King Island
Statistical Area - sa2

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 1,676 as of August 2025. This showed an increase of 59 people from the 2021 Census figure of 1,617, representing a growth rate of 3.6%. The change was inferred from ABS data indicating an estimated resident population of 1,660 in June 2024 and an additional 47 validated new addresses since the Census date. This resulted in a population density of 1.5 persons per square kilometer. King Island's growth rate exceeded that of the SA3 area (3.3%), making it a regional growth leader. Overseas migration was the primary driver of this growth.

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 estimates, Tasmania State Government's Regional/LGA projections are adopted, adjusted using weighted aggregation from LGA to SA2 levels. Future demographic trends indicate an overall population decline by 177 persons by 2041. However, specific age cohorts like the 75 to 84 group are projected to grow by 54 people over this period.

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 FY-21 to FY-25, 25 homes were approved, with one more approved so far in FY-26. On average, 1.1 people moved to the area annually for each dwelling built during these five years. This suggests a balanced supply and demand, maintaining stable market conditions.

However, recent data indicates this has decreased to -3.8 people per dwelling over the past two financial years, suggesting more balanced supply conditions. The average expected construction cost value of new homes is $447,000. In FY-26, $13.0 million in commercial approvals have been registered, indicating steady commercial investment activity. Compared to the Rest of Tas., King Island shows 14.0% lower construction activity per person and ranks among the 19th percentile nationally, offering more limited housing choices for buyers.

This supports demand for existing homes. The area's new construction has been entirely comprised of detached dwellings, maintaining its traditional low density character focused on family homes appealing to those seeking space. With an estimated 1101 people in the area per dwelling approval, King Island has a quiet and low activity development environment. Given the expected stable or declining population, there should be reduced pressure on housing, potentially creating opportunities for buyers.

King Island has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 12thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified six projects likely affecting this region. Notable initiatives include King Island Hospital Redevelopment - Stage 2, Currie Main Street Improvements, King Island Hub Project, and Ocean Dunes Golf Course Expansion. The following list details those most relevant.

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

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

King Island's workforce is balanced across white and blue collar jobs, with diverse industry representation. Its unemployment rate was 1.0% in the year ending June 2025.

Employment grew by 2.3% during this period. As of June 2025950 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 2.9%, below Rest of Tas.'s rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation was 63.8%, higher than Rest of Tas.'s 55.7%. Key industries for employment are agriculture, forestry & fishing, manufacturing, and health care & social assistance.

Agriculture, forestry & fishing has a notable concentration, with employment levels at 3.2 times the regional average. Health care & social assistance employs 8.4% of residents, compared to 16.5% regionally. Many residents commute elsewhere for work, as indicated by Census data. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment levels increased by 2.3%, while unemployment remained broadly flat. Rest of Tas., however, saw an employment decline of 0.5%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, published in May 2025, project national growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to King Island's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 4.6% over five years and 10.6% over ten years.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

King Island's median income among taxpayers was $48,786 in financial year 2022. The average income stood at $61,176 during the same period. These figures are below those for Rest of Tas., which were $47,358 and $57,384 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.83% since financial year 2022, estimated median income as of September 2025 would be approximately $55,533, while the average is projected to reach around $69,637. According to the 2021 Census, personal income ranked at the 58th percentile ($845 weekly), and household income was at the 22nd percentile. The largest income bracket comprised 31.6% earning between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly, with 529 residents falling into this category. This is similar to the surrounding region where 28.5% occupy this bracket. Housing costs are manageable, with 91.4% retained, but disposable income sits below average at the 33rd percentile.

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

King Island's dwellings, as per the latest Census, consisted of 95.4% houses and 4.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Non-Metro Tas.'s 95.9% houses and 4.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in King Island stood at 47.6%, with mortgaged dwellings at 25.0% and rented ones at 27.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,083, exceeding Non-Metro Tas.'s average of $1,053. The median weekly rent in King Island was $190, lower than Non-Metro Tas.'s figure of $200. Nationally, King Island's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,083 compared to Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were 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 account for 62.1% of all households, including 19.9% that are couples with children, 32.9% that are couples without children, and 7.3% that are single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 37.9%, with lone person households at 35.3% and group households comprising 3.2% of the total. 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 the Australian average of 30.4%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most common at 12.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.8%) and graduate diplomas (2.1%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 43.8% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas account for 10.5% and certificates for 33.3%.

Educational participation is high at 25.9%, including 11.8% in primary education, 6.8% in secondary education, and 1.7% pursuing tertiary education. King Island District High School serves the area with an enrollment of 185 students as of the latest available data. The school offers integrated K-12 education for academic continuity.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

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

King Island faces significant health challenges with common health conditions prevalent among both younger and older age cohorts. Approximately half of its total population (~838 people) has private health cover, compared to the national average of 55.3%.

The most common medical conditions are arthritis (9.9% of residents) and mental health issues (7.6%). A majority of residents (66.9%) report being free from medical ailments, slightly higher than the Rest of Tas. figure of 65.0%. As of a certain date, 22.9% of residents are aged 65 and over (383 people). Health outcomes among seniors on King Island are particularly strong, performing better than the general population in health metrics.

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 had low cultural diversity, with 84.4% being citizens, 85.5% born in Australia, and 93.6% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the main religion, comprising 40.8%. Buddhism was overrepresented at 1.2%, compared to 0.8% regionally.

Top ancestry groups were English (33.1%), Australian (32.1%), and Scottish (7.5%). Dutch (2.5%) was notably overrepresented versus regional average of 1.6%. New Zealanders comprised 0.9% (regional avg: 0.6%) and South Africans 0.6% (regional avg: 0.2%).

King Island hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

King Island's median age is 44, comparable to Tasmania's figure of 45 but significantly higher than Australia's national norm of 38. The 5-14 age group shows strong representation at 12.9%, compared to the Rest of Tasmania's figure. However, 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 8.7% of the population, while the 5 to 14 cohort increased from 11.0% to 12.9%. 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 12.9%. By 2041, King Island is expected to see notable shifts in its age composition. Leading this demographic shift, the 75 to 84 group will grow by 37%, reaching 180 from 131. The aging population dynamic is clear, with those aged 65 and above comprising 74% of projected growth. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 25 to 34 and 65 to 74 cohorts.