Waverley - St Leonards

Waverley - St Leonards has seen population growth performance typically on par with national averages when looking at short and medium term trends

Waverley - St Leonards' population is approximately 4,282 as of February 2026. This reflects an increase of 350 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,932 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 4,114 in June 2024 and an additional 127 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 77 persons per square kilometer. Waverley - St Leonards' growth rate of 8.9% since the 2021 census exceeded both the SA3 area (4.2%) and the state level, indicating significant growth compared to its peers. Overseas migration contributed approximately 56.3% of overall population gains during recent periods, although natural growth and interstate migration also played positive roles.

AreaSearch adopts 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 used, adjusted employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Future population dynamics anticipate lower quartile growth for regional areas across the nation. Based on latest annual ERP population numbers, Waverley - St Leonards is expected to increase by 235 persons to reach approximately 4,517 by 2041, reflecting a total gain of 1.6% over the 17-year period.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Waverley - St Leonards when compared nationally

Waverley - St Leonards has averaged approximately 23 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25. A total of 117 homes were approved during this period, with an additional 29 approved so far in FY-26. On average, each dwelling has accommodated around 2.4 new residents per year over these five years, indicating strong demand that supports property values.

The average construction cost value of new homes is $340,000, which is moderately higher than regional levels, suggesting an emphasis on quality construction. This financial year has seen $3.7 million in commercial approvals, reflecting the area's predominantly residential nature. Compared to the Rest of Tas., Waverley - St Leonards exhibits moderately higher construction activity, with 32.0% above the regional average per person over the five-year period, balancing buyer choice while supporting current property values.

New development consists mainly of standalone homes (95.0%), with a smaller proportion of medium and high-density housing (5.0%), preserving the area's low-density character and attracting space-seeking buyers. With around 156 people per dwelling approval, Waverley - St Leonards displays characteristics of a growth area. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, the area is expected to grow by approximately 67 residents by 2041. Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should meet demand readily, offering favorable conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 23 projects likely affecting the area. Notable ones are Cedar Grove Estate development, residential dwelling and vegetation removal at 38 Casuarina Dr, Summerhill, Dwelling and Shed construction at 18 Casuarina Dr, Summerhill 7250, and Peacehaven Aged Care Redevelopment. The following list details projects most relevant to the area.

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.

Waverley - St Leonards shows employment indicators that trail behind approximately 70% of regions assessed across Australia

Waverley - St Leonards has a balanced workforce with white and blue collar jobs. The unemployment rate is 4.3%. As of September 2025, 2,019 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 4.8% compared to Rest of Tas.'s 3.8%.

Workforce participation is 63.4%, slightly higher than Rest of Tas.'s 58.6%. Only 4.5% of residents work from home. Key employment sectors are health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. Construction has a strong presence, with an employment share 1.5 times the regional level.

Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing is less represented at 2.8%, compared to the regional average of 8.4%. The area may have limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by Census data. Between September 2024 and 2025, the labour force decreased by 2.4% and employment declined by 2.5%, keeping unemployment relatively stable at 4.3%. In contrast, Rest of Tas. saw employment grow by 0.7% and labour force expand by 0.5%, with unemployment falling to 4.0%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia (May-25) project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Waverley - St Leonards's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.5% 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

The latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year ending June 2023 shows that Waverley - St Leonards SA2's median income among taxpayers is $49,535. The average income for this area is $61,693. Both figures are below the national average. In comparison, Rest of Tas.'s median income is $49,689 with an average of $59,358. Based on a 9.6% growth in wages since financial year ending June 2023, current estimates suggest that as of September 2025, the median income would be approximately $54,290 and the average around $67,616. According to the Census conducted in August 2021, incomes in Waverley - St Leonards fall between the 20th and 22nd percentiles nationally for households, families, and individuals. The earnings profile indicates that 31.3% of locals (1,340 people) earn within the $1,500 to $2,999 range, similar to the metropolitan region where 28.5% fall into this category. After accounting for housing costs, 86.1% of income remains, which ranks at the 23rd percentile nationally.

Waverley - St Leonards is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

In Waverley-St Leonards, as per the latest Census, 89.9% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 10.0% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. This is similar to Non-Metro Tasmania's dwelling structure of 89.9% houses and 10.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Waverley-St Leonards stood at 30.3%, with mortgaged dwellings at 40.6% and rented ones at 29.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,161, lower than Non-Metro Tasmania's average of $1,274. Weekly rent in the area was $250, matching Non-Metro Tasmania's figure but significantly lower than the national average of $375. Nationally, Waverley-St Leonards' mortgage repayments were notably lower than the Australian average of $1,863.

Waverley - St Leonards has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 70.8% of all households, including 26.1% couples with children, 25.4% couples without children, and 18.0% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 29.2%, with lone person households at 26.3% and group households at 2.5%. The median household size is 2.4 people, which is larger than the Rest of Tas. average of 2.3.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 13.1%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent at 9.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.2%) and graduate diplomas (1.5%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 39.3% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (8.3%) and certificates (31.0%).

Educational participation is high, with 28.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.8% in primary education, 8.3% in secondary education, and 3.0% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Waverley - St Leonards has 35 active public transport stops, all serving buses. These stops are covered by 143 different routes, collectively carrying 11,272 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically living 242 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to the area's primarily residential nature. Cars remain the dominant mode of transport at 96%, with an average vehicle ownership of 1.6 per dwelling. According to the 2021 Census, only 4.5% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions.

Service frequency averages 1,610 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 322 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Waverley - St Leonards faces significant health challenges, as indicated by AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are high across a range of health conditions, affecting both younger and older age cohorts.

Private health cover is relatively low at approximately 50% of the total population (around 2,132 people), compared to the national average of 55.7%. Mental health issues and asthma are the most common medical conditions in the area, impacting 11.7% and 10.2% of residents respectively. However, 62.3% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, similar to the 62.0% figure across Rest of Tas.. The working-age population faces notable health challenges due to elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 15.3% of residents aged 65 and over (657 people), lower than the 24.9% in Rest of Tas.. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings even higher than those for the general population.

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

Waverley-St Leonards, surveyed in 2016, had a population with 92.5% being citizens, 92.7% born in Australia, and 96.7% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 41.6%. Hinduism, at 0.7%, was slightly overrepresented compared to the regional average of 1.1%.

The top three ancestry groups were Australian (35.8%), English (35.0%), and Scottish (7.1%). Notable differences existed in Dutch (1.9% vs regional 1.7%), Australian Aboriginal (3.6% vs 4.1%), and Macedonian (0.1% vs 0%) representation.

Waverley - St Leonards's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

The median age in Waverley - St Leonards is 37 years, which is significantly lower than Rest of Tas.'s average of 45 years. This figure is also aligned with Australia's median age of 38 years. Compared to Rest of Tas., Waverley - St Leonards has a higher proportion of residents aged 35-44 (16.0%), but fewer residents aged 65-74 (8.7%). According to the 2021 Census, the age group of 35 to 44 has increased from 14.1% to 16.0% of the population. Conversely, the age group of 5 to 14 has decreased from 14.2% to 13.4%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Waverley - St Leonards's age structure. Notably, the 45 to 54 age group is expected to grow by 33%, adding 152 people and reaching a total of 617 from 464. Conversely, the 25 to 34 and 0 to 4 age groups are projected to experience population declines.