Risdon Vale

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 3,799 as of May 2026. This figure represents an increase of 298 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 3,501. The growth is inferred from ABS data showing an estimated resident population of 3,799 in June 2025 and an additional 255 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 107 persons per square kilometer. Risdon Vale's population grew by 8.5% between the 2021 Census and May 2026, outpacing both its SA4 region (3.9%) and Greater Hobart. Interstate migration contributed approximately 69.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

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, adjusting using weighted aggregation methods. Future population trends suggest an increase just below the median of Australian statistical areas, with Risdon Vale expected to grow by 361 persons to 2041 based on latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a total increase of 9.5% over the 16-year period.

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 over the past five financial years, totalling 166 homes. As of FY26, 23 approvals have been recorded. On average, each dwelling built between FY21 and FY25 has resulted in an increase of 2.2 new residents annually, indicating strong demand that supports property values. The average expected construction cost value for these dwellings is $331,000, which is somewhat higher than regional norms, reflecting quality-focused development.

This financial year has seen $67.5 million in commercial development approvals, demonstrating high levels of local commercial activity. Compared to Greater Hobart, Risdon Vale has experienced 48.0% more development per person over the past five years, balancing buyer choice while supporting current property values. All recent developments have been detached dwellings, maintaining the area's traditional low density character and appealing to those seeking family homes with space.

With approximately 103 people per approval, Risdon Vale reflects a developing area. By 2041, Risdon Vale is projected to grow by 361 residents based on current development patterns, suggesting that new housing supply should readily meet demand and potentially facilitate further population growth beyond current projections.

Risdon Vale has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 4thth percentile nationally

No changes can influence a region's performance more than modifications to local infrastructure, significant projects, and planning initiatives. Zero projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are expected to impact this area. Notable projects include Northern Suburbs Transit Corridor (NSTC), Glenorchy Ambulance Super Station, Homes Tasmania Social Housing Program, and Intercity Cycleway Enhancements, with the following list specifying those most likely to be relevant.

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

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

Risdon Vale has a mixed workforce consisting of white and blue-collar jobs, with notable representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate stands at 10.8%. As of December 2025, 1,217 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 6.8% higher than Greater Hobart's rate of 4.0%.

Workforce participation in Risdon Vale lags behind Greater Hobart at 43.3% compared to 63.7%. According to Census data, only 4.4% of residents work from home. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction. The area has a high specialization in retail trade with an employment share 1.5 times the regional level.

Conversely, professional & technical services show lower representation at 3.1%, compared to the regional average of 6.6%. Local employment opportunities appear limited as indicated by the ratio of Census working population to resident population. Over a 12-month period ending in May-25, labour force remained stable while employment declined by 1.1%, leading to an unemployment rate increase of 1.0 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Hobart experienced employment growth of 0.1% and labour force decline of 0.1%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project a 6.6% expansion over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Risdon Vale's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.4% over five years and 13.4% 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 latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows Risdon Vale SA2 had a median income of $51,195 and an average income of $53,016. Both figures are below the national averages. Greater Hobart had a median income of $54,577 and an average income of $65,190 during this period. Based on Wage Price Index growth, current estimates suggest Risdon Vale's median income would be approximately $56,801 and average income $58,821 by March 2026. Census data indicates household, family, and personal incomes in Risdon Vale are between the 7th and 10th percentiles nationally. Income distribution shows 31.1% of individuals earn between $800 - $1,499, contrasting with regional levels where the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket leads at 32.2%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Risdon Vale, with only 82.1% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 7th percentile nationally.

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

Risdon Vale's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, comprised 93.1% houses and 6.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Hobart metro's 85.3% houses and 14.7% 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 Hobart metro's average of $1,517. 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 constitute 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 account for 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 university qualification rates of 11.2%, significantly below the SA4 region average of 32.8%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 8.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.2%) and graduate diplomas (0.9%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 33.9% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (5.3%) and certificates (28.6%). Educational participation is high at 40.9%, with 18.2% in primary education, 11.0% in secondary education, and 3.1% pursuing tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 40.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 18.2% in primary education, 11.0% in secondary education, and 3.1% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Risdon Vale has 33 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 87 different routes that together facilitate 5,657 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents on average located 128 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outwards due to its residential nature. Cars remain the primary mode of transportation, used by 92% of residents. On average, there are 1.2 vehicles per dwelling, which is below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, only 4.4% of residents work from home, a figure that may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 808 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 171 weekly trips per 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, as assessed by AreaSearch through mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Multiple health conditions affect both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is low at approximately 46% of the total population (~1,758 people), compared to 51.7% in Greater Hobart and a national average of 55.7%.

Mental health issues and arthritis are the most common medical conditions, affecting 13.0% and 10.5% of residents respectively. However, 58.9% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 65.5% in Greater Hobart. The working-age population has notably high chronic condition rates. Risdon Vale has 14.7% of residents aged 65 and over (556 people), lower than the 20.0% in Greater Hobart. While health outcomes among seniors are challenging, they align with national rankings for the general population.

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 comprised 75.8% citizens, with 92.0% born in Australia and 95.2% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 37.8%.

Islam, however, was overrepresented at 0.7%, compared to Greater Hobart's 1.3%. The top three ancestry groups were English (37.2%), Australian (34.2%), and Australian Aboriginal (7.1%). These figures exceeded the regional averages of 31.8% for English, 28.0% for Australian, and were within range for Australian Aboriginal.

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 years and significantly under the Australian median of 38 years. Compared to Greater Hobart, Risdon Vale has a higher percentage of residents aged 25-34 (20.3%) but fewer residents aged 65-74 (6.5%). This concentration of 25-34 year-olds is notably higher than the national average of 14.6%. Between the 2021 Census and the present, the population aged 35 to 44 has increased from 15.7% to 17.3%, while the 25 to 34 age group has risen from 18.9% to 20.3%. Conversely, the 55 to 64 age group has decreased from 10.1% to 9.0%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests significant changes in Risdon Vale's age profile. The 45 to 54 cohort is projected to grow by 65%, adding 264 residents to reach a total of 669. Meanwhile, both the 65 to 74 and 35 to 44 age groups are expected to decrease in number.