Rokeby

Rokeby lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Rokeby's population is around 9,221 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 1,347 people (17.1%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 7,874 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 9,004 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 755 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 598 persons per square kilometer, providing significant space per person and potential room for further development. Rokeby's 17.1% 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 70.2% 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. Looking at population projections moving forward, an above-median population growth of statistical areas across the nation is projected, with the area expected to increase by 2,183 persons by 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a gain of 21.3% in total over the 17 years.

The level of residential development activity in Rokeby was found to be higher than 90% of real estate markets across the country

Rokeby has averaged around 159 new dwelling approvals each year, with 799 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 68 so far in FY-26. With an average of 2.4 people per year moving to the area per new home constructed over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), reflecting robust demand that underpins property values, new homes are being built at an average value of $248,000. There have also been $33.2 million in commercial approvals this financial year, demonstrating high levels of local commercial activity.

Relative to Greater Hobart, Rokeby has 227.0% more building activity (per person), which should provide buyers with ample choice, though development activity has moderated in recent periods. This is significantly above the national average, indicating robust developer interest in the area. New development consists of 99.0% detached dwellings and 1.0% townhouses or apartments, preserving the area's low density nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. With around 78 people per dwelling approval, Rokeby shows characteristics of a growth area.

Future projections show Rokeby adding 1,966 residents by 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.

Rokeby has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 10thth percentile nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 2 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Lauderdale Primary School, the Cambridge-Clarence Recycled Water Interconnector, the Droughty Peninsula Structure Plan, and the Tasman Highway Duplication Project, 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.

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AreaSearch assessment indicates Rokeby faces employment challenges relative to the majority of Australian markets

Rokeby possesses a skilled workforce, with essential services sectors well represented, an unemployment rate of 7.3%, and relative employment stability over the past year. As of December 2025, 4,232 residents are in work, while the unemployment rate is 3.3% above Greater Hobart's rate of 4.0%, showing room for improvement, and workforce participation is broadly similar to Greater Hobart's 64.0%. Based on Census responses, a low 5.7% 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 public administration & safety. Meanwhile, professional & technical services have a limited presence with 4.3% employment compared to 6.6% regionally. 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 employment increase by 0.1% while the labour force remained stable by 0.0%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.1 percentage points. This contrasts with Greater Hobart, where employment rose by 0.1%, the labour force fell by 0.1%, and unemployment fell 0.2 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Rokeby. 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 Rokeby's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.4% over five years and 13.3% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for FY-23, the Rokeby SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $54,003 with the average level standing at $56,385. This is below the national average and compares to levels of $54,577 and $65,190 across Greater Hobart respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.6% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $59,187 (median) and $61,798 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes all rank modestly in Rokeby, between the 21st and 34th percentiles. The earnings profile shows the largest segment comprises 34.2% earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (3,153 residents), aligning with the surrounding region where this cohort likewise represents 32.2%. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 80.3% of income remaining, ranking at the 18th percentile.

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

Dwelling structure within Rokeby, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 94.8% houses and 5.2% 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 Rokeby lagged that of Hobart metro, at 19.2%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (40.0%) or rented (40.8%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was below the Hobart metro average at $1,387, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $325, compared to Hobart metro's $1,517 and $350. Nationally, Rokeby's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

Rokeby has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households dominate at 69.7% of all households, comprising 25.2% couples with children, 21.7% couples without children, and 21.3% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 30.3%, with lone person households at 26.9% and group households comprising 3.3% of the total. The median household size of 2.5 people is larger than the Greater Hobart average of 2.4.

Rokeby 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 (19.1%) 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 11.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.7%) and graduate diplomas (2.0%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 35.6% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (7.4%) and certificates (28.2%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 31.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 12.6% in primary education, 7.4% in secondary education, and 3.9% 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 72 active transport stops operating within Rokeby, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 188 individual routes, collectively providing 14,522 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 172 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 88%, with 8% by bus. Vehicle ownership averages 1.2 per dwelling, which is below the regional average. A relatively low 5.7% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 2,074 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 201 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Rokeby is well below average with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Health data reveals substantial challenges facing Rokeby, 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 very low at approximately 48% of the total population (~4,379 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 asthma, impacting 13.0% and 9.6% of residents, respectively, while 63.6% 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 12.1% of residents aged 65 and over (1,115 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.

Rokeby ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Rokeby was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 86.1% of its population being citizens, 87.1% born in Australia, and 89.4% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Rokeby is Christianity, which makes up 36.0% of the population. However, the most apparent overrepresentation was in Other, which comprises 1.2% of the population, compared to 1.1% across Greater Hobart.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Rokeby are English, comprising 33.0% of the population, Australian, comprising 32.9% of the population, and Other, comprising 6.4% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Australian Aboriginal is notably overrepresented at 5.6% of Rokeby (vs 3.0% regionally), Korean at 0.3% (vs 0.2%) and Sri Lankan at 0.2% (vs 0.1%).

Rokeby hosts a very young demographic, ranking in the bottom 10% of areas nationwide

With a median age of 31, Rokeby is materially younger than the Greater Hobart figure of 39 and is substantially under Australia's 38 years. Relative to Greater Hobart, Rokeby has a higher concentration of 35 - 44 residents (18.3%) but fewer 65 - 74 year-olds (7.1%). Since the 2021 Census, the 35 to 44 age group has grown from 13.7% to 18.3% of the population. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort has declined from 14.7% to 13.2% and the 15 to 24 group dropped from 12.7% to 11.4%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Rokeby. The 45 to 54 cohort shows the strongest projected growth at 91%, adding 764 residents to reach 1,603. On the other hand, the 35 to 44 group will contract by 111 residents.