The 2016 census showed the average Tasmanian household had 2.3 residents, compared to 2.6 nationally.

At the same time, 5.6 per cent of Tasmanians were aged from birth to four, compared to 6.3 per cent nationally.

Tasmania had slightly smaller proportions than Australia of children aged five to nine and 10-14 as well.

Tasmanian families which actually had children averaged 1.8 children, as did Australian families with children.

Tasmanians also  matched Australians overall on motor vehicles, with 1.8 per dwelling.

Treasurer Peter Gutwein said census data confirmed state population was growing at its fastest rate in six years.

“In original terms, Tasmania’s estimated resident population increased by 753 persons in the December 2016 quarter, bringing our population up to 519,050,” Mr Gutwein said.

”The increased quarterly change saw an additional 226 persons due to new births, with overseas migration representing 383 new Tasmanians and an additional 144 from interstate.”

Tasmania’s annual population growth rate of 0.6 per cent was equal sixth strongest of the eight jurisdictions.