South Launceston
Statistical Area - sa2

An assessment of population growth drivers in South Launceston reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

South Launceston's population, as of November 2025, is approximately 4,899. This figure reflects a growth of 53 individuals since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 4,846. The increase is inferred from the estimated resident population of 4,880 in June 2024 and an additional 24 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1,762 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. South Launceston's growth rate of 1.1% since the census places it within 2.8 percentage points of the SA3 area (3.9%), indicating competitive growth fundamentals. 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 to estimate post-2032 growth by age group, Tasmania State Government's Regional/LGA projections are adopted, released in 2022 with a base year of 2021, adjusted using a method of weighted aggregation from LGA to SA2 levels. Based on the latest population numbers, South Launceston is expected to increase by approximately 280 persons to 2041, reflecting an overall increase of about 5.3% over the 17-year period.

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

South Launceston has received approximately 10 dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling 54 homes. As of FY26, four approvals have been recorded. The area's population decline suggests that new supply is likely meeting demand, providing good options for buyers, with new properties valued at an average of $241,000. This year has seen $10.2 million in commercial approvals, indicating moderate commercial development.

Compared to the Rest of Tasmania, South Launceston has significantly lower building activity, 51.0% below the regional average per person, which typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing dwellings. This is also below national averages, possibly due to planning constraints or market maturity. New developments consist of 88.0% detached houses and 12.0% attached dwellings, maintaining the area's suburban character focused on family homes. Notably, developers are constructing more detached housing than previously indicated (72.0% at Census), reflecting strong demand for family homes despite densification trends. With around 657 people per dwelling approval, South Launceston reflects a mature market.

Future projections estimate an increase of 261 residents by 2041, suggesting that current construction rates are balanced with future demand, maintaining steady market conditions without excessive price pressure.

South Launceston has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 12thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified five projects likely to impact the area. Key projects include Launceston Hospice, Northern Heart Centre, Greater Launceston Water Improvements, and Launceston General Hospital Redevelopment. The following list details those most relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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While South Launceston retains a healthy unemployment rate of 3.2%, recent employment declines have impacted its national performance ranking

South Launceston has a highly educated workforce with prominent representation in essential services sectors. As of June 2025, the unemployment rate is 3.2%.

This rate is 0.7% lower than the Rest of Tas.'s rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation stands at 63.9%, exceeding the Rest of Tas.'s figure of 55.7%. Residents are primarily employed in health care & social assistance, retail trade, and education & training. The area has a notable concentration in health care & social assistance, with employment levels at 1.4 times the regional average.

Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing shows lower representation at 1.6% compared to the regional average of 8.4%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. Over the period June 2025 - July 2025, labour force decreased by 1.5%, employment declined by 1.4%, leading to a fall in unemployment rate by 0.2 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Tas. saw employment contraction by 0.5%, labour force fall by 0.6%, and marginal unemployment decrease. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 project national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to South Launceston's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 7.0%% over five years and 14.5% over ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes only.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows South Launceston had a median taxpayer income of $51,428 and an average of $59,441. This is lower than the national average. In comparison, Rest of Tas.'s median was $47,358 with an average of $57,384. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.83% since financial year 2022, estimated median income as of September 2025 would be approximately $58,540 and the average $67,662. Census data indicates personal income ranks at the 42nd percentile ($766 weekly) and household income at the 26th percentile. The earnings profile shows the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket dominates with 30.9% of residents (1,513 people). Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 83.5% of income remaining, ranking at the 26th percentile.

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

The dwelling structure in South Launceston, as per the latest Census, consisted of 71.8% houses and 28.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro Tas.'s 82.1% houses and 17.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in South Launceston stood at 24.1%, with the rest being mortgaged (30.3%) or rented (45.6%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,290, below Non-Metro Tas.'s average of $1,300. The median weekly rent was $300, compared to Non-Metro Tas.'s $280. Nationally, South Launceston's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

South Launceston features high concentrations of lone person households and group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 57.3% of all households, including 21.6% couples with children, 23.7% couples without children, and 10.6% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 42.7%, with lone person households at 36.7% and group households comprising 5.9%. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is smaller than the Rest of Tas. average of 2.3.

Educational attainment in South Launceston aligns closely with national averages, showing typical qualification patterns and performance metrics

South Launceston's educational attainment is notably high, with 31.1% of residents aged 15 and above holding university qualifications, compared to 19.3% in the rest of Tasmania and 21.7% in the SA4 region. Bachelor degrees are most common at 20.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (7.7%) and graduate diplomas (2.6%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 31.6% of residents holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas account for 8.7% and certificates for 22.9%. Educational participation is high, with 28.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.1% in primary education, 5.9% in tertiary education, and 5.5% pursuing secondary education.

Glen Dhu Primary School and John Calvin School serve the area, collectively enrolling 469 students. The area has balanced educational opportunities with an ICSEA score of 1025. There is one primary school and one K-12 school in the mix. However, school places per 100 residents (9.6) are below the regional average (18.4), suggesting some students may attend schools in nearby areas.

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

Transport analysis shows 32 active stops operating in South Launceston, serving a mix of bus routes. These stops are covered by 122 individual routes, collectively offering 9,333 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 186 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 1,333 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 291 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in South Launceston is well below average with considerably higher than average prevalence of common health conditions and to an even higher degree among older age cohorts

South Launceston faces significant health challenges, with a higher prevalence of common health conditions compared to averages. Among older age cohorts, this prevalence is even higher.

Approximately half (50%) of South Launceston's total population (~2,425 people) has private health cover, lower than the national average of 55.3%. Mental health issues and arthritis are the most prevalent conditions in the area, affecting 11.2% and 10.1% of residents respectively. Conversely, 64.8% of residents report no medical ailments, slightly higher than the Rest of Tas. figure of 63.9%. South Launceston has a lower proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 16.0% (785 people) compared to Rest of Tas.'s 19.9%. However, health outcomes among seniors require more attention than the broader population.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in South Launceston was found to be above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

South Launceston, as per the data, exhibited above-average cultural diversity with 19.6% of its population born overseas and 13.8% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was found to be the predominant religion in South Launceston, comprising 35.7% of the population. Notably, Hinduism showed an overrepresentation in South Launceston with 4.0%, compared to the regional average of 2.5%.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English at 31.5%, Australian at 28.1%, and Other at 9.1%. Some ethnic groups showed notable differences: Dutch was overrepresented at 1.4% (regional average is 2.0%), Irish at 8.5% (vs regional 7.2%), and Sri Lankan at 0.2% (regional average is 0.1%).

South Launceston's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

The median age in South Launceston is 35 years, which is lower than the Rest of Tas.'s average of 45 and also lower than the national average of 38 years. The age profile shows that those aged 25-34 are particularly prominent, making up 21.2% of the population, while those aged 65-74 make up only 7.2%. This concentration of young adults is well above the national average of 14.5%. Between 2021 and present, the proportion of 25 to 34-year-olds has increased from 19.1% to 21.2%, while those aged 35 to 44 have increased from 13.3% to 15.1%. Conversely, the proportion of 15 to 24-year-olds has declined from 12.1% to 10.1%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections show significant shifts in South Launceston's age structure. The 45 to 54 age cohort is projected to increase by 112 people (22%) from 500 to 613. Conversely, both the 55 to 64 and 35 to 44 age groups are expected to see reduced numbers.