Wurtulla

Population growth drivers in Wurtulla are above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

As of May 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Wurtulla is around 6,313. This figure reflects an increase of 59 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6,254. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 6,301 as of June 2025, based on examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS, and an additional 85 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1,824 persons per square kilometer, which is higher than the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Interstate migration contributed approximately 64.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, with all drivers including overseas migration and natural growth being positive factors.

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 or years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections released in 2023 and based on 2021 data are used. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits; hence proportional growth weightings aligned with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) for each age cohort are applied where utilised. Considering projected demographic shifts, a significant population increase in the top quartile of national non-metropolitan areas is forecast. The suburb of Wurtulla is expected to increase by 1,460 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 22.9% in total over the 16 years.

Residential development activity is slightly higher than average within Wurtulla when compared nationally

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, indicates Wurtulla experienced around 53 dwellings receiving development approval per year over the past 5 financial years. This totals an estimated 269 homes. So far in FY-26, 31 approvals have been recorded. Despite population decline during this period, development activity has been adequate relative to population changes, which could be positive for buyers.

New dwellings are developed at an average expected construction cost of $453,000, moderately above regional levels, suggesting emphasis on quality construction. This year, $12.4 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, indicating moderate levels of commercial development compared to the rest of Queensland. Wurtulla records about 57% of the building activity per person and ranks among the 90th percentile nationally for building activity, though it has accelerated in recent years. Recent construction comprises 5.0% detached houses and 95.0% medium and high-density housing, a trend that provides accessible entry options appealing to downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers. This represents a significant change from the current housing mix of 84.0% houses, reflecting reduced availability of development sites and shifting lifestyle demands and affordability requirements.

With around 78 people per dwelling approval, Wurtulla shows characteristics of a low density area. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Wurtulla is expected to grow by 1,448 residents through to 2041. Current development appears well-matched to future needs, supporting steady market conditions without extreme price pressure.

Wurtulla has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 11 projects likely to impact the area. Key projects include Sunshine Coast Health Precinct, Birtinya Town Centre, St Clair, and Birtinya Social Housing Project. The following list details those most relevant.

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

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Employment performance in Wurtulla has been broadly consistent with national averages

Wurtulla has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate is 3.3%, as per AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of December 2025, 3,223 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 0.7% below Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%.

Workforce participation is similar to Regional Qld's 64.5%. According to Census responses, 14.4% of residents work from home, considering Covid-19 lockdown impacts. Dominant employment sectors include health care & social assistance, construction, and education & training. Construction stands out with employment levels at 1.6 times the regional average.

Agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented, at 0.5% compared to Regional Qld's 4.5%. The area offers limited local employment opportunities, indicated by Census working population vs resident population count. Over a 12-month period ending December 2025, labour force decreased by 5.3%, employment by 5.0%, resulting in unemployment rate falling by 0.3 percentage points. This contrasts with Regional Qld's employment rise of 0.7% and labour force growth of 1.0%. Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts national employment expansion at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Wurtulla's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.0% over five years and 14.2% over ten years, based on simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

The median income among taxpayers in Wurtulla was $50,161 during financial year 2023. The average income was $72,153. This is higher than the national average and compares to Regional Qld's median of $53,146 and average of $66,593. By March 2026, estimated incomes would be approximately $55,859 (median) and $80,350 (average), based on a Wage Price Index growth of 11.36%. According to the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in Wurtulla ranked modestly between the 45th and 49th percentiles. The income distribution showed that 32.8% (2,070 individuals) earned between $1,500 - $2,999, similar to the broader area's pattern of 31.7%. Housing affordability pressures were severe with only 82.7% of income remaining, ranking at the 48th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking placed it in the 5th decile.

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

In Wurtulla, as per the latest Census, 84.0% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 15.9% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. This is compared to Regional Qld's figures of 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Wurtulla stood at 35.1%, with mortgaged properties making up 36.1% and rented dwellings accounting for 28.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,000, higher than Regional Qld's average of $1,655. The median weekly rent figure in Wurtulla was $465, compared to Regional Qld's $375. Nationally, Wurtulla's mortgage repayments were higher at $2,000 versus the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Wurtulla features high concentrations of group households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 75.5% of all households, consisting of 31.5% couples with children, 30.1% couples without children, and 13.1% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 24.5%, with lone person households at 19.8% and group households comprising 4.7% of the total. The median household size is 2.6 people, larger than the Regional Queensland average of 2.5 people.

Wurtulla shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

In Wurtulla trail, 24.1% of residents aged 15 and above hold university degrees, compared to the Australian average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 17.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 4.6% and graduate diplomas at 2.5%. Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 39.5% of residents holding such qualifications. This includes advanced diplomas held by 10.9% of residents and certificates held by 28.6%.

Educational participation is high, with 28.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.5% in primary education, 9.2% in secondary education, and 4.1% 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 shows nine active transport stops operating within Wurtulla, consisting of a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by three individual routes, collectively providing 676 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 324 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward. Car remains the dominant mode of transportation at 92%, with 3% cycling. Vehicle ownership averages 1.6 per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, some 14.4% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 96 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 75 weekly trips per individual stop.

Wurtulla's residents are relatively healthy in comparison to broader Australia with common health conditions slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age cohorts

Wurtulla's health metrics closely match national benchmarks. AreaSearch assessed mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence, finding common health conditions slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age cohorts.

Private health cover is very high at approximately 56% of the total population (~3,522 people), compared to Regional Qld's 52.5%. The most common medical conditions are arthritis (9.3%) and mental health issues (7.9%), while 68.2% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to Regional Qld's 67.6%. Health outcomes among the working-age population are typical. The area has 19.6% of residents aged 65 and over (1,237 people), with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

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

Wurtulla's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 83.7% of its population born in Australia, 90.5% being citizens, and 95.8% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the main religion in Wurtulla, comprising 48.0% of people, compared to 52.2% across Regional Qld. The top three ancestry groups were English (32.3%), Australian (26.9%), and Scottish (9.4%).

Notably, South Australian ancestry was overrepresented at 0.9%, compared to 0.5% regionally, as were Dutch (1.8% vs 1.1%) and New Zealand (1.0% vs 0.9%).

Wurtulla's median age exceeds the national pattern

The median age in Wurtulla is 41 years, matching Regional Queensland's average and being somewhat older than Australia's average of 38 years. Compared to Regional Queensland, Wurtulla has a higher percentage of residents aged 45-54 (13.3%) but fewer residents aged 75-84 (6.2%). According to the 2021 Census, the population aged 65 to 74 grew from 10.0% to 11.1%, while the percentage of those aged 5 to 14 declined from 13.2% to 11.7%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Wurtulla's age structure. Notably, the 25 to 34 age group is projected to grow by 34%, reaching 1,026 people from 763. Conversely, the 15 to 24 age group is projected to decline by 2 people.