Penguin (Tas.)

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Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by Districts since the Census Penguin's population is estimated at around 4,239 as of May 2026. This reflects an increase of 107 people (2.6%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,132 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 4,218, estimated by Districts following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2025) and an additional 97 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 93 persons per square kilometer, providing significant space per person and potential room for further development. Over the past decade, Penguin has demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a 0.7% compound annual growth rate, outpacing the SA3 area. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration that contributed approximately 59.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including overseas migration and natural growth were positive factors.

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A qualified labor pool characterizes the workforce, with key public service fields showing strong numbers, a jobless rate of just 3.2%, and an estimated rise in employment of 3.0% over the previous year, as aggregated from regional figures by Districts. In March 2026, there were 2,085 working citizens, representing a jobless rate 0.7% lower than the Regional Tas. rate of 3.9%, while participation in the labor force aligns closely with the regional figure of 58.8%. Census data indicates that a modest 8.2% of workers operated from home, though this may reflect the influence of pandemic restrictions.

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The most recent postcode ATO statistics for financial year 2023 show that income levels are below the national benchmark, with a median of $47,925 and an average of $58,054. This compares to a median of $49,689 and an average of $59,358 in Regional Tas. Adjusting for a Wage Price Index rise of 10.95% since financial year 2023, estimates for March 2026 are approximately $53,173 for the median and $64,411 for the average. According to the 2021 Census, household, family, and individual incomes all rank between the 20th and 20th percentiles nationally. The largest earnings cohort comprises 29.5% of residents (1,250 people) earning in the $1,500 - 2,999 range, which is similar to the metropolitan trend where fall into this bracket. Although residents retain of their income due to modest housing expenses, total disposable income sits at the th percentile nationally.

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The residential profile recorded at the last Census showed that houses made up 91.0% of the properties while 8.9% were alternative options like apartments, townhouses, and other dwellings, compared to 89.9% houses and 10.1% other dwellings in Regional Tas. The home ownership rate stood at 41.3%, matching the regional benchmark, with remaining properties either being purchased with a mortgage (37.1%) or leased (21.7%). Monthly mortgage costs medianed at $1,300, which is higher than the regional average of $1,274, and weekly rents medianed at $260, compared to the regional average of $250. Nationally, mortgage costs are much lower than the Australian median of $1,863, and rents are also well below the national median of $375.

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Families make up 68.1% of all households, consisting of couples with children at 24.5%, couples without children at 32.7%, and single parent households at 10.6%. The remaining 31.9% are non-family households, which are dominated by lone persons at 29.7% alongside group households at 1.9%. The median occupancy stands at 2.3 people, matching the average for Regional Tas.

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The local population presents lower rates of tertiary attainment, with university graduation at 19.4% compared to the national rate of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees constitute the largest portion of these qualifications at 13.5%, followed by postgraduate degrees at 3.6% and graduate diplomas at 2.3%. Vocational and technical capabilities are highly represented, with 40.4% of residents aged 15+ holding trade credentials, consisting of advanced diplomas at 9.4% and certificate qualifications at 31.0%.

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An evaluation of local transit shows 21 active stops within the suburb of Penguin, featuring a selection of bus services. These stops support 57 different routes, providing 3,692 passenger journeys weekly. Transit access is rated as good, with residents living an average of 343 meters from their nearest stop. Because of the residential nature of the locality, most workers travel out of the area, and cars remain the primary transit mode at 96%. Households own an average of 1.6 vehicles. A minor 8.2% of the working population worked from home according to the 2021 Census, which was potentially influenced by pandemic conditions.

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Public health records indicate notable issues based on mortality statistics and chronic disease presence, with common conditions impacting both younger and older cohorts, alongside a relatively low rate of private health insurance at about 50% of the population (~2,127 people). The national private health coverage rate stands at 55.7%.

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The community has a lower level of cultural variety compared to national benchmarks, with 88.9% of residents born in Australia, 92.4% holding citizenship, and 97.7% speaking only English at home. Christianity is the primary religion, followed by 42.4% of the population. The most distinct variance in representation is for Judaism, which has no local adherents, compared to 0.1% across Regional Tas.

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With a median age of 47, the suburb of Penguin is slightly older than the Regional Tas. median of 45 and stands well above the national median of 38 years. The cohort aged 85+ is highly represented at 3.6%, whereas the 25 - 34 age bracket is underrepresented at 10.1%. Since 2021, the proportion of residents aged 35 to 44 rose from 10.4% to 11.9%, while the 45 to 54 cohort shrank from 13.6% to 12.3%. Projections for 2041 indicate notable changes in the age structure, with the 75 to 84 cohort expected to grow by 109 people (30%) from to . Residents aged and over are projected to account for of population growth, highlighting local aging trends, whereas population declines are expected for the to and to age groups.

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Penguin currently has an estimated 186 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 122 children aged 0-2 and 81 children aged 3-4. This cohort grew by an estimated 8% since the previous census. though population forecasts indicate future decline, with an anticipated decrease of 16% by 2041 (to approximately 156 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 378. While growth has been positive birth rates observed in the area have been moderate, with approximately 8.4 births per 1,000 residents recorded over the latest two-year period analysed which ranks the area among the bottom 30% of areas assessed nationally.