Old Beach - Otago

Old Beach - Otago lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Old Beach - Otago's population is around 5,444 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 455 people (9.1%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,989 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 5,240 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 306 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 172 persons per square kilometer, providing significant space per person and potential room for further development. Old Beach - Otago's 9.1% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA4 region (4.9%) and Greater Hobart, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by natural growth, which contributed approximately 44.7% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers, including interstate and overseas migration, were positive factors.

AreaSearch adopts 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. As we examine future population trends, an above-median population growth compared to national areas is projected, with the area expected to grow by 1,085 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 16.2% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Old Beach - Otago among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

Old Beach - Otago has seen around 63 new homes approved each year, with 317 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 17 so far in FY-26. At an average of 1.2 new residents per year arriving per new home over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), supply and demand appear well-balanced, creating stable market conditions, while new dwellings are developed at an average value of $328,000—moderately above regional levels—indicating an emphasis on quality construction. Additionally, $75,000 in commercial approvals have been registered this financial year, indicating minimal commercial development activity.

Relative to Greater Hobart, Old Beach - Otago records somewhat elevated construction (38.0% above regional average per person over the 5 year period), maintaining good buyer choice while supporting existing property values. This activity is well above average nationally, reflecting strong developer confidence in the area. Meanwhile, recent development has been entirely comprised of detached dwellings, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. At around 66 people per approval, Old Beach - Otago reflects a developing area.

Population forecasts indicate Old Beach - Otago will gain 881 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.

Old Beach - Otago has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 8thth percentile nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 10 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the Chocolate Experience at Cadbury Tasmania, Windermere Bay Precinct, Cadbury Experience, and Glenorchy Sports Centre, 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.

Employment conditions in Old Beach - Otago demonstrate exceptional strength compared to most Australian markets

Old Beach - Otago possesses a skilled workforce, with essential services sectors well represented, an unemployment rate of just 2.2%, and relative employment stability over the past year. As of December 2025, 2,880 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 1.9% below Greater Hobart's rate of 4.0%, and workforce participation is fairly standard (68.2% compared to Greater Hobart's 64.0%). Based on Census responses, a low 7.3% 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, public administration & safety, and construction. The area has a particular employment specialization in construction, with an employment share of 1.2 times the regional level. Conversely, accommodation & food shows lower representation at 4.8% versus the regional average of 8.0%. The area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of the Census working population versus the resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, the 12-month period saw the labour force decrease by 0.0% alongside a 0.2% employment decline, causing unemployment to rise by 0.2 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Hobart experienced employment growth of 0.1% and a labour force decline of 0.1%, with a 0.2 percentage point drop. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Old Beach - Otago. 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 Old Beach - Otago's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.4% over five years and 13.5% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

The economic profile demonstrates above-average performance, with income metrics exceeding national benchmarks based on AreaSearch comparative assessment

As per AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released for FY-23, the Old Beach - Otago SA2's median income among taxpayers is $58,354, with an average of $65,226. This is just below the national average, and compares to Greater Hobart's median of $54,577 and average of $65,190. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.6% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $63,956 (median) and $71,488 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes in Old Beach - Otago cluster around the 60th percentile nationally. Distribution data shows the $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captures 38.9% of the community (2,117 individuals), mirroring regional levels where 32.2% occupy this bracket. After housing costs, residents retain 88.1% of income, reflecting strong purchasing power, and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 6th decile.

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

Dwelling structure within Old Beach - Otago, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 91.6% houses and 8.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Hobart metro's 85.3% houses and 14.7% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Old Beach - Otago was higher than that of Hobart metro, at 37.7%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (51.0%) or rented (11.3%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was in line with the Hobart metro average at $1,517, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $400, compared to Hobart metro's $1,517 and $350. Nationally, Old Beach - Otago's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents exceed the national figure of $375.

Old Beach - Otago features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households dominate at 79.9% of all households, comprising 34.5% couples with children, 35.2% couples without children, and 9.5% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 20.1%, with lone person households at 17.9% and group households comprising 2.4% of the total. The median household size of 2.6 people is larger than the Greater Hobart average of 2.4.

Educational outcomes in Old Beach - Otago fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (19.0%) substantially below the SA4 region average of 32.8%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 12.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.1%) and graduate diplomas (2.1%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 40.1% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (10.7%) and certificates (29.4%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 26.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.5% in primary education, 6.4% in secondary education, and 3.4% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 32 active transport stops operating within Old Beach - Otago, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 110 individual routes, collectively providing 9,071 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as moderate, with residents typically located 404 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 1.9 per dwelling, which is above the regional average. A relatively low 7.3% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 1,295 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 283 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Health data reveals substantial challenges facing Old Beach - Otago, 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 slightly lags the average SA2 area at approximately 52% of the total population (~2,825 people).

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 11.1 and 9.4% of residents, respectively, while 64.5% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 65.5% across Greater Hobart. Working-age residents show an above-average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 22.6% of residents aged 65 and over (1,228 people), which is higher than the 19.9% in Greater Hobart. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings even higher than the general population.

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

Old Beach - Otago was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 88.5% of its population born in Australia, 93.5% being citizens, and 93.9% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Old Beach - Otago is Christianity, which makes up 50.9% of the population. This compares to 39.8% across Greater Hobart.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Old Beach - Otago are English, comprising 34.7% of the population, Australian, comprising 32.3% of the population, and Irish, comprising 7.6% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Polish is notably overrepresented at 0.9% of Old Beach - Otago (vs 0.8% regionally), Australian Aboriginal at 2.9% (vs 3.0%) and Russian at 0.3% (vs 0.2%).

Old Beach - Otago's population is slightly older than the national pattern

The 41-year median age in Old Beach - Otago is somewhat higher than Greater Hobart's average of 39 as well as modestly exceeding the 38-year national average. The age profile shows 75 - 84 year-olds are particularly prominent (8.7%), while the 25 - 34 group is comparatively smaller (11.9%) than in Greater Hobart. In the period since 2021, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 5.7% to 8.7% of the population. Conversely, the 55 to 64 cohort has declined from 13.5% to 11.2% and the 5 to 14 group dropped from 12.5% to 10.9%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections reveal significant shifts in Old Beach - Otago's age structure. The 75 to 84 age cohort is projected to rise substantially, expanding by 290 people (61%) from 473 to 764. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 55% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. On the other hand, the 25 to 34 and 55 to 64 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.