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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Latrobe's population is around 6,189 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 804 people (14.9%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 5,385 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 5,750 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 228 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 28 persons per square kilometer, providing ample space per person. Latrobe's 14.9% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA4 region (5.1%) and the state, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration, which contributed approximately 82.9% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and to estimate growth by age group in the years post-2032, the Tasmania State Government's Regional/LGA projections, released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year, are adopted with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Considering the projected demographic shifts, a population increase just below the median of Australia's non-metropolitan areas is expected, with the area expected to increase by 564 persons by 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 2.0% in total over the 17 years.

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

Latrobe has seen around 55 new homes approved annually, totalling 275 homes over the past 5 financial years. So far in FY-26, 37 approvals have been recorded. With an average of 2.5 new residents per year gained for each dwelling built over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), suggesting solid demand that supports property values, new homes are being built at an average value of $263,000. There has also been $16.8 million in commercial approvals this financial year, indicating steady commercial investment activity.

Compared to the rest of Tasmania, Latrobe has 72.0% more development activity (per person), offering buyers greater choice. New development consists of 98.0% standalone homes and 2.0% townhouses or apartments, preserving the area's low density nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. At around 132 people per approval, Latrobe reflects a developing area.

Looking ahead, Latrobe is expected to grow by 125 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). 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

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 16 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the North West Hospitals Masterplan - Mersey Community Hospital, Bass Highway Cool Storage Development, Latrobe Flood Levees Project, and Sassafras Wesley Vale Irrigation Scheme Augmentation, with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

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 has been broadly consistent with national averages

Latrobe has a balanced workforce spanning white and blue collar employment, with manufacturing and industrial sectors strongly represented, an unemployment rate of only 3.4%, and 5.4% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 2,807 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 0.4% below Regional Tas.'s rate of 3.8%, and workforce participation is broadly similar to Regional Tas.'s 58.9%. Based on Census responses, a low 7.0% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Leading employment industries among residents comprise health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction. The area demonstrates a particularly notable concentration in transport, postal & warehousing, with employment levels at 1.6 times the regional average. Meanwhile, education & training has a limited presence with 7.1% employment compared to 8.8% regionally. While local employment opportunities exist in the area, it appears many residents commute elsewhere for work, based on the count of Census working population to local population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, the 12-month period saw employment increasing by 5.4% alongside the labour force increasing by 5.7%, resulting in unemployment rising by 0.3 percentage points. This contrasts with Regional Tas., where employment rose by 1.8%, the labour force grew by 1.5%, and unemployment fell 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Latrobe. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Latrobe's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.8% over five years and 12.6% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for FY-23 reveals that income in the Latrobe SA2 is below the national average, with the median assessed at $50,347 while the average income stands at $61,234. This contrasts with Regional Tas.'s figures of a median income of $49,689 and an average income of $59,358. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.6% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $55,180 (median) and $67,112 (average) as of September 2025. From the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes in Latrobe all fall between the 12th and 16th percentiles nationally. Income brackets indicate 29.0% of the population (1,794 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, aligning with the surrounding region where this cohort likewise represents 28.5%. After housing, 85.5% of income remains, though this ranks 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

Dwelling structure within Latrobe, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 93.5% houses and 6.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Regional Tas.'s 89.9% houses and 10.1% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Latrobe slightly lagged that of Regional Tas., at 37.6%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (34.9%) or rented (27.5%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was above the Regional Tas. average at $1,300, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $250, compared to Regional Tas.'s $1,274 and $250. Nationally, Latrobe's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households dominate at 69.1% of all households, comprising 24.9% couples with children, 31.2% couples without children, and 11.7% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 30.9%, with lone person households at 28.9% and group households comprising 2.0% of the total. The median household size of 2.3 people matches the Regional Tas. average.

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

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (13.0%) substantially below the Australian average of 30.4%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 9.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.6%) and graduate diplomas (1.4%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 39.5% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (7.4%) and certificates (32.1%).

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

Public transport analysis reveals 2 active transport stops operating within Latrobe, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 6 individual routes, collectively providing 439 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as limited, with residents typically located 1144 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 94%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.5 per dwelling. A relatively low 7.0% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

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

Critical health challenges are evident across Latrobe, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. A range of health conditions have marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is relatively low at approximately 50% of the total population (~3,082 people). The national average is 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and asthma, impacting 12.0% and 9.0% of residents, respectively, while 60.4% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 62.0% across Regional Tas. The working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 25.9% of residents aged 65 and over (1,601 people), which is higher than the 24.9% in Regional Tas. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

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

Latrobe was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 91.0% of its population being citizens, 90.5% born in Australia, and 95.2% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Latrobe is Christianity, which makes up 41.8% of people in Latrobe. However, the most apparent overrepresentation was in Judaism, which comprises 0.1% of the population, compared to 0.1% across Regional Tas..

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Latrobe are Australian, comprising 35.5% of the population, English, comprising 34.6% of the population, and Irish, comprising 7.5% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Australian Aboriginal is notably overrepresented at 5.1% of Latrobe (vs 4.1% regionally), Dutch at 1.4% (vs 1.7%) and Welsh at 0.5% (vs 0.4%).

Latrobe hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

With a median age of 44, Latrobe is comparable to the Regional Tas. figure of 45, though significantly higher than the national norm of 38. The 75 - 84 age group shows strong representation at 9.7% compared to Regional Tas., whereas the 55 - 64 cohort is less prevalent at 11.9%. Post-2021 Census data shows the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 7.8% to 9.7% of the population. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort has declined from 11.7% to 10.9%. By 2041, Latrobe is expected to see notable shifts in its age composition. Leading the demographic shift, the 45 to 54 group will grow by 25% (188 people), reaching 931 from 742. The aging population dynamic is clear, with those 65+ comprising 62% of projected growth. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 65 to 74 and 0 to 4 cohorts.