Acton - Upper Burnie

Acton - Upper Burnie is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Acton - Upper Burnie's population is around 3,397 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 127 people (3.9%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,270 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 3,395 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 26 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 1,580 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Acton - Upper Burnie's 3.9% growth since the census positions it within 0.6 percentage points of the SA3 area (4.5%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by natural growth, which contributed approximately 61.9% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts 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 to estimate growth by age group in the years post-2032, the Tasmania State Government's Regional/LGA projections, released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year, are adopted with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Regarding demographic trends, projections indicate a decline in overall population, with the area's population expected to contract by 18 persons by 2041 according to this methodology. However, growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, led by the 85 and over age group, which is projected to grow by 44 people. See the age section for more details.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Acton - Upper Burnie according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

Acton - Upper Burnie experiences very limited development activity, averaging 2 approvals per year (12 dwellings over the five-year period). These low development levels reflect the rural nature of the area, where development is typically driven by specific local housing needs rather than broad market demand. Note: given the small number of approvals, individual development projects can significantly impact annual growth and relativity statistics.

Acton - Upper Burnie shows significantly less construction activity than the Rest of Tas. This activity level is similarly below national patterns. Further, new construction has been completely comprised of detached houses, which aligns with rural living preferences for space and privacy. The location has approximately 850 people per dwelling approval, demonstrating an established market.

With the population expected to remain stable or decline, Acton - Upper Burnie should see reduced pressure on housing, potentially creating opportunities for buyers.

Acton - Upper Burnie has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 17thth percentile nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 0 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Homes Tasmania - Park Grove Subdivision, Burnie City Centre Urban Plan, Burnie Cultural Precinct Redevelopment, and Marinus Link, with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

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

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.

Employment drivers in Acton - Upper Burnie are experiencing difficulties, placing it among the bottom 20% of areas assessed across Australia

Acton - Upper Burnie possesses a balanced workforce spanning white and blue collar employment, with essential services sectors well represented, an unemployment rate of 7.6%, and 5.6% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 1,454 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 3.8% above Regional Tas.'s rate of 3.8%, showing room for improvement, and workforce participation is somewhat below standard (55.9% compared to Regional Tas.'s 58.9%). Based on Census responses, a low 3.3% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

The dominant employment sectors among residents include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and accommodation & food. The area demonstrates a particularly notable concentration in retail trade, with employment levels at 1.5 times the regional average. Meanwhile, agriculture, forestry & fishing has a limited presence with 3.0% employment compared to 8.4% regionally. The predominantly residential area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of the Census working population versus the resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, the 12-month period saw employment increasing by 5.6% alongside the labour force increasing by 5.6%, leaving unemployment broadly flat. This compares to Regional Tas., where employment grew by 1.8%, the labour force expanded by 1.5%, and unemployment fell 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Acton - Upper Burnie. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Acton - Upper Burnie's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.2% over five years and 13.4% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis

The Acton - Upper Burnie SA2 shows a median taxpayer income of $47,373 and an average of $55,421 according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY-23. This is below the national average, contrasting with Regional Tas.'s median income of $49,689 and average income of $59,358. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.6% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $51,921 (median) and $60,741 (average) as of September 2025. According to 2021 Census figures, household, family and personal incomes in Acton - Upper Burnie all fall between the 2nd and 10th percentiles nationally. Looking at income distribution, the predominant cohort spans 32.9% of locals (1,117 people) in the $400 - 799 category, differing from patterns across the region where $1,500 - 2,999 dominates with 28.5%. Economic circumstances reflect widespread financial pressure, with 41.7% of households operating within modest weekly budgets below $800. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 83.1% of income remaining, ranking at the 4th percentile.

Acton - Upper Burnie is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Dwelling structure within Acton - Upper Burnie, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 85.1% houses and 14.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Regional Tas.'s 89.9% houses and 10.1% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Acton - Upper Burnie lagged that of Regional Tas. at 30.0%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (29.5%) or rented (40.5%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well below the Regional Tas. average at $989, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $238, compared to Regional Tas.'s $1,274 and $250. Nationally, Acton - Upper Burnie's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

Acton - Upper Burnie features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households dominate at 57.7% of all households, comprising 19.8% couples with children, 22.8% couples without children, and 13.8% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 42.3%, with lone person households at 40.3% and group households comprising 2.3% of the total. The median household size of 2.1 people is smaller than the Regional Tas. average of 2.3.

Acton - Upper Burnie faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (10.9%) substantially below the Australian average of 30.4%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 7.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.5%) and graduate diplomas (1.5%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 37.4% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (6.3%) and certificates (31.1%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 26.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.9% in primary education, 7.3% in secondary education, and 2.0% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 20 active transport stops operating within Acton - Upper Burnie, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 60 individual routes, collectively providing 5,181 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 198 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 95%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.0 per dwelling, which is below the regional average. A relatively low 3.3% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 740 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 259 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Health data reveals substantial challenges facing Acton - Upper Burnie, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The prevalence of common health conditions is notable across both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is very low at approximately 47% of the total population (~1,610 people), compared to the national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and asthma, impacting 12.3% and 10.7% of residents, respectively, while 56.8% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 62.0% across Regional Tas. The working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 20.8% of residents aged 65 and over (705 people), which is lower than the 24.9% in Regional Tas. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

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

Acton - Upper Burnie was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 91.6% of its population being citizens, 90.6% born in Australia, and 96.1% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Acton - Upper Burnie is Christianity, which makes up 36.8% of people. However, the most apparent overrepresentation was in Hinduism, which comprises 0.9% of the population, compared to 1.1% across Regional Tas..

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Acton - Upper Burnie are Australian, comprising 37.6% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 32.6%, English, comprising 32.7% of the population, and Australian Aboriginal, comprising 6.7% of the population.

Acton - Upper Burnie's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

The 38-year median age in Acton - Upper Burnie is notably under the Regional Tas. average of 45 while equal to the Australian median of 38. Compared to the Regional Tas. average, the 15 - 24 cohort is notably over-represented (14.1% locally), while 65 - 74 year-olds are under-represented (10.2%). Since the 2021 Census, the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 12.4% to 14.1% of the population, while the 85+ cohort increased from 2.0% to 3.0%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort has declined from 12.7% to 10.9% and the 55 to 64 group dropped from 12.5% to 10.8%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Acton - Upper Burnie. The 85+ age cohort is projected to see notable expansion, growing by 37 people (37%) from 103 to 141. The aging population dynamic is clear, with those 65+ comprising 53% of projected growth. Conversely, the 0 to 4 and 55 to 64 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.