St Helens - Scamander
Statistical Area - sa2

An assessment of population growth drivers in St Helens - Scamander reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, St Helens - Scamander's population is around 7280 as of Aug 2025. This reflects an increase of 524 people (7.8%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6756 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 7162 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 244 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 2.2 persons per square kilometer, providing ample space per person. St Helens - Scamander's growth of 7.8% since the 2021 census exceeded the state average of 4.5%, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth was primarily driven by interstate migration contributing approximately 76.2% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data and to estimate growth by age group post-2032, Tasmania State Government's Regional/LGA projections are adopted with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. According to these projections, over this period, there is an expected decline in overall population, with the area's population projected to shrink by 457 persons by 2041. However, specific age cohorts are anticipated to grow, led by the 75 to 84 age group, which is projected to expand by 304 people.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions St Helens - Scamander among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

St Helens - Scamander has averaged approximately 50 new dwelling approvals annually. Development approval data is produced by the Australian Bureau of Statistics on a financial year basis, totalling 252 approvals across the past five financial years from FY-21 to FY-25, with an additional 10 approvals in FY-26 so far. Over these five years, each dwelling built has resulted in an average of 2.6 new residents annually, indicating robust demand that supports property values. New homes are being constructed at an average expected cost of $348,000, aligning with regional trends.

This financial year has seen $4.1 million in commercial approvals, reflecting the area's primarily residential nature. Compared to the Rest of Tasmania, St Helens - Scamander exhibits comparable development activity per person, maintaining market balance consistent with the broader region. Recent development has consisted entirely of detached dwellings, preserving the area's traditional low-density character and appealing to those seeking family homes with space.

With around 160 people per dwelling approval, St Helens - Scamander displays characteristics of a growth area. However, given that population is expected to remain stable or decline, pressure on housing should be reduced, potentially presenting opportunities for buyers in the future.

St Helens - Scamander has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 11thth percentile nationally

No factors influence a region's performance more than alterations to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has pinpointed zero projects expected to impact this area. Key projects include Bass Offshore Wind Energy Project, Tasmanian Irrigation Schemes: Tranche 3, Cethana Pumped Hydro Energy Storage Project, and Marinus Link. The following list details those most pertinent.

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

Employment conditions in St Helens - Scamander face significant challenges, ranking among the bottom 10% of areas assessed nationally

St Helens - Scamander has a balanced workforce with both white and blue collar jobs, diverse sector representation, and an unemployment rate of 6.7% as of June 2025. The area has 2,673 residents in work, with an unemployment rate 2.7% higher than the Rest of Tas.'s rate of 3.9%.

Workforce participation is lower at 42.8%, compared to Rest of Tas.'s 55.7%. Major employment sectors include health care & social assistance, accommodation & food, and retail trade. The area specializes in accommodation & food, with an employment share 1.5 times the regional level. However, health care & social assistance employs only 14.2% of local workers, below Rest of Tas.'s 16.5%.

Employment opportunities appear limited locally, indicated by the difference between Census working population and resident population. Over a 12-month period ending June 2025, labour force decreased by 1.5%, employment declined by 1.3%, leading to a fall in unemployment of 0.2 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Tas. saw an employment decline of 0.5% and labour force decline of 0.6%. Statewide, Tasmania's employment grew by 0.77% year-on-year (adding 1,170 jobs) to September 2025, with the state unemployment rate at 4.3%, outperforming the national average of 0.26%. National employment forecasts from May 2025 project a growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to St Helens - Scamander's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 5.9% over five years and 12.6% over ten years.

Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year ending June 2022 shows that St Helens - Scamander had a median income of $37,067 and an average income of $47,898. In comparison, Rest of Tas. had a median income of $47,358 and an average income of $57,384 during the same period. Based on Wage Price Index growth from financial year ending June 2022 to March 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $41,493 (median) and $53,617 (average). According to the Census conducted in August 2021, St Helens - Scamander's household, family, and personal incomes all fell within the 1st to 3rd percentiles nationally. Income distribution data shows that 36.5% of residents earned between $400 and $799 weekly (2,657 residents), unlike the surrounding region where the majority earn between $1,500 and $2,999 per week at 28.5%. With 48.3% earning under $800 per week, this suburb faces income constraints affecting local spending patterns. Despite modest housing costs with 87.2% of income retained, total disposable income ranks at just the 3rd percentile nationally.

