Urban Area · Area profile
Launceston
435 km²
A larger regional hub than most similar areas, Launceston has grown by 11% since 2011 to reach a population of 90,953. It is a diverse community where a growing number of people speak languages other than English and many residents have a high level of education. The area is notably walkable and accessible, with a typical resident who is slightly younger than the state average. This mix of urban convenience and a steady population increase defines the city's evolving character.
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The typical resident is 39, making the area noticeably younger than the Tasmanian average. While the population of seniors rose by 3.7 percentage points since 2011 to reach 19.6%, children under 15 make up a lower share of the community than in most similar areas.
People born overseas make up 15.7% of the population, a figure that rose 4.0 percentage points since 2011. While this is higher than most similar areas, it remains far below the national figure of 27.7%.
Language diversity is growing, with 10.0% of people using another language at home, which is much higher than in most similar areas. This trend is consistent with the rise in overseas-born residents, though only 1.5% of people speak little or no English.
A large proportion of the community reports no religion at 48.5%, which is well above the national figure. This has been a significant trend, rising by 21 percentage points since 2011.
The area is well-qualified, with 21.8% of adults holding a bachelor degree or higher and 47.3% having completed Year 12. Both figures are higher than in most similar areas and have risen steadily since 2011.
Typical weekly household income is $1,353, which is about the same as the state average but well below the national figure of $1,746. However, there has been a positive trend, with the typical family income rising by $510 since 2011.
Long-term health conditions are more common here than nationally, with 33.4% of people affected. Mental health conditions are reported by 11.6% of residents, which is higher than most similar areas.
Volunteering is more common here than in most similar areas, though the rate fell slightly to 16.4% since 2011. A higher share of the community has served in the Defence Force compared to most similar areas.
Living alone is common, with 30.6% of people in single-person households, which is well above the national figure. One-parent families make up 17.3% of the community, a rate well above the national average.
Renting is more common than in the rest of the state, with 31.6% of households renting. While separate houses are common, the typical weekly rent of $280 is well below the national figure.
Public transport use for commuting is much higher than in most similar areas. Most homes have one or two cars, though 7.1% of households have no motor vehicle.
The area is a hub for newcomers, with 21.8% of residents arriving from overseas recently, which is well above both the state and national figures.
More adults are working or looking for work than in most similar areas, although the unemployment rate is 6.0%. The workforce is concentrated in health care, social assistance, and retail.
The area is very walkable, with 72.8% of homes having a 15-minute-city walkshed. Access to amenities is far above the state average, with 90.8% of homes within a 10-minute walk of public transport.