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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
According to census updates from the ABS for the region and new home addresses verified by AreaSearch, the suburb of Wulguru has an estimated population of 4,647 in May 2026. This represents a 5.9% expansion (an increase of 258 individuals) since the 2021 Census, when the population was recorded at 4,389. This calculation is based on an estimated resident population of 4,644 determined by AreaSearch using the June 2025 ABS ERP data release, combined with 2 verified new addresses added since the census. The suburb of Wulguru has a density of 1,586 individuals per square kilometer, which exceeds the typical density of locations analyzed by AreaSearch.
The census-to-date growth rate of 5.9% is within 1.2 percentage points of the broader SA4 region's rate of 7.1%, showcasing positive growth trends. Natural increase was the primary contributor, accounting for roughly 48.0% of the recent population gains, though interstate migration and overseas migration also made positive contributions. Projections from the ABS and Geoscience Australia released in 2024 (using 2022 as a base year) are utilized for each SA2 area. Where these are unavailable, or for periods after 2032, projections from the Queensland State Government released in 2023 (based on 2021 data) are used instead. Because the state-level projections lack age breakdown details, AreaSearch applies age cohort distribution ratios from the 2023 ABS Greater Capital Region projections (using a 2022 baseline). Based on these collective SA2 projections, the area is anticipated to experience growth in the lower quartile of non-metropolitan Australia, adding 66 residents by 2041, which represents a total increase of 1.4% over the 16 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
Detail
Residential building activity is exceptionally low in the suburb of Wulguru, with fewer than natural number dwelling approvals registered annually, amounting to a minimal number over the preceding five years. Such restricted development is typical of rural environments where local housing demand is small and infrastructure limits construction. Due to the very small sample size, minor changes in individual construction projects can greatly alter year-on-year statistics. Building activity in the suburb of Wulguru is substantially lower than in the Rest of Qld and remains far below national averages.
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
Local infrastructure updates, planning schemes, and major developments have a significant impact on local performance. AreaSearch has tracked 5 projects likely to influence the area. High-impact developments include the SunHQ Hydrogen Hub, Iluka, the 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.
1,992 residents of Wulguru are employed, from a labour force of 2,135. Unemployment sits at 6.7%, with participation at 55.1%. 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 3,635, 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 suburb of Wulguru features a diverse workforce containing both blue-collar and white-collar workers, with a strong presence in essential services. Based on aggregated statistics, the unemployment rate stands at 6.7%. As of March 2026, employed residents total 1,992, with the unemployment rate sitting 2.8% higher than the Regional Qld average of 3.9%. Participation in the labor force is also notably lower at 55.1% compared to 64.3% in Regional Qld. Census data indicates that only 4.6% of the workforce worked from home, a figure that may reflect the influence of COVID-19 restrictions.
The primary employment sectors for residents are health care & social assistance, public administration & safety, and retail trade. Public administration & safety is a key local specialty, employing residents at a rate 1.9 times the regional average. Conversely, agricultural, forestry, and fishing enterprises employ only 0.7% of the local workforce, compared to 4.5% across Regional Qld. The comparison between the census working population and resident numbers suggests local job opportunities are somewhat limited within this residential community. Data from the ABS and SALM compiled by AreaSearch shows that during the year leading to March 2026, the local workforce contracted by 2.2% and total employment fell by 2.9%, leading to a 0.7 percentage point increase in the unemployment rate. In contrast, Regional Qld experienced a 0.1% rise in employment, a 0.3% increase in the labor force, and a minor 0.1 percentage point uptick in unemployment. National forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia published in May-25 offer additional context on future employment trends. These five and ten-year projections have been applied to the local workforce structure to estimate potential growth. While national employment is projected to rise by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, trends vary by sector. Applying these rates to the local industry mix suggests employment among residents could grow by 6.1% over five years and 12.9% over ten years, though this simple weighting does not account for specific local population projections.
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
According to the latest ATO postcode statistics for the 2023 financial year, the median income for taxpayers in the suburb of Wulguru is $47,927, with an average income of $56,374. These figures are below the national benchmark, and compare to a median of $53,146 and average of $66,593 in Regional Qld. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since the 2023 financial year, estimated figures for March 2026 would be approximately $53,372 for the median and $62,778 for the average. The 2021 Census ranks household, family, and individual incomes in the area modestly, falling between the 32nd and 38th percentiles.
In terms of distribution, 33.4% of the population (1,552 people) earn between $1,500 - 2,999, which is comparable to the regional rate of 31.7%. Discretionary income remaining after housing costs accounts for 86.4% of total earnings.
