Old Beach (Tas.)

Detail

According to municipal assessments from the ABS combined with recently confirmed home locations compiled by Districts since the Census, the suburb of Old Beach has a residency figure of roughly 4,823 as of May 2026. This indicates a rise of 429 residents (9.8%) compared to the 2021 Census, which registered 4,394 individuals. The estimate is drawn from a local headcount of 4,709 calculated by Districts using the ABS demographic update from June 2025 alongside an extra 316 validated new addresses post-Census. With this population level, the density stands at 191 persons per square kilometer, indicating low-density living and scope for future expansion. The suburb's 9.8% expansion rate since the 2021 census outpaced the SA4 region (3.9%) and Greater Hobart, positioning the locality as a regional leader in expansion. Local demographic gains were mostly propelled by natural increases, which accounted for roughly 45.0% of the population growth in recent times, though interstate and international migration also contributed positively.

Detail

Data consolidated by Districts shows the suburb of Old Beach has a skilled labor force with strong representation in critical public service roles, an unemployment rate of only 2.1%, and steady employment conditions over the preceding year. By March 2026, working residents numbered 2,595, with the local jobless rate sitting 2.3% lower than the Greater Hobart average of 4.4%. Workforce participation stands at a typical 68.8%, compared with 63.8% across the broader metro area. Census records indicate that a minor 6.9% of the working population operated from home, though this period was affected by pandemic restrictions.

Detail

Based on ATO postcode data compiled by Districts for the 2023 financial year, taxpayers in the suburb of Old Beach earned a median income of $56,582, with the average income recorded at $62,878. These sums are below the national benchmarks and compare to median and average figures of $54,577 and $65,190 in Greater Hobart. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 10.95% since the 2023 financial year, local earnings are estimated to have reached approximately $62,778 (median) and $69,763 (average) by March 2026. According to the Census, household, family, and personal incomes in the suburb of Old Beach sit around the 61st percentile nationally. The most common bracket accounts for 39.5% of the local population (1,905 people) earning between $1,500 - 2,999, which mirrors the regional pattern where this group comprises . Post-housing disposable income stands at , showing healthy household purchasing power, while the area's SEIFA ranking for income falls in the th decile.

Detail

At the time of the latest Census, the housing stock in the suburb of Old Beach was composed of 90.5% standalone houses and 9.5% multi-unit dwellings such as townhouses and flats, compared to 85.3% houses and 14.7% other structures across metropolitan Hobart. Home ownership patterns matched the Hobart average at 35.6%, with the remaining properties occupied by mortgage holders (52.4%) or tenants (12.1%). The median monthly mortgage payment was identical to the metropolitan Hobart average at $1,517, while the median weekly rent was $400, compared to regional figures of $1,517 and $350. Nationally, local mortgage commitments are lower than the Australian median of $1,863, whereas rental costs exceed the national benchmark of $375.

Detail

The local household structure is predominantly family-based at 79.1%, which is divided into couples with children at 34.8%, couples without children at 33.6%, and single-parent households at 10.0%. Non-family living arrangements account for the remaining 20.9%, made up of single-person households at 18.7% and group housing at 2.4%. The average household occupancy stands at 2.6 people, exceeding the Greater Hobart average of 2.4.

Detail

Educational attainment in the area lags behind regional benchmarks, with tertiary qualification rates at 17.9% compared to the SA4 average of 32.8%. This gap highlights key areas for future education strategies. Undergraduate degrees are held by 12.4% of residents, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 3.7% and graduate diplomas at 1.8%. Vocational qualifications are prominent, with 41.3% of residents aged 15+ holding practical trade credentials, consisting of advanced diplomas at 10.8% and certificates at 30.5%.

Detail

Public transit data shows 20 active bus stops within the suburb of Old Beach. These stops are served by 58 different routes, which together provide 4,916 weekly passenger connections. Local transit access is moderate, with residents living an average of 431 meters from their nearest stop. Because the area is primarily residential, most workers commute out of the suburb, with private cars remaining the primary mode of travel for 95% of commuters. Households own an average of 1.9 vehicles, exceeding regional figures, while a minor 6.9% of residents worked from home according to the 2021 Census, which was likely influenced by pandemic conditions.

Detail

Based on local mortality statistics and the prevalence of long-term illnesses analysed by Districts, the area has notable healthcare demands across both older and younger cohorts, with private health insurance coverage sitting slightly below the average SA2 area at approximately 52% of residents (~2,512 people).

Detail

Cultural diversity in the suburb of Old Beach is lower than the national average, with 89.0% of residents born in Australia, 93.5% holding citizenship, and 94.6% using only English at home. The predominant religious affiliation is Christianity, practiced by 50.3% of the community, compared to 39.8% across Greater Hobart.

Detail

The median age of 40 in the suburb of Old Beach is close to the Greater Hobart average of 39 and slightly higher than the national median of 38. Young children aged 0 - 4 represent a healthy 6.7% of the community, while young adults aged 25 - 34 are less common at 13.2%. Since the 2021 Census, the proportion of residents aged 75 to 84 has risen from 5.5% to 7.9%. Conversely, the 55 to 64 group has contracted from 12.8% to 10.8%, and children aged 5 to 14 have decreased from 12.8% to 11.5%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate significant demographic shifts, led by the to group which is expected to rise by ( people) to reach from . Collectively, residents aged and over will account for of total population growth, reflecting an aging trend, whereas the to and to brackets are projected to shrink.

Detail

Old Beach currently has an estimated 323 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 189 children aged 0-2 and 125 children aged 3-4. This cohort grew by an estimated 21% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future growth, with an anticipated increase of 4% by 2041 (to approximately 337 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 431. Recent growth has been driven by high birth rates observed in the area, with approximately 12.4 births per 1,000 residents recorded over the latest two-year period analysed which ranks the area among the top 30% of areas assessed nationally. This rate has slowed down slightly in recent years however.