Westbury (Tas.)

Westbury has seen population growth performance typically on par with national averages when looking at short and medium term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the Census Westbury's population is estimated at around 2,609 as of May 2026. This reflects an increase of 337 people (14.8%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,272 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 2,564, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2025) and an additional 148 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 27 persons per square kilometer, a level providing ample space per person. Westbury's 14.8% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the state (4.0%), along with the SA4 region, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration that contributed approximately 77.0% 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 to estimate growth by age group in the years post-2032, the Tasmania State Government's Regional/LGA projections, released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year, are adopted with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Considering the projected demographic shifts, lower quartile growth of Australia's regional areas is anticipated, with the area expected to expand by 59 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting recording a gain of 0.5% in total over the 16 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential approval activity sees Westbury among the top 30% of areas assessed nationwide

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, Westbury has recorded around 34 residential properties granted approval each year, totalling an estimated 170 homes over the past 5 financial years. So far in FY-26, 24 approvals have been recorded. With an average of 2 new residents per year gained for each dwelling built over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), indicating healthy demand that should support property values, new homes are being built at an average value of $403,000, revealing that developers are targeting the premium market segment with higher-end properties. There have also been $6.6 million in commercial approvals this financial year, demonstrating the area's primarily residential nature.

Compared to Rest of Tas., Westbury has 94.0% more development activity (per person). which should provide buyers with ample choice, though building activity has slowed in recent years. This is substantially higher than nationally, suggesting strong developer confidence in the location. Further, new construction has been completely comprised of detached dwellings, preserving the area's low density nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. With around 89 people per dwelling approval, Westbury shows characteristics of a growth area.

Future projections show Westbury adding 14 residents by 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

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

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects and planning initiatives. In total 0 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include West Tamar Highway Targeted Upgrades (Exeter to Launceston), Tasmanian Irrigation Schemes: Tranche 3, Burnie To Hobart Freight Corridor Improvement, and Palmerston to George Town High Voltage Transmission Lines, with the below list 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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The employment landscape in Westbury shows performance that lags behind national averages across key labour market indicators

Westbury has a skilled workforce, with diverse sector representation, and an unemployment rate of 4.0%, based on AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data. As of March 2026, 1,122 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is in line with Regional Tas.'s rate of 3.9%, and workforce participation is somewhat below standard (54.0% compared to Regional Tas.'s 58.8%). Based on Census responses, a low 9.8% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

The dominant employment sectors among residents include health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. The area has particular employment specialization in transport, postal & warehousing, with an employment share of 1.4 times the regional level. In contrast, education & training employs just 6.1% of local workers, below Regional Tas.'s 8.8%. The area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, aggregated from broader statistical areas, over the 12 months to March 2026, labour force levels decreased by 0.8% combined with employment decreasing by 1.0%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.2 percentage points. By comparison, Regional Tas. recorded employment growth of 1.8%, labour force growth of 1.7%, with unemployment falling marginally. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Westbury. 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 Westbury's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.1% over five years and 13.0% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 reveals that income in the suburb of Westbury is lower than average on a national basis, with the median assessed at $42,966 while the average income stands at $48,556. This contrasts to Regional Tas.'s figures of a median income of $49,689 and an average income of $59,358. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.95% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $47,671 (median) and $53,873 (average) as of March 2026. Census 2021 income data shows household, family and personal incomes in Westbury all fall between the 8th and 9th percentiles nationally. Income brackets indicate the $800 - 1,499 earnings band captures 29.9% of the community (780 individuals), contrasting with the region where the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket leads at 28.5%. While housing costs are modest with 86.7% of income retained, the total disposable income ranks at just the 12th percentile nationally.

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

Dwelling structure within Westbury, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 94.3% houses and 5.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Regional Tas.'s 89.9% houses and 10.1% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Westbury was well beyond that of Regional Tas., at 46.2%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (32.1%) or rented (21.7%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was below the Regional Tas. average at $1,249, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $260, compared to Regional Tas.'s $1,274 and $250. Nationally, Westbury's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

Westbury has a typical household mix, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households dominate at 71.1% of all households, comprising 22.9% couples with children, 36.9% couples without children, and 9.5% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 28.9%, with lone person households at 26.7% and group households comprising 3.1% of the total. The median household size of 2.3 people matches the Regional Tas. average.

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

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (17.7%) substantially below the Australian average of 30.4%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 12.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.2%) and graduate diplomas (1.6%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 37.7% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (9.7%) and certificates (28.0%).

A substantial 23.4% of the population actively pursues formal education. This includes 10.6% in primary education, 6.6% in secondary education, and 2.1% 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 2 active transport stops operating within Westbury comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 3 individual routes, collectively providing 104 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as limited, with residents typically located 829 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward - car remains the dominant mode at 96%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.8 per dwelling, above the regional average. A relatively low 9.8% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 14 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 52 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Westbury is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Westbury faces significant health challenges, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts , and the rate of private health cover found to be extremely low at approximately 46% of the total population (~1,211 people). This compares to 49.1% across Regional Tas.. The national average is 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area were found to be arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 12.1 and 9.0% of residents, respectively, while 60.0% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 62.0% across Regional Tas.. The working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 29.8% of residents aged 65 and over (777 people), which is higher than the 24.9% in Regional Tas.. , with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

Westbury is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Westbury was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 86.6% of its population born in Australia, 92.7% being citizens, and 97.8% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Westbury was found to be Christianity, which makes up 48.7% of people in Westbury. However, the most apparent overrepresentation was in Other, which comprises 0.7% of the population, compared to 0.7% across Regional Tas..

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Westbury are English, comprising 37.6% of the population, Australian, comprising 32.3% of the population, and Irish, comprising 8.7% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Dutch is notably overrepresented at 1.5% of Westbury (vs 1.7% regionally), Maltese at 0.5% (vs 0.1%) and Maori at 0.5% (vs 0.2%).

Westbury hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

At 49 years, Westbury's median age is significantly above the Regional Tas. average of 45 as well as considerably older than the Australian median of 38. Compared to the Regional Tas. average, the 75 - 84 cohort is notably over-represented (11.2% locally), while 35 - 44 year-olds are under-represented (9.7%). This 75 - 84 concentration is well above the national 6.1%. Post-2021 Census data shows the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 8.2% to 11.2% of the population. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort has declined from 12.3% to 10.5% and the 55 to 64 group dropped from 15.9% to 14.1%. By 2041, Westbury is expected to see notable shifts in its age composition. Leading the demographic shift, the 45 to 54 group will grow by 34% (94 people), reaching 371 from 276. The aging population dynamic is clear, with those 65+ comprising 61% of projected growth. Conversely, both 0 to 4 and 5 to 14 age groups will see reduced numbers.