Economic Development

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Regional Profile

Population Size, Distribution & Growth

The 2006 Census population count showed the 19,694 residents were evenly distributed between Meander Valley's urban and rural areas.

Meander Valley has historically been a major growth area within Northern Tasmania with the eastern urban suburbs accounting for 49.25% of population growth across the entire region between 1996 and 2006.

During the period 1996 to 2006 our eastern urban area also:
• Was the only Statistical Local Area (SLA) in Northern Tasmania to experience an increase in families with children;
• Experienced the lowest level of unemployment in new residents; and
• Had the highest median household income.

Meander Valley’s ageing population is expected to grow significantly, in line with rest of Tasmania. Meander Valley Council is taking a proactive role in seeking to partner with the private sector to address this issue, thereby maximising opportunities for growth in the aged care and allied health sectors.

Meander Valley Comparison Snapshot 
 

Meander Valley

Tasmania

Australia

Male Population

48.9%

49%

49.4%

Female Population

51.1%

51%

50.6%

Age 0-14

21.1%

19.7%

19.8%

Age 15-54

51.8%

53.1%

55.8%

Age 55+

27.1%

27.2%

24.1%

Unemployed

4.5% *

5.5% *

4.9% *

Married

56%

49.2%

49.6%

Median Family Income ($/Weekly)

$1034

$1032

$1171

Couples with Children

44.5%

41.4%

45.3%

Couples Without Children

42.3%

40.5%

37.2%

One Parent Families

12.3%

16.7%

15.8%

Home Ownership or Purchasing

75.4%

69.1%

64.8%

Source: December 2010 DEEWR

To read more about Meander Valley's towns and historic villages click here: Our Towns

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