Council (LGA) · Area profile
Circular Head
4,898 km²
A very strong First Nations presence defines Circular Head, where 17.3% of the population identifies as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander. This is far above the state and national figures. The community is largely made up of separate houses and has a workforce rooted in agriculture, forestry, and fishing. While the population is growing slowly, it remains a place where traditional industries and a strong cultural identity shape daily life.
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The area has a much higher proportion of First Nations people than most regions, and the number of people identifying as such has risen 5.6 points since 2011. Residents are generally older than the national average, with 20.0% aged 65 and over.
Most residents were born in Australia, and the area has a far lower percentage of overseas-born people (10.5%) compared to the national figure. English and Australian ancestries are the most common.
English is the main language spoken at home for 87.4% of people. The proportion of people using another language is well below the state and national averages, though it has risen slightly since 2011.
Nearly half of the population (45.3%) report no religion, a figure that has risen 19 points since 2011. This is well above the national average, although it remains well below the state figure.
Educational qualifications are much lower than in most areas, with only 10.0% of adults holding a bachelor degree or higher. Year 12 completion is also far below the state and national figures, though it has risen 9.1 points since 2011.
Typical weekly household income is $1,270, which is well below the national figure. Only 9.5% of households earn $3,000 or more a week, a standing that is much lower than most similar areas.
About 29.7% of residents have a long-term health condition, which is a little above the national average. However, the rate of mental health conditions is well below the state figure.
Volunteer rates are well above the national average at 19.8%. There is also a higher than usual proportion of people doing 15 or more hours of unpaid housework per week.
First Nations residents have a much lower unemployment rate (7.3%) than most similar areas. While personal incomes are a little above the national figure, Year 12 completion is far below.
Family sizes are typical for the state, with 52.9% of households consisting of couples with children. About 28.5% of people live alone, which is a little above the national figure.
The area is dominated by separate houses, which make up 94.7% of dwellings. Rent is far below the national average at a typical $220 per week, and 37.4% of homes are owned outright.
Car use is essential here, with 66.6% of people driving to work and only 0.2% using public transport. Very few homes (3.6%) are without a motor vehicle.
Around 36.4% of the population moved in the last five years. The area sees a much higher rate of recent overseas arrivals (19.2%) than most similar regions.
Agriculture, forestry, and fishing is the largest employer, accounting for 24.2% of jobs. Full-time employment is well above the state average at 58.2%.
The area faces significant disadvantage, ranking in the lowest 20% for overall advantage and education and job skills. Population growth since 2021 has been slightly negative at -0.5%.
This is a wet region with average annual rainfall of 1,287mm, which is well above the state average. Minimum temperatures are also far above the Tasmanian average.
The area is mostly car-dependent, with a walkability score far below the state average. Only 37.6% of homes are within a 15-minute walk of basic amenities.