West Hobart
Statistical Area - sa2

West Hobart has seen population growth performance typically on par with national averages when looking at short and medium term trends

As of Aug 2025, West Hobart's population is approximately 6,417, marking a rise of 20 people from the 2021 Census figure of 6,397. This growth, amounting to 0.3%, is inferred from ABS estimates and validated new addresses since June 2024. The resulting population density is around 1,772 persons per square kilometer, surpassing national averages assessed by AreaSearch. West Hobart's 0.3% growth since the census compares favorably with the SA3 area's 2.0%, indicating competitive growth dynamics. Overseas migration accounted for approximately 85.8% of population gains in recent periods. AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections released in 2024, basing on 2022 data, and Tasmania State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2022 with adjustments made to estimate growth by age group post-2032.

Future projections anticipate a population increase just shy of the national median by 2041, with West Hobart expected to gain 506 persons, representing a 7.9% rise over 17 years based on current numbers.

The level of residential development activity in West Hobart is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch

West Hobart has recorded approximately 8 residential properties granted approval annually. Development approval data is produced by the ABS on a financial year basis: 40 homes over the past 5 financial years, from FY21 to FY25, and 1 so far in FY26. On average, 0.5 people per year have moved to the area for each dwelling built during these years, indicating that new supply has kept pace with or exceeded demand, providing ample buyer choice and creating capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts. New homes are being constructed at an average value of $320,000, which is under regional levels, suggesting more accessible housing choices for buyers.

In the current financial year, $7.6 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, reflecting West Hobart's primarily residential nature. When compared to Greater Hobart, West Hobart has significantly less development activity, with 55.0% below the regional average per person. This constrained new construction typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing dwellings. Furthermore, this activity is also lower than national levels, indicating a mature market and possible development constraints. New building activity shows 86.0% detached houses and 14.0% medium and high-density housing, sustaining the area's suburban identity with a concentration of family homes suited to buyers seeking space.

With around 3555 people per dwelling approval, West Hobart reflects a highly mature market. Population forecasts indicate that West Hobart will gain 506 residents by 2041. At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially heightening buyer competition and supporting price increases.

West Hobart has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 5thth percentile nationally

Eleven projects are identified by AreaSearch as potentially impacting the area, notable among them being the Royal Hobart Hospital Emergency Department Expansion, Royal Hobart Hospital Pharmacy Redevelopment, Forest Road West Hobart Pedestrian Upgrades, and Royal Hobart Hospital Redevelopment - Stage 2.

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

Employment conditions in West Hobart demonstrate exceptional strength compared to most Australian markets

West Hobart has a highly educated workforce with strong representation of professional services. Its unemployment rate was 2.1% as of June 2025.

The area had 3884 residents employed at this time, with an unemployment rate 2.0 percentage points lower than Greater Hobart's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation in West Hobart was higher at 68.6%, compared to Greater Hobart's 61.6%. Leading employment industries among residents were health care & social assistance, education & training, and public administration & safety. The area showed particularly strong specialization in professional & technical services, with an employment share of 1.7 times the regional level.

Conversely, construction had lower representation at 3.8%, compared to the regional average of 8.7%. Labour force data from June 2024 to June 2025 showed a decrease of 1.6% and employment declined by 1.4%, resulting in an unemployment rate fall by 0.2 percentage points. By comparison, Greater Hobart recorded similar trends with employment decline of 1.5% and labour force decline of 1.6%. State-level data to Sep-25 showed TAS employment grew by 0.77% year-on-year, adding 1170 jobs, with the state unemployment rate at 4.3%, outpacing the national average of 0.26%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 projected national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to West Hobart's employment mix suggested local growth of approximately 7.0% over five years and 14.4% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

Income analysis reveals strong economic positioning, with the area outperforming 60% of locations assessed nationally by AreaSearch

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year ending June 2022 shows median income in West Hobart at $53,369 and average income at $72,459. This compares to Greater Hobart's median income of $51,272 and average income of $63,777. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.94% from financial year ending June 2022 to March 2025, estimated median income in West Hobart is approximately $59,741 and average income is $81,111 as of March 2025. According to Census 2021 data, incomes in West Hobart fall around the 71st percentile nationally. Income brackets indicate that 30.7% of individuals earn between $1,500 - 2,999, aligning with metropolitan regions where this cohort represents 32.2%. After housing expenses, 86.2% of income remains for other expenses. West Hobart's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 8th decile.

