West Ulverstone

An assessment of population growth drivers in West Ulverstone reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

As of November 2025, West Ulverstone's population is estimated at around 4,723 people. This reflects an increase of 208 individuals since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,515. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 4,608 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 105 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population results in a density ratio of 259 persons per square kilometer. West Ulverstone's growth rate of 4.6% since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area's growth rate of 4.1%, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Interstate migration contributed approximately 80.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data, Tasmania State Government's Regional/LGA projections are adopted with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Projections indicate a decline in overall population over this period, with the suburb's population expected to reduce by 200 persons by 2041 according to this methodology. However, growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, led by the 75 to 84 age group, which is projected to increase by 195 people.

Residential development activity is lower than average in West Ulverstone according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers in West Ulverstone shows an average of around 25 new dwelling approvals per year. Between FY-21 and FY-25129 homes were approved, with a further 12 approved so far in FY-26. This averages out to approximately 1.1 new residents per year per dwelling constructed over the past five financial years. However, this has eased to -0.7 people per dwelling over the past two financial years, indicating better supply availability.

Development projects average $533,000 in construction value, targeting the premium market segment with higher-end properties. There have been $250,000 in commercial approvals this financial year, reflecting the area's residential nature. Compared to the rest of Tasmania, West Ulverstone has slightly more development, at 44.0% above the regional average per person over the five-year period.

This maintains good buyer choice while supporting existing property values. Recent development activity has been entirely comprised of standalone homes, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. With around 271 people per approval, West Ulverstone reflects a low density area. Given the expected stable or declining population, there should be reduced pressure on housing in West Ulverstone, potentially creating opportunities for buyers.

West Ulverstone has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 21stth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified five projects likely to affect this region. Major initiatives include South Road Service Station Development, Ulverstone Sewage Treatment Plant Upgrade, Oak Rise Housing, and Jernej Way Residential Subdivision. The following list details those most relevant.

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Employment performance in West Ulverstone has been below expectations when compared to most other areas nationally

West Ulverstone's workforce is balanced across white and blue-collar jobs, with prominent essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 5.2% as of an unspecified past year, with estimated employment growth of 2.0%.

As of June 2025, 1,872 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 1.3% higher than Rest of Tas.'s rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation lagged at 47.9%, compared to Rest of Tas.'s 55.7%. Employment concentrations were in health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade, with notable concentration in construction (1.3 times the regional average). Agriculture, forestry & fishing had limited presence (4.3% vs regional 8.4%).

The area offered limited local employment opportunities. Over a 12-month period ending unspecified, employment increased by 2.0%, alongside labour force growth of 2.1%. This contrasted with Rest of Tas., where employment contracted by 0.5%, labour force fell by 0.6%, and unemployment fell marginally. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 projected national employment expansion by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying growth rates across industry sectors. Applying these projections to West Ulverstone's employment mix suggested local employment should increase by 6.0% over five years and 12.9% over ten years.

Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis

West Ulverstone's median income among taxpayers was $43,730 in financial year 2022. The average income stood at $52,052 during the same period. These figures compare to Rest of Tas.'s median and average incomes of $47,358 and $57,384 respectively. Based on a Wage Price Index growth of 13.83% since financial year 2022, current estimates for West Ulverstone would be approximately $49,778 (median) and $59,251 (average) as of September 2025. Census data shows that household, family and personal incomes in West Ulverstone all fall between the 5th and 6th percentiles nationally. The largest income bracket comprises 31.9% earning $400 - $799 weekly (1,506 residents), differing from patterns across the broader area where $1,500 - $2,999 dominates with 28.5%. After housing costs, 85.7% of income remains in West Ulverstone, ranking at only the 8th percentile nationally.

West Ulverstone is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

West Ulverstone's dwellings, as per the latest Census, were 89.9% houses and 10.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Non-Metro Tas.'s 90.3% houses and 9.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in West Ulverstone was 42.2%, with mortgaged dwellings at 31.5% and rented ones at 26.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,213, higher than Non-Metro Tas.'s average of $1,200. Median weekly rent in West Ulverstone was $240, equal to Non-Metro Tas.'s figure. Nationally, West Ulverstone's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,213 compared to Australia's average of $1,863, while rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

West Ulverstone has a typical household mix, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households make up 68.5% of all households, including 22.0% couples with children, 32.7% couples without children, and 13.4% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 31.5%, with lone person households at 29.3% and group households comprising 2.0%. The median household size is 2.3 people, which aligns with the average for the Rest of Tas.

West Ulverstone faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area's university qualification rate is 13.4%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 9.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.6%) and graduate diplomas (1.6%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 37.7% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas at 7.9% and certificates at 29.8%.

Educational participation is high, with 25.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.8% in primary, 8.1% in secondary, and 1.8% in tertiary education. West Ulverstone Primary School serves the local area with an enrollment of 115 students. The school focuses exclusively on primary education, with secondary options available nearby. Limited local school capacity (2.4 places per 100 residents vs 16.2 regionally) means many families travel to nearby areas for schooling.

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

The analysis of public transport in West Ulverstone shows that there are currently 13 operational transport stops serving a mix of bus routes. These stops are covered by 31 individual routes, together facilitating 3,438 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility to these services is considered good, with residents on average situated 339 meters away from the nearest stop.

Across all routes, there is an average service frequency of 491 trips per day, which translates to approximately 264 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in West Ulverstone is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

West Ulverstone faces significant health challenges across various age groups. Approximately 48% (~2,257 individuals) have private health cover, lower than the national average of 55.3%.

Common medical conditions include arthritis (12.6%) and mental health issues (9.6%). Around 57.8% report no medical ailments, compared to 60.3% in Rest of Tas.. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 27.9% (1,317 individuals), compared to the state average of 24.7%. Health outcomes among seniors present challenges but perform better than the general population in health metrics.

The latest Census data sees West Ulverstone placing among the least culturally diverse areas in the country when compared across a range of language and cultural background related metrics

West Ulverstone showed lower than average cultural diversity, with 90.8% being citizens born in Australia speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion at 44.6%. There was no overrepresentation of Judaism compared to Rest of Tas., both at 0%.

Top ancestry groups were Australian (34.1%), English (34.0%), and Scottish (7.4%). Notably, Dutch (2.5% vs regional 1.7%), Australian Aboriginal (6.4% vs 5.9%), and Welsh (0.5% vs 0.3%) were overrepresented.

West Ulverstone hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

West Ulverstone has a median age of 48, which is higher than the Rest of Tas. figure of 45 and well above the national average of 38 years. The 75-84 age group makes up 10.3% of West Ulverstone's population, compared to the Rest of Tas., while the 25-34 cohort is less prevalent at 9.7%. According to the 2021 Census, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 8.8% to 10.3%, while the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 11.9% to 10.3%. The 85+ group has also decreased, from 4.9% to 3.7%. Demographic modeling indicates that West Ulverstone's age profile will change significantly by 2041. The 75 to 84 age cohort is projected to grow by 159 people (33%), from 486 to 646. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups are expected to account for 89% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 0 to 4 and 5 to 14 cohorts.