Southern Midlands

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

Southern Midlands' population is approximately 7,111 as of February 2026. This figure represents an increase of 436 people, a 6.5% rise from the 2021 Census which recorded a population of 6,675. The growth was inferred from ABS's estimated resident population of 6,981 in June 2024 and an additional 221 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 2.7 persons per square kilometer. Southern Midlands' growth rate exceeded both the state's (5.3%) and SA3 area's during this period, marking it as a regional growth leader. Natural growth contributed approximately 47.2% to overall population gains recently, with all drivers including interstate migration and overseas migration being positive factors.

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, Tasmania State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2022 with a base year of 2021 are adopted and adjusted using weighted aggregation from LGA to SA2 levels. Projections indicate an overall population decline by 273 persons by 2041. However, specific age cohorts like the 75 to 84 group are expected to grow by 239 people during this period.

AreaSearch assessment of residential approval activity sees Southern Midlands among the top 30% of areas assessed nationwide

Southern Midlands has seen approximately 46 dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling 232 homes. As of FY-26, there have been 25 approvals recorded. Each dwelling built has led to an average of 2.2 new residents per year between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating strong demand that supports property values. New homes are being constructed at an average cost of $256,000.

This financial year has seen $16.5 million in commercial approvals, reflecting moderate levels of commercial development. Compared to the Rest of Tas., Southern Midlands has slightly more development activity, with 32.0% above the regional average per person over the past five years. This preserves reasonable buyer options while sustaining existing property demand.

All recent developments have been detached houses, maintaining the area's traditional low-density character and appealing to those seeking family homes with space. With around 140 people per approval, Southern Midlands reflects a low-density area. Given stable or declining population forecasts, it may experience less housing pressure in the future, creating favourable conditions for buyers.

Southern Midlands has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 42ndth percentile nationally

The performance of an area can significantly influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified a total of 17 projects that are expected to impact the area. Notable projects include Ted Jeffries Memorial Park Upgrade, Jordan River Learning Federation School Farm Upgrade, Brighton Town Square Development, and Federal Government Growth Precinct Infrastructure Program - Brighton South. The following list provides details on those projects likely to be most relevant.

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

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Employment performance in Southern Midlands has been broadly consistent with national averages

Southern Midlands has a diverse workforce with both white and blue collar jobs, prominently featuring manufacturing and industrial sectors. Its unemployment rate stands at 2.6%. As of September 2025, 3,223 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.2% lower than Rest of Tas.'s 3.8%.

Workforce participation is slightly below average at 56.3%, compared to Rest of Tas.'s 58.6%. According to Census data, a low 11.5% of residents work from home. Dominant employment sectors include agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and construction. The area specializes in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with an employment share 1.8 times the regional level.

Conversely, accommodation & food services have lower representation at 4.1% versus the regional average of 7.7%. Local employment opportunities may be limited, as indicated by the ratio of working population to resident population. Over the year to September 2025, labour force levels decreased by 2.2%, and employment fell by 1.8%, leading to a 0.4 percentage point drop in unemployment rate. In contrast, Rest of Tas. saw employment rise by 0.7% and unemployment fall by 0.2 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project overall employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Southern Midlands' employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.6% over five years and 12.1% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch

Southern Midlands SA2's median income in financial year 2023 was $49,787, below the national average. The average income stood at $54,989. In contrast, Rest of Tas.'s median income was $49,689 with an average of $59,358. Based on a 9.6% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $54,567 (median) and $60,268 (average). Census data shows Southern Midlands' household, family, and personal incomes all fall between the 21st and 22nd percentiles nationally. The income bracket of $1,500 - 2,999 captures 31.2% of the community (2,218 individuals), similar to regional levels at 28.5%. Housing costs are modest with 87.2% of income retained, but total disposable income ranks at just the 27th percentile nationally.

Southern Midlands is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

Southern Midlands' dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 98.5% houses and 1.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro Tas.'s 89.9% houses and 10.1% other dwellings. The home ownership rate in Southern Midlands was 41.1%, aligning with Non-Metro Tas., with mortgaged dwellings at 45.4% and rented ones at 13.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,300, higher than Non-Metro Tas.'s average of $1,274. The median weekly rent figure was $250, equal to Non-Metro Tas.'s figure. Nationally, Southern Midlands' mortgage repayments were lower at $1,300 compared to the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were also lower at $250 against the national figure of $375.

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

Family households comprise 73.8% of all households, including 29.7% couples with children, 32.5% couples without children, and 10.7% single parent families. Non-family households account for 26.2%, with lone person households at 24.5% and group households comprising 1.9%. The median household size is 2.5 people, larger than the Rest of Tas. average of 2.3.

Southern Midlands faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area's university qualification rate is 11.6%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 8.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.9%) and graduate diplomas (1.1%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 39.8% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (8.4%) and certificates (31.4%). Educational participation is high at 27.1%, with 11.7% in primary education, 7.7% in secondary education, and 2.2% pursuing tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 27.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.7% in primary education, 7.7% in secondary education, and 2.2% pursuing tertiary education.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

Health performance in Southern Midlands is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Southern Midlands faces significant health challenges, according to AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are high among both younger and older age cohorts. Private health cover is very low at approximately 47% of the total population (~3,327 people), compared to 49.1% across Rest of Tas., and the national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 11.6% and 9.7% of residents respectively. 62.5% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 62.0% across Rest of Tas.. The working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. As of 20XX (the exact year should be preserved), the area has 21.8% of residents aged 65 and over (1,552 people), which is lower than Rest of Tas.'s 24.9%, but national rankings are even higher than the general population.

The latest Census data sees Southern Midlands placing among the least culturally diverse areas in the country when compared across a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Southern Midlands was found to have below average cultural diversity, with 91.0% of its population being citizens and 93.4% born in Australia. The majority spoke English only at home, at 98.5%. Christianity is the main religion in Southern Midlands, making up 50.9% of people, compared to 43.0% across Rest of Tas..

In terms of ancestry, Australian was the top group at 36.7%, followed by English at 36.3% and Irish at 7.3%. Notably, Australian Aboriginal is overrepresented in Southern Midlands at 4.9%, compared to 4.1% regionally.

Southern Midlands hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

Southern Midlands has a median age of 44, which is comparable to the Rest of Tasmania's figure of 45 but significantly higher than the national norm of 38. The age group of 55-64 shows strong representation at 15.5%, compared to Rest of Tasmania's figure. However, the 75-84 cohort is less prevalent at 7.0%. According to post-2021 Census data, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 5.5% to 7.0% of the population. Conversely, the 45 to 54 age group has declined from 13.7% to 12.2%. By 2041, Southern Midlands is expected to see notable shifts in its age composition. The 75 to 84 age group is projected to grow by 36%, reaching 673 people from 494. This growth will contribute significantly to the overall aging population dynamic, with those aged 65 and above comprising 71% of the projected growth. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 0 to 4 and 65 to 74 age cohorts.