Risdon Vale
Statistical Area - sa2

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

Risdon Vale's population was approximately 3,912 as of August 2025. This figure represents an increase of 411 people from the 2021 Census total of 3,501. The growth is inferred from ABS data indicating an estimated resident population of 3,778 in June 2024 and an additional 257 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 110 persons per square kilometer. Risdon Vale's 11.7% growth since the 2021 census was higher than both its SA4 region (4.2%) and metropolitan area, positioning it as a growth leader. Interstate migration contributed approximately 67.7% of overall population gains during recent periods, with all demographic drivers remaining positive factors.

Population projections for Risdon Vale are based on ABS/Geoscience Australia data released in 2024 using 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data, Tasmania State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2022 using 2021 as the base year are adopted with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Future demographic trends indicate a population increase just below the Australian median for statistical areas by 2041, with an expected growth of 399 persons and a total increase of 6.7% over the 17-year period based on the latest numbers available.

AreaSearch assessment of residential approval activity sees Risdon Vale among the top 30% of areas assessed nationwide

Risdon Vale has received approximately 33 dwelling approvals per year. The Australian Bureau of Statistics produces development approval data on a financial year basis. There were 166 approvals in total across the past five financial years, from FY-2021 to FY-2025, and 7 so far in FY-2026. On average, about 2.2 people per year have moved to the area with each new home constructed over these five financial years.

This suggests strong demand that supports property values. New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost value of $411,000. In FY-2026 alone, there have been $67.5 million in commercial approvals registered, indicating robust local business investment.

Compared to Greater Hobart, Risdon Vale has slightly more development activity, with 48.0% above the regional average per person over the past five years. This balances buyer choice while supporting current property values. Recent building activity consists entirely of detached houses, maintaining the area's traditional low density character and focusing on family homes appealing to those seeking space. The location has approximately 103 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market. Looking ahead, Risdon Vale is expected to grow by 262 residents by the year 2041. Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

Risdon Vale has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 9thth percentile nationally

No infrastructure changes are currently identified by AreaSearch that will impact this area. Key projects include Northern Suburbs Transit Corridor (NSTC), Greater Hobart Urban Growth Boundary Extension, Glenorchy Ambulance Super Station, and Northern Suburbs Transit Corridor.

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

Employment conditions in Risdon Vale face significant challenges, ranking among the bottom 10% of areas assessed nationally

Risdon Vale's workforce is balanced across white and blue-collar jobs, with essential services well represented. Its unemployment rate as of June 2025 was 10.5%.

In that month, 1,191 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate 6.3% higher than Greater Hobart's 4.1%, indicating room for improvement. Workforce participation lagged significantly at 41.7%, compared to Greater Hobart's 61.6%. Employment was concentrated in health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction, notably so in retail trade which had employment levels 1.5 times the regional average. Professional & technical services had limited presence with 3.1% employment, compared to 6.6% regionally.

The area appeared to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the Census working population vs resident population count. Between June 2024 and June 2025, labour force decreased by 1.6%, while employment declined by 2.4%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.7 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Hobart saw employment contract by 1.5% with a 1.6% labour force fall and a 0.2% unemployment rate drop. State-level data from Sep-25 showed Tasmania's employment grew by 0.77%, adding 1,170 jobs, with an unemployment rate of 4.3%. This compared favourably to the national unemployment rate of 4.5%, with state employment growth outpacing the national average of 0.26%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia for May 2025 projected a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but industry-specific projections suggested Risdon Vale's local growth would be approximately 6.4% over five years and 13.4% over ten years.

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

Risdon Vale's median income among taxpayers was $47,669 in financial year 2022. Its average income stood at $50,050 during the same period. For Greater Hobart, these figures were $51,272 and $63,777 respectively. By March 2025, estimated median income for Risdon Vale would be approximately $53,361, with average income at around $56,026, based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.94% since financial year 2022. Census data indicates that household, family and personal incomes in Risdon Vale fall between the 8th and 10th percentiles nationally. In terms of income distribution, 31.1% of Risdon Vale's population (1,216 individuals) earn within the $800 - $1,499 range, while this bracket makes up only 24.5% in the surrounding region where $1,500 - $2,999 is dominant at 32.2%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Risdon Vale, with only 82.1% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 8th percentile.

