Norwood (Tas.)

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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Norwood's population is around 3,940 as of Feb 2026. This reflects a decrease of 91 people (2.3%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,031 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 3,931 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 6 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 987 persons per square kilometer, which is relatively in line with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which was essentially the sole driver of 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, released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year, are adopted with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Considering the projected demographic shifts, lower quartile growth of non-metropolitan areas nationally is anticipated, with the area expected to grow by 15 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a gain of 0.1% in total over the 17 years.

The level of residential development activity in Norwood is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch

Norwood has minimal residential development activity with 3 dwelling approvals annually (18 approvals over five years). Such low development levels are characteristic of rural areas where housing needs are modest and construction activity is naturally limited by local demand and infrastructure capacity. Note: with such low approval numbers, yearly growth figures and relativities can vary considerably based on individual projects.

Norwood naturally has much lower development activity compared to the Rest of Tas. The development pattern is also well below national averages. Meanwhile, recent building activity consists entirely of standalone homes, reflecting the area's rural character where larger properties and space are typical. The location has approximately 3960 people per dwelling approval, demonstrating an established market.

Looking ahead, Norwood is expected to grow by 6 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

Norwood has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 21stth percentile nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 8 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Dwelling and Shed - 18 Casuarina Dr, Summerhill 7250, Residential dwelling and vegetation removal - 38 Casuarina Dr, Summerhill, Peacehaven Aged Care Redevelopment, and Kings Meadows Land Release, with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

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 labour market in Norwood demonstrates typical performance when compared to similar areas across Australia

Norwood has a skilled workforce, with essential services sectors well represented, and an unemployment rate of just 2.4%. As of December 2025, 1,788 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 1.4% below Regional Tas.'s rate of 3.8%, and workforce participation is somewhat below standard (55.5% compared to Regional Tas.'s 58.9%). Based on Census responses, a low 8.3% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Employment among residents is concentrated in health care & social assistance, education & training, and retail trade. The area demonstrates a particularly notable concentration in health care & social assistance, with employment levels at 1.3 times the regional average. On the other hand, agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented, with only 1.6% of Norwood's workforce compared to 8.4% in Regional Tas.. The predominantly residential area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, during the year to December 2025, the labour force decreased by 2.1% alongside a 2.1% employment decline, leaving unemployment broadly flat. By comparison, Regional Tas. recorded employment growth of 1.8%, labour force growth of 1.5%, with unemployment falling 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Norwood. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Norwood's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.8% over five years and 14.2% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for FY-23 reveals that income in the Norwood SA2 is below the national average, with the median assessed at $51,602 while the average income stands at $64,267. This contrasts with Regional Tas.'s figures of a median income of $49,689 and an average income of $59,358. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.6% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $56,556 (median) and $70,437 (average) as of September 2025. According to 2021 Census figures, household, family and personal incomes all rank modestly in Norwood, between the 28th and 33rd percentiles. Income brackets indicate the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket dominates with 32.0% of residents (1,260 people), consistent with broader trends across regional levels showing 28.5% in the same category. Housing costs are manageable with 88.2% retained, though disposable income sits below average at the 38th percentile and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

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

Dwelling structure within Norwood, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 87.8% houses and 12.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Regional Tas.'s 89.9% houses and 10.1% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Norwood was higher than that of Regional Tas., at 45.6%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (35.8%) or rented (18.6%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was above the Regional Tas. average at $1,372, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $320, compared to Regional Tas.'s $1,274 and $250. Nationally, Norwood's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

Norwood has a typical household mix, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households dominate at 67.7% of all households, comprising 25.7% couples with children, 30.4% couples without children, and 10.6% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 32.3%, with lone person households at 29.9% and group households comprising 2.2% of the total. The median household size of 2.3 people matches the Regional Tas. average.

Educational outcomes in Norwood fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

The area's educational profile stands out regionally, with university qualification rates (25.8% of residents aged 15+) exceeding the Rest of Tas. average of 19.3%, reflecting the community's emphasis on higher education. Bachelor degrees lead at 17.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.7%) and graduate diplomas (2.7%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 31.3% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (10.3%) and certificates (21.0%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 26.2% of residents aged 15+ currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.1% in primary education, 8.6% in secondary education, and 3.4% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 25 active transport stops operating within Norwood, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 77 individual routes, collectively providing 4,934 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 195 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 94%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.5 per dwelling. A relatively low 8.3% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 704 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 197 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Health data reveals substantial challenges facing Norwood, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The prevalence of common health conditions is notable across both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is relatively low at approximately 51% of the total population (~2,017 people), compared to 49.1% across Regional Tas..

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 11.1% and 8.5% of residents, respectively, while 61.2% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 62.0% across Regional Tas.. Working-age residents show an above average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 29.5% of residents aged 65 and over (1,160 people), which is higher than the 24.9% in Regional Tas.. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings even higher than the general population.

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

Norwood was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 87.2% of its population born in Australia, 92.3% being citizens, and 93.9% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Norwood is Christianity, which makes up 51.7% of people. However, the most apparent overrepresentation is in Judaism, which comprises 0.3% of the population, compared to 0.1% across Regional Tas..

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Norwood are Australian, comprising 34.3% of the population, English, comprising 33.7% of the population, and Scottish, comprising 7.7% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Dutch is notably overrepresented at 1.9% of Norwood (vs 1.7% regionally), Polish at 0.7% (vs 0.4%) and Australian Aboriginal at 1.9% (vs 4.1%).

Norwood hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

With a median age of 47, Norwood modestly exceeds the Regional Tas. figure of 45 and is well above Australia's 38 years. Compared to the Regional Tas. average, the 75 - 84 cohort is notably over-represented (12.1% locally), while 25 - 34 year-olds are under-represented (8.2%). This 75 - 84 concentration is well above the national 6.1%. In the period since 2021, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 10.8% to 12.1% of the population. Conversely, the 65 to 74 cohort has declined from 13.6% to 11.5% and the 25 to 34 group dropped from 9.5% to 8.2%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections reveal significant shifts in Norwood's age structure. The 85+ age cohort is projected to increase markedly, expanding by 183 people (78%) from 233 to 417. Senior residents (65+) will drive 68% of population growth, underscoring demographic aging trends. In contrast, population declines are projected for the 75 to 84 and 0 to 4 cohorts.