North West
Statistical Area - sa2

North West is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

North West's population is approximately 4,432 as of November 2025. This figure represents an increase of 244 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,188. The growth is inferred from ABS estimates; North West had an estimated resident population of 4,402 in June 2024 and has seen 44 new validated addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 0.90 persons per square kilometer. North West's population growth rate of 5.8% since the 2021 census exceeded both the SA3 area (3.4%) and the SA4 region, positioning it as a growth leader. Natural growth contributed approximately 61.5% 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 by this data and to estimate post-2032 growth by age group, Tasmania State Government's Regional/LGA projections are adopted, released in 2022 with a base year of 2021 and adjusted using weighted aggregation methods. Projections indicate an overall population decline of 57 persons by 2041, but specific age cohorts are expected to grow; notably, the 45 to 54 age group is projected to increase by 147 people.

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

North West has received approximately 10 dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling 54 homes. In FY26 so far, one approval has been recorded. On average, 4.8 people have moved to the area annually for each dwelling built between FY21 and FY25. This high demand exceeds new supply, leading to price growth and increased buyer competition.

New properties are constructed at an average cost of $271,000. In this financial year, there have been $4.5 million in commercial approvals, indicating the area's primarily residential nature. Compared to Rest of Tas., North West has about three-quarters the rate of new dwelling approvals per person and ranks among the 28th percentile nationally, suggesting limited buyer options while boosting demand for established properties. Recent building activity consists solely of detached houses, preserving the area's traditional low density character focused on family homes.

The estimated population count per dwelling approval is 917 people, reflecting its quiet development environment. Given stable or declining population forecasts, North West may experience less housing pressure in the future, creating favourable conditions for buyers.

North West has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 0thth percentile nationally

AreaSearch has identified six projects that could impact the local area. Key projects include the Bass Highway Wynyard to Marrawah Corridor Strategy, Robbins Island and Jim's Plain Wind project, Woolnorth Wind Farm Repowering, and Tasmanian North West REZ. The following list details those most 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.

The employment environment in North West shows above-average strength when compared nationally

North West's workforce is balanced across white and blue collar jobs. Manufacturing and industrial sectors are prominent.

Unemployment rate was 2.8% in the past year with an estimated employment growth of 2.3%. As of June 2025, 2,280 residents were employed, with unemployment at 1.2% below Rest of Tas.'s rate of 3.9%, and workforce participation at 59.8%. Dominant sectors include agriculture, forestry & fishing, manufacturing, and accommodation & food. The area specializes in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with an employment share four times the regional level.

Conversely, health care & social assistance is lower at 6.7% compared to the regional average of 16.5%. Employment opportunities locally may be limited, as indicated by Census working population vs resident population count. In the 12 months prior, employment increased by 2.3%, labour force by 2.4%, with unemployment remaining unchanged. This contrasts with Rest of Tas., where employment contracted by 0.5%, labour force fell by 0.6%, and unemployment fell marginally. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 project national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying rates across sectors. Applying these projections to North West's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 4.2% over five years and 10.1% over ten years.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows that income in North West is below the national average. The median income is $47,675 and the average income stands at $56,139. In contrast, Rest of Tas.'s figures show a median income of $47,358 and an average income of $57,384. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.83% since financial year 2022, current estimates as of September 2025 would be approximately $54,268 (median) and $63,903 (average). Census data reveals that household, family and personal incomes all rank modestly in North West, between the 25th and 26th percentiles. Income brackets indicate that the $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captures 33.8% of the community (1,498 individuals), which aligns with regional levels where this cohort likewise represents 28.5%. Housing costs are manageable with 90.1% retained, but disposable income sits below average at the 33rd percentile.

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

North West's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 97.9% houses and 2.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). Non-Metro Tas., on the other hand, had 95.9% houses and 4.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in North West stood at 44.6%, with mortgaged dwellings at 36.8% and rented ones at 18.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,147, higher than Non-Metro Tas.'s average of $1,053. Median weekly rent in North West was $200, matching Non-Metro Tas.'s figure. Nationally, North West's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

North West has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 71.4% of all households, including 28.2% couples with children, 33.6% couples without children, and 9.1% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 28.6%, with lone person households at 26.0% and group households comprising 2.5%. The median household size is 2.5 people, larger than the Rest of Tas. average of 2.3.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 14.3%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 10.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.5%) and graduate diplomas (0.9%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 40.7% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (8.8%) and certificates (31.9%).

Educational participation is high at 28.9%, including 13.7% in primary education, 8.6% in secondary education, and 1.8% pursuing tertiary education. The area's 4 schools have a combined enrollment of 235 students, focusing exclusively on primary education with secondary options available nearby. Local school capacity is limited at 5.3 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 11.7, resulting in many families traveling for schooling.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

Health outcomes in North West are marginally below the national average with common health conditions slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age cohorts

North West region shows below-average health outcomes with common conditions slightly more prevalent than average across all ages. Private health cover rate is very low at approximately 48%, compared to national average of 55.3%.

Most common conditions are arthritis (9.7%) and asthma (8.1%). 68.8% report no medical ailments, compared to 65.0% in Rest of Tas.. The area has 18.6% residents aged 65 and over (826 people), lower than Rest of Tas.'s 22.0%. Seniors' health outcomes are strong, outperforming the general population.

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

North West had a cultural diversity below average, with 85.3% citizens, 87.1% born in Australia, and 95.5% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the main religion, comprising 43.3%. Islam was overrepresented at 2.0%, compared to 1.1% regionally.

Top ancestry groups were Australian (33.6%), English (30.5%), and Australian Aboriginal (9.3%). Dutch (1.9%) and New Zealand (0.8%) were notably overrepresented, as was Maori (0.5%).

North West's median age exceeds the national pattern

North West has a median age of 41, which is younger than the Rest of Tas.'s figure of 45 but slightly older than the national average of 38. The age profile shows that those aged 5-14 years make up 13.2% of the population, while those aged 75-84 years comprise 5.1%. Since the Census in 2021, the 35 to 44 age group has increased from 11.6% to 12.2%, while the 45 to 54 cohort has decreased from 13.4% to 12.2% and the 25 to 34 group has dropped from 12.4% to 11.3%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in North West's age structure. The 45 to 54 age group is expected to grow by 27%, reaching 690 people from the current 542. Notably, those aged 65 and above are projected to account for 63% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic trend. Conversely, the 0 to 4 and 25 to 34 age groups are expected to experience population declines.