Launceston
Statistical Area - sa2

An assessment of population growth drivers in Launceston reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

Launceston's population was approximately 5,421 people as of the 2021 Census. By Nov 2025, this had increased to around 5,449, a rise of 28 people (0.5%). This growth is inferred from ABS estimated resident population data: 5,443 in June 2024 and an additional 46 validated new addresses since the Census date. Population density was approximately 1,032 persons per square kilometer, similar to averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration contributed about 88.1% 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 and post-2032 growth by age group, Tasmania State Government's Regional/LGA projections are adopted, released in 2022 with a base year of 2021. Projected demographic shifts suggest lower quartile growth for non-metropolitan areas nationally. Based on the latest population numbers, Launceston is expected to expand by 27 persons to reach approximately 5,456 by 2041, reflecting an increase of 0.3% in total over the 17 years.

The level of residential development activity in Launceston is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch

Launceston averaged approximately 13 new dwelling approvals annually between FY-21 and FY-25, with a total of 66 homes approved during this period. In FY-26, 3 dwellings have been approved so far. The average construction cost value for new properties is $249,000.

This financial year has seen $104.2 million in commercial development approvals, indicating significant commercial development activity. Compared to the Rest of Tas., Launceston exhibits roughly half the construction activity per person and ranks at the 13th percentile nationally, suggesting somewhat limited buyer options while enhancing demand for established dwellings. The new development composition is 67.0% detached dwellings and 33.0% attached dwellings, offering a mix of medium-density options across various price brackets. With around 1231 people per approval, Launceston demonstrates characteristics of a mature, established area.

Future projections indicate Launceston's population will increase by 19 residents by 2041. Given current construction levels, housing supply should meet demand adequately, creating favorable conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Launceston has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 8thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 22 projects likely to impact the area. Major projects include Launceston Hospice, UTAS Stadium Redevelopment, Albert Hall Redevelopment, and Launceston General Hospital Northern Integrated Mental Health Precinct. Below is a list of projects most likely to be 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 Launceston has been below expectations when compared to most other areas nationally

Launceston has a highly educated workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate in June 2025 was 4.9%.

At this time, 3128 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 1.0% higher than Rest of Tas.'s rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation was at 65.0%, compared to Rest of Tas.'s 55.7%. Leading employment industries among residents included health care & social assistance, accommodation & food services, and education & training. Launceston had a particular employment specialization in health care & social assistance, with an employment share 1.4 times the regional level.

Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing was under-represented, with only 2.1% of Launceston's workforce compared to 8.4% in Rest of Tas.. There were 3.3 workers for every resident as at the Census, indicating that the area functioned as an employment hub hosting more jobs than residents and attracting workers from surrounding areas. Over the 12 months to June 2025, labour force levels decreased by 1.5% while employment declined by 1.2%, resulting in a fall of 0.2 percentage points in the unemployment rate. In contrast, Rest of Tas. experienced an employment decline of 0.5% and labour force decline of 0.6%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 projected national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Launceston's employment mix suggested local growth of approximately 7.1% over five years and 14.8% over ten years.

The area's income profile falls below national averages based on AreaSearch analysis

Launceston had a median taxpayer income of $51,178 and an average of $64,320 according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year 2022. This is comparable with national averages, contrasting with Rest of Tas.'s median income of $47,358 and average income of $57,384. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.83% from financial year 2022 to September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $58,256 (median) and $73,215 (average). According to Census 2021 income data, personal income ranks at the 66th percentile ($894 weekly), while household income is at the 40th percentile. Income analysis shows that 30.4% of locals (1,656 people) fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 income category. After housing costs, 86.0% of income remains for other expenses. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 6th decile.

Launceston displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Launceston's dwellings, as per the latest Census, consisted of 53.6% houses and 46.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro Tas.'s 82.1% houses and 17.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Launceston stood at 33.8%, with mortgaged properties at 21.8% and rented ones at 44.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,571, higher than Non-Metro Tas.'s average of $1,300. Median weekly rent in Launceston was $320, compared to Non-Metro Tas.'s $280. Nationally, Launceston's median monthly mortgage repayment is lower at $1,571 versus Australia's $1,863, and its median weekly rent is also lower at $320 compared to the national figure of $375.

Launceston features high concentrations of lone person households and group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 57.1 percent of all households, including 19.2 percent that are couples with children, 29.2 percent consisting of couples without children, and 8.3 percent made up of single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 42.9 percent, with lone person households comprising 36.8 percent and group households making up 6.0 percent of the total. The median household size is 2.1 people, which is smaller than the Rest of Tas. average of 2.3.

Launceston performs slightly above the national average for education, showing competitive qualification levels and steady academic outcomes

Launceston's educational attainment is notably high, with 43.8% of residents aged 15+ holding university qualifications, surpassing the Rest of Tas. (19.3%) and SA4 region (21.7%). Bachelor degrees are most common at 27.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (12.7%) and graduate diplomas (3.8%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 26.2% of residents aged 15+ holding them – advanced diplomas at 9.4% and certificates at 16.8%. Educational participation is high, with 27.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education: 7.6% in secondary, 7.4% in primary, and 6.7% in tertiary education.

Launceston's five schools have a combined enrollment of 2,256 students, serving balanced educational opportunities (ICSEA: 1025). The area functions as an education hub with 41.5 school places per 100 residents, attracting students from surrounding communities.

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

Transport analysis shows 67 active public transport stops in Launceston, with a mix of bus services. These stops are served by 175 individual routes, offering 15,817 weekly passenger trips collectively. Residents have excellent transport accessibility, being typically located 171 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 2,259 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 236 weekly trips per individual stop.

Launceston's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with prevalence of common health conditions quite low across both younger and older age cohorts

Launceston residents exhibit relatively positive health outcomes with low prevalence of common conditions across both younger and older age groups.

Private health cover is slightly higher than average at approximately 52% (around 2,828 people). Mental health issues affect 9.7% and asthma impacts 8.3%. About 68.1% report no medical ailments compared to 63.9% in Rest of Tas. The area has 20.5% seniors aged 65 and over (1,118 people). Health outcomes among seniors are notably strong, outperforming the general population in health metrics.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Launceston was found to be above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Launceston's cultural diversity was found to be above average, with 23.9% of its population born overseas and 15.4% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the main religion in Launceston, comprising 39.3% of people. Hinduism showed notable overrepresentation, making up 3.4% compared to 2.5% across Rest of Tas.

The top three ancestry groups were English (31.2%), Australian (25.1%), and Other (9.1%). Scottish (8.9%) was notably overrepresented compared to the regional average of 7.1%. Dutch (1.5%) and Korean (0.3%) also showed notable divergences from their respective regional averages of 2.0% and 0.1%.

Launceston's median age exceeds the national pattern

Launceston has a median age of 41, which is younger than the Rest of Tas. figure of 45 but slightly above the national average of 38. The age profile shows that those aged 25-34 are particularly prominent at 17.1%, while the 5-14 group is smaller at 8.5% compared to the Rest of Tas. Between the 2021 Census and now, the 35-44 age group has grown from 11.7% to 13.7% of the population, while the 75-84 cohort increased from 5.5% to 6.9%. Conversely, the 55-64 cohort has declined from 13.8% to 12.4%, and the 45-54 group dropped from 12.8% to 11.5%. By 2041, demographic projections reveal significant shifts in Launceston's age structure. The 75-84 group is expected to grow by 52%, reaching 572 people from 375. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 72% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. In contrast, the 0-4 and 15-24 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.