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 around 5,421 people as of August 2021. By June 2024, it had increased to 5,443, an increase of 22 people (0.4%). This change is attributed to an estimated resident population from the ABS and 43 validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density was approximately 1,030 persons per square kilometer, comparable with averages across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration drove recent population growth, contributing around 88.1% of overall gains.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in June 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 released in August 2022 with a base year of 2021 are adopted, adjusted using weighted aggregation from LGA to SA2 levels. Based on projected demographic shifts, Launceston is expected to grow by 27 persons to 2041, reflecting an increase of approximately 0.5% 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 averages approximately 13 new dwelling approvals annually. Development approval data is provided by the Australian Bureau of Statistics on a financial year basis. From FY2021 to FY2025, there were 66 approvals. As of FY2026, two approvals have been granted thus far.

The population has declined in recent years, yet development activity has been adequate relative to this decline, benefiting buyers. New properties are constructed at an average expected cost of $598,000, indicating a focus on the premium market with high-end developments. This financial year has seen $104.2 million in commercial approvals, suggesting robust local business investment. Compared to the Rest of Tasmania, Launceston shows approximately half the construction activity per person and ranks among the 13th percentile nationally, resulting in relatively constrained buyer choice and supporting interest in existing properties.

This level is also under the national average, indicating the area's established nature and potential planning limitations. New building activity comprises 67% detached dwellings and 33% medium to high-density housing, with a growing mix of townhouses and apartments offering options across different price points. At around 1231 people per approval, Launceston shows signs of maturity and established status. Looking ahead, projections indicate Launceston will grow by approximately 25 residents by 2041. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

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 25 projects that may impact this area. Notable projects include Launceston General Hospital Mental Health Precinct, Launceston Hospice, Albert Hall Redevelopment, and Northern Heart Centre. The following list details those likely to be most relevant.

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

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. As of June 2025, the unemployment rate is 4.9%.

In comparison to Rest of Tas., Launceston's unemployment rate is 1.0% higher at 3.9%, while its workforce participation is significantly higher at 65.0% compared to Rest of Tas.'s 55.7%. Key industries of employment among residents are health care & social assistance, accommodation & food, and education & training. Notably, Launceston has a particular specialization in health care & social assistance, with an employment share 1.4 times the regional level. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented, comprising only 2.1% of Launceston's workforce compared to 8.4% in Rest of Tas..

With a ratio of 3.3 workers per resident, as at the Census, Launceston functions as an employment hub attracting workers from surrounding areas. Between June 2024 and June 2025, Launceston's labour force decreased by 1.5%, while employment declined by 1.2%. This resulted in a decrease of unemployment by 0.2 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Tas. experienced an employment decline of 0.5% and a labour force decline of 0.6%. Providing broader context, state-level data from Sep-25 shows that Tasmania's employment grew by 0.77% year-on-year, adding 1,170 jobs, with the state unemployment rate at 4.3%. This compares favourably to the national unemployment rate of 4.5%, with Tasmania's employment growth outpacing the national average of 0.26%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 offer insights into potential future demand within Launceston. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, suggest that national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these industry-specific projections to Launceston's employment mix suggests 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 was approximately average nationally, contrasting with the Rest of Tas.'s median income of $47,358 and average income of $57,384. By March 2025, estimates based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.94% would be approximately $57,289 (median) and $72,000 (average). Census data shows personal income ranks at the 66th percentile ($894 weekly), while household income is at the 40th percentile. Distribution data indicates that 30.4% of the population (1,654 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, consistent with broader trends across the surrounding region showing 28.5% in the same category. After housing expenses, 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 dwelling structure, as evaluated in the latest Census, consisted of 53.6% houses and 46.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Non-Metro Tas. had 82.1% houses and 17.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Launceston was at 33.8%, with the rest either mortgaged (21.8%) or rented (44.4%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,571, higher than Non-Metro Tas.'s average of $1,300. The median weekly rent in Launceston was $320, compared to Non-Metro Tas.'s $280. Nationally, Launceston's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,571 versus Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below 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, consisting of 19.2 percent couples with children, 29.2 percent couples without children, and 8.3 percent single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 42.9 percent, with lone person households making up 36.8 percent and group households comprising 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 prominent with 26.2% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (9.4%) and certificates (16.8%). Educational participation is high at 27.8%, with secondary education at 7.6%, primary education at 7.4%, and tertiary education at 6.7%.

Launceston's five schools have a combined enrollment of 2,256 students, serving distinct age groups with balanced educational opportunities (ICSEA: 1025). The area functions as an education hub with 41.5 school places per 100 residents, significantly above the regional average of 18.4, attracting students from surrounding communities.

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

Launceston has 67 active public transport stops, operating a mix of buses. These stops are served by 175 unique routes, facilitating 15,817 weekly passenger trips in total. The city's transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents located an average of 171 meters from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 2,259 trips per day across all routes, equating to around 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 show positive health trends with low prevalence of common conditions across all ages.

Private health cover stands at approximately 52%, slightly higher than the average SA2 area. Mental health issues and asthma are the most prevalent conditions, affecting 9.7% and 8.3% of residents respectively. 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), totaling 1,116 people. Senior health outcomes are notably strong, outperforming the general population 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 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 its population. Hinduism was notably overrepresented, making up 3.4%, compared to 2.5% regionally.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (31.2%), Australian (25.1%), and Other (9.1%). Scottish (8.9%) and Dutch (1.5%) were overrepresented, while Korean was notably higher at 0.3%.

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 years are particularly prominent at 17.1%, while the 5-14 year group is smaller at 8.5% compared to the Rest of Tas.. Between the 2021 Census and present, 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 declined from 13.8% to 12.4%, and the 45-54 group dropped from 12.8% to 11.5%. By 2041, demographic projections show significant shifts in Launceston's age structure. The 75-84 age group is expected to grow by 52% (196 people), reaching 572 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 15-24 and 0-4 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.