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, as of August 2025, is approximately 1,676 people. This figure represents an increase from the 2021 Census count of 1,617 people, a rise of 59 individuals (3.6%). The change 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 of 1.5 persons per square kilometer. King Island's growth rate exceeds that of the SA3 area (3.3%), positioning it as a regional growth leader. Overseas migration was the primary driver of this population increase.

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 from 2022 using a 2021 base year are adopted with adjustments made via weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Future demographic trends indicate an overall population decline, with the area's population expected to decrease by 177 persons by 2041. However, specific age cohorts are projected to grow, notably the 75 to 84 age group which is anticipated to increase by 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 six dwelling approvals annually. The Australian Bureau of Statistics produces development approval data on a financial year basis. Between FY20 and FY25, around 34 dwellings were approved, with one recorded so far in FY26. On average, about 1.1 new residents arrived per new home over the past five financial years, indicating balanced supply and demand. However, this ratio has moderated to -3.8 people per dwelling over the past two financial years, suggesting improved balance.

New properties are constructed at an average value of $447,000. This year alone, $13.0 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, indicating steady commercial investment activity. Compared to the Rest of Tas., King Island has 15.0% less new development per person and ranks among the 19th percentile nationally, resulting in relatively constrained buyer choice and supporting interest in existing properties. This is below average nationally, reflecting the area's maturity and possible planning constraints.

All new construction consists of detached dwellings, maintaining the area's traditional low density character focused on family homes appealing to those seeking space. The estimated population per dwelling approval is 1101 people, indicating a quiet, low activity development environment. With projected stability or decline in population, King Island should experience reduced housing demand pressures, benefiting potential 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 deemed most relevant.

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

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 varied sector representation. Unemployment stands at 1.0% as of June 2025, with an estimated employment growth of 2.3% over the past year.

There are 950 residents employed, with an unemployment rate of 2.9%, lower than Rest of Tas.'s 3.9%. Workforce participation is high at 63.8%, compared to Rest of Tas.'s 55.7%. Key industries include 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 has limited presence at 8.4%, compared to the regional average of 16.5%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data analysis. From June 2024 to June 2025, employment levels increased by 2.3% and labour force increased by 2.3%, keeping unemployment broadly flat. Rest of Tas., however, saw employment decline by 0.5% and labour force decline by 0.6%. State-level data from Sep-25 shows TAS employment grew by 0.77% year-on-year, with the state unemployment rate at 4.3%, outpacing the national average of 0.26%. National employment forecasts project a 6.6% growth 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, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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. Comparing these figures with those from Rest of Tas., King Island's median income was higher by $1,428 while its average income was higher by $3,792. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.94% since financial year 2022, estimated incomes for March 2025 are approximately $54,611 (median) and $68,480 (average). According to the 2021 Census, personal income ranked at the 58th percentile ($845 weekly), with household income at the 22nd percentile. The largest segment of income brackets comprised 31.6% earning between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly (529 residents). Housing costs were manageable with 91.4% retained, but disposable income was 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 dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 95.4% houses and 4.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares 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, higher than Non-Metro Tas.'s average of $1,053. The median weekly rent figure was $190, lower than Non-Metro Tas.'s $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%. 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 disparity 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. King Island District High School serves the educational needs of King Island, enrolling 185 students as of a specific date. All schools on the island offer 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 somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. Approximately 50% (~838 people) of its total population has private health cover, compared to the national average of 55.3%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (9.9%) and mental health issues (7.6%). About two-thirds (66.9%) of residents claim to be completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 65.0% in the rest of Tasmania. As of a recent report dated October 2021, 22.9% (~383 people) of residents are aged 65 and over. Health outcomes among seniors on King Island are particularly strong, performing even 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 was found to have below average cultural diversity, with 84.4% of its population being Australian citizens, 85.5% born in Australia, and 93.6% speaking English only at home. The dominant religion on King Island is Christianity, comprising 40.8% of the population. However, Buddhism is overrepresented compared to the rest of Tasmania, with 1.2% of King Island's population identifying as Buddhist, compared to 0.8%.

The top three ancestry groups in King Island are English (33.1%), Australian (32.1%), and Scottish (7.5%). Notably, Dutch ancestry is overrepresented at 2.5%, compared to the regional average of 1.6%. New Zealand ancestry is also higher than the regional average, with 0.9% on King Island versus 0.6%. Additionally, South African ancestry is slightly overrepresented at 0.6%, compared to the regional average of 0.2%.

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

King Island's median age is 44 years, comparable to Tasmania's rest at 45 but significantly higher than Australia's national norm of 38. The age group 5-14 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 indicates that the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 6.4% to 8.7% of King Island's 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 experience notable shifts in its age composition. Leading this demographic shift, the 75 to 84 group will grow by 37%, reaching 180 people from a previous count of 131. The aging population trend is evident, 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 age cohorts.