Wurtulla - Birtinya

Wurtulla - Birtinya lies within the top 10% of areas nationally in terms of population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of short and medium-term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Wurtulla - Birtinya's population is around 11,627 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 956 people (9.0%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 10,671 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 11,610 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 400 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 1,699 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Over the past decade, Wurtulla - Birtinya has demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a 4.6% compound annual growth rate, outpacing the SA3 area. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration, which contributed approximately 64.3% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers, including overseas migration and natural growth, were positive factors.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and for years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data, are adopted. It should be noted that these state projections do not provide age category splits; hence, where utilised, AreaSearch is applying proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) for each age cohort. Considering the projected demographic shifts, a significant population increase in the top quartile of Australia's non-metropolitan areas is forecast, with the area expected to grow by 2,981 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, recording a gain of 25.5% in total over the 17 years.

The level of residential development activity in Wurtulla - Birtinya was found to be higher than 90% of real estate markets across the country

Wurtulla - Birtinya has recorded around 139 residential properties granted approval annually, totalling 697 homes over the past 5 financial years. So far in FY-26179 approvals have been recorded. With an average of 2.5 people per year moving to the area per new home constructed over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), reflecting robust demand that underpins property values, new homes are being built at an average value of $348,000, in line with regional trends. There have also been $49.7 million in commercial approvals this financial year, indicating strong commercial development momentum.

Compared to the rest of Qld, Wurtulla - Birtinya records 13.0% less building activity (per person) while it places among the 92nd percentile of areas assessed nationally. This is significantly above the national average, indicating robust developer interest in the area. New development consists of 8.0% detached dwellings and 92.0% medium and high-density housing. This trend toward denser development provides accessible entry options and appeals to downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers. This marks a significant departure from existing housing patterns (currently 66.0% houses), suggesting diminishing developable land availability and responding to evolving lifestyle preferences and housing affordability needs. At around 70 people per approval, Wurtulla - Birtinya reflects a developing area.

Looking ahead, Wurtulla - Birtinya is expected to grow by 2,964 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). With current construction levels, housing supply should adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Wurtulla - Birtinya has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 18 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the Sunshine Coast Health Precinct, St Clair, the Birtinya Social Housing Project, and Birtinya Town Centre, with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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Employment conditions in Wurtulla - Birtinya demonstrate strong performance, ranking among the top 35% of areas assessed nationally

Wurtulla - Birtinya possesses a well-educated workforce, with essential services sectors well represented, and an unemployment rate of just 2.6%. As of December 2025, 6,406 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 1.4% below Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%, and workforce participation is broadly similar to Regional Qld's 65.4%. Based on Census responses, a moderate 15.1% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Employment among residents is concentrated in health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. The area has a particular employment specialization in health care & social assistance, with an employment share 1.5 times the regional level. Meanwhile, agriculture, forestry & fishing has a limited presence with 0.3% employment compared to 4.5% regionally. The ratio of 1.0 workers for each resident, as at the Census, indicates substantial local employment opportunities.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, over the 12 months to December 2025, labour force levels decreased by 3.2% combined with employment decreasing by 2.9%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.3 percentage points. This compares to Regional Qld, where employment grew by 0.7%, labour force expanded by 1.0%, and unemployment rose 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Wurtulla - Birtinya. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Wurtulla - Birtinya's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.3% over five years and 14.9% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

Income levels align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis

The Wurtulla - Birtinya SA2 shows a median taxpayer income of $54,781 and an average of $81,035 according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY-23. This is among the highest in Australia, contrasting with Regional Qld's median income of $53,146 and average income of $66,593. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $60,210 (median) and $89,066 (average) as of September 2025. From the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes in Wurtulla - Birtinya cluster around the 52nd percentile nationally. Income brackets indicate 32.6% of the population (3,790 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, reflecting patterns seen in the surrounding region where 31.7% similarly occupy this range. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 80.6% of income remaining, ranking at the 48th percentile, and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 6th decile.

