Port Sorell
Statistical Area - sa2

Population growth drivers in Port Sorell are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Port Sorell's population is approximately 6,912 as of August 2025. This figure indicates a growth of 440 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6,472. The increase is inferred from ABS estimates of 6,830 in June 2024 and additional validated addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 19.0 persons per square kilometer. Port Sorell's growth rate of 6.8% since the 2021 census exceeds both its SA4 region (4.5%) and the state average, positioning it as a growth leader. Interstate migration contributed approximately 78.8% to overall population gains in 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 post-2032 growth by age group, Tasmania State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2022 using a 2021 base year are adopted with adjustments made through weighted aggregation. Population projections indicate an increase just below the median of regional areas nationally, with Port Sorell expected to grow by 509 persons to 2041 based on latest numbers, representing a total gain of 6.2% over the 17-year period.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Port Sorell among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

Port Sorell has seen approximately 75 dwellings receive development approval annually. The Australian Bureau of Statistics produces development approval data on a financial year basis. Between FY21 and FY25, there were a total of 378 approvals, with 6 already recorded in FY26. Over the past five financial years, an average of 1.5 new residents arrived per new home built. However, this has decreased to 0.8 people per dwelling over the past two financial years.

The average construction value for development projects is $506,000, slightly above the regional average. This year, there have been $2.9 million in commercial approvals registered, indicating the area's residential nature. Compared to the Rest of Tas., Port Sorell has 95.0% higher new home approvals per person, offering buyers more choice. However, building activity has slowed recently. This activity is significantly above the national average, suggesting strong developer interest.

Recent building activity consists solely of standalone homes, preserving the area's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. With around 126 people per dwelling approval, Port Sorell exhibits characteristics of a growth area. Future projections estimate an addition of 427 residents by 2041. Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should meet demand, offering favourable conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

Port Sorell has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 11thth percentile nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 12 projects expected to affect the area. Notable ones include Entrance to Port Sorell Roundabout Improvements, Cradle Coast NRM - Rice Grass Control Program, Port Sorell Area Drainage, and Hawley Foreshore Shared Pathway Project, with the following list focusing on those most relevant.

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

AreaSearch assessment positions Port Sorell ahead of most Australian regions for employment performance

Port Sorell has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. Its unemployment rate is 2.3%, lower than the national average of 5%.

Over the past year, it experienced an estimated employment growth of 2.1%. As of June 2025, 3,205 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.6% compared to Rest of Tas.'s rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation is somewhat below the standard at 52.6%, lower than Rest of Tas.'s 55.7%. Key industries of employment among residents are health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade.

Port Sorell shows strong specialization in construction, with an employment share 1.2 times higher than the regional level. However, accommodation & food services is under-represented at 6.4% compared to Rest of Tas.'s 7.7%. Employment opportunities appear limited locally based on Census data comparison. Over the past year, employment increased by 2.1%, while labour force increased by 2.2%, leaving unemployment broadly flat. In contrast, Rest of Tas. experienced an employment decline of 0.5% and labour force decline of 0.6%. State-level data to Sep-25 shows Tasmania's employment grew by 0.77% year-on-year, adding 1,170 jobs, with a state unemployment rate of 4.3%, favourably comparing to the national average of 4.5%. Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Port Sorell's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.1%% over five years and 12.9% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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

AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data shows Port Sorell had a median taxpayer income of $48,266 and an average income of $59,520 in financial year 2022. These figures are below the national averages of $51,379 (median) and $63,954 (average). Comparing with Rest of Tas., Port Sorell's median income was $48,266 compared to $47,358, while average incomes were $59,520 versus $57,384. As of March 2025, estimated incomes are approximately $54,029 (median) and $66,627 (average), based on Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2022. According to the 2021 Census, Port Sorell's household, family, and personal incomes fall between the 19th and 19th percentiles nationally. Income distribution shows 28.1% of Port Sorell's population (1,942 individuals) earn within the $1,500 - $2,999 range, similar to regional levels at 28.5%. Despite modest housing costs allowing for 87.9% income retention, total disposable income ranks only at the 23rd percentile nationally.

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

In Port Sorell, as per the latest Census evaluation, 92.7% of dwellings were houses while 7.4% were other types such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and others. This is compared to Non-Metro Tas., which had 90.3% houses and 9.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Port Sorell stood at 50.3%, with mortgaged properties at 30.2% and rented ones at 19.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,430, higher than Non-Metro Tas.'s average of $1,300. Meanwhile, the median weekly rent in Port Sorell was $280, compared to Non-Metro Tas.'s figure of $250. Nationally, Port Sorell's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Port Sorell has a typical household mix, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households constitute 71.6% of all households, including 23.2% couples with children, 40.3% couples without children, and 7.8% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 28.4%, with lone person households at 26.1% and group households making up 2.0%. The median household size is 2.3 people, which aligns with the average for the Rest of Tas.

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

The area faces educational challenges with university qualification rates at 17.1%, 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 12.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.1%) and graduate diplomas (1.9%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 41.1% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas (10.2%) and certificates (30.9%).

A substantial 23.1% of the population actively pursues formal education, including 9.1% in primary, 6.9% in secondary, and 2.1% in tertiary education. Educational provision includes Port Sorell Primary School and Andrews Creek Primary School, serving a total of 461 students. Port Sorell demonstrates typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 982) with balanced educational opportunities. The two schools focus exclusively on primary education, with secondary options available in surrounding areas. Local school capacity is limited at 6.7 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 14.1, leading many families to travel for schooling.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

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

Port Sorell faces significant health challenges, with common conditions prevalent across both younger and older age groups. Private health cover stands at approximately 50% (3,421 people), lower than the national average of 55.3%.

Arthritis and asthma are the most common medical conditions, affecting 12.5% and 7.9% respectively. A total of 61.5% of residents report no medical ailments, similar to the Rest of Tas. at 61.1%. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over (33.1%, or 2,290 people), compared to Rest of Tas. at 25.4%. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors in Port Sorell are above average, even better than the general population's health metrics.

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

Port Sorell has a cultural diversity index below average, with 87.8% of its population born in Australia, 91.4% being citizens, and 97.3% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Port Sorell, comprising 46.6% of the population. Judaism, however, shows an overrepresentation with 0.1% compared to the regional average of 0.1%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (36.6%), Australian (33.9%), and Scottish (7.9%). Notably, Dutch ethnicity is slightly overrepresented at 1.5%, while Australian Aboriginal ethnicity stands out at 3.2%.

Port Sorell ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

The median age in Port Sorell is 52 years, significantly higher than Rest of Tas.'s average of 45 and considerably older than Australia's national norm of 38 years. Compared to the Rest of Tas. average, the 65-74 age cohort is notably over-represented at 18.5% locally, while the 25-34 year-olds are under-represented at 7.1%. This concentration of the 65-74 age group is well above the national average of 9.4%. Between the 2021 Census and the present, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 9.3% to 11.6%, while the 35 to 44 cohort increased from 9.1% to 10.3%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 12.8% to 11.0%, and the 25 to 34 age group dropped from 8.2% to 7.1%. By 2041, Port Sorell is expected to see significant shifts in its age composition. The 85+ age cohort is projected to expand substantially, increasing by 277 people (133%) from 208 to 486. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 73% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. In contrast, both the 0-4 and 25-34 age groups are expected to decrease in numbers.