Penguin - Sulphur Creek
Statistical Area - sa2

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

Penguin-Sulphur Creek's population was around 5,664 as of November 2025, according to AreaSearch's analysis. This figure reflects an increase of 247 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 5,417. The growth is inferred from ABS estimates of 5,605 in June 2024 and validated new addresses added since the Census date. The population density was around 88 persons per square kilometer at this time. Penguin-Sulphur Creek's growth rate of 4.6% exceeded the SA3 area's 4.1%, making it a growth leader in the region. Interstate migration contributed approximately 58.7% of overall population gains during recent periods, with other factors such as overseas migration and natural growth also being positive contributors.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, and Tasmania State Government's Regional/LGA projections for areas not covered by this data, adjusted using weighted aggregation methods from LGA to SA2 levels. Looking ahead, population projections indicate an overall decline by 307 persons by 2041, but specific age cohorts like the 75-84 group are expected to grow by 149 people during this period.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Penguin - Sulphur Creek when compared nationally

Sulphur Creek in Penguin has recorded approximately 25 residential property approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling 128 homes. As of FY-26, six approvals have been recorded. On average, 2.4 people per year have moved to the area per new home constructed between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating strong demand for housing. New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost value of $299,000.

This financial year has seen $21.3 million in commercial development approvals, demonstrating moderate levels of commercial growth. Compared to the rest of Tasmania, Sulphur Creek shows moderately higher building activity, with 20.0% above the regional average per person over the five-year period. All new construction has been detached dwellings, preserving the area's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers, with approximately 229 people per dwelling approval.

Population projections indicate stability or decline in the area, which should reduce housing demand pressures, benefiting potential buyers.

Penguin - Sulphur Creek has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 9thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified nine projects likely impacting the region. Notable initiatives include Dial Regional Sports Complex Infrastructure Upgrades, Ironcliffe Road Upgrade Project, Penguin Town Centre Masterplan, and Penguin Jetty Maintenance. The following 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 landscape in Penguin - Sulphur Creek shows performance that lags behind national averages across key labour market indicators

Sulphur Creek, Penguin, has a skilled labour force with prominent representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate was 3.3% as of June 2025, lower than the Rest of Tasmania's rate of 3.9%.

The area experienced an estimated employment growth of 1.8% over the past year. As of June 2025, 2,766 residents were employed, with a workforce participation rate of 58.0%, slightly higher than the Rest of Tasmania's rate of 55.7%. The leading employment industries among residents are health care & social assistance, education & training, and construction. Notably, the concentration in education & training is high, at 1.3 times the regional average.

Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing employs only 4.7% of local workers, lower than Rest of Tasmania's rate of 8.4%. Employment opportunities locally may be limited, as indicated by the difference between Census working population and resident population figures. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment levels increased by 1.8%, while labour force increased by 2.2%, leading to a slight rise in unemployment rate of 0.3 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Tasmania saw an employment decline of 0.5% and labour force decline of 0.6%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 suggest that while overall employment is projected to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates vary significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Sulphur Creek's employment mix indicates potential local growth of approximately 6.3% over five years and 13.4% over ten years.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data released for financial year 2022, Penguin - Sulphur Creek had a median taxpayer income of $49,093 and an average income of $59,468. These figures are lower than the national averages of $47,358 and $57,384 for Rest of Tas. respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.83% from financial year 2022 to September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $55,883 (median) and $67,692 (average). The 2021 Census shows household, family, and personal incomes in Penguin - Sulphur Creek falling between the 23rd and 24th percentiles nationally. In this area, 29.6% of individuals earn between $1,500 and $2,999, similar to regional patterns where 28.5% fall within this range. Housing costs are modest, with 87.7% of income retained, but total disposable income ranks at the 29th percentile nationally.

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

In Penguin - Sulphur Creek, as per the latest Census evaluation, 92.2% of dwellings were houses with the remaining 7.8% being semi-detached, apartments, or other types. This is compared to Non-Metro Tas., which had 90.3% houses and 9.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Penguin - Sulphur Creek stood at 42.3%, with mortgaged dwellings at 38.0% and rented ones at 19.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,300, higher than Non-Metro Tas.'s average of $1,200. The median weekly rent in the area was $260, compared to Non-Metro Tas.'s $240. Nationally, Penguin - Sulphur Creek's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Penguin - Sulphur Creek has a typical household mix, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households compose 70.1% of all households, including 25.7% couples with children, 34.3% couples without children, and 9.8% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 29.9%, with lone person households at 28.1% and group households comprising 1.8%. The median household size is 2.3 people, aligning with the average in Rest of Tas.

Educational outcomes in Penguin - Sulphur Creek fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

The area's university qualification rate is 19.0%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 13.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.2%) and graduate diplomas (2.4%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 40.9% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (9.3%) and certificates (31.6%). Educational participation is high at 25.4%, comprising primary education (10.5%), secondary education (7.1%), and tertiary education (3.3%).

Penguin District School and North West Christian School serve a total of 761 students, with typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 986) indicating balanced educational opportunities. Both schools offer integrated K-12 education for academic continuity.

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

Penguin-Sulphur Creek has 28 operational public transport stops serving a mix of bus routes. These stops are covered by 39 individual routes that facilitate 4,369 weekly passenger trips in total. Residents enjoy good accessibility to these stops, with an average distance of 383 meters to the nearest one.

The service frequency is 624 trips per day across all routes, translating to about 156 weekly trips per stop.

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

Penguin - Sulphur Creek faces significant health challenges, with common conditions prevalent among both younger and older residents. Approximately 50% (~2,803 people) have private health cover, lower than the national average of 55.3%.

The most frequent medical issues are arthritis (11.3%) and mental health problems (9.1%). About 62.5% report no medical ailments, slightly higher than Rest of Tas.'s 60.3%. The area has a higher proportion of residents aged 65 and over at 24.6% (1,392 people).

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

Penguin-Sulphur Creek, surveyed in 2016, had a low cultural diversity with 89.3% of its residents born in Australia, 92.4% being citizens, and 97.6% speaking English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, making up 42.3%. This is slightly higher than the rest of Tasmania's 41.9%.

The top three ancestry groups were Australian (34.8%), English (33.5%), and Scottish (7.0%). Notably, Dutch ancestry was overrepresented at 2.1%, compared to the regional average of 1.7%. Australian Aboriginal ancestry was also higher than average, at 5.5% versus 5.9%. French ancestry showed a small increase from 0.2% regionally to 0.4% in Penguin-Sulphur Creek.

Penguin - Sulphur Creek hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Penguin - Sulphur Creek has a median age of 47, which is higher than the Rest of Tas. figure of 45 and Australia's figure of 38 years. Compared to the Rest of Tas. average, the 55-64 cohort is notably over-represented in Penguin-Sulphur Creek at 15.5%, while the 15-24 age group is under-represented at 9.3%. Between 2021 and present, the 35 to 44 age group has increased from 10.2% to 11.4% of the population. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has decreased from 13.6% to 12.4%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Penguin-Sulphur Creek's age structure. The 75-84 age cohort is projected to grow by 145 people (32%), from 448 to 594. Residents aged 65 and above will drive 72% of population growth, reflecting demographic aging trends. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 0-4 and 65-74 age cohorts.