Launceston population: How many people live in Tasmania’s second biggest city?

The Launceston population is 89,178. This makes it Tasmania’s second biggest city, and close to being one of the 20 biggest cities in Australia.

The population of Launceston, Tasmania, is 89,178. That’s probably biggest than most Australians think. And while most overseas visitors probably won’t care about Launceston population statistics, this does indicate a city large enough to hold the attention for a few days. Indeed, there are plenty of things to do in Launceston, and it has a solid bar and restaurant scene.

Tasmania’s second biggest city

Launceston is Tasmania’s second biggest city. In the north of the island on the River Tamar, it is also an alternative hub for a Tasmanian holiday.

Cataract Gorge in Launceston, Tasmania — Cataract Gorge in Launceston is one of the highlights of Tasmania’s second city. Tamar River Cruises down the gorge are one of the best things to do in Launceston. Photo by David Whitley/ Australia Travel Questions

Hobart might be the state capital of Tasmania, but that doesn’t mean the Tasmanian population is that heavily concentrated there. The drive from Hobart to Launceston takes around two hours and 15 minutes, but there are several flights from the mainland into Launceston Airport. The most regular flights are from Melbourne to Launceston, and it’s easy to hire a car at Launceston Airport.

Launceston population statistics

That Launceston population figure is from the Australian Bureau of Statistics, and is for the significant urban area of Launceston. This essentially means the city plus the suburbs joining on to it, and is what most people would instinctively bundle together as a ‘city’.

The population of Launceston isn’t quite big enough to get it on the top 20 list of Australia’s biggest cities. But it isn’t too far off. The Launceston population is slightly bigger than that of Mackay or Rockhampton in Queensland, but smaller than Albury in New South Wales.