Wurtulla - Birtinya displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Dwelling structure within Wurtulla - Birtinya, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 66.5% houses and 33.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Regional Qld's 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Wurtulla - Birtinya lagged that of Regional Qld, at 27.1%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (29.7%) or rented (43.2%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well above the Regional Qld average at $2,000, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $480, compared to Regional Qld's $1,655 and $345. Nationally, Wurtulla - Birtinya's mortgage repayments are higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially above the national figure of $375.

Wurtulla - Birtinya features high concentrations of group households, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households dominate at 70.3% of all households, comprising 27.4% couples with children, 29.9% couples without children, and 12.0% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 29.7%, with lone person households at 23.1% and group households comprising 6.7% of the total. The median household size of 2.5 people matches the Regional Qld average.

Wurtulla - Birtinya performs slightly above the national average for education, showing competitive qualification levels and steady academic outcomes

The area's educational profile stands out regionally, with university qualification rates (28.7% of residents aged 15+) exceeding the Rest of Qld average of 20.6% and that of the SA3 area (23.6%), reflecting the community's emphasis on higher education. Bachelor degrees lead at 20.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.6%) and graduate diplomas (2.8%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 37.2% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (11.1%) and certificates (26.1%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 28.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 8.6% in primary education, 8.4% in secondary education, and 6.5% pursuing tertiary education.

Transport servicing is low compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility

Public transport analysis reveals 21 active transport stops operating within Wurtulla - Birtinya, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 4 individual routes, collectively providing 875 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 335 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 86%, with 7% walking and 3% cycling. Vehicle ownership averages 1.4 per dwelling. Some 15.1% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 125 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 41 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Wurtulla - Birtinya is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across the board, though to a slightly higher degree among older age cohorts

Wurtulla - Birtinya faces significant health challenges, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions are somewhat prevalent across the board, though to a slightly higher degree among older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 60% of the total population (6,918 people). This compares to 52.5% across Regional Qld.

The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and arthritis, impacting 8.9% and 8.6% of residents, respectively, while 68.0% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 67.6% across Regional Qld. Health outcomes among the working-age population are broadly typical. The area has 18.9% of residents aged 65 and over (2,200 people), which is lower than the 20.4% in Regional Qld. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, though they rank lower nationally than the broader population.

Wurtulla - Birtinya ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Wurtulla - Birtinya was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 87.0% of its population being citizens, 79.3% born in Australia, and 92.8% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Wurtulla - Birtinya is Christianity, which makes up 47.0% of people in Wurtulla - Birtinya, compared to 52.2% across Regional Qld.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Wurtulla - Birtinya are English, comprising 31.5% of the population, Australian, comprising 26.0% of the population, and Irish, comprising 8.9% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: South Australian is notably overrepresented at 0.8% of Wurtulla - Birtinya (vs 0.5% regionally), New Zealand at 1.0% (vs 0.9%) and German at 4.9% (vs 4.7%).

Wurtulla - Birtinya's population aligns closely with national norms in age terms

The 39-year median age in Wurtulla - Birtinya is somewhat lower than Regional Qld's average of 41 though very close to the 38-year national average. The age profile shows 25 - 34 year-olds are particularly prominent (16.6%), while the 5 - 14 group is comparatively smaller (9.8%) than in Regional Qld. In the period since 2021, the 25 to 34 age group has grown from 14.9% to 16.6% of the population, while the 65 to 74 cohort increased from 9.3% to 10.5%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort has declined from 11.7% to 9.8% and the 55 to 64 group dropped from 12.0% to 10.8%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections reveal significant shifts in Wurtulla - Birtinya's age structure. The 25 to 34 age cohort is projected to increase solidly, expanding by 700 people (36%) from 1,924 to 2,625. Meanwhile, the 15 to 24 cohort grows by a modest 2% (32 people).