Cygnet
A median house price of $870,000 in a town of 1,742 people tells you something significant has happened to Cygnet. House prices have risen 861% since 1996, with a compound annual growth rate of 7.8% over 30 years, driven by sea-change migration into this Huon Valley township rather than urban density. The median age of 46 sits 6.0 years above the national figure, and the aging trajectory has accelerated over the decade. Household incomes land in the 14th percentile nationally, creating a notable tension: affordability was already stretched at 52.6% in 2021 and continues to worsen. The suburb sits at IRSAD decile 3, below average nationally, while vacancy runs at 10.9%, both above the state average.
Population
1,742
Median Age
46.0
Household IncomeiMedian weekly household income (ABS Census)
$1,041/wk
DAs (12 months)iDevelopment Applications lodged in the past year
0
Median House
$870K
YTD 2026
The median house price reached $870,000 in YTD 2026, up from $671,500 in 2024, a 29.6% rise in under two years. That price level sits well above the Tasmanian state median, making Cygnet one of the pricier rural towns in the state. Separate houses dominate at 93.7% of dwellings, apartments at just 0.7%, so buyers are almost always purchasing detached homes. The most common size is 3-bedroom at 52.6%, with 4-plus bedrooms at 20.1%. Monthly mortgage repayments average $1,280, giving a mortgage-to-income ratio of 28.4%, below the 30% stress threshold. Outright owners make up 45.1% of households compared to 31.4% on a mortgage, a high outright ownership rate consistent with an established, lower-turnover owner base.
For Buyers
The median house price reached $870,000 in YTD 2026, up from $671,500 in 2024, a 29.6% rise in under two years. That price level sits well above the Tasmanian state median, making Cygnet one of the pricier rural towns in the state. Separate houses dominate at 93.7% of dwellings, apartments at just 0.7%, so buyers are almost always purchasing detached homes. The most common size is 3-bedroom at 52.6%, with 4-plus bedrooms at 20.1%. Monthly mortgage repayments average $1,280, giving a mortgage-to-income ratio of 28.4%, below the 30% stress threshold. Outright owners make up 45.1% of households compared to 31.4% on a mortgage, a high outright ownership rate consistent with an established, lower-turnover owner base.
For Investors
Cygnet presents a mixed investment picture. Weekly rent of $285 against a $870,000 median implies a gross yield below 1.8%, low even by regional Tasmanian standards. The 10.9% vacancy rate is high, signalling more rental supply than demand in this small market of 1,742 residents. Net internal migration averages 46 people per year and overseas migration adds 18, providing modest but consistent demand support. Population grew 23.4% over 10 years, faster than many comparable Tasmanian towns. Rent growth over the decade reached 45%, higher than income growth of 12.6%, which has pushed rent-to-income to 27.4%. With 0 development applications in the past 12 months, new supply is not a near-term concern for investors in the detached segment.
Schools in Cygnet iICSEA: school advantage index. 1000 = national avg, higher = more advantaged
Cygnet Primary School
K-6 · 190 students
St James Catholic College
Prep-10 · 218 students
Demographics
The median age of 46 is 6.0 years above the national average, and the senior share rose 8.6 points over the decade while the working-age share fell 5.5 points, classifying Cygnet as on an aging trajectory. University qualifications reach 30.8%, just 0.7 points above national, modest for a sea-change destination. Overseas-born residents at 17.4% are 4.2 points below the national figure, and ancestry is strongly Anglo-Celtic: English (786), Irish (287) and Scottish (207) are the three largest groups. Average household size is 2.4, close to the national average. Couples with no children (412) outnumber couples with children (450) by a small margin, and 30.8% of families are couples without kids, consistent with the older resident profile. Volunteering stands at 22.2%, above average nationally.
Age Distribution
Bedrooms
Dwelling Structure
93.7%
Houses
4.2%
Townhouse
0.7%
Apartment
Tenure
Cygnet's housing stock is almost entirely detached houses at 93.7%, with semi-detached dwellings at 4.2% and apartments at just 0.7%. Price history shows sustained long-run growth: from $90,500 in 1996 to $870,000 in 2026, a CAGR of 7.8% over 30 years. The recent acceleration is notable, with the median jumping from $671,500 in 2024 to $870,000 in 2026. Outright owners at 45.1% outnumber mortgage holders at 31.4%, and renters sit at 23.5%. Three-bedroom homes account for 52.6% of dwellings and 4-plus bedroom homes 20.1%. Mortgage-to-income at 28.4% and rent-to-income at 27.4% are both below the 30% stress threshold, though the worsening affordability trend means both ratios have risen over time.
Median House Price Trend
Source: State Valuer-General
Mortgage / mo
$1,280
Rent / wk
$285
HH Size
2.4
Personal Income / wk
$526
Vacancy Ratei% of dwellings unoccupied on Census night (ABS 2021)
10.9%
Unoccupied
84
Rent / IncomeiMedian rent as % of household income. Over 30% = housing stress
27.4%
Mortgage / IncomeiMedian mortgage as % of household income. Over 30% = housing stress
28.4%
Community Profile
Ancestry
Household Composition
30.8%
Couples, no children
1,337
Total families
Economy & Employment
Healthcare leads local employment at 15.4% of workers (61 people), followed by Education at 13.9% (55) and Construction at 13.4% (53). Public Admin contributes 8.6% and Professional/Tech 7.1%. By occupation, Professionals (124) and Managers (94) rank highest. The unemployment rate is 6.8%, above typical levels, and the participation rate is 43.5%, which is low nationally. This is partly structural: 666 residents are not in the labour force, consistent with the high median age of 46. Full-time employment accounts for 54.0% of workers. Household income sits at the 14th percentile nationally, below average, and SEIFA IRSD decile is 3, placing Cygnet in the lower third for relative socioeconomic disadvantage. Real income growth of 12.6% over the decade compares unfavourably to rent growth of 45%.
