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

Rokeby's population is 9,221 as of Feb 2026. This reflects a growth of 1,347 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 7,874. The increase is inferred from ABS' estimated resident population of 9,004 in June 2024 and an additional 755 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 598 persons per square kilometer. Rokeby's growth rate of 17.1% since the 2021 census exceeded the SA4 region's 4.9%, marking it as a growth leader in the area. Interstate migration contributed approximately 70.2% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers were positive factors.

AreaSearch adopts 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 are adopted with adjustments made employing weighted aggregation methods from LGA to SA2 levels. Looking ahead, the area is projected to have above median population growth nationally, increasing by 2,183 persons to 2041 based on 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 approximately 159 new dwelling approvals annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, a total of 799 homes were approved, with an additional 62 approved so far in FY26. Each year, on average, about 2.4 people have moved to the area per new home constructed between FY21 and FY25, indicating strong demand that supports property values.

The average construction cost value of new homes is around $248,000. This financial year has seen $33.2 million in commercial approvals, reflecting high levels of local commercial activity. Compared to Greater Hobart, Rokeby has 227.0% more building activity per person, offering ample choice for buyers despite recent moderation in development activity. This is notably higher than the national average, suggesting robust developer interest in the area. New developments consist primarily of detached dwellings (99.0%) with a small proportion of townhouses or apartments (1.0%), maintaining Rokeby's low-density character and attracting space-seeking buyers.

With around 78 people per dwelling approval, Rokeby exhibits characteristics of a growth area. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Rokeby is projected to add 1,966 residents by 2041 based on current development patterns. Given these projections and current supply trends, new housing should meet demand effectively, presenting favorable conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating further population growth beyond current projections.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified two projects likely to impact this area: Lauderdale Primary School project and Cambridge-Clarence Recycled Water Interconnector project. Other notable projects include Droughty Peninsula Structure Plan and Tasman Highway Duplication Project, with the following list detailing those most relevant.

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 has a skilled workforce with notable representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate as of September 2025 was 7.1%. This is 3.1% higher than Greater Hobart's rate of 4.0%, indicating room for improvement.

Workforce participation in Rokeby is similar to Greater Hobart's at 63.8%. According to Census responses, only 5.7% of residents work from home. Employment among residents is concentrated in health care & social assistance, retail trade, and public administration & safety.

However, professional & technical services have limited presence with 4.3% employment compared to the regional average of 6.6%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the ratio of working population to resident population. Over a 12-month period ending in September 2025, employment increased by 0.1% while labour force decreased by 0.5%, resulting in a 0.5 percentage point drop in unemployment rate. In contrast, Greater Hobart saw employment contract by 0.7%, labour force fall by 0.9%, and unemployment fall by 0.2 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, issued in May-25, project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Rokeby's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.4% over five years and 13.3% over ten years.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data for financial year 2023 shows Rokeby SA2 had a median taxpayer income of $54,003 and an average income of $56,385. This is below the national average. In Greater Hobart, the median was $54,577 and the average was $65,190. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.6% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes for September 2025 would be approximately $59,187 (median) and $61,798 (average). Census data indicates modest rankings for household, family, and personal incomes in Rokeby, between the 21st and 34th percentiles. The earnings profile shows that 34.2% of residents earn between $1,500 - $2,999 weekly, aligning with the surrounding region at 32.2%. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 80.3% of income remaining after housing costs, 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

Rokeby's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 94.8% houses and 5.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Hobart metro's 85.3% houses and 14.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Rokeby was 19.2%, with the rest being mortgaged (40.0%) or rented (40.8%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,387, below Hobart metro's average of $1,517. The median weekly rent was $325, compared to Hobart metro's $350. Nationally, Rokeby's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 69.7% of all households, including 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%. The median household size is 2.5 people, 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's university qualification rate is 19.1%, significantly lower than the SA4 region average of 32.8%. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 11.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.7%) and graduate diplomas (2.0%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 35.6% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (7.4%) and certificates (28.2%). Educational participation is high at 31.5%, comprising primary education (12.6%), secondary education (7.4%), and tertiary education (3.9%).

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

Rokeby has 72 active public transport stops, all serving buses. These stops are covered by 188 different routes, offering a total of 14,522 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is excellent; residents live an average of 172 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outwards daily. Cars remain the primary mode of transport, used by 88% of residents, while buses are used by 8%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.2 per dwelling, lower than the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, only 5.7% of residents work from home, which could be due to COVID-19 conditions. Across all routes, there are an average of 2,074 trips per day, equating to about 201 weekly trips per 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

Rokeby faces substantial health challenges, according to AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are high, affecting both younger and older age cohorts. Private health cover is low at approximately 48% of the total population (~4,379 people), compared to 51.7% in Greater Hobart and the national average of 55.7%.

Mental health issues and asthma are the most common medical conditions, impacting 13.0 and 9.6% of residents respectively. 63.6% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 65.5% in Greater Hobart. The working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. Rokeby has 12.1% of residents aged 65 and over (1,115 people), lower than the 19.9% in Greater Hobart. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, generally in line with national rankings.

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

Rokeby had a cultural diversity score below average, with 86.1% of its population being Australian citizens, born in Australia (87.1%), speaking English only at home (89.4%). Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 36.0%. The 'Other' category appeared overrepresented at 1.2%, compared to 1.1% regionally.

In terms of ancestry, top groups were English (33.0%), Australian (32.9%), and Other (6.4%). Notable divergences included Australian Aboriginal (5.6% vs regional 3.0%), Korean (0.3% vs 0.2%), and Sri Lankan (0.2% vs 0.1%).

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

Rokeby's median age is 31, which is younger than Greater Hobart's figure of 39 and Australia's national average of 38 years. Comparing Rokeby to Greater Hobart, there is a higher proportion of residents aged 35-44 (18.3%) but fewer residents aged 65-74 (7.1%). Between the 2021 Census and present, the 35-44 age group has increased from 13.7% to 18.3%, while the 5-14 cohort has decreased from 14.7% to 13.2% and the 15-24 group has dropped from 12.7% to 11.4%. By 2041, population forecasts suggest significant demographic shifts in Rokeby. The 45-54 age cohort is projected to grow by 91%, adding 764 residents to reach a total of 1,603. Conversely, the 35-44 age group is expected to decrease by 111 residents.