Waratah

Waratah is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

According to the analysis by AreaSearch, the population of Waratah is approximately 3,992 as of May 2026. This represents a growth of 149 people (3.9%) from the 3,843 residents recorded in the 2021 Census. This population shift is calculated using the ABS June 2025 estimated resident population of 3,980 alongside 100 validated new addresses registered since the Census. With these figures, the population density stands at 1.1 persons per square kilometer, indicating a low-density environment with substantial space per resident. The growth rate of 3.9% since the 2021 census placed Waratah ahead of the SA3 area (2.6%) and the broader SA4 region, establishing it as a leading growth area in the vicinity. Natural increase was the main driver of this expansion, accounting for roughly 76.8% of the total population gains in recent times.

Projections from ABS and Geoscience Australia released in 2024 with a 2022 baseline are utilized by AreaSearch for each SA2 region. For locations lacking this data, and to project age cohort changes after 2032, the 2022 regional and LGA projections from the Tasmania State Government using a 2021 baseline are applied, adjusted via weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 scales. Looking at future demographic trends, this methodology projects a population decrease for the area, with a projected loss of 405 persons by 2041. In contrast, specific age brackets are expected to grow, particularly the 75 to 84 age group, which is forecast to increase by 93 people.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Waratah according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

Approvals for residential builds in Waratah run at approximately 23 properties annually, totaling 116 homes approved during the last 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 8 during FY-26 so far. The average of 1.2 new residents per new dwelling over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) points to a balanced alignment of supply and demand, supporting stable conditions in the market, with new homes constructed at an average value of $274,000. Furthermore, commercial development approvals total $1.4 million for the current financial year, representing a low level of commercial building activity.

Relative to the Rest of Tas., new home approvals per capita in Waratah are 67.0% higher, presenting buyers with more choices even though construction activity has slowed lately. Additionally, recent construction is composed entirely of detached houses, maintaining the low-density character of the area and appealing to buyers seeking extra space. The ratio of around 241 people per approval highlights the low-density profile of Waratah.

Faced with forecasts of a stable or contracting population, Waratah might see reduced pressure on housing, which could present advantageous conditions for home buyers.

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

Changes to local infrastructure, major developments, and planning programs can significantly affect regional performance. AreaSearch has tracked 16 projects likely to influence the local area. Principal projects include the Boat Harbour Beach Master Plan, the Wynyard Affordable Housing Development, the Bass Highway Cooee to Wynyard Upgrades, and the Cooee to Wynyard Coastal Pathway, with details provided below for those of highest 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 Waratah remain below the national average according to AreaSearch analysis

Waratah features a skilled workforce with a strong presence in industrial and manufacturing sectors, an unemployment rate of just 3.9%, and an estimated annual job growth of 3.3%. In March 2026, employed residents numbered 1,929, matching the 3.9% unemployment rate of Regional Tas., while labor force participation aligned closely with the 58.8% recorded in Regional Tas. Census data shows that a minor 13.5% of the workforce worked from home, though this figure may reflect the influence of Covid-19 pandemic restrictions.

The primary employment sectors for local residents are agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and education & training. The region displays a strong concentration in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with its share of employment reaching 1.8 times the regional average. Conversely, accommodation & food services accounts for only 5.1% of local employment, compared to 7.7% in Regional Tas. Based on the ratio of Census working population to resident population, the local area appears to provide a limited number of job opportunities.

Based on AreaSearch's evaluation of SALM and ABS statistics, the year ending March 2026 saw employment levels rise by 3.3% and the labor force expand by 3.2%, which kept the unemployment rate steady. In comparison, Regional Tas. experienced a 1.8% rise in employment, a 1.7% expansion in the labor force, and a slight decline in unemployment. National employment projections released in May-25 by Jobs and Skills Australia provide further context on future labor demand in Waratah. These five-year and ten-year forecasts have been applied to the local workforce structure to model future trends. Although national employment is projected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates vary widely across different industries. Applying these industry projections to the local employment mix in Waratah indicates that local employment is poised to rise by 5.6% over five years and 12.3% over ten years.

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

Taxpayer data from the ATO at the postcode level, compiled by AreaSearch for financial year 2023, shows a median taxpayer income of $49,599 and an average of $59,150 in the Waratah SA2. These figures sit below the national averages, and compare to a median of $49,689 and an average of $59,358 in Regional Tas. Adjusting for a 10.95% growth in the Wage Price Index since financial year 2023, current estimates for March 2026 would be approximately $55,030 for the median and $65,627 for the average. Census statistics show that household, family, and personal incomes in Waratah are positioned between the 14th and 22nd percentiles nationwide. In terms of earnings brackets, 31.8% of the population (1,269 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 range, which is similar to the wider region where 28.5% are in this category. Although housing expenses are low with residents keeping 89.2% of their income, total disposable income sits at the 29th percentile nationally.

