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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Risdon Vale's population is around 3,777 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 276 people (7.9%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,501 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 3,775 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 255 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 106 persons per square kilometer, providing significant space per person and potential room for further development. Risdon Vale's 7.9% 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 interstate migration, which contributed approximately 67.7% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers, including natural growth 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, a population increase just below the median of Australian statistical areas is expected, with the area expected to grow by 399 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 10.5% in total over the 17 years.

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

Risdon Vale has experienced around 33 dwellings receiving development approval per year, totalling 166 homes over the past 5 financial years. So far in FY-26, 19 approvals have been recorded. With an average of 2.2 new residents per year gained for each dwelling built over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), suggesting solid demand that supports property values, new homes are being built at an average value of $331,000—somewhat higher than regional norms—reflecting quality-focused development. Additionally, $67.5 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, demonstrating high levels of local commercial activity.

When measured against Greater Hobart, Risdon Vale has slightly more development (48.0% above regional average per person over the 5 year period), balancing buyer choice with support for current property values. 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 103 people per approval, Risdon Vale reflects a developing area.

Looking ahead, Risdon Vale is expected to grow by 397 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). 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 8thth percentile nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects and planning initiatives. In total 0 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the Northern Suburbs Transit Corridor (NSTC), Glenorchy Ambulance Super Station, Homes Tasmania Social Housing Program, and Intercity Cycleway Enhancements, 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 Risdon Vale face significant challenges, ranking among the bottom 10% of areas assessed nationally

Risdon Vale possesses a balanced workforce spanning white and blue collar employment, with essential services sectors well represented, and an unemployment rate of 10.8%. As of December 2025, 1,217 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 6.8% above Greater Hobart's rate of 4.0%, showing room for improvement, and workforce participation lags significantly (43.8% compared to Greater Hobart's 64.0%). Based on Census responses, a low 4.4% 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, retail trade, and construction. The area has a particular employment specialization in retail trade, with an employment share of 1.5 times the regional level. Conversely, professional & technical services show lower representation at 3.1% versus the regional average of 6.6%. 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 remain stable by 0.0% alongside a 1.1% employment decline, causing unemployment to rise by 1.0 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 Risdon Vale. 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 Risdon Vale's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.4% over five years and 13.4% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

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

As per AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released for FY-23, the Risdon Vale SA2's median income among taxpayers is $51,195, with an average of $53,016. This is 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 $56,110 (median) and $58,106 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes in Risdon Vale all fall between the 7th and 10th percentiles nationally. Distribution data shows the $800 - 1,499 earnings band captures 31.1% of the community (1,174 individuals), contrasting with regional levels where the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket leads at 32.2%. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 82.1% of income remaining, ranking at the 7th percentile.

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

Dwelling structure within Risdon Vale, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 93.1% houses and 6.9% 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 Risdon Vale lagged that of Hobart metro at 29.9%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (38.3%) or rented (31.7%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well below the Hobart metro average at $1,083, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $320, compared to Hobart metro's $1,517 and $350. Nationally, Risdon Vale's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households dominate at 67.6% of all households, comprising 23.0% couples with children, 23.2% couples without children, and 19.9% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 32.4%, with lone person households at 29.1% and group households comprising 2.9% of the total. The median household size of 2.4 people matches the Greater Hobart average.

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

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (11.2%) 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 8.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.2%) and graduate diplomas (0.9%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 33.9% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (5.3%) and certificates (28.6%).

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

Public transport analysis reveals 33 active transport stops operating within Risdon Vale, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 87 individual routes, collectively providing 5,657 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 128 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 92%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.2 per dwelling, which is below the regional average. A relatively low 4.4% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 808 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 171 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

Critical health challenges are evident across Risdon Vale, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. A range of health conditions have marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is extremely low at approximately 46% of the total population (~1,748 people). This compares to 51.7% across Greater Hobart and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and arthritis, impacting 13.0% and 10.5% of residents, respectively, while 58.9% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 65.5% across Greater Hobart. The working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 14.9% of residents aged 65 and over (563 people), which is lower than the 19.9% in Greater Hobart. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with 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 was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 75.8% of its population being citizens, 92.0% born in Australia, and 95.2% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Risdon Vale is Christianity, which makes up 37.8% of people. However, the most apparent overrepresentation was in Islam, which comprises 0.7% of the population, compared to 1.3% across Greater Hobart.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Risdon Vale are English, comprising 37.2% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 31.8%, Australian, comprising 34.2% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 28.0%, and Australian Aboriginal, comprising 7.1% of the population.

Risdon Vale's population is younger than the national pattern

At 34 years, Risdon Vale's median age is considerably lower than the Greater Hobart average of 39 and similarly substantially under the Australian median of 38. Relative to Greater Hobart, Risdon Vale has a higher concentration of 25 - 34 residents (20.4%) but fewer 65 - 74 year-olds (6.7%). This 25 - 34 concentration is well above the national 14.4%. Since the 2021 Census, the 25 to 34 age group has grown from 18.9% to 20.4% of the population, while the 85+ cohort increased from 1.5% to 2.7%. Conversely, the 55 to 64 cohort has declined from 10.1% to 8.8%. Demographic modeling suggests Risdon Vale's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 45 to 54 cohort shows the strongest projected growth at 67%, adding 266 residents to reach 666. In contrast, both the 65 to 74 and 35 to 44 age groups will see reduced numbers.