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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Southern Midlands's population is around 7,111 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 436 people (6.5%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6,675 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 6,981 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 221 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 2.7 persons per square kilometer, providing ample space per person. Southern Midlands's 6.5% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the state (5.3%) and the SA3 area, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by natural growth, which contributed approximately 47.2% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including interstate migration and overseas migration were positive factors.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and to estimate growth by age group in the years post-2032, the Tasmania State Government's Regional/LGA projections, released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year, are adopted with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Considering the projected demographic shifts, projections indicate a decline in overall population, with the area's population expected to shrink by 273 persons by 2041 according to this methodology. However, growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, led by the 75 to 84 age group, which is projected to grow by 239 people. See the age section for more details.

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

Southern Midlands has experienced around 46 dwellings receiving development approval per year, totalling 232 homes over the past 5 financial years. So far in FY-26, 27 approvals have been recorded. With an average of 2.2 new residents per year gained for each dwelling built over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), reflecting robust demand that underpins property values, new homes are being built at an average value of $256,000. There have also been $16.5 million in commercial approvals this financial year, demonstrating moderate levels of commercial development.

Compared to the Rest of Tas., Southern Midlands has slightly more development (32.0% above regional average per person over the 5 year period), preserving reasonable buyer options while sustaining existing property demand. Further, recent development has been entirely comprised of detached houses, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. At around 140 people per approval, Southern Midlands reflects a low density area.

Given stable or declining population forecasts, Southern Midlands may experience less housing pressure, creating favourable conditions for buyers.

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

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 17 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the Ted Jeffries Memorial Park Upgrade, Jordan River Learning Federation School Farm Upgrade, Brighton Town Square Development, and the Federal Government Growth Precinct Infrastructure Program - Brighton South, with the below list detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

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.

Employment conditions in Southern Midlands demonstrate strong performance, ranking among the top 35% of areas assessed nationally

Southern Midlands possesses a balanced workforce spanning white and blue collar employment, with manufacturing and industrial sectors strongly represented, an unemployment rate of just 2.5%, and 5.1% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 3,332 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 1.3% below Regional Tas.'s rate of 3.8%, and workforce participation is broadly similar to Regional Tas.'s 58.9%. Based on Census responses, a low 11.5% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Employment among residents is concentrated in agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and construction. The area has particular employment specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with an employment share of 1.8 times the regional level. In contrast, accommodation & food employs just 4.1% of local workers, below Regional Tas.'s 7.7%. The area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, over the 12 months to December 2025, employment increased by 5.1% while labour force increased by 4.0%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 1.0 percentage points. This compares to Regional Tas., where employment grew by 1.8%, labour force expanded by 1.5%, and unemployment fell 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Southern Midlands. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Southern Midlands's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.6% over five years and 12.1% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

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

As per AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released for FY-23, the Southern Midlands SA2's median income among taxpayers is $49,787, with an average of $54,989. This is lower than average on a national basis, and compares to Regional Tas.'s median of $49,689 and average of $59,358. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.6% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $54,567 (median) and $60,268 (average) as of September 2025. According to 2021 Census figures, household, family and personal incomes in Southern Midlands all fall between the 21st and 22nd percentiles nationally. Distribution data shows the predominant cohort spans 31.2% of locals (2,218 people) in the $1,500 - 2,999 category, aligning with regional levels where this cohort likewise represents 28.5%. While housing costs are modest with 87.2% of income retained, the 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

Dwelling structure within Southern Midlands, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 98.5% houses and 1.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Regional Tas.'s 89.9% houses and 10.1% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Southern Midlands was in line with that of Regional Tas., at 41.1%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (45.4%) or rented (13.5%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was above the Regional Tas. average at $1,300, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $250, compared to Regional Tas.'s $1,274 and $250. Nationally, Southern Midlands's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households dominate at 73.8% of all households, comprising 29.7% couples with children, 32.5% couples without children, and 10.7% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 26.2%, with lone person households at 24.5% and group households comprising 1.9% of the total. The median household size of 2.5 people is larger than the Regional 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 faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (11.6%) substantially below the Australian average of 30.4%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 8.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.9%) and graduate diplomas (1.1%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 39.8% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (8.4%) and certificates (31.4%).

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, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions are somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is very low at approximately 47% of the total population (~3,327 people). This compares to 49.1% across Regional Tas. The national average is 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, while 62.5% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 62.0% across Regional Tas. The working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 21.8% of residents aged 65 and over (1,552 people), which is lower than the 24.9% in Regional Tas., with national rankings 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 be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 91.0% of its population being citizens, 93.4% born in Australia, and 98.5% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Southern Midlands is Christianity, which makes up 50.9% of people in Southern Midlands. This compares to 43.0% across Regional Tas..

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Southern Midlands are Australian, comprising 36.7% of the population, English, comprising 36.3% of the population, and Irish, comprising 7.3% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Australian Aboriginal is notably overrepresented at 4.9% of Southern Midlands (vs 4.1% regionally).

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

With a median age of 44, Southern Midlands is comparable to the Regional Tas. figure of 45, though significantly higher than the national norm of 38. The 55 - 64 age group shows strong representation at 15.5% compared to Regional Tas., whereas the 75 - 84 cohort is less prevalent at 7.0%. Post-2021 Census data shows the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 5.5% to 7.0% of the population. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 13.7% to 12.2%. By 2041, Southern Midlands is expected to see notable shifts in its age composition. Leading the demographic shift, the 75 to 84 group will grow by 36% (178 people), reaching 673 from 494. The aging population dynamic is clear, with those 65+ comprising 71% of projected growth. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 0 to 4 and 65 to 74 cohorts.