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This analysis uses ABS Statistical Areas Level 2 (SA2) boundaries, which can materially differ from Suburbs and Localities (SAL) even when sharing similar names.
SA2 boundaries are defined by the Australian Bureau of Statistics and are designed to represent communities for statistical reporting (e.g., census and ERP).
Suburbs and Localities (SAL) represent commonly-used suburb/locality names (postal-style areas) and may use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
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ABS ERP | -- people | --
2021 Census | -- people
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Sorell - Richmond has an estimated 11,118 residents, up from 9,993 at the 2021 Census — a change of 1,125 people, or 11.3%. Growth has averaged 1.9% a year over five years, faster than 75% of areas nationally. 641 new addresses have been validated here since Census night. Interstate and internal migration accounts for 54.7% of that increase. Density is about 30 people per square kilometre. Population is estimated from ABS Estimated Resident Population releases and GNAF address data, re-based from the 2021 Census and updated annually.
Detail
According to the analysis by AreaSearch, the population of Sorell - Richmond stands at approximately 11,118 as of May 2026. This represents a growth of 1,125 individuals (11.3%) relative to the 2021 Census, which documented a population of 9,993 people. This population shift is deduced using the June 2025 ABS estimated resident population of 10,881 combined with 641 validated new addresses recorded since the Census. Such a population size results in a density of 29 persons per square kilometer, which indicates a low-density environment with significant personal space. The 11.3% growth rate observed since the 2021 census outpaced the broader SA4 region (3.9%) as well as Greater Hobart, positioning the area as a primary driver of regional growth.
Demographic expansion was mostly underpinned by interstate migration, which accounted for roughly 54.7% of the total population increase during recent times, though positive gains were also recorded across all other components, including overseas migration and natural increase. Projections from the ABS and Geoscience Australia, published in 2024 with a 2022 baseline, are utilized by AreaSearch for each SA2. In instances where these datasets are unavailable, or to model age cohort trends beyond 2032, population projections from the Tasmania State Government released in 2022 with a 2021 baseline are applied, utilizing a weighted aggregation technique to scale population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Looking ahead, demographic modeling suggests the area will experience population growth exceeding the national median, with a projected increase of 2,288 persons by 2041 relative to the most recent annual ERP statistics, translating to a total growth of 18.4% over the 16 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
659 new dwellings have been approved in Sorell - Richmond over the past five years, an average of 131 a year. That places the area in the 85th percentile for residential development activity nationally, about 12 approvals per 1,000 residents a year. Of the 93 dwellings approved in the latest reporting year, 98% were detached houses and the rest townhouses or apartments. Approvals are currently running at an annualised 107, broadly in line with that longer-run average. Figures come from ABS building approvals aggregated to this SA2 boundary and are updated monthly as the ABS releases them.
Detail
Approximately 131 new residential dwellings have been approved annually in Sorell - Richmond, amounting to a total of 659 homes over the last 5 financial years. Thus far in FY-26, there have been 99 approvals documented. Based on a ratio of 1.5 new residents per constructed dwelling annually over the 5 financial years from FY-21 to FY-25, residential supply is well aligned with demand, fostering stable market conditions, while the average construction cost for new homes stands at $281,000. Additionally, commercial approvals have reached $22.6 million during the current financial year, pointing to persistent commercial investment.
Compared with Greater Hobart, Sorell - Richmond displays a higher volume of new home approvals, running 28.0% above the regional per capita average over the 5 year period, which helps maintain options for buyers while underpinning the value of existing properties. This development rate is substantially higher than the national average, showing strong interest from developers. Standalone houses represent 98.0% of recent construction, with townhouses or apartments making up the remaining 2.0%, thereby preserving the low-density, family-oriented residential environment of the locality. There are approximately 87 people per residential approval, pointing to a growing market profile. Demographic projections indicate that Sorell - Richmond will add 2,051 residents by 2041, based on the latest quarterly calculations from AreaSearch. If current building rates persist, residential supply appears well positioned to satisfy demand, which should support buyers and potentially support growth rates that exceed baseline expectations.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Sorell - Richmond
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| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
|---|
SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks 2 current infrastructure and development projects inside Sorell - Richmond, worth an estimated $214 million. A further 41 sit in the immediately surrounding suburbs, taking the tracked pipeline within reach of the area to $6 billion. 12 are already under construction and 10 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans residential development, communities, precincts & urban renewal and education & training. Records are compiled from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, council planning portals and public announcements, reviewed and updated daily, then ranked by proximity, construction stage, completion horizon and project scale.
