.1% of residents work from home. Key industries include agriculture, forestry & fishing, manufacturing, and health care & social assistance. Agriculture, forestry & fishing employment is particularly high, at 3.2 times the regional average, while health care & social assistance has a limited presence with 8.4%.

Many residents commute elsewhere for work. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 5.6% and labour force by 5.7%, keeping unemployment broadly flat at around 1.1%. National employment forecasts from May-25 project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to King Island's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 4.6% over five years and 10.6% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

The King Island SA2's income level is below the national average according to ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year ending June 2023. The median income among taxpayers in King Island SA2 was $52,232, with an average income of $62,341. In comparison, Rest of Tas.'s median income was $49,689 and average income was $59,358. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.6% since June 2023, current estimates would be approximately $57,246 (median) and $68,326 (average) as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census figures, personal income ranks at the 58th percentile ($845 weekly), while household income sits at the 22nd percentile. Income brackets indicate that 31.6% of residents earn $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (527 residents). Housing costs are manageable with 91.4% retained, but disposable income is below average at the 32nd percentile.

King Island is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

King Island's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, comprised 95.4% houses and 4.6% other dwellings. In comparison, Non-Metro Tas. had 89.9% houses and 10.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in King Island was at 47.6%, with mortgaged dwellings at 25.0% and rented ones at 27.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,083, lower than Non-Metro Tas.'s average of $1,274. The median weekly rent figure in King Island was $190, compared to Non-Metro Tas.'s $250. Nationally, King Island's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,863 and rents substantially below the national figure of $375.

King Island features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 62.1% of all households, including 19.9% couples with children, 32.9% couples without children, and 7.3% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 37.9%, with lone person households at 35.3% and group households comprising 3.2%. The median household size is 2.1 people, which is smaller than the Rest of Tas. average of 2.3.

King Island faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area's university qualification rate is 17.1%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 12.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.8%) and graduate diplomas (2.1%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 43.8% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (10.5%) and certificates (33.3%).

Educational participation is high, with 25.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.8% in primary education, 6.8% in secondary education, and 1.7% pursuing tertiary education.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

King Island'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

King Island's health data shows positive outcomes, with mortality rates and health conditions aligning closely to national benchmarks. Common health issues are prevalent across both young and elderly residents.

Private health cover is relatively low at approximately 50% of the total population (~841 people), compared to the national average of 55.7%. The most common medical conditions are arthritis (9.9%) and mental health issues (7.6%), while 66.9% of residents report no medical ailments, slightly higher than the Rest of Tas.'s 62.0%. Working-age residents have a higher prevalence of chronic health conditions. King Island has 23.4% of residents aged 65 and over (390 people), lower than Rest of Tas.'s 24.9%. Health outcomes among seniors are notably strong, ranking even higher than the general population nationally.

King Island ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

King Island has a cultural diversity profile below the average, with 84.4% of its population being citizens, 85.5% born in Australia, and 93.6% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion on King Island, comprising 40.8% of the population. However, Buddhism shows an overrepresentation at 1.2%, compared to 0.9% across the Rest of Tas..

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups are English (33.1%), Australian (32.1%), and Scottish (7.5%). Notably, Dutch (2.5%) is overrepresented on King Island compared to the regional average of 1.7%, as are New Zealanders (0.9% vs 0.4%) and South Africans (0.6% vs 0.2%).

King Island hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

King Island has a median age of 44, comparable to Tasmania's figure of 45 but higher than Australia's national norm of 38. The age group of 35-44 is strongly represented at 13.3%, compared to the Rest of Tasmania, while the 45-54 cohort is less prevalent at 9.7%. Post-2021 Census data shows that the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 6.4% to 8.8% of the population, and the 5 to 14 cohort increased from 11.0% to 12.7%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 11.8% to 9.7%, and the 65 to 74 group dropped from 14.6% to 13.3%. By 2041, King Island is expected to see significant shifts in its age composition. Leading this demographic shift, the 75 to 84 group will grow by 46%, reaching 180 people from 123. The aging population trend is clear, with those aged 65 and above comprising 74% of projected growth. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 25 to 34 and 0 to 4 age cohorts.