🔍

Sorell

TAS 7172 • Greater Hobart

3,597
Population (2021)
$68,484
Median Household Income
22.85 km²
Area
$350/wk
Median Rent
Family-FriendlyAffordableEstablishedQuietCommuter Belt

About Sorell

Sorell is an historic market town and the principal urban centre of the Sorell Municipality, located approximately 27 kilometres east of Hobart on the Arthur Highway within the Greater Hobart statistical area. With a population of 3,597 in 2021 — up significantly from 2,907 in 2016 — Sorell is one of Tasmania's fastest-growing communities, reflecting its appeal as an affordable alternative to inner Hobart suburbs. The median age of 41 and below-average median income characterise a mixed demographic of working families, retirees, and younger households attracted by relative affordability.

Sorell serves as the main service hub and gateway town to the Tasman Peninsula, making it the last well-stocked stop before Port Arthur, Eaglehawk Neck, and the broader Tasman National Park. Both Coles and Woolworths are present on Cole Street, alongside local retail, cafes, primary schools, and community facilities. Metro Tasmania bus services connect Sorell to Hobart, and the Tasman Highway enables a manageable commute. Its quiet character, growing retail base, and proximity to both Hobart and spectacular natural scenery continue to attract families and retirees looking for community-oriented living on the fringe of the capital.

Sorell falls under postcode 7172 and is governed by Sorell Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Lyons (Prosser) electorate.

📰 Featured In

📰 Tasmania Suburbs with the Most Housing Commission

📍 Location

State
Tasmania
Postcode
7172
Urban Area
Sorell
LGA / Council
Sorell
Federal Electorate
Lyons
State Electorate
Lyons (Prosser)
Type
Urban
Timezone
Hobart (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-42.78°, 147.59°
Statistical Area
Greater Hobart
Area
22.85 km²
Elevation
6m

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$350
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,517
Avg Household Size
2.4 people
Median Age
41 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
5%

60 state housing + 12 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Metro Tasmania Route 201, 202 — Hobart CBD (Elizabeth Street) 45-55 min

Commute to Hobart CBD

Distance
27 km
By Train
No rail service (Tasmania has no passenger rail)
By Car (Peak)
30-45 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
25-30 min

🛣️ Sorell Causeway and the Tasman Highway are the main routes to Hobart; Metro bus services available

Walkability Somewhat Walkable

Town centre has supermarkets and basic retail within walking distance, but a car is needed for most other errands

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

  • Coles
    Cove Street Sorell 7172 TAS
  • Woolworths
    27 Cole Street Sorell 7172 TAS

🎓 Schools

  • 🏫
    Sorell School
    Gordon Street
    GovernmentSecondaryCoedNon-Denominational

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
2,907
Census 2021
3,597
▲ 23.7% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Personal Income 2016
$28,080
Personal Income 2021
$35,308
▲ 25.7% increase

2021 Census income breakdown

Personal = median for one earner. Household = all members of a dwelling pooled. Family = related members only. Annual = weekly × 52.

Personal
$35,308 / yr
$679/wk
Household
$68,484 / yr
$1317/wk
Family
$84,656 / yr
$1628/wk

Personal Income Comparison (2016 vs 2021)

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021
💰 Income: ABS Census 2021

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 3,014
Born Overseas 402

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 108
  • 2. New Zealand 33
  • 3. India 28
  • 4. South Africa 21
  • 5. Germany 15
  • 6. Pakistan 15
  • 7. Scotland 14
  • 8. Nepal 13
  • 9. Netherlands 11
  • 10. Bangladesh 10

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 1,678
Australian 1,558
Irish 363
Scottish 292
Australian Aboriginal 152
German 106
Dutch 53
Italian 43
Indian 35
New Zealander 26

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

2,642
Both parents born in Australia
486
Both parents born overseas
289
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

No Religion
46.9%
Christianity
43.7%
Islam
1.1%
Hinduism
0.7%
Sikhism
0.6%
Buddhism
0.6%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
223 (6.2%)
5-14 years
411 (11.4%)
15-19 years
177 (4.9%)
20-24 years
172 (4.8%)
25-34 years
522 (14.5%)
35-44 years
409 (11.4%)
45-54 years
375 (10.4%)
55-64 years
427 (11.9%)
65-74 years
425 (11.8%)
75-84 years
309 (8.6%)
85+ years
142 (3.9%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Sorell known for? +

Sorell is an historic market town and the principal urban centre of the Sorell Municipality, located approximately 27 kilometres east of Hobart on the Arthur Highway within the Greater Hobart statistical area. Sorell serves as the main service hub and gateway town to the Tasman Peninsula, making it the last well-stocked stop before Port Arthur, Eaglehawk Neck, and the broader Tasman National Park.

How far is Sorell from Hobart CBD? +

Sorell is approximately 27 kilometres from Hobart CBD, with a typical drive taking around 32-49 minutes depending on traffic and route taken.

Does Sorell have public transport? +

Sorell is served by Metro Tasmania bus services connecting to Hobart. Tasmania has no passenger rail network, so buses and private vehicles are the main transport options. A car is commonly used for flexibility.

What is the population of Sorell? +

According to the 2021 Census, Sorell has a population of approximately 3,597 residents, a modest but established community. The suburb falls within the Sorell (Municipality) local government area.

Is Sorell a good place to live? +

Sorell is a well-regarded family-friendly suburb with parks, schools, and a welcoming community atmosphere. Its residential character and local amenities make it a popular choice for families settling in the area.

What is the postcode for Sorell? +

The postcode for Sorell, TAS is 7172. This postcode covers Sorell and may also serve nearby localities within the same postcode zone.

What is the average income in Sorell? +

Based on the 2021 Census, the median personal income in Sorell is about $679 per week (around $35,300 per year). The median household income is $1,317 per week and the median family income is $1,628 per week.

What is the age profile of Sorell? +

The median age in Sorell is 41. The largest age group is 25–34 (522 residents, around 15%). Around 23% of residents are under 20 and about 24% are aged 65 or older. (2021 Census)

How much is rent in Sorell? +

In Sorell, the median weekly rent is $350, and the median monthly mortgage repayment is $1,517 (2021 Census).