West Coast (Tas.)
Statistical Area - sa2

West Coast has shown very soft population growth performance across periods assessed by AreaSearch

West Coast (Tas.)'s population is approximately 4,365 as of Aug 2025. This figure represents an increase of 98 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 4,267. The growth was inferred from ABS's estimated resident population of 4,339 in June 2024 and additional validated new addresses post-Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1.1 persons per square kilometer. West Coast's 2.3% growth since the census is comparable to its SA3 area's 3.3%, indicating competitive growth fundamentals. Overseas migration contributed approximately 72.4% of overall population gains recently.

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 and post-2032 growth estimation by age group, Tasmania State Government's Regional/LGA projections are adopted with adjustments made using weighted aggregation from LGA to SA2 levels. Future demographic trends indicate an overall population decline in the area. According to these projections, West Coast's population is expected to decrease by 449 persons by 2041. However, specific age cohorts are anticipated to grow, notably the 45 to 54 age group, projected to increase by 165 people.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in West Coast, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally

West Coast has seen approximately four new homes approved annually. The Australian Bureau of Statistics produces development approval data on a financial year basis, totalling 24 approvals between the financial years 2020 and 2025, with one recorded so far in the financial year 2026. Over the past five financial years, an average of 1.3 new residents per year per dwelling constructed was observed, indicating balanced supply and demand conditions. However, recent data shows this has decreased to -1.7 people per dwelling over the past two financial years, suggesting more balanced supply conditions. New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost value of $150,000, lower than regional levels, offering more affordable housing choices for buyers.

This financial year has seen $9.6 million in commercial approvals, indicating steady commercial investment activity. Compared to the Rest of Tasmania, West Coast shows significantly reduced construction levels (53.0% below the regional average per person), which typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. This level is also lower than national averages, reflecting market maturity and possible development constraints. Recent development has consisted entirely of standalone homes, preserving the area's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. The estimated population count of 2533 people per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment.

Given stable or declining population forecasts, West Coast may experience less housing pressure in the future, creating favourable conditions for buyers.

West Coast has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 22ndth percentile nationally

No infrastructure changes are anticipated in this area. No projects have been identified by AreaSearch that could impact it. Key initiatives include Cethana Pumped Hydro Energy Storage Project, Tasmanian North West Renewable Energy Zone, Tasmanian Irrigation Schemes: Tranche 3, and Marinus Link.

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Employment conditions in West Coast face significant challenges, ranking among the bottom 10% of areas assessed nationally

West Coast Tasmania has a balanced workforce with both white and blue collar jobs. Manufacturing and industrial sectors are prominent.

The unemployment rate in June 2025 was 7.8%, with an estimated employment growth of 2.6% over the past year. This is higher than Rest of Tas.'s unemployment rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation lags at 49.0%, compared to Rest of Tas.'s 55.7%. Mining, accommodation & food, and education & training are dominant employment sectors among residents.

The area specializes in mining, with an employment share 12.6 times the regional level. Health care & social assistance employs 7.3% of local workers, below Rest of Tas.'s 16.5%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. Between Jun-24 and Jun-25, employment increased by 2.6%, labour force by 2.3%, reducing unemployment by 0.3 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Tas. saw employment decline by 0.5% and labour force by 0.6%. State-level data to Sep-25 shows Tasmania's employment grew by 0.77% year-on-year, adding 1,170 jobs, with an unemployment rate of 4.3%, compared to the national rate of 4.5%. Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to West Coast's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 4.9% over five years and 11.2% over ten years, based on simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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

West Coast's median income among taxpayers was $48,802 and average income stood at $61,684 in financial year 2022. These figures were lower than the national averages of $47,358 and $57,384 respectively for Rest of Tas. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.94% since financial year 2022, estimated median income was approximately $54,629 and average income was $69,049 as of March 2025. According to the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in West Coast fell between the 2nd and 7th percentiles nationally. Income distribution showed that 31.7% of individuals earned between $400 - 799 per week, differing from surrounding regions where earnings predominantly fell within the $1,500 - 2,999 band at 28.5%. With 43.4% earning under $800 per week, West Coast faced income constraints affecting local spending patterns. Despite modest housing costs allowing for 91.6% income retention, total disposable income ranked at the 7th percentile nationally.

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

West Coast's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 95.2% houses and 4.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In Non-Metro Tas., it was 95.9% houses and 4.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in West Coast stood at 48.2%, with mortgaged dwellings at 24.6% and rented ones at 27.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $650, lower than Non-Metro Tas.'s average of $1,053. Median weekly rent in West Coast was $160, compared to Non-Metro Tas.'s $200. Nationally, West Coast's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $650 versus Australia's average of $1,863. Rents were substantially below the national figure of $375 at $160.

West Coast features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 54.6% of all households, including 16.8% couples with children, 27.7% couples without children, and 9.5% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 45.4%, with lone person households at 42.7% and group households comprising 2.7%. The median household size is 2.0 people, smaller than the Rest of Tas. average of 2.3.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 12.6%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most common at 8.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.8%) and graduate diplomas (0.9%). Trade and technical skills are prevalent, with 42.4% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas (7.8%) and certificates (34.6%).

Educational participation is high, with 26.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.5% in primary education, 6.5% in secondary education, and 2.9% pursuing tertiary education. A total of 6 schools operate within West Coast, educating approximately 467 students. The educational mix includes 4 primary schools and 2 K-12 schools.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

Health performance in West Coast is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Critical health challenges are evident across West Coast with a range of health conditions impacting both younger and older age cohorts.

The rate of private health cover is relatively low at approximately 51% of the total population (~2,208 people). The most common medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 11.1% and 10.8% of residents respectively. Meanwhile, 60.7% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 65.0% across Rest of Tas.. West Coast has a higher proportion of residents aged 65 and over at 23.9% (1,044 people) than the state average of 22.0%. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges despite performing better than the general population in health metrics.

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

West Coast was found to have below average cultural diversity, with 85.1% of its population being citizens born in Australia speaking English only at home. Christianity is the main religion in West Coast, comprising 45.3%. The most overrepresented group was Other, making up 1.4%, compared to Rest of Tas.'s 0.7%.

Top ancestry groups were Australian (33.8%), English (32.9%), and Irish (7.9%). Some ethnic groups showed notable divergences: Australian Aboriginal was overrepresented at 5.5% vs regional 7.7%, Welsh at 0.6% vs 0.4%, Polish at 0.7% vs 0.4%.

West Coast hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

The median age in West Coast is 47, which is slightly higher than the Rest of Tas. figure of 45 and significantly above Australia's national average of 38 years. Comparing with the Rest of Tas., the 55-64 cohort is notably over-represented at 16.4% locally, while the 15-24 age group is under-represented at 8.1%. This concentration in the 55-64 age bracket exceeds the national average of 11.2%. From 2021 to present, the 35-44 age group has increased from 10.7% to 12.2%, and the 65-74 cohort has grown from 13.5% to 14.8%. Conversely, the 45-54 cohort has declined from 14.8% to 12.7%, and the 0-4 age group has dropped from 4.9% to 3.7%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in West Coast's age structure. The 45-54 age cohort is projected to grow by 170 people (31%), increasing from 556 to 727. Residents aged 65 and above are expected to drive 52% of population growth, highlighting demographic aging trends. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 0-4 and 65-74 age cohorts.