Wurtulla

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

As of Nov 2025, the estimated population of the Wurtulla statistical area (Lv2) is around 6,288. This figure reflects an increase of 34 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 6,282 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 81 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,817 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Over the past decade, Wurtulla (SA2) has demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 4.4%, outpacing the SA3 area. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration that contributed approximately 64.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

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 for years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections are adopted, released in 2023 based on 2021 data. Considering projected demographic shifts, a significant population increase is forecasted for the top quartile of national non-metropolitan areas, with Wurtulla (SA2) expected to increase by 1,673 persons to 2041, reflecting a gain of 34.1% in total over the 17 years.

The level of residential development activity in Wurtulla was found to be higher than 90% of real estate markets across the country

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, Wurtulla has experienced around 50 dwellings receiving development approval per year over the past five financial years. This totals an estimated 251 homes from FY-21 to FY-25. So far in FY-26, 31 approvals have been recorded. On average, 3.8 new residents arrive per dwelling constructed annually during this period.

Supply is substantially lagging demand, indicating heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures. New dwellings are developed at an average value of $453,000, moderately above regional levels, suggesting emphasis on quality construction. In FY-26, $12.4 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, demonstrating moderate levels of commercial development. Compared to the Rest of Qld, Wurtulla records roughly half the building activity per person while it places among the 88th percentile of areas assessed nationally. Building activity has accelerated in recent years.

Recent construction comprises 5.0% detached houses and 95.0% medium and high-density housing, reflecting a trend toward denser development to provide accessible entry options for downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers. This shows a considerable change from the current housing mix of 84.0% houses. Wurtulla has around 94 people per dwelling approval, indicating characteristics of a low density area. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Wurtulla is expected to grow by 2,143 residents through to 2041. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

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 12 projects that may impact the area. Notable projects include Sunshine Coast Health Precinct, St Clair, Birtinya Social Housing Project, and Birtinya Town Centre. The following details projects likely to be most relevant.

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Employment performance in Wurtulla exceeds national averages across key labour market indicators

Wurtulla has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. Its unemployment rate was 3.1% as of September 2025.

This is 1.0% lower than Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation in Wurtulla was 62.2%, slightly higher than Rest of Qld's 59.1%. The dominant employment sectors among residents 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, with only 0.5% of Wurtulla's workforce compared to 4.5% in Rest of Qld. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities as indicated by Census data. In the 12 months prior, labour force decreased by 2.7% and employment decreased by 2.3%, leading to a fall in unemployment rate by 0.4 percentage points. This contrasts with Rest of Qld where employment rose by 1.7%. State-level data as of 25-Nov shows QLD employment contracted by 0.01% (losing 1,210 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 4.2%, closely aligned with the national rate of 4.3%. 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. Applying these projections to Wurtulla's employment mix indicates local employment could increase by 7.0% over five years and 14.2% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

In AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year ended 30 June 2023, Wurtulla's median income among taxpayers was $50,161, with an average of $72,153. This is higher than the national averages of $48,941 (median) and $70,578 (average). Comparing to Rest of Qld, Wurtulla's median income is lower ($53,146), but its average is higher ($66,593). Based on Wage Price Index growth rate of 9.91% from financial year ended 30 June 2023, estimated median and average incomes for Wurtulla as of September 2025 would be approximately $55,132 and $79,303 respectively. According to the Census conducted on 28 August 2021, household, family, and personal incomes in Wurtulla rank modestly, between the 45th and 49th percentiles. Income distribution shows that 32.8% of individuals earn within the $1,500 - $2,999 range (2,062 individuals), similar to the broader area where 31.7% fall into this band. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Wurtulla, with only 82.7% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 48th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the fifth decile.

Wurtulla is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

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 Non-Metro Qld's 70.4% houses and 29.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Wurtulla stood at 35.1%, with mortgaged dwellings at 36.1% and rented ones at 28.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,000, higher than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,950. The median weekly rent in Wurtulla was $465, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $450. Nationally, Wurtulla's mortgage repayments were higher at $2,000 versus Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were substantially higher at $465 compared to 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, including 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%. The median household size is 2.6 people, larger than the Rest of Qld average of 2.5.

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 have university degrees, compared to Australia's 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 17.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.6%) and graduate diplomas (2.5%). Vocational credentials are held by 39.5% of residents aged 15 and above, with advanced diplomas at 10.9% and certificates at 28.6%. Educational participation is high, with 28.0% 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

The analysis of public transport in Wurtulla shows nine active transport stops currently operating. These stops offer a mix of bus services, with three individual routes serving them collectively providing 676 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these transport services is rated as good, with residents typically located 324 meters from the nearest stop.

The service frequency averages 96 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 75 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health outcomes in Wurtulla are marginally below the national average with common health conditions slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age cohorts

Wurtulla shows below-average health outcomes, with common conditions slightly more prevalent among both younger and older residents compared to averages.

Private health cover stands at approximately 56%, covering around 3,508 people. The most frequent medical issues are arthritis (9.3%) and mental health concerns (7.9%). About 68.2% of residents report no medical ailments, slightly higher than the Rest of Qld's 66.2%. The area has 19.3% of residents aged 65 and over (1,213 people), lower than the Rest of Qld's 22.3%, aligning with general population health profiles.

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

Wurtulla, surveyed in August 2016, showed low cultural diversity with 83.7% born in Australia, 90.5% being citizens, and 95.8% speaking English only at home. Christianity dominated at 48.0%, compared to 50.0% regionally. Top ancestral groups were English (32.3%), Australian (26.9%), and Scottish (9.4%).

Notable differences included South African (0.9% vs regional 0.6%), Dutch (1.8% vs 1.3%), and New Zealand (1.0% vs 1.1%) groups.

Wurtulla's median age exceeds the national pattern

The median age in Wurtulla is 41 years, matching Rest of Qld's average and somewhat older than Australia's 38 years. Compared to Rest of Qld, Wurtulla has a higher percentage of residents aged 35-44 at 13.9%, but fewer residents aged 75-84 at 5.9%. According to the Census conducted in 2021, the population aged 25 to 34 grew from 11.5% to 12.6%, while the percentage of those aged 5 to 14 declined from 13.2% to 11.9%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Wurtulla's age structure. The 25 to 34 age group is projected to grow by 50%, adding 397 people and reaching a total of 1,190 from the previous count of 792. Meanwhile, the 15 to 24 cohort is expected to grow by a modest 9%, with an increase of 73 people.