Northern Midlands
Statistical Area - sa2

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

Northern Midlands' population, as of Aug 2025, is around 4,018. This figure reflects an increase of 318 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,700. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 3,882 in June 2024 and an additional 118 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 0.80 persons per square kilometer. Northern Midlands' growth of 8.6% since the 2021 census exceeded the state's (4.5%). Population growth was primarily driven by interstate migration, contributing approximately 64.1% 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, Tasmania State Government's Regional/LGA projections, released in 2022 with a base year of 2021, are adopted with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Projections indicate a decline in overall population by 108 persons by 2041, but growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, led by the 75 to 84 age group, projected to increase by 150 people.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Northern Midlands recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

Northern Midlands has received approximately 22 dwelling approvals per year. The Australian Bureau of Statistics produces development approval data on a financial year basis. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, around 114 homes have been approved. In FY-26, 4 dwellings have received approval so far.

On average, 1.1 people move to the area each year for every dwelling built over these five financial years. This balance between supply and demand supports stable market conditions. The average expected construction cost of new homes is $244,000, which is below regional levels, offering more affordable housing options.

This financial year has seen $9.5 million in commercial development approvals, indicating steady investment activity. Compared to the Rest of Tas., Northern Midlands records 18.0% less building activity per person but ranks among the 76th percentile nationally. All new construction consists of detached dwellings, maintaining the area's traditional low-density character and focusing on family homes that appeal to those seeking space. The location has approximately 227 people per dwelling approval, suggesting room for growth. Given the expected stable or declining population, Northern Midlands should experience reduced pressure on housing, potentially creating opportunities for buyers in the future.

Northern Midlands has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 22ndth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 36 projects likely to impact the area. Notable projects include Northern Midlands Solar Farm, Retail Development at 92 Main Street, Cressy, Cressy Development Plan, and St Patricks Plains Wind Farm. The following list details those most relevant.

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

While Northern Midlands retains a healthy unemployment rate of 3.7%, recent employment declines have impacted its national performance ranking

Northern Midlands has a balanced workforce with diverse sector representation. As of June 2025, its unemployment rate is 3.7%.

Residents in work totalled 1,855, with an unemployment rate 0.3% lower than Rest of Tas.'s 3.9%. Workforce participation was similar to Rest of Tas.'s 55.7%. Leading industries include agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and retail trade. Agriculture, forestry & fishing had a particularly strong share at 4.0 times the regional level, while health care & social assistance employed 9.8% of local workers, below Rest of Tas.'s 16.5%.

Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data analysis. From June 2024 to June 2025, Northern Midlands' labour force decreased by 1.4%, with employment decreasing by 1.7%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.3 percentage points. In comparison, Rest of Tas. had an employment decline of 0.5% and a labour force decline of 0.6%, with unemployment falling marginally. State-level data from Sep-25 shows TAS 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 TAS's employment growth outpacing the national average of 0.26%. Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts from May 2025 suggest national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates differ significantly between sectors. Applying these projections to Northern Midlands' employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 4.7% over five years and 10.7% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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

Northern Midlands had a median taxpayer income of $46,949 and an average of $58,283 in financial year 2022, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This was below the national average, contrasting with Rest of Tas.'s median income of $47,358 and average income of $57,384 during the same period. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.94% since financial year 2022, estimated incomes as of March 2025 would be approximately $52,555 (median) and $65,242 (average). The 2021 Census showed household, family, and personal incomes in Northern Midlands fell between the 5th and 13th percentiles nationally. The predominant income cohort spanned 29.0% of locals (1,165 people) in the $400 - $799 category, differing from the region where the $1,500 - $2,999 category was predominant at 28.5%. Housing costs were modest, with 88.9% of income retained, but total disposable income ranked at just the 9th percentile nationally.

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

Northern Midlands' dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consists of 95.0% houses and 5.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other'). This contrasts with Non-Metro Tas.'s 92.6% houses and 7.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Northern Midlands stands at 47.2%, similar to Non-Metro Tas., with the remaining dwellings being mortgaged (28.5%) or rented (24.3%). The median monthly mortgage repayment is $1,023, lower than Non-Metro Tas.'s average of $1,198. The median weekly rent figure is $200, compared to Non-Metro Tas.'s $230. Nationally, Northern Midlands' mortgage repayments are significantly lower at $1,023 versus the Australian average of $1,863, and rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

Northern Midlands features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 65.0% of all households, including 21.9% couples with children, 32.5% couples without children, and 9.6% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 35.0%, with lone person households at 32.3% and group households comprising 2.5%. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is smaller than the Rest of Tas. average of 2.3.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 15.2%, substantially lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 11.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.4%) and graduate diplomas (1.5%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 35.5% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas (8.9%) and certificates (26.6%). Educational participation is high at 25.3%, including primary education (10.9%), secondary education (7.7%), and tertiary education (2.4%).

The area has two schools, Campbell Town District High School and Cressy District High School, serving a total of 619 students. Both offer integrated K-12 education for academic continuity. The area functions as an educational hub with 15.4 school places per 100 residents, higher than the regional average of 9.6, attracting students from nearby communities.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

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

Northern Midlands faces substantial health challenges. Common health conditions are prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts.

Private health cover stands at approximately 49%, with around 1,964 people having it, compared to the national average of 55.3%. Arthritis and mental health issues are the most common medical conditions in the area, affecting 11.5% and 8.5% of residents respectively. About 63.4% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, slightly higher than the Rest of Tas. figure of 60.6%. The area has a lower proportion of residents aged 65 and over at 25.8%, with around 1,037 people falling into this age group, compared to Rest of Tas.'s 27.6%. Despite this, Northern Midlands performs better than the general population in health metrics.

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

Northern Midlands showed lower cultural diversity with 89.4% citizens, 90.5% born in Australia, and 97.7% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the dominant religion at 47.8%, compared to 45.1% regionally. Top ancestral groups were Australian (37.1%), English (36.5%), Scottish (7.9%).

Notably, Australian Aboriginal was higher at 2.9% (vs 3.0%) and South African was higher at 0.3% (vs 0.1%).

Northern Midlands hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Northern Midlands has a median age of 47, which is slightly higher than the Rest of Tas. figure of 45 and significantly above Australia's national median age of 38 years. Compared to the Rest of Tas., Northern Midlands has an over-representation of the 65-74 age cohort at 15.4%, while the 25-34 age group is under-represented at 10.2%. This concentration of the 65-74 cohort is notably higher than the national average of 9.4%. Between 2021 and present, the 75 to 84 age group has increased from 6.2% to 8.4% of the population. Conversely, the 45 to 54 age group has decreased from 14.2% to 13.1%, and the 55 to 64 cohort has dropped from 15.6% to 14.6%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Northern Midlands' age structure. The 75 to 84 age group is projected to grow by 117 people, increasing from 336 to 454, with senior residents aged 65 and above driving 81% of the population growth. Conversely, the 15 to 24 and 35 to 44 age cohorts are projected to experience population declines.