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This analysis uses Suburbs and Localities (SAL) boundaries, which can materially differ from Statistical Areas (SA2) even when sharing the same name.
SAL boundaries are defined by Australia Post and the Australian Bureau of Statistics to represent commonly-known suburb names used in postal addresses.
Statistical Areas (SA2) are designed for census data collection and may combine multiple suburbs or use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
est. as @ -- *
2021 Census | -- people
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Wulguru has an estimated 4,647 residents, up from 4,389 at the 2021 Census — a change of 258 people, or 5.9%. Growth has averaged 0.6% a year over five years. Natural increase accounts for 48.0% of that increase. That puts 1,586 residents on each square kilometre. Population is estimated from ABS Estimated Resident Population releases and GNAF address data, re-based from the 2021 Census and updated annually.
Detail
As of Aug 2026, the population in the suburb of Wulguru is estimated at approximately 4,647, according to AreaSearch evaluations of regional ABS updates alongside post-Census validated new addresses. Compared to the 4,389 people recorded in the 2021 Census, this indicates an expansion of 258 people (5.9%). This estimate draws upon an ERP of 4,644 residents assessed by AreaSearch from the ABS June 2025 release, combined with 2 validated new addresses added since the Census date. With a density of 1,586 persons per square kilometer, the suburb of Wulguru sits above the national benchmark assessed by AreaSearch.
Its 5.9% expansion since census is within 1.3 percentage points of the SA4 region (7.2%), reflecting robust local fundamentals. Natural increase served as the primary growth engine, accounting for roughly 48.0% of recent population additions, while interstate migration and overseas migration also provided positive contributions. Demographic modelling by AreaSearch incorporates 2024 ABS/Geoscience Australia projections by SA2 area using 2022 as a base year. Where SA2 data is unavailable, or for periods extending beyond post-2032, 2023 Queensland State Government SA2 projections based on 2021 data are utilized instead. Because these state figures omit age cohort breakdowns, AreaSearch applies proportional distribution weights derived from 2023 ABS Greater Capital Region projections (based on 2022 data). Long-term demographic forecasts place the suburb of Wulguru in the lower quartile of non-metropolitan areas across Australia, projecting an increase of 73 persons to 2041 across aggregated SA2-level projections, representing a 1.5% gain over the 16 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
Detail
Residential building activity in Wulguru remains subdued, recording less than 1 new dwellings approved each year (and a minimal total across the past five years). Constrained building volumes of this scale align with rural locations where modest demand and local infrastructure limits temper residential construction. Given the small number of approvals, annual comparisons and growth rates may fluctuate significantly depending on individual project timelines. Building approvals and construction volumes in Wulguru fall well short of Rest of Qld benchmarks. Furthermore, the local pace of residential development tracks noticeably behind national figures.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Wulguru
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| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
|---|
SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks one current infrastructure or development project inside Wulguru. A further 19 sit in the immediately surrounding suburbs, taking the tracked pipeline within reach of the area to $2.2 billion. 9 are already under construction and 6 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans residential development, communities, precincts & urban renewal and science & research. Records are compiled from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, council planning portals and public announcements, reviewed and updated daily, then ranked by proximity, construction stage, completion horizon and project scale.
Detail
Infrastructure upgrades and major development initiatives play a pivotal role in shaping local community growth and economic performance. AreaSearch has highlighted 5 key projects expected to influence the locality, featuring major works such as the SunHQ Hydrogen Hub, Iluka, Kirwan Health Campus Expansion, and the Wulguru Group Stuart Facility Expansion.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
Denotes AI-based impression for illustrative purposes only, not to be taken as definitive under any circumstances. Please follow links and conduct other investigations from the project's source for actual imagery. Developers and project owners wishing us to use original imagery please Contact Us and we will do so.
Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Iluka
Masterplanned residential community to be delivered over 10 stages in Wulguru, Townsville. Promoted by PointCorp as large, mostly level lots with ocean views in proximity to Townsville CBD, hospital, ADF base, and James Cook University.