Unemployment
4.3%
Labour Force
2,187
Unemployed
95
Quarterly Trend
Source: SALM Dec-25
Socio-Economic Indexes (SEIFA)iABS index ranking suburbs from 1 (most disadvantaged) to 10 (most advantaged)
Full-time
54.0%
Part-time
39.2%
Participation
43.5%
Employed
576
Occupations
Top Industries
University
30.8%
Postgraduate
8.5%
Born Overseas
17.4%
Dwellings
684
Transport to Work
Transport reliance in Cygnet is heavily car-based: 83.1% of residents drive to work, compared to the national average, while public transport accounts for just 1.6% of commutes. Walking and cycling is notably higher than typical rural towns at 8.2%, reflecting the compact township layout. No schools are recorded within the suburb boundary in this dataset, so families depend on facilities in nearby centres. Crime data is not available for Cygnet. As a broader indicator, IRSAD decile sits at 3, below average nationally, and 7.7% of residents (124 people) require daily assistance, above typical suburban rates. The high outright ownership rate of 45.1% and low turnover of 17.3% (82.7% of residents stayed in the same address) point to a settled, stable community, though the aging profile is a long-term consideration for service planning.
Drive
83.1%
Public Transport
1.6%
Walk / Cycle
8.2%
Work from Home
N/A
Population Forecast
+1.5%/yr
(+78 people/yr)
EstablishedCygnet's population grew 23.4% over the past decade, well above most comparable Tasmanian rural towns, driven by balanced internal and overseas migration. Net internal migration averages 46 people annually and overseas migration adds 18, for a combined contribution that exceeds natural increase. The annual growth trend runs at 1.5%, adding roughly 26 people per year at the suburb level. Medium forecasts for the broader SA2 project the population growing from 5,216 in 2025 to 5,658 by 2031. Gentrification is at the early signs stage, with signals including population growth of 27% since 2011 and an increasing share of university-educated residents. The affordability trend is worsening, with the ratio rising from 50.3% in 2011 to 52.6% in 2021, which may dampen future migration inflows if prices continue to outpace incomes.
Historical + Forecast
Hamilton-Perry + Holt smoothing on ERP 2001-2025
Age Cohort Forecast
Primary Driver
Balanced
Net Overseas / yr
+18
Net Internal / yr
+46
Gentrification Signal
Early signs
Population +27% since 2011, Accelerating: 5% → 20%
National Ranking iPercentile rank among ~15,000 AU suburbs. 90% = higher than 90% of suburbs
How Cygnet compares to ~15,000 Australian suburbs
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cygnet a good suburb to live in?
Cygnet suits buyers seeking a detached rural lifestyle with low mortgage stress: the mortgage-to-income ratio is 28.4%, below the 30% stress threshold. However, household income sits at the 14th percentile nationally and IRSAD decile is 3, placing it in the lower third for socioeconomic advantage. Public transport is minimal at 1.6%, so a car is essential.
What is the median house price in Cygnet?
The median house price is $870,000 in YTD 2026, up from $671,500 in 2024. This represents a 29.6% rise in under two years and sits above the Tasmanian state median. Over 30 years, prices have grown at a CAGR of 7.8%, from $90,500 in 1996. Monthly mortgage repayments average $1,280.
What schools are in Cygnet?
No schools are recorded inside the Cygnet suburb boundary in this dataset. Families rely on schools in surrounding Huon Valley centres. The suburb has a 30.8% university qualification rate, close to the national average and slightly above the broader Tasmanian average.
Is Cygnet safe?
Detailed crime statistics are not available for Cygnet in this dataset. As an indirect measure, IRSAD decile is 3, below the national median, which is associated with somewhat higher disadvantage. The suburb has a 82.7% residential stability rate, with most residents remaining at the same address, consistent with a settled community.
Is Cygnet good for property investment?
Investment fundamentals are mixed. Rent of $285 per week against an $870,000 median implies a gross yield below 1.8%. The 10.9% vacancy rate is high for a town of 1,742 people. However, population grew 23.4% over 10 years and rent growth reached 45% over the decade. Zero development applications in the past 12 months limits new supply risk in the detached market.
How is Cygnet's population changing?
Cygnet is growing at 1.5% annually, adding roughly 26 residents per year. The broader SA2 population grew from 5,062 in 2023 to 5,216 in 2025 and is forecast to reach 5,658 by 2031. Net internal migration of 46 per year and overseas migration of 18 are the main drivers. The profile is aging, with the senior share up 8.6 points over the decade.
How to read these comparisons
Phrases like "above the national average" reference the unweighted median across Australian suburbs with more than 1,000 residents, not population-weighted national figures. Suburb-level medians are more useful for ranking suburbs against each other; ABS census headlines are population-weighted (so dominated by Sydney and Melbourne) and can read very differently.
Current baseline (refreshed 2026-05-10): median age 40, university-educated 30.1%, born overseas 21.6%, average household size 2.5 people.
Data sources: ABS 2021 Census (demographics, income, tenure), state Valuer-General (house prices), Department of Jobs SALM (unemployment), ACARA (school ICSEA), state Crime Statistics agencies (offences), council DA portals (development applications). Population forecasts use a Hamilton-Perry cohort model calibrated to ABS ERP.
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