Longford (Tas.)

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According to ABS population updates for the wider region and new address data validated by Districts since the Census, the suburb of Longford (Tas.) has an estimated population of 4,536 as of May 2026. This represents a rise of 268 people (6.3%) compared to the 2021 Census, when 4,268 people were counted. This adjustment is calculated from a resident population of 4,506, estimated by Districts using the ABS June 2025 ERP release, combined with an additional 141 validated new addresses since the Census date. The resulting population density is 25 persons per square kilometer, which ensures residents have plenty of space. The growth rate of 6.3% since the 2021 census outpaced Tasmania's statewide average of 4.0% and the local SA4 region, establishing the area as a regional growth leader. This population increase was mostly driven by interstate migration, which accounted for approximately 53.0% of the total demographic growth in recent times.

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The local workforce displays a balanced mix of professional and industrial occupations, with a notable presence in manufacturing and production, alongside a very low unemployment rate of 3.1% according to statistical area data aggregated by Districts. In March 2026, the employed resident population stood at 2,080, while the local unemployment rate sat 0.9% below the Regional Tas. benchmark of 3.9%. Local workforce participation is somewhat lower than average, standing at 56.2% compared to 58.8% for Regional Tas. Census statistics show a low proportion of residents working from home at 7.6%, though this was likely affected by Covid-19 lockdown restrictions.

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Latest postcode-level tax data from the ATO for financial year 2023 indicates that local taxpayers earn a median income of $48,938, with an average of $56,743. These figures sit below the national benchmarks, comparing to a median of $49,689 and an average of $59,358 across Regional Tas. Adjusting these numbers for a Wage Price Index increase of 10.95% since financial year 2023 yields estimated values of approximately $54,297 for the median and $62,956 for the average as of March 2026. Data from the 2021 Census places household, family, and personal incomes in the area between the 14th and 22nd percentiles nationally. Income distribution details show that 29.4% of the population (representing 1,333 individuals) fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 brackets, which aligns closely with the surrounding region where of people sit in this same range. After paying for housing, residents retain of their income, which places the area in the th percentile nationally.

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According to the latest Census data, the local housing mix consisted of 85.7% detached houses and 14.4% other housing types like townhouses, apartments, or alternative dwellings, compared to 89.9% houses and 10.1% other dwellings across Regional Tas. The home ownership rate was identical to the Regional Tas. level of 40.4%, with the remaining properties being held under a mortgage (33.7%) or occupied by tenants (26.0%). The median monthly mortgage payment was higher than the Regional Tas. average of $1,274 at $1,300, while the median weekly rent was $265, compared to $250 regionally. On a national level, mortgage costs are much lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and local rents sit far below the national median of $375.

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Families make up the majority of local households at 67.5%, consisting of couples with children at 22.9%, couples without children at 31.5%, and single parents at 12.3%. Non-family living arrangements account for the remaining 32.5% of households, with lone person households comprising 29.8% and group households representing 2.6%. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is identical to the Regional Tas. average.

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The local community records low rates of tertiary education, with university qualification levels at 16.0%, which is well below the national average of 30.4%. This highlights a clear opportunity for targeted educational support. Among university graduates, bachelor degrees are the most common at 11.5%, followed by postgraduate degrees at 2.6% and graduate diplomas at 1.9%. Vocational and technical skills are highly prevalent, with 37.7% of residents aged 15+ holding a vocational qualification, consisting of advanced diplomas at 9.1% and certificates at 28.6%.

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Based on Districts assessments of mortality data and the prevalence of chronic illnesses, the community face significant health issues, with common ailments affecting both younger and older residents, while the rate of private health insurance is relatively low, covering approximately 50% of the population (~2,252 people) compared to a national average of 55.7%.

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The area shows lower levels of cultural diversity than the national average, with citizens making up 91.0% of the population, 89.5% of residents born in Australia, and 97.1% speaking only English at home. Christianity is the dominant religion, practiced by 47.7% of local residents, compared to 43.0% across Regional Tas.

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The median age of 46 years is similar to the Regional Tas. average of 45, and sits well above the Australian median of 38. The age distribution reveals a large proportion of residents in the 75 - 84 bracket (10.2%), while the 45 - 54 bracket is relatively small (10.3%) compared to the wider region. Post-2021 Census figures show the 75 to 84 cohort has expanded from 8.4% to 10.2% of the population, and the 35 to 44 cohort grew from 9.5% to 10.8%. In contrast, the 45 to 54 cohort fell from 12.2% to 10.3%. Demographic modeling projects significant changes by with the to age bracket expected to rise steadily by people () from to . Seniors aged and over will account for of all population growth, highlighting the aging trend, while the to and to brackets are projected to shrink.

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Longford currently has an estimated 231 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 136 children aged 0-2 and 91 children aged 3-4. This cohort grew by an estimated 6% since the previous census. though population forecasts indicate future decline, with an anticipated decrease of 3% by 2041 (to approximately 224 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 379. While growth has been positive birth rates observed in the area have been moderate, with approximately 11.4 births per 1,000 residents recorded over the latest two-year period analysed which ranks the area within the middle tier nationally.