SunHQ Hydrogen Hub
Renewable hydrogen production and refuelling hub at the Sun Metals Zinc Refinery precinct featuring a 1 MW PEM electrolyser powered by the co-located Sun Metals Solar Farm, with compression, storage and dispensing infrastructure to supply Ark Energy/Townsville Logistics heavy vehicles and third-party users (up to ~155,000 kg p.a.).
Wulguru Group Stuart Facility Expansion
Multi-stage expansion of Wulguru Group's 17 hectare Stuart manufacturing and engineering facility. Stage 1, including an 8,500 sqm heavy fabrication workshop, 2,000 sqm paint and blast facility and new head office, was completed in 2025. Stage 2 has development approval and will deliver rail wagon maintenance, locomotive maintenance, rail wheel workshop and rolling stock paint and blast facilities. The balance of the site is currently being developed with operations targeted during 2027.
Queensland Resources Common User Facility
Australian-first critical minerals processing test facility being developed by the Queensland Government at Cleveland Bay Industrial Park, Townsville. The facility will enable demonstration-scale processing trials, initially for vanadium with future capability for cobalt, rare earth elements and other critical minerals. Construction and commissioning are progressing with Sedgman as managing contractor, with opening targeted for late 2026.
GEON Build-to-Rent at Fairfield & Co
Large-scale Build-To-Rent (BTR) project at Fairfield & Co, comprising two 12-storey apartment towers with 294 apartments and ground floor retail/commercial spaces. GEON plans North Queensland's first build-to-rent development featuring two towers, 294 apartments, and retail spaces at Fairfield & Co site. Part of the $125 million mixed-use Fairfield & Co precinct. Has received formal development approval from Townsville City Council.
Riverway Arts Centre and Library
Modern cultural facility providing community access to arts, library services, and cultural programs along the scenic Ross River precinct.
Townsville Connection Road (Stuart Drive), University Road to Bowen Road Bridge (Idalia) Upgrade
Upgrade of Townsville Connection Road (Stuart Drive) to dual lanes between University Road and Bowen Road Bridge, including intersection upgrades at Gartrell Drive, Mervyn Crossman Drive/Fairfield Waters Drive, and Kokoda Street. Aims to improve safety, increase capacity, and reduce congestion.
Fairfield Business Precinct
Built business park within the Fairfield Precinct at Idalia, Townsville. Offers freehold and lease opportunities adjacent to major retailers including Bunnings and the Fairfield Central shopping centre. Tenants in the precinct include Liberty Fuel, Reece Plumbing, Bridgestone and Containers for Change. Ingenta indicates one prime allotment (Lot 2, 2/67 Lakeside Drive) remains for sale.
2,000 residents of Wulguru are employed, from a labour force of 2,143. Unemployment sits at 6.7%, with participation at 55.4%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 6.1% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth. The working-day population is estimated at 3,631, about 78% of the resident population, so more people leave the area for work than travel in. Unemployment and labour force come from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, updated quarterly; the industry and occupation profile is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
The workforce in Wulguru comprises an even mix of white and blue-collar occupations with strong representation across essential services, yielding a local unemployment rate of 6.7% according to AreaSearch aggregated data. As of March 2026, there are 2,000 employed residents, though unemployment sits 2.8% higher than the 3.9% recorded for Regional Qld, and labour force participation is subdued at 55.4% versus 64.2% across Regional Qld. Census records also indicate that just 4.6% of workers operated from home, a figure potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdown measures. Resident employment is concentrated primarily in health care & social assistance, public administration & safety, along with retail trade.
Public administration & safety shows exceptional strength locally, employing residents at 1.9 times the regional average. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing accounts for only 0.7% of the workforce, lagging behind the 4.5% seen across Regional Qld. Comparison between Census resident numbers and the local working population suggests this largely suburban enclave generates limited on-site employment opportunities. According to AreaSearch examination of aggregated ABS and SALM metrics over the year to March 2026, Wulguru recorded a 2.0% reduction in its labour force and a 2.7% drop in employed persons, driving unemployment up by 0.7 percentage points. Over the identical timeframe, Regional Qld saw a 0.1% increase in employment and a 0.3% rise in the labour pool, alongside a 0.1 percentage point rise in unemployment. Looking ahead, Mar-26 projections from Jobs and Skills Australia model national employment expansion of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Mapping these sectoral trajectories to the existing job distribution of Wulguru indicates potential local employment growth of 6.1% over five years and 12.9% over ten years (representing a baseline industry weighting that excludes local population adjustments).