Detail
Local infrastructure projects, major planning decisions, and developmental initiatives are key drivers of regional performance. AreaSearch has identified 4 projects that are likely to influence this locality. Prominent projects include the Sorell School Redevelopment, the Brighton to Cambridge Freight Route Study, the Tasman Highway Duplication Project, and the Cambridge-Clarence Recycled Water Interconnector, with details provided for those of greatest local significance.
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Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Tasman Highway Duplication Project
Duplication of the Tasman Highway between Hobart and Sorell, including widening the Midway Point and Sorell Causeways from two to four lanes, and building a second bridge next to McGees Bridge. The project aims to double vehicle capacity, improve safety, and includes shared walking and cycling paths. Currently pending environmental approvals.
Sorell School Redevelopment
A $27 million redevelopment has transformed Sorell School into a modern, unified Kindergarten to Year 12 campus, delivering a combination of new buildings and refurbishment of existing facilities, including a new Child and Family Learning Centre.
Hobart Airport Terminal Expansion Project
Hobart Airport is undertaking a $200 million terminal upgrade to double its footprint, increasing boarding gates, food & beverage, and retail options. It will also allow larger aircraft and direct international flights.
Draft Cambridge Oval Master Plan
A master plan for the redevelopment of the Cambridge Memorial Oval and surrounding area, including new and upgraded soccer and cricket facilities, recreation facilities, a new sports pavilion, indoor gymnasium, and outdoor multi-use hard court for school and community use.
Cambridge Primary School Redevelopment
The Tasmanian Government is undertaking an $18 million redevelopment of Cambridge Primary School, providing additional contemporary learning facilities for students and staff, and traffic and car parking improvements.
Brighton to Cambridge Freight Route Study
A study investigating the feasibility of future freight routes from Brighton to Cambridge, considering current routes, road conditions, and necessary upgrades. Community consultation has closed.
Cambridge-Clarence Recycled Water Interconnector
A $19.1 million investment in southeast Tasmania to provide around 190 megalitres of recycled water per year for agriculture and preserve the health of the Pitt Water-Orielton Lagoon.
Glebe Hill Childcare Centre
Purpose-built early learning centre developed by Tipalea Partners adjacent to Glebe Hill Village. The 106-place centre is operated by Green Leaves Early Learning and commenced operations during 2026, helping address childcare demand in Hobart's south-east.
5,363 residents of Sorell - Richmond are employed, from a labour force of 5,576. Unemployment sits at 3.8%, with participation at 61.5%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 6.1% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth. The working-day population is estimated at 9,979, about 90% of the resident population, so more people leave the area for work than travel in. Unemployment and labour force come from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, updated quarterly; the industry and occupation profile is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
The workforce in Sorell - Richmond is characterized by solid skill levels and strong representation in essential services, alongside an unemployment rate of just 3.8%. In March 2026, employed residents numbered 5,363, and the unemployment rate sat 0.6% below the Greater Hobart average of 4.4%. Workforce participation is slightly lower than the regional baseline, at 61.5% compared to 63.8% in Greater Hobart. According to Census records, a low proportion of residents (10.0%) worked from home, although this figure should be interpreted in the context of pandemic restrictions. The primary employment fields for residents are health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade.
The local workforce is heavily concentrated in construction, showing an employment share 1.4 times higher than the regional average. Conversely, health care & social assistance is underrepresented, employing 14.4% of working residents compared to 17.3% across the region. The relationship between the census working population and the resident population suggests that local job opportunities within the area are somewhat limited. An analysis of SALM and ABS statistics by AreaSearch indicates that in the year ending March 2026, the local labor force expanded by 0.2% while total employment fell by 0.7%, resulting in a 0.9 percentage point rise in unemployment. Over the same timeframe, Greater Hobart saw employment fall by 0.1% and the labor force grow by 0.2%, with unemployment rising by 0.3 percentage points. Employment projections published by Jobs and Skills Australia in May-25 offer additional context regarding future labor demand in Sorell - Richmond. These five and ten-year forecasts have been applied to the local workforce structure to model future patterns. Nationally, employment is projected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with significant variation across different industries. Applying these national sector projections to the employment profile of Sorell - Richmond indicates that local employment is on track to rise by 6.1% over five years and 12.9% over ten years, noting that this is a weighted extrapolation for illustration and does not incorporate local population forecasts.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Sorell - Richmond is $1,439 a week (about $75,000 a year), with median personal income at $738 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $54,113 a year against an average of $60,004. Household income is from the 2021 Census; taxable income is from ATO Taxation Statistics for the latest financial year available, indexed forward using the ABS Wage Price Index.