Risdon Vale is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

In Risdon Vale, as per the latest Census evaluation, 93.1% of dwellings were houses with 6.9% being other types such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This is comparable to Hobart metro's 93.4% houses and 6.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Risdon Vale stood at 29.9%, with mortgaged dwellings at 38.3% and rented ones at 31.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,083, lower than the Hobart metro average of $1,538. The median weekly rent in Risdon Vale was $320, compared to Hobart metro's $350. Nationally, Risdon Vale's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Risdon Vale has a typical household mix, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households account for 67.6% of all households, including 23.0% couples with children, 23.2% couples without children, and 19.9% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 32.4%, with lone person households at 29.1% and group households comprising 2.9%. The median household size is 2.4 people, which aligns with the Greater Hobart average.

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

The area has lower university qualification rates at 11.2%, compared to the SA4 region average of 32.8%. This disparity presents both challenges and opportunities for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most common at 8.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.2%) and graduate diplomas (0.9%). Vocational credentials are prevalent among residents aged 15+, with 33.9% holding such qualifications, including advanced diplomas (5.3%) and certificates (28.6%).

Educational participation is notably high at 40.9%, comprising primary education (18.2%), secondary education (11.0%), and tertiary education (3.1%). Risdon Vale Primary School serves the local community with an enrollment of 169 students, focusing exclusively on primary education. Secondary schooling options are available in nearby areas due to limited local school capacity (4.3 places per 100 residents vs regional average of 14.3).

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

Transport analysis shows 35 active transit stops in Risdon Vale, served by buses. There are 29 distinct routes operating weekly, facilitating 3044 passenger trips. Transit accessibility is high, with residents usually 128 metres from the nearest stop.

On average, services run 434 times daily across all routes, resulting in about 86 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Risdon Vale is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Risdon Vale faces significant health challenges, with varied conditions affecting both younger and older residents. Private health cover stands at approximately 46%, covering around 1,807 people, compared to Greater Hobart's 51.4% and the national average of 55.3%. Mental health issues and arthritis are the most prevalent conditions, affecting 13.0% and 10.5% of residents respectively.

About 58.9% report no medical ailments, lower than Greater Hobart's 64.2%. The area has 14.6%, or 570 people aged 65 and over, compared to Greater Hobart's 21.8%. Seniors' health outcomes present challenges broadly in line with the general population's profile.

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

Risdon Vale's cultural diversity was found to be below average. Its population consisted of 75.8% citizens, with 92.0% born in Australia and 95.2% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the dominant religion, comprising 37.8% of Risdon Vale's population.

Islam was overrepresented compared to Greater Hobart, making up 0.7% versus 0.7%. The top three ancestry groups were English (37.2%), Australian (34.2%), and Australian Aboriginal (7.1%).

Risdon Vale's population is younger than the national pattern

Risdon Vale's median age is 34 years, which is lower than the Greater Hobart average of 39 and substantially under the Australian median of 38. Compared to Greater Hobart, Risdon Vale has a higher proportion of residents aged 25-34 (20.6%) but fewer residents aged 65-74 (6.6%). This concentration of 25-34 year-olds is well above the national average of 14.5%. According to the 2021 Census, the proportion of residents aged 25 to 34 has grown from 18.9% to 20.6%, while the proportion of those aged 65 to 74 has declined from 7.4% to 6.6%. Demographic projections indicate significant changes in Risdon Vale's age profile by 2041. The 45-54 age group is projected to grow by 63%, adding 256 residents to reach a total of 666. Conversely, both the 65-74 and 35-44 age groups are expected to see reduced numbers.