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Wulguru is $1,446 a week (about $75,000 a year), with median personal income at $747 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $47,927 a year against an average of $56,374. Household income is from the 2021 Census; taxable income is from ATO Taxation Statistics for the latest financial year available, indexed forward using the ABS Wage Price Index.
Detail
Postcode-level ATO figures compiled by AreaSearch for financial year 2023 show median taxpayer earnings in the suburb of Wulguru at $47,927 alongside an average of $56,374, sitting beneath the national average as well as the Regional Qld median of $53,146 and average of $66,593. Factoring in an 11.36% increase in the Wage Price Index since financial year 2023, modelled values reach around $53,372 (median) and $62,778 (average) as of March 2026. Results from the 2021 Census position local personal, family, and household earnings moderately between the 32nd and 38th percentiles.
In terms of earnings brackets, the largest segment includes 33.4% of residents (1,552 people) earning within the $1,500 - 2,999 range, consistent with the 31.7% observed across the wider region. Following housing obligations, residents retain 86.4% of income for non-housing expenditure.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Wulguru had 1,715 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 89% detached houses and 5% apartments. 36% are owned with a mortgage, 31% rented and 34% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $290 a week and the median mortgage repayment $1,300 a month. Rent absorbs 20.1% of household income here and mortgage repayments 20.7%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
At the latest Census, detached houses accounted for 89.3% of Wulguru's residential properties, while semi-detached, apartments, and 'other' dwellings made up 10.7%, reflecting a more standalone housing profile than the 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings in Regional Qld. Outright home ownership matched Regional Qld at 33.6%, with 35.8% of properties held under a mortgage and 30.7% occupied by tenants. Housing costs remain comparatively low, with median monthly mortgage payments of $1,300 and median weekly rent of $290, well under the Regional Qld benchmarks of $1,655 and $345. Against broader Australian averages, local monthly mortgage costs sit well under $1,863 and weekly rents remain well below $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Wulguru counted 1,715 households at the 2021 Census, an estimated 1,816 today, averaging 2.4 people each. 25% are couples with children, against 28% couples without children. 28% of households are people living alone, and families average 1.8 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Families constitute 69.1% of local living arrangements, made up of couples without children (28.4%), couples with children (24.7%), and single parent families (14.7%). The remaining 30.9% are non-family arrangements, with lone person households representing 27.5% and group households making up 3.5%. The typical household size in the area stands at 2.4 people, slightly below the 2.5 person benchmark in Regional Qld.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
14.1% of adults in Wulguru hold a university qualification, including 10.1% with a bachelor degree and 1.6% with postgraduate qualifications, lower than 93% of areas nationally. A further 29.4% hold a vocational qualification. 2 schools serve the area, with 191 enrolment places and an average ICSEA of 841 against a national benchmark of 1,000. Qualifications come from the 2021 Census; school enrolments, ICSEA and results come from ACARA's current release.