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

According to the latest Census, the housing stock in Waratah was comprised of 99.6% houses and 0.4% other dwelling types like semi-detached properties, apartments, and alternative structures, compared to 89.9% houses and 10.1% other dwellings in Regional Tas. Home ownership rates in Waratah were higher than in Regional Tas. at 45.9%, while the remaining homes were either mortgaged (40.2%) or rented (13.9%). The median monthly mortgage payment of $1,170 was lower than the Regional Tas. average, while the median weekly rent was $250, compared to Regional Tas. figures of $1,274 and $250. Nationally, mortgage costs in Waratah are much lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and weekly rents are also well below the national median of $375.

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

Families make up the majority of households at 73.5%, consisting of 28.4% couples with children, 35.6% couples without children, and 9.0% single parent households. The remaining 26.5% are non-family households, which include lone person households at 24.4% and group households at 2.3%. The median household size of 2.5 residents is larger than the average of 2.3 recorded in Regional Tas.

Educational outcomes in Waratah fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

The region exhibits lower educational attainment levels, with university completion rates at 18.8% compared to the national average of 30.4%. This highlights a clear opportunity for targeted educational programs. Bachelor degrees are the most common higher qualification at 13.0%, followed by postgraduate degrees (3.0%) and graduate diplomas (2.8%). Vocational qualifications are highly prevalent, with 42.7% of residents aged 15+ holding trade or technical credentials, consisting of advanced diplomas (10.2%) and certificates (32.5%).

Enrolment in education is quite high, with 27.9% of the population participating in formal study. This comprises 12.2% in primary schools, 8.2% in secondary schools, and 2.5% enrolled in higher education.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

Waratah's residents are extremely healthy with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Health indicators in Waratah demonstrate positive outcomes, according to AreaSearch's evaluation of mortality rates and chronic disease frequency, which showed a low rate of common conditions across all age cohorts. Private health insurance coverage is low, held by approximately 48% of the population (~1,932 people), compared to the national average of 55.7%.

Arthritis and asthma are the most prevalent diagnosed conditions in the community, affecting 9.7% and 8.7% of residents, respectively. Meanwhile, 65.4% of residents reported having no long-term medical conditions, compared to 62.0% in Regional Tas. The working-age population exhibits some health challenges with higher rates of chronic conditions. Residents aged 65 and over make up 23.1% of the population (922 people), which is below the 24.9% average for Regional Tas. Senior health outcomes are strong, with national rankings aligning closely with the broader population.

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

Cultural diversity in Waratah is lower than average, with citizens representing 89.7% of the population, 87.5% born in Australia, and 97.4% speaking only English at home. Christianity is the dominant religious affiliation, representing 37.4% of residents. The most notable statistical variance is in the Other category, which accounts for 0.8% of the population compared to 0.7% in Regional Tas.

Regarding ancestry, the most common backgrounds reported in Waratah are Australian at 33.4%, English at 32.6%, and Scottish at 8.4%. There are also distinct concentrations of other backgrounds: Australian Aboriginal residents represent 5.5% of the population (compared to 4.1% in the wider region), Dutch ancestry is at 1.7% (matching the regional 1.7%), and Hungarian ancestry is at 0.3% (compared to 0.1% regionally).

Waratah hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

The median age of 46 years in Waratah is similar to the Regional Tas. median of 45, and sits above the Australian median of 38. The age distribution shows a high proportion of 55 - 64 year-olds (18.7%), while the 25 - 34 bracket is smaller (7.7%) than in Regional Tas. The concentration of 55 - 64 year-olds is higher than the national figure of 11.2%. Post-2021 Census estimates indicate that the 75 to 84 age cohort has increased from 5.2% to 7.7% of the population, and the 55 to 64 group has risen from 16.7% to 18.7%. In contrast, the 45 to 54 group fell from 15.2% to 12.2% and the 25 to 34 cohort declined from 9.6% to 7.7%. Demographic modeling indicates substantial shifts in the age structure by 2041. The 75 to 84 cohort is projected to expand by 68 people (22%) from 305 to 374. Seniors aged 65+ are expected to account for 100% of population growth, highlighting the aging trend, while the 45 to 54 and 0 to 4 age brackets are projected to decrease in size.