At times when the world was facing worst of the global financial crisis, Tasmania's building approvals and population experienced healthy growth rates, according to a new report.

Brighton, Sorell and Latrobe have been identified as possessing the strongest housing activity, revealed the Housing Industry Association's 2008-2009 Building and Population Hotspots Report.

The price of new housing approvals statewide escalated from $560 million to $614 million in 2008-09.

The HIA's Harley Dale said, “Brighton, Latrobe and Sorell where building activity approved last year was very, very high valued in each instance in excess of or around $30 million for each of those areas and around the same time, each of those areas are enjoying relatively healthy population growth”.

The report revealed that population grew by more than 5,000, which is above the national average of 2.1%.