🔍

Sheffield

TAS 7306 • Rest of TAS

1,602
Population (2021)
$26,780
Median Income
61.06 km²
Area
$200/wk
Median Rent
RuralTourist HubHeritageQuiet

About Sheffield

Sheffield is a small rural town in north-west Tasmania, located 23 kilometres south of Devonport and approximately 66 kilometres west of Launceston, within the Kentish (Municipality) local government area. Set at an elevation of 269 metres in the agricultural hinterland below Mount Roland, Sheffield serves as the regional service hub for the surrounding dairy and pastoral district. With a population of 1,602 at the 2021 Census, the town has a notably older demographic — median age of 54 — and below-average household incomes of around $970 per week, consistent with rural Tasmanian towns.

Sheffield has earned national recognition as Tasmania's 'Town of Murals', with dozens of large-scale outdoor murals painted on building facades throughout the town centre, attracting visitors making the journey between Devonport and the Tasmanian highlands. The dramatic backdrop of Mount Roland and access to conservation areas nearby make the region popular with bushwalkers and nature enthusiasts. The town centre offers essential services including shops, cafes, a primary school, and community facilities, and the area's affordable housing, clean air, and tight-knit community appeal to retirees, tree-changers, and those seeking a quieter pace of life.

Sheffield falls under postcode 7306 and is governed by Kentish Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Lyons (Montgomery) electorate.

📍 Location

State
Tasmania
Postcode
7306
Urban Area
Kentish
LGA / Council
Kentish
Federal Electorate
Lyons
State Electorate
Lyons (Montgomery)
Type
Urban
Timezone
Hobart (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-41.39°, 146.34°
Statistical Area
Rest of TAS
Area
61.06 km²
Elevation
269m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Redline Coaches — Devonport 30–40 min

Commute to Devonport CBD

Distance
23 km
By Train
No rail service; nearest rail is not in operation for passengers in this region
By Car (Peak)
25–35 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
20–25 min

🛣️ A car is essential for most travel; the Claude Road connects to Devonport via the Bass Highway

Walkability Car-Dependent

Core town centre services are walkable for those in the main street area, but most errands and commuting require a car

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

  • 🏫
    Sheffield School
    12 Henry Street
    GovernmentSecondaryCoedNon-Denominational

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$200
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,000
Avg Household Size
2.1 people
Median Age
54 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
9.3%

24 state housing + 37 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
1,552
Census 2021
1,602
▲ 3.2% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Income 2016
$23,608
Income 2021
$26,780
▲ 13.4% increase

Income Comparison

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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 1,227
Born Overseas 209

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 90
  • 2. New Zealand 19
  • 3. Scotland 11
  • 4. Netherlands 10
  • 5. China 7
  • 6. Germany 7
  • 7. Hong Kong 6
  • 8. United States 6
  • 9. Vietnam 6
  • 10. Wales 5

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 695
Australian 656
Scottish 174
Irish 132
Australian Aboriginal 78
German 74
Dutch 27
Welsh 19
Chinese 18
Italian 16

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

1,074
Both parents born in Australia
248
Both parents born overseas
126
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

No Religion
48.4%
Christianity
38.5%
Buddhism
0.3%
Hinduism
0.2%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
52 (3.2%)
5-14 years
151 (9.4%)
15-19 years
65 (4.1%)
20-24 years
66 (4.1%)
25-34 years
132 (8.2%)
35-44 years
129 (8.1%)
45-54 years
216 (13.5%)
55-64 years
267 (16.7%)
65-74 years
275 (17.2%)
75-84 years
172 (10.7%)
85+ years
72 (4.5%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Sheffield known for? +

Sheffield is internationally known as Tasmania's 'Town of Murals', featuring dozens of large-scale outdoor artworks painted across building facades in the town centre. It is also known for the scenic backdrop of Mount Roland and its strong dairy farming heritage.

How far is Sheffield from Devonport? +

Sheffield is approximately 23 kilometres south of Devonport, making it a 25–35 minute drive depending on traffic. Devonport is the nearest major town and the location of the Spirit of Tasmania ferry terminal.

Does Sheffield have public transport? +

Sheffield is served by Redline Coaches connecting it to Devonport, but there is no passenger rail service in the region. A private vehicle is the most practical way to get around for residents.

What is the population of Sheffield? +

According to the 2021 Census, Sheffield has a population of 1,602 residents. The community skews older, with a median age of 54, reflecting the appeal of the town's rural lifestyle to retirees and established residents.

Is Sheffield a good place to live? +

Sheffield suits those seeking an affordable, quiet rural lifestyle in a scenic Tasmanian setting. It appeals particularly to retirees, artists, and tree-changers drawn by its community spirit, natural surroundings, and the unique character of its famous mural trail.

What is the postcode for Sheffield? +

The postcode for Sheffield, Tasmania is 7306.