Council (LGA) · Area profile
King Island
1,096 km²
Over 31% of residents in King Island volunteer their time, a rate far above the national figure. This small community of 1,617 people is noticeably older than the rest of Australia, with a quarter of the population aged 65 and over. Life here is centered around a strong connection to the land and sea, reflected in the high number of people working in agriculture, forestry, and fishing. It is a place where most people own their homes outright and rely on their own vehicles to get around.
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The population is older than most areas, with a typical age of 45 and a high proportion of seniors. De facto relationships are also much more common here than in other parts of the state and country.
Most residents were born in Australia, and those with overseas roots most commonly cite English, Scottish, or Irish ancestry. The proportion of people born overseas has fallen slightly since 2011 to 13%.
English is the primary language for 83.6% of the community. While a small number of people use other languages at home, very few speak little or no English.
More than half of the community report having no religion, a figure far above the national average and one that has risen significantly since 2011.
Education levels are lower than the state and national figures, with only 13% of adults holding a bachelor degree. However, more people completed Year 12 in 2021 than in 2011.
Typical personal weekly income is $845, which is a little above the Tasmanian figure. While typical household incomes are around the middle for its level, a small number of residents earn $2,000 or more per week.
Residents here need help with daily activities much less often than people in most other areas. Long-term health conditions are reported at a rate slightly above the national figure, with arthritis being the most common.
This is a highly active community where 31.5% of people volunteer, far exceeding state and national rates. There is also a higher than usual proportion of former Defence Force members.
First Nations people make up 2.2% of the population. This group is noticeably older than First Nations people elsewhere and has a higher rate of Year 12 completion than the state average.
Many people live alone here, with 35.9% of households consisting of one person. Consequently, homes tend to be smaller, with an average of 2.1 people per dwelling.
Most residents live in separate houses, and a high 43.4% own their homes outright. Rent is much lower than the national figure, with a typical weekly payment of $190.
The area is entirely dependent on cars, as there are no public transport routes or stops. Very few homes are without a motor vehicle.
About a third of the population moved in the last five years, which is lower than the national rate. Recent arrivals from overseas account for 14.8% of the community.
The local workforce is very active, with an unemployment rate of just 2.1%, among the lowest for its level. A quarter of workers are employed in agriculture, forestry, and fishing.
The area has a moderate level of overall advantage compared to other regions. However, population growth has slowed, falling slightly since 2021.
King Island receives much more rainfall than the rest of Tasmania. Its minimum and maximum temperatures are also notably higher than the state average.
The area is mostly car-dependent, with a walkability score far below the state average. While many homes are near a park, very few are within a 15-minute walk of health services or public transport.