Burnie - Ulverstone Surrounds

Burnie - Ulverstone Surrounds 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, Burnie - Ulverstone Surrounds' population was around 5460 as of November 2025. This reflected an increase of 285 people, a 5.5% rise since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 5175 people. The change was inferred from the estimated resident population of 5385 in June 2024 and an additional 81 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population resulted in a density ratio of 4 persons per square kilometer, providing ample space per person. Burnie - Ulverstone Surrounds' 5.5% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area's 4.1%, and the SA4 region, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth was primarily driven by natural growth contributing approximately 80% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopted ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered, Tasmania State Government's Regional/LGA projections were adopted with adjustments made using a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Projections indicate an overall population decline by 236 persons by 2041. However, specific age cohorts are expected to grow, led by the 75-84 age group projected to increase by 191 people.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Burnie - Ulverstone Surrounds recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

Between FY21 and FY25, Burnie - Ulverstone Surrounds saw around 13 dwellings receiving development approval annually, totaling 66 homes. In FY26, one dwelling has been approved so far. This results in an average of 3.7 new residents per year arriving per dwelling constructed over the past five financial years.

The area's residential nature is also demonstrated by $1.5 million in commercial approvals registered this financial year. Relative to other areas in Tasmania and nationally, Burnie - Ulverstone Surrounds has about 65% of the building activity per person and places among the 35th percentile of areas assessed, indicating relatively constrained buyer choice. New construction has been entirely comprised of detached dwellings, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. The estimated count of 503 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment.

Given stable or declining population forecasts, Burnie - Ulverstone Surrounds may experience less housing pressure, creating favourable conditions for buyers.

Burnie - Ulverstone Surrounds has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 12thth percentile nationally

The performance of an area can significantly be influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified a total of 23 projects that are expected to impact the area. Notable projects include the Penguin District School Redevelopment, Dial Regional Sports Complex Infrastructure Upgrades, Ironcliffe Road Upgrade Project, and Penguin Town Centre Masterplan, with the following list outlining those deemed most relevant.

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.

The employment environment in Burnie - Ulverstone Surrounds shows above-average strength when compared nationally

Burnie - Ulverstone Surrounds has a diverse workforce with balanced white and blue collar jobs. Manufacturing and industrial sectors are prominent.

The unemployment rate is 2.6%, with an estimated employment growth of 2.0% over the past year as of June 2025. There are 2,915 employed residents, with an unemployment rate of 1.3% below Rest of Tas.'s rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation is high at 62.9%, compared to Rest of Tas.'s 55.7%. Key employment sectors include agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and retail trade.

The area specializes in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with an employment share twice the regional level. However, accommodation & food employs only 5.0% of local workers, below Rest of Tas.'s 7.7%. Employment opportunities locally may be limited, as indicated by Census data. In the past year, employment increased by 2.0%, while labour force grew by 2.2%, raising unemployment slightly to 3.9%. This contrasts with Rest of Tas., where employment contracted and unemployment fell marginally. Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but local growth may be around 5.4%% over five years and 12.0% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

The latest AreaSearch postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows that Burnie - Ulverstone Surrounds has lower median and average incomes compared to national averages. The median income is $46,823, while the average stands at $57,115. In contrast, Rest of Tas.'s figures are a median income of $47,358 and an average income of $57,384. Based on Wage Price Index growth from financial year 2022 to September 2025 (an increase of 13.83%), current estimates would be approximately $53,299 for median income and $65,014 for average income. Census data indicates that household, family, and personal incomes in Burnie - Ulverstone Surrounds rank modestly, between the 26th and 32nd percentiles. Income analysis reveals that the majority of residents (32.8%, or 1,790 people) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income bracket, mirroring regional levels where 28.5% occupy this bracket. Housing costs are manageable with 89.3% retained, but disposable income is below average at the 39th percentile.

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

Burnie-Ulverstone Surrounds' dwellings, as per the latest Census, were 99.5% houses and 0.5% other dwellings (including semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro Tas.'s 90.3% houses and 9.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Burnie-Ulverstone Surrounds was 45.8%, with mortgaged properties at 42.9% and rented ones at 11.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,300, higher than Non-Metro Tas.'s average of $1,200. Median weekly rent was $225, lower than Non-Metro Tas.'s figure of $240. Nationally, Burnie-Ulverstone Surrounds' mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Burnie - Ulverstone Surrounds has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 76.8% of all households, including 31.1% couples with children, 37.3% couples without children, and 7.5% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 23.2%, with lone person households at 21.6% and group households comprising 1.4%. The median household size is 2.5 people, larger than the Rest of Tas. average of 2.3.

Burnie - Ulverstone Surrounds 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 at 12.8%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 8.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.3%) and graduate diplomas (1.6%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 44.1% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas at 9.0% and certificates at 35.1%.

Educational participation is high, with 25.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.9% in primary education, 7.9% in secondary education, and 3.0% pursuing tertiary education. The Burnie - Ulverstone Surrounds area has four schools with a combined enrollment of 269 students. All four schools focus exclusively on primary education, with secondary options available in surrounding areas. Local school capacity is limited at 4.9 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 16.3, leading many families to travel for schooling.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

Health performance in Burnie - Ulverstone Surrounds is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Burnie-Ulverstone Surrounds faces significant health challenges with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is very low at approximately 48% of the total population (~2637 people), compared to the national average of 55.3%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and asthma, impacting 10.3 and 8.2% of residents respectively. 66.6% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 60.3% across Rest of Tas. The area has 20.4% of residents aged 65 and over (1113 people), which is lower than the 24.7% in Rest of Tas. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, performing better than the general population in health metrics.

The latest Census data sees Burnie - Ulverstone Surrounds placing among the least culturally diverse areas in the country when compared across a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Burnie-Ulverstone Surrounds, as per the 2016 Census, showed lower than average cultural diversity with 90.8% of its population born in Australia, 92.5% being citizens, and 98.5% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 38.7%. Judaism, however, was overrepresented at 0.1%, compared to 0.0% across Rest of Tas..

Ancestry-wise, Australian (38.6%), English (33.0%), and Scottish (6.9%) were the top three groups. Notably, Dutch (1.8%) and Australian Aboriginal (5.1%) were overrepresented, while New Zealand (0.6%) was slightly above regional levels (0.4%).

Burnie - Ulverstone Surrounds hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

At age 45 years, Burnie-Ulverstone Surrounds' median age matches Rest of Tas.'s average of 45 but exceeds the national average by substantially more than 7 years. The age profile shows that those aged 55-64 are particularly prominent at 16.5%, while the 75-84 group is smaller at 5.9% compared to Rest of Tas.. This concentration of 55-64 year-olds is well above the national average of 11.2%. Between 2021 and present, the 75-84 age group has grown from 4.5% to 5.9%, while the 65-74 cohort increased from 12.3% to 13.5%. Conversely, the 45-54 cohort has declined from 15.1% to 13.3%, and the 55-64 group dropped from 17.7% to 16.5%. By 2041, Burnie-Ulverstone Surrounds is projected to see significant shifts in its age composition. Leading this demographic shift, the 75-84 group will grow by 49%, reaching 481 people from 322. The aging population trend is clear, with those aged 65 and above comprising all of the projected growth. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 0-4 and 5-14 age groups.