Wulguru

Wulguru has shown very soft population growth performance across periods assessed by AreaSearch

As of Feb 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Wulguru is around 4,598, reflecting an increase of 209 people since the 2021 Census. This growth represents a 4.8% change from the previous population count of 4,389. The latest resident population estimate was derived by AreaSearch following examination of the ABS's ERP data release in June 2024 and validation of two new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1,569 persons per square kilometer, which is higher than the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The suburb's growth rate of 4.8% since the census places it within 2.3 percentage points of the SA4 region (7.1%). Population growth in the area was primarily driven by natural growth, contributing approximately 48.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

All migration factors, including overseas and interstate migration, were positive contributors to this growth. AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections are used, released in 2023 based on 2021 data. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits; therefore, AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort, released in 2023 using 2022 data as the base year. Considering projected demographic shifts, lower quartile growth is anticipated for Australia's non-metropolitan areas. Based on aggregated SA2-level projections, the suburb of Wulguru is expected to expand by 34 persons by 2041, reflecting an increase of 0.8% in total over the 17-year period.

The level of residential development activity in Wulguru is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch

Wulguru experiences very limited development activity with an average of less than one approval per year over five years. This minimal development reflects the rural nature of the area where housing needs drive projects rather than market demand. The small number of approvals can significantly impact annual growth statistics.

Compared to Rest of Qld and national averages, Wulguru has much lower development activity.

Wulguru has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified five projects that may impact this region. Notable projects are SunHQ Hydrogen Hub, Iluka, Kirwan Health Campus Expansion, and Wulguru Group Stuart Facility Expansion. The following details these projects in order of likely relevance.

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

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Employment drivers in Wulguru are experiencing difficulties, placing it among the bottom 20% of areas assessed across Australia

Wulguru has a balanced workforce with representation from both white and blue collar jobs. Essential services sectors are well represented in the area. The unemployment rate is 6.7%, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

As of September 2025, there are 2,060 residents employed while the unemployment rate is higher than Rest of Qld's rate by 2.6%. Workforce participation in Wulguru lags behind Rest of Qld at 57.8% compared to 65.7%. Census responses indicate that only 4.6% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. The key industries for employment among residents are health care & social assistance, public administration & safety, and retail trade.

Notably, public administration & safety has a high concentration with employment levels at 1.9 times the regional average. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing has limited presence in Wulguru with only 0.7% of employment compared to 4.5% regionally. The predominantly residential area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. In a 12-month period ending September 2025, labour force increased by 0.2% while employment declined by 1.3%, resulting in an unemployment rate rise of 1.4 percentage points. This contrasts with Rest of Qld where employment grew by 1.7% and labour force expanded by 2.1%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that national employment should expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. However, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Wulguru's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.1% over five years and 12.9% over ten years.

Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch

In AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released for the financial year ending June 2023, Wulguru suburb had a median income of $47,927 among taxpayers and an average income of $56,374. This is lower than the national average. In comparison, Rest of Queensland had a median income of $53,146 and an average income of $66,593 for the same period. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $52,677 (median) and $61,961 (average) for Wulguru. According to Census 2021 income data, household, family, and personal incomes in Wulguru rank modestly, between the 32nd and 38th percentiles. Income analysis shows that the largest segment comprises 33.4% of residents earning $1,500 - $2,999 weekly (1,535 residents), which is similar to regional levels where 31.7% occupy this bracket. After housing expenses, 86.4% of income remains for other expenses in Wulguru.

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

In Wulguru, as per the latest Census evaluation, 89.3% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 10.7% being semi-detached homes, apartments, or other types. This differs from Non-Metro Qld's composition of 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Wulguru stood at 33.6%, similar to Non-Metro Qld, with mortgaged properties at 35.8% and rented ones at 30.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,300, lower than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,655. Median weekly rent in Wulguru was recorded as $290, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $345. Nationally, Wulguru's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Wulguru has a typical household mix, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 69.1% of all households, including 24.7% couples with children, 28.4% couples without children, and 14.7% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 30.9%, consisting of 27.5% lone person households and 3.5% group households. The median household size is 2.4 people, which is smaller than the Rest of Qld average of 2.5.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 14.1%, 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 common at 10.1%, followed by graduate diplomas (2.4%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.6%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 38.4% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas (9.0%) and certificates (29.4%).

Educational participation is high at 27.3%, including primary education (10.1%), secondary education (8.4%), and tertiary education (3.8%).

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

Wulguru has 22 active public transport stops operating within it, all of which are bus stops. These stops are serviced by two individual routes that collectively provide 166 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 229 meters from the nearest transport stop. The area is primarily residential, and most residents commute outward. Car remains the dominant mode of transportation at 95%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.4 per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, a relatively low 4.6% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 23 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 7 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Wulguru is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Health data indicates significant health challenges in Wulguru, as assessed by AreaSearch. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are notable across both younger and older age groups. Approximately 50% (~2,277 people) of the total population has private health cover, compared to 52.5% in the rest of Queensland and a national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (10.1%) and mental health issues (9.9%). However, 63.4% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 67.6% in the rest of Queensland. Working-age population health challenges include elevated chronic condition rates. Wulguru has 22.2% of residents aged 65 and over (1,020 people), higher than the 20.4% in the rest of Queensland. Senior health outcomes present some challenges, broadly aligning with national rankings for the general population.

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

Wulguru had a cultural diversity index below average, with 90.4% citizens, 90.2% born in Australia, and 95.9% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, at 53.5%, compared to 52.2% regionally. Top ancestry groups were Australian (29.0%), English (28.9%), and Irish (9.2%).

Notably, Australian Aboriginal representation was higher at 6.7% than regional average of 3.9%, Russian at 0.3% versus 0.2%, and Scottish at 8.3% compared to 7.8%.

Wulguru's median age exceeds the national pattern

The median age in Wulguru is close to Rest of Qld's average of 41 years, both being slightly higher than the Australian median of 38 years. The 55-64 cohort makes up 14.6% of Wulguru's population, which is notably higher than the Rest of Qld average. Meanwhile, the 25-34 age group constitutes only 11.1%, indicating an under-representation compared to the Rest of Qld average. Between the 2021 Census and the present, the 35 to 44 age group has increased from 11.6% to 12.9% of Wulguru's population, while the 75 to 84 cohort has risen from 6.9% to 8.0%. Conversely, the 15 to 24 age group has decreased from 12.4% to 10.7%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate significant demographic changes in Wulguru. The 85+ age cohort is projected to grow by 95 people (an 80% increase) from 119 to 215 individuals. The aging population trend is evident, with those aged 65 and above comprising 85% of the projected growth. Conversely, the 25-34 and 5-14 age cohorts are expected to experience population declines.