New Norfolk

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

New Norfolk's population is approximately 7,831 as of November 2025. This figure represents an increase of 538 people, a 7.4% rise from the 2021 Census count of 7,293 residents. The growth is inferred from ABS estimates showing a resident population of 7,651 in June 2024 and additional validated addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density of 123 persons per square kilometer. New Norfolk's growth rate exceeded that of its SA3 area (2.6%) and SA4 region, making it a growth leader. Interstate migration contributed approximately 79.3% to overall population gains recently.

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 post-2032 growth by age group, Tasmania State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2022 using 2021 as the base year are adopted with adjustments made through weighted aggregation from LGA to SA2 levels. Future population trends suggest a median increase for Australian statistical areas, with New Norfolk expected to grow by 769 persons to 2041, representing a 7.5% total increase over the 17-year period.

Recent residential development output has been above average within New Norfolk when compared nationally

Over the past 5 financial years, New Norfolk has seen approximately 296 dwelling approvals, with an average of around 59 per year. As of FY-26, there have been 7 approvals recorded so far. Each year, about 1.9 people on average move to the area for each dwelling built over these years (FY-21 to FY-25). This indicates a balanced supply and demand market, supporting stable conditions.

The average construction cost value of new properties is around $232,000. In this financial year alone, there have been $8.2 million in commercial approvals, suggesting limited focus on commercial development. Compared to Greater Hobart, New Norfolk has 82% more construction activity per person. It offers buyers greater choice but development activity has moderated recently.

The majority of new developments consist of detached houses (98%), with townhouses or apartments making up the remaining 2%. This maintains the area's traditional low-density character, appealing to those seeking space and family homes. There are approximately 200 people per dwelling approval in the location, indicating an expanding market. Population forecasts suggest New Norfolk will gain around 587 residents by 2041. Given current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

New Norfolk has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 17thth percentile nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified nine projects likely to impact the region. Notable ones are The Mills Precinct (including Noble Life New Norfolk Resort), Derwent Valley Health and Wellbeing Hub, The Agrarian Kitchen Expansion, and New Norfolk Distillery Expansion. Below is a list of those most relevant.

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

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Employment conditions in New Norfolk face significant challenges, ranking among the bottom 10% of areas assessed nationally

New Norfolk has a balanced workforce with white and blue collar jobs, prominent essential services sectors, and an unemployment rate of 7.9% as of June 2025. There are 3,259 residents employed, with the unemployment rate being 3.8% higher than Greater Hobart's rate of 4.1%.

Workforce participation is lower at 53.7%, compared to Greater Hobart's 61.6%. Key employment sectors include health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. Notably, construction jobs are 1.6 times the regional average. However, professional & technical services have limited presence with only 2.4% of jobs compared to the regional 6.6%.

The area may offer limited local employment opportunities as indicated by Census data. Between June 2024 and June 2025, New Norfolk's labour force decreased by 1.6%, while employment declined by 0.5%, leading to a 1.0 percentage point drop in unemployment. In contrast, Greater Hobart saw employment contract by 1.5% with a 1.6% decrease in labour force and a 0.2 percentage point fall in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 project a 6.6% growth over five years and 13.7% over ten years nationally. Applying these projections to New Norfolk's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.3% over five years and 13.3% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

The area's income levels rank in the lower 15% nationally based on AreaSearch comparative data

New Norfolk's median income among taxpayers was $46,853 in financial year 2022. The average income stood at $51,698 during the same period. This compares to figures for Greater Hobart of $51,272 and $63,777 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.83% since financial year 2022, current estimates would be approximately $53,333 (median) and $58,848 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes in New Norfolk all fall between the 12th and 12th percentiles nationally. Looking at income distribution, 29.4% of the population (2,302 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 income range, consistent with broader trends across the surrounding region showing 32.2% in the same category. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 83.9% of income remaining, ranking at the 13th percentile.

New Norfolk is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

In New Norfolk, as per the latest Census, 92.3% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 7.7% being semi-detached, apartments, or other types. This contrasts with Hobart metro's figures of 83.1% houses and 17.0% other dwellings. Home ownership in New Norfolk stood at 33.0%, with mortgaged properties at 39.1% and rented ones at 27.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,200, lower than Hobart metro's $1,300. The median weekly rent was $290, compared to Hobart metro's $320. Nationally, New Norfolk's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,200 versus Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

New Norfolk has a typical household mix, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households constitute 69.6% of all households, including 24.3% couples with children, 28.3% couples without children, and 16.1% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 30.4%, with lone person households at 28.4% and group households making up 1.9%. The median household size is 2.4 people, which aligns with the Greater Hobart average.

New Norfolk 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 at 9.9%, significantly lower than the SA4 region average of 32.8%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most common at 6.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 2.0% and graduate diplomas at 1.2%. Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 38.2% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas at 7.0% and certificates at 31.2%.

Educational participation is high, with 27.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 12.0% in primary education, 7.6% in secondary education, and 2.2% pursuing tertiary education. A robust network of 6 schools operates within New Norfolk, educating approximately 1,131 students. The area demonstrates varied educational conditions across New Norfolk, with education provision balanced by 4 primary and 2 secondary schools serving distinct age groups. Note: where schools show 'n/a' for enrolments, please refer to the parent campus.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

Health performance in New Norfolk is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

New Norfolk faces significant health challenges, as indicated by health data. Both younger and older age groups have notable prevalence of common health conditions.

Private health cover is extremely low in New Norfolk, at approximately 46% of the total population (around 3,617 people), compared to the national average of 55.3%. Mental health issues and arthritis are the most common medical conditions in the area, affecting 12.0% and 11.5% of residents respectively. Around 59.2% of residents report having no medical ailments, compared to 63.7% across Greater Hobart. New Norfolk has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over, at 21.0% (1,642 people), than Greater Hobart's 18.7%. Health outcomes among seniors in New Norfolk present challenges broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

The latest Census data sees New Norfolk placing among the least culturally diverse areas in the country when compared across a range of language and cultural background related metrics

New Norfolk was found to have below average cultural diversity, with 91.4% of its population being citizens and 92.4% born in Australia. A total of 97.5% spoke English only at home. The predominant religion was Christianity, making up 45.7% of the population, compared to 41.4% across Greater Hobart.

Regarding ancestry, the top three represented groups were English (37.1%, substantially higher than the regional average of 30.6%), Australian (35.7%, also substantially higher than the regional average of 28.8%), and Irish (7.0%). Notably, Australian Aboriginal representation was overrepresented at 4.7% in New Norfolk compared to the regional average of 4.0%.

New Norfolk's population is slightly older than the national pattern

The median age in New Norfolk is 40 years, similar to Greater Hobart's average of 39 years, but somewhat older than Australia's median age of 38 years. The 55-64 age group comprises 12.8% of the population in New Norfolk, higher than Greater Hobart's figure. Conversely, the 25-34 cohort makes up 12.2%, which is less prevalent compared to Greater Hobart. Post-2021 Census data shows that the 35 to 44 age group has increased from 12.1% to 13.3%. Meanwhile, the 5 to 14 age group has decreased from 12.9% to 11.8%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate significant demographic changes in New Norfolk. The 75 to 84 age group is projected to grow by 47%, reaching 801 people from the current 544. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups are expected to account for 63% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. In contrast, the 35 to 44 and 15 to 24 cohorts are anticipated to experience population declines.