Despite barely any population growth, Tasmania doesn't have enough houses
Despite having the slowest population growth in Australia, Tasmania is facing a significant housing shortage. Experts suggest that rising building costs and historical population influxes have contributed to a tight rental market and increased homelessness.
Why it matters
This illustrates the complexity of housing supply issues, showing that population growth is not the only factor driving housing affordability crises.
Tasmania's population only went up 0.5 per cent in the year to December 2025, the lowest growth nationwide. ( ABC News: Luke Bowden )
Tasmania's population is the slowest growing in the country but there are signs the state does not have enough homes, even for a population that is barely increasing.
Rising homelessness and a tight rental market are signs the state doesn't have enough homes to meet current needs.
There are calls for the state government to increase housing supply by helping to fund water and sewerage connections to residential land.
Link copied Share Share article Tasmania's population growth might be waning, but the small state still has a housing problem.
Tasmania is predicted to be the first state in Australia to enter natural decline by 2028-29, where deaths outnumber births.
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