Detail
According to tax data from the ATO compiled by AreaSearch for the 2023 financial year, income levels in the Sorell - Richmond SA2 fall below the national average. The median taxpayer income in the SA2 is $54,113 and the average income is $60,004, which compares to median and average figures of $54,577 and $65,190 in Greater Hobart. Adjusting for Wage Price Index growth of 10.95% since the 2023 financial year yields estimated figures of approximately $60,038 for median income and $66,574 for average income as of March 2026. Census data shows that personal, family, and household incomes in Sorell - Richmond are modest, falling between the 31st and 36th percentiles nationally.
Looking at income distribution, the $1,500 - 2,999 weekly bracket includes 33.8% of the community (3,757 individuals), which aligns closely with the metropolitan rate of 32.2% in this bracket. Housing affordability presents a major challenge, as residents retain only 84.4% of their income after housing costs, placing the area in the 32nd percentile.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Sorell - Richmond had 3,900 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 96% detached houses and 0% apartments. 42% are owned with a mortgage, 22% rented and 36% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $355 a week and the median mortgage repayment $1,506 a month. Rent absorbs 24.7% of household income here and mortgage repayments 24.2%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
According to the latest Census, the housing stock in Sorell - Richmond consisted of 96.4% separate houses and 3.6% other dwelling types, such as townhouses, apartments, or alternative residences, compared to 85.3% houses and 14.7% other dwellings in metropolitan Hobart. Home ownership in Sorell - Richmond stood at 36.1%, matching the metropolitan average, while the remaining homes were occupied by mortgagors (41.8%) or tenants (22.1%). The median monthly mortgage payment of $1,506 was lower than the Hobart metro median of $1,517, whereas the median weekly rent was $355, slightly above the metropolitan median of $350.
On a national level, mortgage costs in Sorell - Richmond are well below the Australian average of $1,863, and weekly rents are lower than the national benchmark of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Sorell - Richmond counted 3,900 households at the 2021 Census, an estimated 4,339 today, averaging 2.4 people each. 27% are couples with children, against 31% couples without children. 26% of households are people living alone, and families average 1.7 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Families make up the majority of households at 72.4%, consisting of couples with children at 27.2%, couples without children at 31.4%, and single-parent households at 12.6%. Non-family households account for the remaining 27.6%, dominated by single-person households at 25.9%, while group houses represent 1.9%. The median household size stands at 2.4 people, matching the average for Greater Hobart.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
18.8% of adults in Sorell - Richmond hold a university qualification, including 12.8% with a bachelor degree and 4.0% with postgraduate qualifications. A further 31.0% hold a vocational qualification. 4 schools serve the area, with 1,298 enrolment places and an average ICSEA of 985 against a national benchmark of 1,000. Qualifications come from the 2021 Census; school enrolments, ICSEA and results come from ACARA's current release.
Detail
Educational outcomes in the area show room for improvement, as the university qualification rate of 18.8% is notably lower than the SA4 regional average of 32.8%. This gap highlights a key area for targeted educational programs. Among residents with higher education, bachelor degrees are the most common at 12.8%, followed by postgraduate degrees at 4.0% and graduate diplomas at 2.0%. Vocational training is highly prevalent, with 41.3% of residents aged 15+ holding qualifications, consisting of advanced diplomas at 10.3% and certificates at 31.0%. Enrolment in education is strong, with 25.7% of the local population actively participating in study.
