West Hobart

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

West Hobart's population, as of May 2026, is approximately 6415 people. This figure represents an increase of 18 individuals since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 6397 people. The change is inferred from ABS estimates: the resident population was 6415 in June 2025 and there were 9 new addresses validated since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 1772 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. West Hobart's growth rate of 0.3% since the census is within 1.5 percentage points of the SA3 area (1.8%), indicating competitive growth fundamentals. Overseas migration contributed approximately 87.8% of overall population gains during recent periods.

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, Tasmania State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2022 with a base year of 2021 are adopted and adjusted using weighted aggregation methods. Looking ahead, West Hobart is expected to experience population growth close to the national median, with an increase of 467 persons by 2041 based on latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a total increase of 7.3% over 16 years.

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 eight residential properties granted approval annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, 40 homes were approved, with another 19 approved so far in FY26. The average number of people moving to the area per year for each dwelling built over these five financial years is 0.5.

This indicates that new supply is keeping pace with or exceeding demand, providing ample buyer choice and creating capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts. The average construction cost value of new homes being built is $425,000, suggesting developers are targeting the premium market segment with higher-end properties. In FY26, $7.6 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, indicating limited commercial development focus compared to residential. Compared to Greater Hobart, West Hobart has significantly less development activity, at 55.0% below the regional average per person. This constrained new construction typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing dwellings.

Nationally, this activity is also lower, reflecting market maturity and possible development constraints. New building activity in West Hobart 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 West Hobart will gain 467 residents through to 2041, according to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. 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 3rdth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 11 projects likely to impact the area. Notable projects include Greater Hobart Urban Growth Boundary Extension, Royal Hobart Hospital Emergency Department Expansion (commenced June 2019), Royal Hobart Hospital Pharmacy Redevelopment (completed August 2020), and Hobart City Deal (announced March 2018). The following list details those most relevant:.

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

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

West Hobart has a highly educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. Its unemployment rate was 2.1% as of December 2025. The area maintained relative employment stability over the past year.

In December 2025, 3866 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 1.9% lower than Greater Hobart's rate of 4.0%. Workforce participation in West Hobart was 70.0%, higher than Greater Hobart's 63.7%. According to Census responses, only 12.7% of residents worked from home as of December 2025. Leading employment industries were health care & social assistance, education & training, and public administration & safety.

The area showed strong specialization in professional & technical services with an employment share 1.7 times the regional level. Conversely, construction had lower representation at 3.8% compared to the regional average of 8.7%. Limited local employment opportunities were indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. From December 2024 to December 2025, West Hobart's labour force decreased by 0.2% and employment declined by 0.1%, with unemployment remaining essentially unchanged. In comparison, Greater Hobart recorded employment growth of 0.1%, labour force decline of 0.1%, and a fall in unemployment of 0.2 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project overall employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to West Hobart's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.0% over five years and 14.4% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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 2023 shows that West Hobart SA2 has a high national median income of $56,609 and an average income of $74,737. This contrasts with Greater Hobart's median income of $54,577 and average income of $65,190. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.95% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of March 2026 would be approximately $62,808 (median) and $82,921 (average). According to Census 2021 income data, West Hobart's household, family, and personal incomes cluster around the 71st percentile nationally. The $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captures 30.7% of West Hobart's community (1,969 individuals), similar to the metropolitan region where this cohort represents 32.2%. After housing costs, 86.2% of income remains for other expenses. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 8th decile.

West Hobart is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

In West Hobart, as per the latest Census evaluation, 76.2% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 23.8% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. In contrast, Hobart metropolitan area had 85.3% houses and 14.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in West Hobart stood at 34.8%, similar to Hobart metro's figure, with mortgaged dwellings at 29.8% and rented ones at 35.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in West Hobart was $1,950, higher than the Hobart metro average of $1,517. The median weekly rent in West Hobart was $400, compared to Hobart metro's $350. 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 lower-than-average 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 constitute 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 is smaller than the Greater Hobart average of 2.4.

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

West Hobart's educational attainment exceeds state and national averages. Among residents aged 15+, 55.4% have university qualifications, compared to 25.5% in Tasmania (TAS) and 30.4% nationally. University graduates make up the majority at 32.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (17.4%) and graduate diplomas (5.8%). Vocational pathways account for 20.1% of qualifications, with advanced diplomas at 8.6% and certificates at 11.5%.

Educational participation is high, with 30.0% currently enrolled in formal education: tertiary (9.1%), primary (8.3%), and secondary (7.3%).

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

West Hobart has 26 operational public transport stops, all serving buses. These stops are covered by 74 different routes, offering a total of 7,725 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents on average located 194 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to its residential nature. Cars are the primary mode of transport at 59%, followed by walking at 31% and cycling at 4%. Vehicle ownership stands at 1.1 per dwelling, below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, only 12.7% of residents work from home, which could be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages 1,103 trips per day across all routes, translating to approximately 297 weekly trips per individual stop.

West Hobart's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

West Hobart shows excellent health outcomes, as assessed by AreaSearch using mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The area has a very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups.

Approximately 56% (~3,598 people) have private health cover, higher than Greater Hobart's 51.7%. Mental health issues and arthritis are the most prevalent medical conditions, affecting 10.5% and 8.0% of residents respectively. Around 68.5% report having no medical ailments, compared to 65.5% in Greater Hobart. Health outcomes among working-age individuals are generally typical. West Hobart has 19.0% (1,220 people) aged 65 and over, lower than Greater Hobart's 20.0%. Seniors' health outcomes are particularly strong, aligning with national rankings for the general population.

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

West Hobart's cultural diversity exceeds the average, with 23.5% born overseas and 14.2% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion, comprising 26.5%. The category 'Other' is equally represented in West Hobart (1.1%) as it is across Greater Hobart.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups are English (29.5%), Australian (23.3%), and Irish (10.6%). Notably, Polish (1.2% vs 0.8%), Welsh (0.8% vs 0.5%), and Dutch (1.8% vs 1.5%) groups are overrepresented in West Hobart compared to the regional averages.

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. Compared to the Greater Hobart average, West Hobart has a notably higher proportion of 25-34 year-olds (17.8%) but fewer 5-14 year-olds (8.8%). Between 2021 and present, the 35-44 age group grew from 12.3% to 14.6%, while the 75-84 cohort increased from 4.5% to 6.1%. Conversely, the 45-54 cohort declined from 13.9% to 12.3%, and the 25-34 group decreased from 19.2% to 17.8%. By 2041, demographic modeling projects significant changes in West Hobart's age profile. The 45-54 cohort is projected to expand by 276 people (35%), from 790 to 1,067. Conversely, both the 25-34 and 35-44 age groups are expected to decrease in numbers.