Chigwell (Tas.)

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According to investigations of ABS population updates for the wider region and new addresses verified by Districts since the Census, the suburb of Chigwell has an estimated population of 2,264 as of May 2026. This represents a growth of 214 people (10.4%) from the 2021 Census, when the population was recorded at 2,050 people. The change is calculated from the resident population of 2,264, estimated by Districts using the latest ABS ERP release (June 2025) and an additional 114 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level means a density ratio of 752 persons per square kilometer, which is consistent with typical averages across locations evaluated by Districts. The 10.4% expansion in the suburb of Chigwell since the 2021 census outpaced the SA3 area (1.1%) and the SA4 region, establishing it as a growth leader locally. Population gains for the area were mostly driven by overseas migration, which accounted for approximately of overall population increases during recent periods.

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Chigwell has a balanced workforce comprising white and blue collar jobs, with essential services sectors well represented, an unemployment rate of 11.0%, and relative employment stability over the past year, according to Districts aggregation of statistical area data. As of March 2026, 1,032 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 6.6% higher than Greater Hobart's rate of 4.4%, indicating room for improvement, and workforce participation is generally similar to Greater Hobart's 63.8%. Based on Census data, a low 3.0% of residents worked from home, although Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be taken into account.

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The latest postcode level ATO data from Districts for financial year 2023 indicates that income in the suburb of Chigwell is lower than average nationally, with the median recorded at $48,228 and the average income at $52,288. This compares to 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, current estimates would be approximately $53,509 (median) and $58,014 (average) as of March 2026. According to 2021 Census data, household, family and personal incomes in Chigwell all place between the 15th and 22nd percentiles nationally. Income analysis indicates the $800 - 1,499 earnings bracket contains 31.8% of the community (719 individuals), in contrast to the metropolitan region where the - bracket is largest at . Housing affordability pressures are severe, leaving only of income remaining, ranking in the th percentile.

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Dwelling structure in Chigwell, as assessed at the latest Census, consisted of 81.0% houses and 19.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Hobart metro's 85.3% houses and 14.7% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership in Chigwell trailed that of Hobart metro, at 22.0%, with the remaining dwellings either mortgaged (39.9%) or rented (38.1%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was significantly below the Hobart metro average at $1,300, while the median weekly rent was recorded at $300, compared to Hobart metro's $1,517 and $350. Nationally, Chigwell's mortgage repayments are much lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national average of $375.

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Family households make up the majority at 64.3% of all households, consisting of 23.6% couples with children, 17.4% couples without children, and 21.6% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 35.7%, with lone person households at 31.8% and group households representing 4.4% of the total. The median household size of 2.4 people matches the Greater Hobart average.

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The area experiences educational hurdles, with university qualification rates (13.6%) significantly below the SA4 region average of 32.8%. This represents both a difficulty and an opening for targeted educational programs. Bachelor degrees are most common at 8.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.9%) and graduate diplomas (0.3%). Vocational and technical skills are prominent, with 40.2% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (6.8%) and certificates (33.4%).

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Public transport analysis shows 13 active transport stops operating within Chigwell consisting of a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 49 individual routes, collectively providing 3,170 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 135 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward - car remains the dominant mode at 89%, with 8% by bus. Vehicle ownership averages 1.3 per dwelling. A relatively low 3.0% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

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Serious health challenges are clear across Chigwell, based on Districts' evaluation of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence with a variety of health conditions showing notable impacts on both younger and older age brackets, and the rate of private health cover found to be very low at approximately 48% of the total population (~1,084 people). This compares to 51.7% across Greater Hobart. The national average is 55.7%.

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Chigwell was found to be below average for cultural diversity, with 85.9% of its population being citizens, 85.5% born in Australia, and 88.1% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Chigwell was Christianity, which accounts for 38.1% of people in Chigwell. However, the most visible overrepresentation was in Hinduism, which makes up 2.2% of the population, compared to 2.8% across Greater Hobart.

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Chigwell's median age of 33 years is materially younger than Greater Hobart's 39 as well as significantly younger than the 38-year national average. The 5 - 14 age group shows strong representation at 15.1% compared to Greater Hobart, while the 75 - 84 group is less common at 4.1%. In the period since 2021, the 35 to 44 age bracket has grown from 13.9% to 16.5% of the population, while the 65 to 74 group increased from 6.3% to 8.0%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 group has decreased from 11.3% to 9.3%. Population forecasts for point to substantial demographic changes for Chigwell. The to age group is projected to grow solidly, expanding by people () from to . Conversely, population declines are projected for the to and to brackets.

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Chigwell currently has an estimated 151 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 79 children aged 0-2 and 52 children aged 3-4. This cohort grew by an estimated 24% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future growth, with an anticipated increase of 3% by 2041 (to approximately 155 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 235. While growth has been positive birth rates observed in the area have been moderate, with approximately 11.1 births per 1,000 residents recorded over the latest two-year period analysed which ranks the area within the middle tier nationally. This rate has slowed down slightly in recent years however.