Railton

TAS 7305 • Rest of TAS

1,079
Population (2021)
$56,732
Median Household Income
70.67 km²
Area
$255/wk
Median Rent
RuralQuietHeritageAffordable

About Railton

Railton is a small rural town in Tasmania's north-west, situated approximately 19 kilometres south of Devonport and 58 kilometres west of Launceston within the Kentish Council municipality at an elevation of around 89 metres. With a population of around 1,079 residents spread across 70 square kilometres of agricultural land and bushland, Railton has a well-established community character shaped by its farming, timber, and industrial heritage. The median age of 45 and predominantly Australian-born population reflect a settled, multigenerational community with strong local identity.

Railton is affectionately known as the 'Town of Topiary' — whimsical sculpted hedges and bushes dotted throughout the town have become a beloved local tradition and a drawcard for passing tourists on the north-west tourist route. The town has a local general store and primary school, with the port city of Devonport providing major retail, healthcare, and schooling options within a short drive. Railton's connection to the broader region is further anchored by the nearby Cement Australia manufacturing plant, a significant local employer that has sustained livelihoods in the town for generations. Affordable housing and a quiet, community-oriented lifestyle make Railton an appealing base for those who love Tasmania's rural north-west.

Railton falls under postcode 7305 and is governed by the Kentish Council (Local Government Area). For federal elections, residents vote in the electorate of Lyons, while state elections fall under the Lyons (McIntyre) electorate.

📍 Location

State
Postcode
7305
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
Federal Electorate
State Electorate
Type
Rural
Timezone
Hobart (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-41.33°, 146.41°
Statistical Area
Rest of TAS
Area
70.67 km²
Population Density
15 /km²
Elevation
89m

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🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$255
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$975
Avg Household Size
2.5 people
Median Age
45 years

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Tassielink / local services — Devonport 25-30 min

Commute to Hobart CBD

Distance
186 km
By Train
No train service in Tasmania
By Car (Peak)
2 hrs to Hobart; 55 min to Launceston
By Car (Off-Peak)
2 hrs to Hobart; 50 min to Launceston

🛣️ Bass Highway connects to Devonport (19km) and Launceston (58km); Devonport is the primary service hub for Railton residents

Walkability Car-Dependent

Most daily errands require a car; local services are limited to a general store and primary school, with Devonport providing major shopping and services

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
997
Census 2021
1,079
8.2% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Personal Income 2016
$23,556
Personal Income 2021
$28,028
19.0% 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
$28,028 / yr
$539/wk
Household
$56,732 / yr
$1091/wk
Family
$69,628 / yr
$1339/wk

Personal Income Comparison (2016 vs 2021)

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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 892
Born Overseas 82

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 43
  • 2. New Zealand 11
  • 3. Scotland 6
  • 4. Italy 4
  • 5. Philippines 4
  • 6. Canada 3

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 483
Australian 438
Irish 125
Australian Aboriginal 97
Scottish 89
German 31
Dutch 21
Filipino 8
French 8
Welsh 8

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

815
Both parents born in Australia
116
Both parents born overseas
50
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

No Religion
53.5%
Christianity
36.0%
Sikhism
0.3%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
53 (4.9%)
5-14 years
135 (12.5%)
15-19 years
66 (6.1%)
20-24 years
59 (5.5%)
25-34 years
108 (10.0%)
35-44 years
117 (10.8%)
45-54 years
130 (12.0%)
55-64 years
207 (19.2%)
65-74 years
120 (11.1%)
75-84 years
78 (7.2%)
85+ years
17 (1.6%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Railton known for? +

Railton is best known as Tasmania's 'Town of Topiary' — a beloved local tradition of sculpting hedges and bushes into creative shapes throughout the town. The topiary trail has made Railton a popular stop for tourists travelling through Tasmania's north-west.

How far is Railton from Devonport? +

Railton is approximately 19 kilometres south of Devonport, making it around a 20 to 30 minute drive via the Bass Highway. Devonport is the nearest major centre for shopping, healthcare, and the Spirit of Tasmania ferry terminal.

Does Railton have public transport? +

Tasmania has no rail passenger services. Railton is connected to Devonport by local bus services (Tassielink and regional routes), with a journey of approximately 25 to 30 minutes. A car is recommended for most errands and commuting.

What is the population of Railton? +

According to the 2021 Census, Railton has a population of approximately 1,079 people. It is a small but established community in Tasmania's Kentish Council area, with a median age of 45 reflecting its settled, multigenerational character.

Is Railton a good place to live? +

Railton offers an affordable, quiet rural lifestyle in Tasmania's scenic north-west, close to Devonport and within reasonable reach of Launceston. It appeals to those who value community spirit, natural surroundings, and a slower pace of life, and is particularly popular with families and retirees who appreciate small-town living.

What is the postcode for Railton? +

The postcode for Railton is 7305, covering the town and surrounding rural area within the Kentish Council municipality in Tasmania's north-west.

What is the average income in Railton? +

Based on the 2021 Census, the median personal income in Railton is about $539 per week (around $28,000 per year). The median household income is $1,091 per week and the median family income is $1,339 per week.

What is the age profile of Railton? +

The median age in Railton is 45. The largest age group is 55–64 (207 residents, around 19%). Around 24% of residents are under 20 and about 20% are aged 65 or older. (2021 Census)

How much is rent in Railton? +

In Railton, the median weekly rent is $255, and the median monthly mortgage repayment is $975 (2021 Census).