Wurtulla

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

As of Feb 2026, the population of the suburb of Wurtulla is estimated at around 6,288 people. This figure reflects an increase of 34 individuals since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6,254 people. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of 6,282 residents following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, along with an additional 84 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level 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 has demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 4.4%, outpacing the SA3 area. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by interstate migration, contributing approximately 64.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

However, all drivers including overseas migration and natural growth were positive factors. AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections are adopted, released in 2023 based on 2021 data. Considering projected demographic shifts, an above median population growth of national non-metropolitan areas is projected for the suburb, with an expected increase to around 7,958 persons by 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, 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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Wurtulla had approximately 50 dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling around 251 homes. As of FY-26, 31 approvals have been recorded. This results in an estimated average of 3.8 new residents per year per dwelling constructed between FY-21 and FY-25. Commercial development approvals this financial year totalled $12.4 million.

Compared to Rest of Qld, Wurtulla has roughly half the building activity per person but ranks among the 88th percentile nationally, with accelerating building activity in recent years. Recent construction comprises 5% detached houses and 95% medium and high-density housing. This shift from the current 84% house mix reflects reduced development site availability and changing lifestyle demands. With around 94 people per dwelling approval, Wurtulla is considered a low density area. AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate projects Wurtulla to grow by 2,146 residents by 2041.

If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing buyer competition 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 likely to impact the area. Notable projects include Sunshine Coast Health Precinct, St Clair, Birtinya Social Housing Project, and Birtinya Town Centre. The following 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 exceeds national averages across key labour market indicators

Wurtulla has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate is 3.1%, as per AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of September 2025, there are 3,583 residents in work, with an unemployment rate of 1.0% below Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%.

Workforce participation stands at 70.2%, slightly higher than Rest of Qld's 65.7%. According to Census responses, 14.4% of residents work from home. Dominant employment sectors include health care & social assistance, construction, and education & training. Construction is notably concentrated in Wurtulla, with employment levels at 1.6 times the regional average.

Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented, with only 0.5% of Wurtulla's workforce compared to Rest of Qld's 4.5%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, indicated by Census working population vs resident population counts. Over a 12-month period ending September 2025, labour force decreased by 2.7%, and employment decreased by 2.3% in Wurtulla, resulting in an unemployment rate fall of 0.4 percentage points. This contrasts with Rest of Qld, where employment rose by 1.7%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project a 6.6% increase 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.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

As per AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2023, the suburb of Wurtulla's median income among taxpayers is $50,161. The average income is $72,153. This is higher than the national average. In comparison, Rest of Qld's median income is $53,146 with an average of $66,593. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Wurtulla would be approximately $55,132 (median) and $79,303 (average) as of September 2025. From the 2021 Census, household income ranks at the 45th percentile, family income at the 46th percentile, and personal income at the 49th percentile in Wurtulla. In terms of income distribution, 32.8% of individuals earn between $1,500 - $2,999, reflecting a similar pattern seen in the broader area where 31.7% fall into this range. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 82.7% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 48th percentile. The suburb's SEIFA income ranking places 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 evaluation, 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 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 Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,655. The median weekly rent figure in Wurtulla was recorded at $465, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $375 and the national average of $345. Nationally, Wurtulla's mortgage repayments were higher than 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, 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, which is 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

Wurtulla's educational qualifications trail Australian averages. Among residents aged 15+, 24.1% hold university degrees, compared to Australia's 30.4%. This gap suggests potential for educational development and skill enhancement. Bachelor degrees are most common at 17.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.6%) and graduate diplomas (2.5%).

Vocational credentials are prominent, with 39.5% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas (10.9%) and certificates (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

Wurtulla has nine active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by three different routes that collectively facilitate 676 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 324 meters from the nearest stop. As a predominantly residential area, most commuters travel outward, primarily by car (92%), with cycling comprising 3% of journeys. On average, there are 1.6 vehicles per dwelling. According to the 2021 Census, 14.4% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions.

The 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 align with national benchmarks. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence were assessed by AreaSearch, 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 (~3,508 people), compared to 52.5% across Rest of Qld. The most common medical conditions are arthritis (9.3%) and mental health issues (7.9%). 68.2% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 67.6% across Rest of Qld. Health outcomes among the working-age population are broadly typical. The area has 19.6% of residents aged 65 and over (1,232 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 population showed limited cultural diversity, with 83.7% born in Australia, 90.5% being citizens, and 95.8% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 48.0% of Wurtulla's population, compared to 52.2% regionally. The top three ancestral groups were English (32.3%), Australian (26.9%), and Scottish (9.4%).

Some ethnic groups showed notable differences: South African at 0.9% in Wurtulla vs 0.5% regionally, Dutch at 1.8% vs 1.1%, and New Zealand at 1.0% vs 0.9%.

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 average of 38 years. Relative to Rest of Qld, Wurtulla has a higher concentration of residents aged 35-44, with 14.0% compared to the rest of Queensland's population, but fewer residents aged 75-84, at 6.0%. According to the 2021 Census, the age group of 25 to 34 has grown from 11.5% to 13.1% of Wurtulla's population, while the 65 to 74 cohort increased from 10.0% to 11.2%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 age group has declined from 13.2% to 11.5%, and the 55 to 64 group dropped from 13.0% to 11.9%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections reveal significant shifts in Wurtulla's age structure. The 25 to 34 age group is projected to grow by 46%, adding 378 people and reaching a total of 1,202 from the current 823. Meanwhile, the 15 to 24 cohort grows by a modest 10%, with an increase of 75 people.