Mowbray
Statistical Area - sa2

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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Mowbray's population is around 4154 as of Aug 2025. This reflects an increase of 106 people (2.6%) since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 4048 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 4142 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 12 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 447 persons per square kilometer, providing significant space per person and potential room for further development. Mowbray's 2.6% growth since census positions it within 1.0 percentage points of the SA3 area (3.6%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 84.9% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting 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 are adopted with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Anticipating future population dynamics, over this period, projections indicate a decline in overall population, with the area's population expected to reduce by 16 persons by 2041 according to this methodology. However, growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, led by the 45 to 54 age group, which is projected to expand by 72 people.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Mowbray according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

Mowbray has averaged approximately 10 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, with a total of 54 homes approved during this period and an additional 5 approved in FY26. The average number of new residents per year per dwelling constructed over these five years is 0.9. This suggests that new construction is meeting or exceeding demand, providing more options for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

The average value of new homes being built is $331,000, which aligns with regional patterns. In FY26, Mowbray has recorded approximately $1.3 million in commercial development approvals, indicating a predominantly residential focus. Compared to the Rest of Tas., Mowbray accounts for around 59% of building activity per person and ranks among the 49th percentile nationally when measured against other areas assessed. This suggests more limited choices for buyers, supporting demand for existing properties.

However, this level of activity is below average nationally, which may reflect the area's maturity or possible planning constraints. Recent development in Mowbray has consisted entirely of detached dwellings, maintaining the area's traditional low-density character and appealing to those seeking family homes with space. Notably, developers are constructing more detached housing than the existing pattern implies (85.0% at Census), indicating persistent strong demand for family homes. The estimated count of 381 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low-activity development environment. With population expected to remain stable or decline in Mowbray, there should be reduced pressure on housing in the area, potentially creating opportunities for buyers.

Mowbray has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 9thth percentile nationally

Twenty-four infrastructure projects have been identified by AreaSearch as potentially impacting a certain area. Significant projects include the Northern Suburbs Community Recreation Hub, also referred to as The Hub, the kanamaluka Cultural Centre incorporating conference and exhibition space, and the UTAS Stadium Redevelopment. A list detailing these projects is provided below for further reference.

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

AreaSearch assessment indicates Mowbray faces employment challenges relative to the majority of Australian markets

Mowbray's workforce is skilled with diverse sector representation. The unemployment rate was 6.6% in June 2024, showing relative stability over the past year.

As of June 2025, 2,066 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 6.6%, which is 2.7% above Rest of Tas.'s rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation in Mowbray is 59.0%, compared to Rest of Tas.'s 55.7%. Key industries include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and accommodation & food, with notable concentration in the latter at 1.5 times the regional average. Construction employment is under-represented at 5.6% compared to Rest of Tas.'s 8.9%.

Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census working population data. Over the year to June 2025, labour force levels decreased by 1.3%, and employment declined by 0.3%, leading to a 1.0 percentage point drop in unemployment rate compared to Rest of Tas.'s marginal fall. State-level data to Sep-25 shows TAS employment grew by 0.77% year-on-year, with an unemployment rate of 4.3%. National forecasts from May 2025 project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Mowbray's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.3% over five years and 13.4% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows Mowbray's median income among taxpayers was $42,608 with an average of $47,116. This is below the national average. Rest of Tas.'s median income was $47,358 and average was $57,384 during the same period. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.94% since financial year 2022, estimated median income for Mowbray as of March 2025 would be approximately $47,695 and average would be around $52,742. Census data indicates household, family and personal incomes in Mowbray fall between the 9th and 10th percentiles nationally. Income brackets show that 31.6% of locals (1,312 people) predominantly earn within the $800 - $1,499 category, differing from broader area patterns where $1,500 - $2,999 is dominant with 28.5%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Mowbray, with only 82.0% of income remaining after expenses, ranking at the 10th percentile.

