Sandy Bay
Statistical Area - sa2

Sandy Bay has seen population growth performance typically on par with national averages when looking at short and medium term trends

Sandy Bay's population was approximately 12,633 as of November 2025. This figure represents an increase of 307 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 12,326. The growth is inferred from ABS data showing an estimated resident population of 12,605 in June 2024 and 28 validated new addresses after the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1,817 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Sandy Bay's growth rate of 2.5% since the 2021 Census surpassed the SA3 area's growth rate of 2.3%. Overseas migration was the primary driver of population growth in recent periods.

AreaSearch uses 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 estimates by age group, Tasmania State Government's Regional/LGA projections are adopted with adjustments made using weighted aggregation methods from LGA to SA2 levels. Based on projected demographic shifts, Sandy Bay is expected to increase by approximately 1,641 persons to 2041, representing a total increase of about 12.8% over the 17-year period.

The level of residential development activity in Sandy Bay is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch

Sandy Bay has granted around 15 residential property approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling 79 homes. As of FY26, 9 approvals have been recorded. The area's population decline suggests that new supply has likely met demand, offering buyers good choice while developers target premium market segment with higher-end properties at an average construction cost value of $359,000. This financial year, $6.4 million in commercial approvals have been registered, reflecting Sandy Bay's primarily residential nature.

Compared to Greater Hobart, Sandy Bay records significantly lower building activity (55.0% below regional average per person), which typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing dwellings. This is also below national average, indicating the area's maturity and possible planning constraints. New building activity comprises 92.0% standalone homes and 8.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining Sandy Bay's traditional suburban character focused on family homes appealing to those seeking space. The location has approximately 1114 people per dwelling approval, demonstrating an established market with population forecasts indicating a gain of 1,613 residents by 2041. At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially heightening buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Population forecasts indicate Sandy Bay will gain 1,613 residents through to 2041. At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially heightening buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Sandy Bay has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 7thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 13 projects likely to affect the area. Key projects include Queenborough Oval Redevelopment, Sandy Bay Ferry Terminal, Fragrance Group Conservatorium Development, and Grace Residences. The following list details those most relevant:.

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.

AreaSearch analysis reveals Sandy Bay significantly outperforming the majority of regions assessed nationwide

Sandy Bay has a highly educated workforce with essential services sectors well represented. Its unemployment rate is 1.4% as of June 2025.

There are 6,985 residents employed while the unemployment rate is 2.7% lower than Greater Hobart's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation is at par with Greater Hobart's 61.6%. Key industries include health care & social assistance, education & training, and accommodation & food. Notably, employment in accommodation & food is at 1.6 times the regional average.

Conversely, construction shows lower representation at 4.2% compared to the regional average of 8.7%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. Between June 2024 and June 2025, Sandy Bay's labour force decreased by 1.6%, with employment declining by 1.7%, keeping unemployment broadly flat. Greater Hobart saw an employment decline of 1.5% and a labour force decline of 1.6%, with unemployment falling by 0.2 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying rates across industries. Applying these projections to Sandy Bay's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.9% over five years and 14.2% over ten years.

Income levels align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch aggregated the latest postcode-level ATO data released for financial year 2022. Sandy Bay had a median income among taxpayers of $48,701 and an average level of $90,459. Nationally, these figures are extremely high compared to Greater Hobart's median of $51,272 and average of $63,777. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.83% since financial year 2022, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $55,436 (median) and $102,969 (average). According to the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in Sandy Bay cluster around the 62nd percentile nationally. Income distribution shows that 30.0% of the population, equivalent to 3,789 individuals, fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 income range, similar to regional patterns where 32.2% occupy this range. After housing expenses, 86.5% of income remains for other expenses. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 8th decile.

Sandy Bay displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Sandy Bay's dwellings, as per the latest Census, consisted of 68.8% houses and 31.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Hobart metro's 69.2% houses and 30.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Sandy Bay stood at 42.8%, with mortgaged dwellings at 22.1% and rented ones at 35.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,167, higher than Hobart metro's $1,800. The median weekly rent was $419, compared to Hobart metro's $390. Nationally, Sandy Bay's mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $2,167 versus the Australian average of $1,863. Rents in Sandy Bay were substantially above the national figure of $375 at $419.

Sandy Bay features high concentrations of group households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 63.1% of all households, including 23.4% couples with children, 32.6% couples without children, and 5.9% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 36.9%, with lone person households at 28.1% and group households comprising 8.8%. The median household size is 2.4 people, which is larger than the Greater Hobart average of 2.3.

Sandy Bay shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

Sandy Bay's educational attainment is notably higher than broader averages. Among residents aged 15+, 58.5% hold university qualifications, surpassing Tasmania's 25.5% and Australia's 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 31.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (22.2%) and graduate diplomas (4.4%). Vocational pathways account for 17.5%, with advanced diplomas at 9.2% and certificates at 8.3%.

Educational participation is high, with 32.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 12.4% in tertiary, 6.9% in primary, and 6.3% pursuing secondary education. Sandy Bay has a robust network of schools, comprising six institutions educating approximately 2,775 students. These schools demonstrate significant socio-educational advantages and academic achievement (ICSEA: 1128), with three primary and three K-12 schools in the mix.

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

Sandy Bay has 81 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 99 different routes that together facilitate 13,498 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents on average located 162 meters from the nearest transport stop.

On a daily basis, there are an average of 1,928 trips across all routes, which equates to approximately 166 weekly trips per individual stop.

Sandy Bay's residents are extremely healthy with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Analysis shows Sandy Bay's health metrics are robust, with both young and elderly experiencing low rates of common conditions. Private health cover stands at 67%, compared to Greater Hobart's 58.9% and Australia's average of 55.3%. Arthritis and mental health issues are most prevalent, affecting 7.8% and 6.5% respectively; 73.0% report no medical ailments, higher than Greater Hobart's 69.8%.

Sandy Bay has 22.4% residents aged 65+, compared to Greater Hobart's 18.8%. Seniors' health outcomes excel even beyond the general population.

Sandy Bay is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Sandy Bay has a high level of cultural diversity, with 28.3% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 37.3% born overseas. Christianity is the main religion in Sandy Bay, comprising 37.4% of the population. Judaism is overrepresented in Sandy Bay compared to Greater Hobart, making up 0.3% versus 0.2%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (27.7%), Australian (20.5%), and Chinese (11.0%). Korean (0.6%) and Greek (1.6%) are notably overrepresented in Sandy Bay compared to the regional averages of 0.4% and 1.0%, respectively, while Polish is similarly represented at 0.8%.

Sandy Bay's population is slightly older than the national pattern

Sandy Bay has a median age of 38, nearly matching Greater Hobart's figure of 39 and Australia's median age of 38. Compared to the Greater Hobart average, individuals aged 25-34 are over-represented in Sandy Bay at 19.3%, while those aged 5-14 are under-represented at 8.4%. Between 2021 and present, the population aged 15-24 has grown from 12.7% to 14.5%, while the 35-44 age group increased from 10.9% to 12.0%. Conversely, the 45-54 cohort decreased from 10.5% to 9.4%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests significant changes in Sandy Bay's age profile. The 45-54 age group is projected to grow by 701 people (59%), from 1,190 to 1,892. Conversely, both the 25-34 and 35-44 age groups are expected to decrease in numbers.