West Hobart is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

In West Hobart, as per the latest Census evaluation, 76.2% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 23.8% being semi-detached, apartments, or other types. This contrasts with Hobart metro's composition of 69.2% houses and 30.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in West Hobart stood at 34.8%, similar to Hobart metro, with mortgaged dwellings at 29.8% and rented ones at 35.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,950, higher than the Hobart metro average of $1,800. The median weekly rent in West Hobart was $400, compared to Hobart metro's $390. Nationally, West Hobart's mortgage repayments exceeded the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were higher than the national figure of $375.

West Hobart features high concentrations of group households, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households account for 62.0% of all households, including 24.2% couples with children, 28.2% couples without children, and 8.5% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 38.0%, with lone person households at 29.1% and group households comprising 8.8%. The median household size is 2.3 people, which matches the Greater Hobart average.

West Hobart shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

In West Hobart, 55.4% of residents aged 15 and above have university qualifications, which is higher than the Tasmania state average of 25.5% and the Australian average of 30.4%. The most common qualification is a bachelor degree at 32.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 17.4%, and graduate diplomas at 5.8%. Vocational pathways account for 20.1% of qualifications, with advanced diplomas at 8.6% and certificates at 11.5%. Current educational participation is high, with 30.0% of residents enrolled in formal education.

This includes 9.1% in tertiary education, 8.3% in primary education, and 7.3% pursuing secondary education. Two primary schools serve the area: Lansdowne Crescent Primary School and Goulburn Street Primary School, with a combined student population of 627. West Hobart has significant socio-educational advantages and academic achievement, with an ICSEA score of 1130. Both primary schools focus exclusively on primary education, with secondary options available in surrounding areas due to limited local school capacity (9.8 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 22.8).

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

Transport analysis in West Hobart shows 26 operational public transport stops serving a variety of bus routes. These stops are covered by 71 distinct routes, collectively facilitating 7,334 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent with residents on average being located 194 metres from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 1,047 trips per day across all routes, translating to approximately 282 weekly trips per individual stop.

The level of general health in West Hobart is notably higher than the national average with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

West Hobart shows above-average health outcomes for both younger and older age groups. Few common health conditions are prevalent among its residents.

Approximately 55% (~3,548 people) have private health cover, compared to 58.9% across Greater Hobart. Mental health issues affect 10.5% of residents, while arthritis impacts 8%. About 68.5% report no medical ailments, compared to 69.8% in Greater Hobart. Around 18.2% are aged 65 and over (1,165 people). Health outcomes for seniors are notably strong, outperforming the general population in health metrics.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in West Hobart was found to be above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

West Hobart's cultural diversity was found to be above average, with 23.5% of its population born overseas and 14.2% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the main religion, comprising 26.5% of West Hobart's population. The most notable overrepresentation was in the 'Other' category, which made up 1.1% compared to 1.1% across Greater Hobart.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (29.5%), Australian (23.3%), and Irish (10.6%). Some ethnic groups showed notable divergences: Polish was overrepresented at 1.2% in West Hobart versus 1.0% regionally, Welsh at 0.8% versus 0.6%, and Dutch at 1.8% versus 1.6%.

West Hobart's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

West Hobart's median age is 38, closely matching Greater Hobart's figure of 39 and Australia's median age of 38. Comparing the two areas, West Hobart has a notably higher percentage of 25-34 year-olds (18.0% locally) compared to the Greater Hobart average, while individuals aged 5-14 are under-represented at 9.0%. Between 2021 and present, the age group 35-44 has grown from 12.3% to 14.2%, and the 75-84 cohort increased from 4.5% to 6.0%. Conversely, the 45-54 age group declined from 13.9% to 12.6%, and the 25-34 age group dropped from 19.2% to 18.0%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests significant changes in West Hobart's age profile. The 45-54 cohort is projected to expand by 268 people (33%), growing from 809 to 1,078. Conversely, both the 25-34 and 35-44 age groups are expected to decrease in number.