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

Dwelling structure in Mowbray, as per the latest Census, consisted of 84.6% houses and 15.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Non-Metro Tas. had 82.1% houses and 17.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Mowbray was at 25.6%, with the rest being mortgaged (23.3%) or rented (51.1%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,050, below Non-Metro Tas.'s average of $1,300 and the national average of $1,863. The median weekly rent in Mowbray was $290, compared to Non-Metro Tas.'s $280 and the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 58.8% of all households, including 21.7% couples with children, 20.6% couples without children, and 14.9% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 41.2%, with lone person households at 31.2% and group households at 9.8%. The median household size is 2.5 people, larger than the Rest of Tas. average of 2.3.

Mowbray shows below-average educational performance compared to national benchmarks, though pockets of achievement exist

The area's educational profile distinguishes it regionally, with university qualification rates at 25.9% among residents aged 15+, surpassing the Rest of Tas. average of 19.3%. This reflects the community's emphasis on higher education, led by bachelor degrees at 14.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (10.2%) and graduate diplomas (1.5%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 29.0% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications, including advanced diplomas (6.5%) and certificates (22.5%).

Educational participation is notably high at 34.2%, comprising primary education (9.6%), tertiary education (9.2%), and secondary education (6.7%). Educational provision includes Mowbray Heights Primary School and Launceston Church Grammar School, serving a total of 1,195 students. The area exhibits typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 1009) with balanced educational opportunities. There is one primary and one secondary institution in the area, functioning as an education hub with 28.8 school places per 100 residents, significantly above the regional average of 18.4, attracting students from surrounding communities.

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

Transport analysis shows seven active stops operating in Mowbray, consisting of bus services. These stops are served by 33 routes, facilitating a total of 3042 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is moderate, with residents situated on average 526 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 434 trips daily across all routes, equating to approximately 434 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Mowbray is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across the board, though to a considerably higher degree among older age cohorts

Mowbray faces significant health challenges with common health conditions prevalent across all age groups, but to a higher degree among older cohorts. The rate of private health cover is extremely low at approximately 46% of the total population (1,910 people), compared to 50.6% in the rest of Tasmania and the national average of 55.3%. Mental health issues affect 10.2% of residents, while arthritis impacts 8.6%.

Conversely, 68.1% report having no medical ailments, compared to 63.9% in the rest of Tasmania. The area has 13.5% of residents aged 65 and over (558 people), lower than the 19.9% in the rest of Tasmania. Health outcomes among seniors require more attention due to specific challenges faced by this age group.

Mowbray was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Mowbray's population shows higher cultural diversity than most nearby areas, with 33.1% born overseas and 30.2% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Mowbray, accounting for 36.2% of residents. Notably, 'Other' religions comprise 3.2%, higher than the Rest of Tas average of 1.1%.

In terms of ancestry, Australian heritage is most prevalent at 27.6%, followed by English at 26.7%, lower than the regional average of 32.9%. 'Other' ancestry makes up 18.4%, substantially higher than the regional average of 7.1%. Some ethnic groups are notably overrepresented: Australian Aboriginal (3.7% vs regional 2.7%), Chinese (3.8% vs 1.6%), and Korean (0.3% vs 0.1%).

Mowbray hosts a very young demographic, ranking in the bottom 10% of areas nationwide

Mowbray has a median age of 32, which is considerably lower than the Rest of Tas. figure of 45 and Australia's median age of 38 years. Compared to the Rest of Tas. average, Mowbray has an over-representation of the 25-34 cohort (23.7%) and an under-representation of the 65-74 age group (6.9%). This concentration of the 25-34 age group is well above the national figure of 14.5%. Between 2021 and present, the 35 to 44 age group has grown from 12.5% to 14.5%, while the 55 to 64 cohort increased from 9.9% to 11.5%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 age group has declined from 11.0% to 8.7%, and the 45 to 54 age group dropped from 10.0% to 8.6%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Mowbray's age profile will evolve significantly. The 45-54 age cohort is projected to expand by 85 people (24%), from 357 to 443. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups are expected to account for 62% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. Meanwhile, the 25-34 and 55-64 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.