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 time of the latest Census, the housing stock in the suburb of Wulguru consisted of 89.3% standalone houses and 10.7% other housing formats, such as multi-dwelling units and semi-detached properties, compared to 76.4% houses and 23.6% other options in Regional Qld. Home ownership rates align closely with the regional average at 33.6%, while mortgaged properties account for 35.8% and rental agreements cover 30.7%. The median monthly mortgage payment was $1,300, which is lower than the Regional Qld average of $1,655. The median weekly rent was recorded at $290, compared to $345 regionally.
Locally, these monthly mortgage costs are lower than the national average of $1,863, and weekly rents are similarly below the Australian figure of $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 make up 69.1% of all households, consisting of couples with children at 24.7%, couples without children at 28.4%, and single-parent households at 14.7%. The remaining 30.9% are non-family households, including single-person households at 27.5% and group share houses at 3.5%. The median household size of 2.4 people is slightly lower than the Regional Qld average of 2.5.
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
Educational outcomes show lower levels of tertiary attainment, with university qualification rates at 14.1% compared to 30.4% nationally. Bachelor degrees are held by 10.1% of residents, while graduate diplomas and postgraduate degrees are held by 2.4% and 1.6% respectively. Vocational qualifications are common, with 38.4% of residents aged 15+ holding technical credentials, including advanced diplomas at 9.0% and certificates at 29.4%. Enrolment in education is strong, with 27.3% of the population participating in formal study. This comprises 10.1% in primary schools, 8.4% in secondary schools, and 3.8% in higher education.
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
Public transit infrastructure in the suburb of Wulguru includes 22 active bus stops. These stops are served by 2 distinct routes, which provide a total of 166 passenger trips each week. Transit access is good, with residents living an average of 229 meters from the nearest stop. The suburb of Wulguru is predominantly residential, and most workers commute to outer areas, with private vehicles being the primary choice for 95% of commuters. Average vehicle ownership is 1.4 cars per household. A low 4.6% of residents worked from home according to the 2021 Census, which was likely influenced by COVID-19 conditions.
Transit services average 23 daily trips across all routes, which translates to roughly 7 weekly services at each 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
Health indicators point to notable challenges in the suburb of Wulguru based on mortality rates and chronic illnesses, which are prevalent across various age brackets. The rate of private health insurance coverage is relatively low at roughly 50% of the population (~2,302 people), compared to 52.5% in Regional Qld and a national average of 55.7%. Arthritis and mental health conditions are the most prevalent health issues, affecting 10.1% and 9.9% of residents respectively. Conversely, 63.4% of the population reported no chronic conditions, compared to 67.6% across Regional Qld. Health issues are also elevated among working-age residents.
Individuals aged 65 and over make up 22.0% of the population (1,022 people), which is higher than the regional benchmark of 20.4%. Senior citizens' health profiles present some challenges, with national rankings aligning closely with general population trends.
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 is relatively low in the suburb of Wulguru, where citizens comprise 90.4% of the population, 90.2% of residents were born in Australia, and 95.9% speak only English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion, followed by 53.5% of the local population, compared to 52.2% in Regional Qld. The three largest ancestral backgrounds represented in the suburb of Wulguru are Australian at 29.0%, English at 28.9%, and Irish at 9.2%. Notable demographic differences exist for other ethnicities: Australian Aboriginal residents represent 6.7% of the population (compared to 3.9% regionally), Russian ancestry is at 0.3% (compared to 0.2% regionally), and Scottish ancestry is at 8.3% (compared to 7.8% regionally).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Wulguru is 42. 22.2% 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
The median age in the suburb of Wulguru is 42 years, which is similar to the Regional Qld average of 41 and above the national median of 38. The 55 - 64 age bracket is over-represented locally at 14.1%, while 25 - 34 year-olds are under-represented at 11.1%. Since the 2021 Census, the proportion of residents aged 35 to 44 rose from 11.6% to 13.1%, and those aged 75 to 84 increased from 6.9% to 8.0%. In contrast, the 15 to 24 age bracket shrank from 12.4% to 11.1%. Demographic projections to 2041 indicate significant changes, with the 85+ cohort expected to grow by 105 individuals (84%), rising from 125 to 231.
The aging trend is pronounced, with residents aged 65+ accounting for 81% of total growth, while the 5 to 14 and 55 to 64 cohorts are projected to contract.
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 Aug 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) | May 2026 3 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 May 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to May 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Jun 2026 2 months ago headline measures · May 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Aug 2026 this month all 21 measures |
| 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 Aug 2026. | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, State agencies, Local governments Daily | Aug 2026 this month 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 5 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) | Aug 2026 this month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Jul 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 May 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 May 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.