Council (LGA) · Area profile
Hobart
78 km²
A growing population and a surge in high earners have shifted the feel of Hobart since 2011. The city has become far more diverse and educated, with a significant increase in overseas arrivals and university-qualified residents. It is a professional hub where high incomes and a young adult population contrast with the slower pace of the wider state. This mix creates a modern, urban community that remains a primary centre for health and education in Tasmania.
An affluent area whose schools serve an equally well-off community.
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The population grew 13% since 2011 to 55,077 people. Residents are noticeably younger than the state average, with a typical age of 37, and there are far fewer children under 15 than in most other areas.
Many people here were born overseas, accounting for 28.6% of the population, which is far above the Tasmanian figure. English, Australian, and Irish are the most common ancestries.
Language diversity has risen sharply, with 20.7% of people using a language other than English at home. This is far above the state average and reflects the recent rise in arrivals from countries like China and India.
The community is increasingly secular, with 55.3% of people reporting no religion. This figure is far above the national average and rose by 18 points since 2011.
Education levels are exceptionally high, with 49% of adults holding a bachelor degree or higher. This is far above the national figure and is consistent with a professional workforce.
Typical incomes are well above the state average, with the usual family earning $2,324 a week. High earners are common, as 25.6% of households earn $3,000 or more weekly.
Mental health conditions are more common here than in most areas at 10.5%. However, the rate of people needing help with daily activities is lower than the national figure.
Volunteering is very common, with 25.2% of people giving their time, which is far above the national figure. Conversely, fewer people spend significant time on unpaid housework compared to other areas.
First Nations residents in Hobart have a much higher typical Year 12 completion rate (60%) and higher typical incomes than those in most other areas.
Households are slightly smaller than the national average, with 2.3 people per home. There are far fewer one-parent families here than in most other areas.
Rental properties are common, with 35.6% of households renting, and typical weekly rents of $390 are well above the state average. Homes here are also smaller, with far fewer three-bedroom properties than the state average.
Public transport is widely used, with 5.1% of people commuting via bus. The area is well-served, with 446 stops and a typical walk to the nearest stop of just 2 minutes.
The area is very dynamic, with 45.4% of people having moved house in the last five years. Recent overseas arrivals make up 24.2% of the population, well above the national figure.
Working or looking for work is more common here than in the state, though the unemployment rate is a little above the national figure at 7%. Many residents work in health care, education, or public administration.
Hobart is a major economic centre with 6,940 businesses. It ranks among the most advantaged areas in the country for education and job skills.
The area experiences a climate with average minimum temperatures that are far above the Tasmanian average, and annual rainfall that is about the same as the state.
The city is very walkable, with a score of 7.3. Most homes are within a 15-minute walk of a park, a school, and health services, far exceeding state averages.