Latrobe

Population growth drivers in Latrobe are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Latrobe's population, as of February 2026, is approximately 6,189, reflecting a growth of 804 people since the 2021 Census. This increase represents a 14.9% rise from the previous population count of 5,385. The change was inferred from the estimated resident population of 5,750 in June 2024 and an additional 228 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density of 28 persons per square kilometer. Latrobe's growth exceeded both its SA4 region (5.1%) and state averages, positioning it as a growth leader in the area. Interstate migration contributed approximately 82.9% of overall population gains during recent periods.

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 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, adjusted using weighted aggregation methods from LGA to SA2 levels. Based on projected demographic shifts, the area is expected to increase by approximately 564 persons to 2041, reflecting an overall increase of around 2.0% over the 17-year period, aligning with the median growth rate of Australia's non-metropolitan areas.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Latrobe among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

Latrobe has seen approximately 55 new homes approved annually over the past five financial years, totalling 275 homes. So far in the financial year 2026 (FY-26), 36 approvals have been recorded. On average, each dwelling built between FY-21 and FY-25 has resulted in an increase of 2.5 new residents per year, indicating solid demand that supports property values. The average expected construction cost value for new homes being built is $263,000.

In the current financial year, there have been $16.8 million in commercial approvals, suggesting steady commercial investment activity. Compared to the Rest of Tas., Latrobe has 72.0% more development activity per person, offering buyers greater choice. The new development consists predominantly of standalone homes at 98.0%, with townhouses or apartments making up the remaining 2.0%, preserving the area's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. With around 132 people per approval, Latrobe reflects a developing area.

According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Latrobe is expected to grow by 125 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.

Latrobe has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 13thth percentile nationally

AreaSearch has identified 16 infrastructure projects that could impact a specific area. Notable projects include North West Hospitals Masterplan - Mersey Community Hospital, Bass Highway Cool Storage Development, Latrobe Flood Levees Project, and Sassafras Wesley Vale Irrigation Scheme Augmentation. The following list details those likely to be 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 performance in Latrobe exceeds national averages across key labour market indicators

Latrobe's workforce is balanced across white and blue-collar jobs. Manufacturing and industrial sectors are prominent. The unemployment rate was 3.2% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 5.9%.

As of September 2025, 2,813 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 3.2%, 0.6% below Rest of Tas.'s rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation was similar to Rest of Tas.'s 58.6%. Census data showed that 7.0% of residents worked from home. Leading employment industries were health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction.

Transport, postal & warehousing had notable concentration with levels at 1.6 times the regional average. Education & training had limited presence with 7.1% employment compared to 8.6% regionally. Employment opportunities exist locally, but many residents commute elsewhere for work. In the 12-month period ending in September 2025, employment increased by 5.9%, labour force grew by 6.1%, and unemployment rose by 0.2 percentage points. This contrasts with Rest of Tas., where employment rose by 0.7%, labour force grew by 0.5%, and unemployment fell by 0.2 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Latrobe's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.8% over five years and 12.6% over ten years.

Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows that Latrobe SA2 has an income below the national average. The median income is $50,347 and the average income is $61,234. This contrasts with Rest of Tas., which has a median income of $49,689 and an average income of $59,358. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.6% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Latrobe SA2 would be approximately $55,180 (median) and $67,112 (average) as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in Latrobe fall between the 12th and 16th percentiles nationally. Income brackets indicate that 29.0% of the population, which is 1,794 individuals, falls within the $1,500 - $2,999 income range. This aligns with the surrounding region where this cohort also represents 28.5%. After housing costs, 85.5% of income remains, ranking at only the 15th percentile nationally.

Latrobe is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

In Latrobe, as per the latest Census evaluation, 93.5% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 6.5% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types of dwellings. This compares to Non-Metro Tas., where 89.9% of dwellings were houses and 10.1% were other dwellings. Home ownership in Latrobe stood at 37.6%, with mortgaged dwellings making up 34.9% and rented dwellings accounting for 27.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,300, surpassing Non-Metro Tas.'s average of $1,274. Weekly rent figures in Latrobe were recorded at $250, matching Non-Metro Tas.'s figure. Nationally, Latrobe's median monthly mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and weekly rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Latrobe has a typical household mix, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households constitute 69.1% of all households, including 24.9% couples with children, 31.2% couples without children, and 11.7% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 30.9%, with lone person households at 28.9% and group households comprising 2.0%. The median household size is 2.3 people, which aligns with the average in the Rest of Tas.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 13.0%, 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 9.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.6%) and graduate diplomas (1.4%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 39.5% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (7.4%) and certificates (32.1%).

Educational participation is high, with 25.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.6% in primary education, 7.4% in secondary education, and 2.2% pursuing tertiary education.

Transport servicing is low compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility

Latrobe has two operational public transport stops, serving a mix of bus routes. These six routes collectively facilitate 439 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is limited, with residents typically residing 1144 meters from the nearest stop. Latrobe is primarily residential, and most commuters travel outward; cars remain the dominant mode at 94%. On average, there are 1.5 vehicles per dwelling. According to the 2021 Census, 7% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions.

The service frequency averages 62 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 219 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Latrobe is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Latrobe faces significant health challenges, as assessed by AreaSearch through mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Multiple health conditions impact both younger and older age groups.

Private health cover is relatively low at approximately 50% of Latrobe's total population (~3,082 people), compared to the national average of 55.7%. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (12.0%) and asthma (9.0%). Conversely, 60.4% of residents report no medical ailments, slightly lower than Rest of Tas.'s 62.0%. Working-age individuals face notable health challenges due to high chronic condition rates. Latrobe has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 25.9%, compared to Rest of Tas.'s 24.9% (1,601 people). Health outcomes among seniors are broadly in line with national rankings.

Latrobe is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Latrobe's population showed low diversity with 91.0% citizens, 90.5% born in Australia, and 95.2% speaking English only at home. Christianity dominated at 41.8%. Judaism was slightly overrepresented at 0.1%, compared to the Rest of Tas.'s 0.1%.

Top ancestry groups were Australian (35.5%), English (34.6%), and Irish (7.5%). Notable divergences included Australian Aboriginal (5.1% vs regional 4.1%), Dutch (1.4% vs 1.7%), and Welsh (0.5% vs 0.4%).

Latrobe hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

Latrobe's median age is 44, comparable to Rest of Tas.'s figure of 45 but significantly higher than Australia's national norm of 38. The age group 75-84 shows strong representation at 9.7%, compared to Rest of Tas., while the 55-64 cohort is less prevalent at 11.9%. Post-Census data (2021) shows the 75 to 84 age group grew from 7.8% to 9.7% of Latrobe's population, while the 5 to 14 cohort declined from 11.7% to 10.9%. By 2041, Latrobe is projected to have notable shifts in its age composition. The 45-54 group is expected to grow by 25%, reaching 931 people from 742. The aging population trend is clear, with those aged 65+ comprising 62% of projected growth. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 65-74 and 0-4 age cohorts.