Detail
Higher education attainment in the area lags national standards, with only 14.1% of residents possessing tertiary qualifications compared to 30.4% across Australia. Among higher degrees, Bachelor degrees represent 10.1%, while graduate diplomas and postgraduate qualifications comprise 2.4% and 1.6% respectively. In contrast, vocational and technical training is strong, with 38.4% of the population aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, consisting of 9.0% with advanced diplomas and 29.4% with certificates. A substantial 27.3% of local residents actively participate in formal education programs. Enrolments include 10.1% attending primary education, 8.4% undertaking secondary education, and 3.8% enrolled in tertiary education studies.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Public transport in Wulguru reaches 22 stops on 2 routes, timetabled for about 170 services a week. The typical home sits about 230 m from its nearest stop. Households keep an average of 1.4 vehicles. Stop and service counts are built from operators' published GTFS timetables and refresh with each timetable release; vehicle ownership is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Local transit infrastructure in Wulguru includes 22 operational stops providing bus connectivity across 2 dedicated routes, delivering 166 weekly passenger trips. Network access is considered good, with local dwellings situated an average of 229 meters from the closest boarding point. Because the suburb is largely residential, outward commuting is standard, with private vehicles accounting for 95% of journeys and vehicle ownership averaging 1.4 per dwelling. Meanwhile, 4.6% of the workforce operated from home according to the 2021 Census, a rate that may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Transit timetables provide an average of 23 trips per day across the network, corresponding to roughly 7 weekly trips per individual stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
63.4% of residents in Wulguru report no long-term health condition, a less healthy profile than 83% of areas nationally. 6.9% need daily assistance with core activities, and 49.5% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 6.4 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
AreaSearch evaluation of mortality statistics and chronic condition rates highlights significant health challenges in Wulguru across younger and older demographics alike. Private health insurance uptake is comparatively limited, covering approximately 50% of residents (~2,302 people), which trails the Regional Qld rate of 52.5% as well as the national average of 55.7%. Arthritis and mental health issues represent the primary diagnosed medical conditions locally, affecting 10.1 and 9.9% of the population respectively, whereas 63.4% of residents reported having no long-term health ailments versus 67.6% in Regional Qld. Elevated rates of chronic illness place pressure on working-age residents.
Furthermore, seniors aged 65 and over constitute 22.2% of the community (1,031 people), above the 20.3% Regional Qld proportion, with older residents experiencing distinct health hurdles while aligning broadly with national senior benchmarks.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Wulguru is largely Australian-born, at 90.2% of residents, with 4.1% speaking a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are Australian (29.0%) and English (28.9%). 6.7% of residents identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander. Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Cultural diversity metrics in Wulguru remain below broader benchmarks, with Australian citizens making up 90.4% of residents, 90.2% born in Australia, and 95.9% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religious affiliation, adhered to by 53.5% of the local population compared to 52.2% across Regional Qld. Parental heritage records show the three leading ancestral backgrounds in Wulguru are Australian (29.0%), English (28.9%), and Irish (9.2%). Notable variations appear across other heritages, with Australian Aboriginal ancestry noticeably higher at 6.7% in Wulguru compared to 3.9% regionally, Scottish at 8.3% versus 7.8%, and Russian representation at 0.3% compared to 0.2%.
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Wulguru is 42. 22.0% of residents are aged 15 to 34. Age cohorts are not raw Census counts: the Census split is re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections.
Detail
Age demographics in the suburb of Wulguru mirror Regional Qld distributions, with the largest variance across the four primary age brackets being just 1.9 percentage points. AreaSearch estimates the median age at 42 as at August 2026, maintaining its 2021 Census level and sitting 1 year older than the Regional Qld median of 41 at that census. The retiree and elderly cohorts (65+) expanded from 20.5% at the Census to an estimated 22.2%. Projections to 2041 indicate that retiree and elderly cohorts will see the strongest growth, adding 232 residents (23%) to reach 1,264, while middle aged and young retiree cohorts as well as children and young adults are forecast to decrease.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Wulguru
9 of 14 data sections on this page were updated within the last 12 months — the newest current to Oct 2026.
Everything is aggregated to the Suburb (SAL) boundary shown above, on a 2021 Census baseline. Only 3 sections — housing, households and cultural diversity — still wait on the 2026 Census.