Of this cohort, 10.8% are in primary school, 6.6% are attending secondary school, and 2.9% are enrolled in tertiary programs.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Getting around Sorell - Richmond means driving: households keep an average of 1.7 vehicles, and scheduled services reach only a handful of stops. Service data is built from operators' published GTFS timetables; vehicle ownership is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Public transport options include 2 active transit stops in Sorell - Richmond, which are serviced by a combination of buses. There are 5 distinct routes operating across these stops, delivering a total of 1,244 weekly passenger trips. Transport access is classified as limited, with residents living an average of 3851 meters from the nearest stop. The area is predominantly residential, leading to a high rate of outward commuting, with cars being the primary mode of transport for 94% of workers. Household vehicle ownership averages 1.7 cars per dwelling, which is above the regional average.
A small proportion of residents (10.0%) worked from home according to the 2021 Census, which may have been influenced by pandemic conditions. Service frequency across all routes averages 177 trips daily, which translates to approximately 622 weekly trips at each active stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
61.4% of residents in Sorell - Richmond report no long-term health condition, a less healthy profile than 78% of areas nationally. 7.4% need daily assistance with core activities, and 48.9% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 5.7 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
An assessment of mortality rates and the prevalence of chronic illnesses by AreaSearch highlights significant health difficulties in Sorell - Richmond, with common medical conditions affecting both younger and older residents, alongside a very low private health insurance rate of roughly 49% of the population (~5,436 people). In comparison, private coverage stands at 51.7% in Greater Hobart and 55.7% nationally. The most prevalent health issues in the locality are arthritis, affecting 11.8% of residents, and mental health conditions, affecting 10.1%. Meanwhile, 61.4% of residents reported having no chronic medical conditions, compared to 65.5% in Greater Hobart.
Chronic illness rates are elevated among the working-age cohort. Residents aged 65 and over make up 23.5% of the population (2,610 people), which is higher than the Greater Hobart level of 20.0%. Senior health outcomes present some challenges, with national rankings aligning closely with the general population.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Sorell - Richmond is largely Australian-born, at 87.6% of residents, with 5.2% speaking a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are English (35.6%) and Australian (32.4%). Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Cultural diversity in Sorell - Richmond is relatively low, with 87.6% of residents born in Australia, 91.0% holding citizenship, and 94.8% speaking only English at home. Christianity is the dominant religion, practiced by 46.3% of the population. The most notable difference in religious affiliation is in the Other category, which accounts for 0.8% of residents compared to 1.1% across Greater Hobart. With respect to parental countries of birth, the primary ancestries represented in Sorell - Richmond are English at 35.6%, Australian at 32.4%, and Irish at 8.2%. There are also distinct proportional variations for other groups, with Australian Aboriginal ancestry at 2.7% of the population (compared to 3.0% regionally), Welsh at 0.5% (compared to 0.5% regionally), and Dutch at 1.2% (compared to 1.5% regionally).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Sorell - Richmond is 42. 22.3% of residents are aged 15 to 34. Age cohorts are not raw Census counts: the Census split is re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections.
Detail
Sorell - Richmond has a median age of 42, which is higher than the Greater Hobart median of 39 and exceeds the national average of 38. The 75 - 84 age cohort is highly represented at 8.6% compared to Greater Hobart, while the 25 - 34 bracket is less common at 13.0%. Since the 2021 Census, the 35 to 44 age cohort has increased from 12.2% to 14.0% of the population, and the 75 to 84 cohort has risen from 7.0% to 8.6%, while the 45 to 54 cohort has decreased from 11.7% to 10.7%.
Long-term projections indicate that the age structure will change significantly by 2041. The 45 to 54 cohort is expected to grow by 52% (618 people), rising to 1,806 from 1,187. The aging trend is pronounced, with residents aged 65+ accounting for 52% of the projected population growth, while the 35 to 44 cohort is projected to shrink by 241 people.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Sorell - Richmond
9 of 14 data sections on this page were updated within the last 12 months — the newest current to Aug 2026.
Everything is aggregated to the SA2 boundary shown above, on a 2021 Census baseline. Only 3 sections — housing, households and cultural diversity — still wait on the 2026 Census.