St Helens - Scamander is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

The dwelling structure in St Helens - Scamander, as per the latest Census, consisted of 91.9% houses and 8.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro Tas.'s 92.6% houses and 7.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in St Helens - Scamander was at 56.5%, with the remaining dwellings either mortgaged (23.2%) or rented (20.3%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,083, lower than Non-Metro Tas.'s average of $1,198. The median weekly rent figure stood at $240, compared to Non-Metro Tas.'s $230. Nationally, St Helens - Scamander's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

St Helens - Scamander features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households comprise 62.1% of all households, including 16.7% couples with children, 36.2% couples without children, and 8.5% single parent families. Non-family households make up 37.9%, consisting of 36.0% lone person households and 2.0% group households. The median household size is 2.0 people, smaller than the Rest of Tas. average of 2.3.

St Helens - Scamander faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area's university qualification rate is 16.7%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. This indicates a need for targeted educational initiatives to improve outcomes. Bachelor degrees are the most common, with 11.9% of residents holding them, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 3.0% and graduate diplomas at 1.8%. Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 40.3% of residents aged 15 and above possessing them.

Advanced diplomas account for 9.7%, while certificates make up 30.6%. A significant 21.2% of the population is actively engaged in formal education. This includes 10.0% in primary, 5.5% in secondary, and 1.8% in tertiary education. The three schools in St Helens - Scamander have a combined enrollment of 721 students. All three offer integrated K-12 education for academic continuity. Note: for schools with 'n/a' enrolment data, please refer to the parent campus.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

Health performance in St Helens - Scamander is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

St Helens-Scamander faces significant health challenges with various conditions affecting both younger and older age groups. Approximately 46% (~3,348 people) have private health cover, lower than Rest of Tas.'s 49.4% and Australia's national average of 55.3%. The most prevalent medical issues are arthritis (14.2%) and mental health problems (9.8%), with 57.3% reporting no medical ailments compared to Rest of Tas.'s 60.6%.

The area has a higher proportion of residents aged 65 and over, at 34.0% (2,475 people), than Rest of Tas.'s 27.6%.

St Helens - Scamander is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

St Helens-Scamander, as per the census conducted on 29 August 2016, exhibited lower cultural diversity with 89.4% of its population being Australian citizens, 85.7% born in Australia, and 96.7% speaking English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 43.0% of the population. Notably, the 'Other' category constituted 0.7%, slightly higher than the regional average of 0.5%.

The top three ancestry groups were English (36.6%), Australian (30.0%), and Scottish (8.7%). Certain ethnic groups showed notable differences: Welsh at 0.6% compared to 0.4% regionally, Australian Aboriginal at 3.0%, matching the regional figure, and French at 0.5% versus 0.3%.

St Helens - Scamander ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

St Helens - Scamander has a median age of 56, which is significantly higher than the Rest of Tas. figure of 45 and Australia's national average of 38 years. The age group of 65-74 shows strong representation at 20.2%, compared to Rest of Tas., while the 25-34 cohort is less prevalent at 6.3%. This concentration in the 65-74 age group is well above the national figure of 9.4%. Between January 2021 and December 2021, the 75 to 84 age group grew from 9.5% to 11.3%, while the 35 to 44 cohort increased from 9.5% to 10.7%. Conversely, the 55 to 64 cohort declined from 20.1% to 18.1%. Demographic modeling suggests that by 2041, St Helens - Scamander's age profile will evolve significantly. Leading this demographic shift, the 75 to 84 group is projected to grow by 32%, reaching 1,084 from 824. This growth is primarily due to demographic aging, as residents aged 65 and older represent 83% of anticipated population growth. Conversely, both the 0 to 4 and 15 to 24 age groups are expected to see reduced numbers.