The ledger — source, cycle and currency by section
| Section | Source & update cycle | Currency |
|---|---|---|
| Updated within the last 12 months 9 sections | ||
| Population | ABS, GNAF, Geoscience Australia Annual (ABS ERP) | Aug 2026 2 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release) and updated with new dwellings from GNAF address data. Current to Aug 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | Aug 2026 2 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to Aug 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Aug 2026 2 months ago headline measures · Jul 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Oct 2026 this month headline measures · Sep 2026 baseline |
| Sales from the state Valuer General register, refreshed weekly, and rents from quarterly rental bond lodgements. Both are read live each time this page loads, current to Oct 2026. | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, State agencies, Local governments Daily | Aug 2026 2 months ago all 1 projects tracked here |
| Project pipeline maintained continuously from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, local government and public announcements. Records are added and revised daily; this area was last updated Aug 2026. | ||
| Employment | ABS, DEWR, JSA Quarterly (ABS SALM) | Mar 2026 7 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Unemployment and labour force from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, current to Mar 2026. The growth outlook applies Department of Employment (now Jobs and Skills Australia) forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to the local industry mix, so it measures sector composition rather than local expansion and makes no allowance for population growth. Job demand comes from the same agency via its Internet Vacancy Index; industry and occupation structure from the 2021 Census. | ||
| Education | ABS, ACARA Annual (ACARA) | Sep 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Sep 2026 last month all 14 measures |
| Annual and financial-year sources 2 sections | ||
| Income | ABS, ATO Annual (ATO) | FY 2023 3 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| ATO taxable income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index. Census household income provides the distribution detail. | ||
| Health | ABS, ATO Annual | 2024 2 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Census-measured — next update: 2026 Census 3 sections No more current small-area source exists for these, so they are labelled as Census-measured rather than implied to be current. | ||
| Housing | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 30 measures |
| Households | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 18 measures |
| Cultural diversity | ABS, Geoscience Australia 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 44 measures |
"Currency" is the most recent release feeding that section. Where the Census supplies the structural baseline underneath a current headline figure, the row says so.
How the numbers are built
Population
The Census provides the small-area baseline, aggregated from mesh blocks to this boundary. It is then re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release), and new dwellings built since Census night are counted from address data — 2 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for Aug 2026, not a 2021 count (4,389 at the 2021 Census → 4,647 now). Annual growth rates are compound (CAGR), not simple averages.
Age profile
Cohort shares are not raw Census counts. Every cohort is held as a pair — the Census baseline and a current estimate — and the split is re-based using ERP and state population projections, current to Aug 2026. Median age is the Census median plus modelled change since. Charts that show both are labelled "2021 Census vs Current Estimate".
Property sales
Sourced from the state valuation authority's sales register — current, not Census, and refreshed weekly. Medians are calculated from settled transactions in the period shown; periods with very low transaction counts are flagged or suppressed, because a handful of sales can move a median substantially.
Rents
Derived from state rental bond lodgement data, by dwelling type and bedroom count. Bonds are lodged at the start of a new tenancy, so this reflects new lettings, not the whole rented stock.
Development & infrastructure
Building approvals come from current ABS releases; development applications are collected from council and state planning portals; the infrastructure pipeline is compiled from Infrastructure Australia and local government sources. Applications are matched to this boundary by address or coordinates, so very recent lodgements may not yet appear.
Employment & income
Industry and occupation structure comes from the Census, but the headline labour-market indicators do not. Unemployment and labour force are derived from ABS Small Area Labour Markets (quarterly). The employment outlook applies Department of Employment forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to this area's own industry mix (the agency is now Jobs and Skills Australia), as does the Internet Vacancy Index used for job demand. Because it is weighted on industry composition alone, that outlook carries no allowance for local population growth — in fast-growing areas the real rise in local jobs will typically be higher. Income combines Census household income with ATO taxable-income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index.
Education, transport & amenities
School enrolments, ICSEA and performance come from ACARA's current release, not the Census. Public transport stops and service frequency are derived from GTFS timetable feeds published by state transport departments. Services and amenities are proximity and count scores built from provider directories, refreshed on their own cycle. The Census contributes only the travel-to-work and qualification measures.
Rankings and benchmarks. Where we rank this area, the comparison set is every area of the same boundary type — suburbs against suburbs, SA2s against SA2s. Benchmarks compare this area against its greater capital city region and the national figure for the same measure and period.
Limits worth knowing. Small areas carry larger error margins, and the ABS introduces small random adjustments to Census counts to protect confidentiality — so totals may not sum exactly. Estimates re-based from regional data describe the area's expected trajectory, not a direct count of it. Figures are indicative for research and are not financial, planning or valuation advice.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (SAL33172). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.