The ledger — source, cycle and currency by section
| Section | Source & update cycle | Currency |
|---|---|---|
| Updated within the last 12 months 9 sections | ||
| Population | ABS, GNAF, Geoscience Australia Annual (ABS ERP) | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release) and updated with new dwellings from GNAF address data. Current to May 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to May 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Jun 2026 2 months ago headline measures · May 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Aug 2026 this month all 21 measures |
| Sales from the state Valuer General register, refreshed weekly, and rents from quarterly rental bond lodgements. Both are read live each time this page loads, current to Aug 2026. | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, State agencies, Local governments Daily | Jun 2026 2 months ago all 2 projects tracked here |
| Project pipeline maintained continuously from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, local government and public announcements. Records are added and revised daily; this area was last updated Jun 2026. | ||
| Employment | ABS, DEWR, JSA Quarterly (ABS SALM) | Mar 2026 5 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Unemployment and labour force from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, current to Mar 2026. The growth outlook applies Department of Employment (now Jobs and Skills Australia) forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to the local industry mix, so it measures sector composition rather than local expansion and makes no allowance for population growth. Job demand comes from the same agency via its Internet Vacancy Index; industry and occupation structure from the 2021 Census. | ||
| Education | ABS, ACARA Annual (ACARA) | Aug 2026 this month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Jul 2026 last month all 14 measures |
| Annual and financial-year sources 2 sections | ||
| Income | ABS, ATO Annual (ATO) | FY 2023 3 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| ATO taxable income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index. Census household income provides the distribution detail. | ||
| Health | ABS, ATO Annual | 2024 2 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Census-measured — next update: 2026 Census 3 sections No more current small-area source exists for these, so they are labelled as Census-measured rather than implied to be current. | ||
| Housing | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 30 measures |
| Households | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 18 measures |
| Cultural diversity | ABS, Geoscience Australia 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 44 measures |
"Currency" is the most recent release feeding that section. Where the Census supplies the structural baseline underneath a current headline figure, the row says so.
How the numbers are built
Population
The Census provides the small-area baseline, aggregated from mesh blocks to this boundary. It is then re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release), and new dwellings built since Census night are counted from address data — 641 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for May 2026, not a 2021 count (9,993 at the 2021 Census → 11,118 now). Annual growth rates are compound (CAGR), not simple averages.
Age profile
Cohort shares are not raw Census counts. Every cohort is held as a pair — the Census baseline and a current estimate — and the split is re-based using ERP and state population projections, current to May 2026. Median age is the Census median plus modelled change since. Charts that show both are labelled "2021 Census vs Current Estimate".
Property sales
Sourced from the state valuation authority's sales register — current, not Census, and refreshed weekly. Medians are calculated from settled transactions in the period shown; periods with very low transaction counts are flagged or suppressed, because a handful of sales can move a median substantially.
Rents
Derived from state rental bond lodgement data, by dwelling type and bedroom count. Bonds are lodged at the start of a new tenancy, so this reflects new lettings, not the whole rented stock.
Development & infrastructure
Building approvals come from current ABS releases; development applications are collected from council and state planning portals; the infrastructure pipeline is compiled from Infrastructure Australia and local government sources. Applications are matched to this boundary by address or coordinates, so very recent lodgements may not yet appear.
Employment & income
Industry and occupation structure comes from the Census, but the headline labour-market indicators do not. Unemployment and labour force are derived from ABS Small Area Labour Markets (quarterly). The employment outlook applies Department of Employment forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to this area's own industry mix (the agency is now Jobs and Skills Australia), as does the Internet Vacancy Index used for job demand. Because it is weighted on industry composition alone, that outlook carries no allowance for local population growth — in fast-growing areas the real rise in local jobs will typically be higher. Income combines Census household income with ATO taxable-income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index.
Education, transport & amenities
School enrolments, ICSEA and performance come from ACARA's current release, not the Census. Public transport stops and service frequency are derived from GTFS timetable feeds published by state transport departments. Services and amenities are proximity and count scores built from provider directories, refreshed on their own cycle. The Census contributes only the travel-to-work and qualification measures.
Rankings and benchmarks. Where we rank this area, the comparison set is every area of the same boundary type — suburbs against suburbs, SA2s against SA2s. Benchmarks compare this area against its greater capital city region and the national figure for the same measure and period.
Limits worth knowing. Small areas carry larger error margins, and the ABS introduces small random adjustments to Census counts to protect confidentiality — so totals may not sum exactly. Estimates re-based from regional data describe the area's expected trajectory, not a direct count of it. Figures are indicative for research and are not financial, planning or valuation advice.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (601061035). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.