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's population is around 5,470 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 295 people (5.7%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 5,175 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 5,385 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 85 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 4.0 persons per square kilometer, providing ample space per person. Burnie - Ulverstone Surrounds's 5.7% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area (4.5%) and the SA4 region, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by natural growth, which contributed approximately 80.0% 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 decline by 236 persons by 2041 according to this methodology. However, growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, led by the 75 to 84 age group, which is projected to increase by 191 people. See the age section for more details.

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

Burnie - Ulverstone Surrounds has experienced around 13 dwellings receiving development approval annually, with 66 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 4 so far in FY-26. Given an average of 3.7 new residents per year arriving per dwelling constructed over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), demand is significantly outpacing supply, which typically puts upward pressure on prices and increases competition among buyers, while new homes are being built at an average value of $225,000. Additionally, $1.5 million in commercial approvals have been registered this financial year, demonstrating the area's residential nature.

Relative to the Rest of Tas., Burnie - Ulverstone Surrounds records about 65% of the building activity per person while it places among the 34th percentile of areas assessed nationally, resulting in relatively constrained buyer choice and supporting interest in existing properties. This is likewise lower than the national average, reflecting market maturity and pointing to possible development constraints. Further, new construction has been completely 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 emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 37thth percentile nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 23 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the Penguin District School Redevelopment, Dial Regional Sports Complex Infrastructure Upgrades, Ironcliffe Road Upgrade Project, and the Penguin Town Centre Masterplan, 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 conditions in Burnie - Ulverstone Surrounds demonstrate exceptional strength compared to most Australian markets

Burnie - Ulverstone Surrounds has a balanced workforce spanning white and blue collar employment, with manufacturing and industrial sectors strongly represented, an unemployment rate of just 2.4%, and 5.9% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 2,990 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 1.4% below Regional Tas.'s rate of 3.8%, and workforce participation is well beyond standard (67.6% compared to Regional Tas.'s 58.9%). Based on Census responses, a low 12.8% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Employment among residents is concentrated in agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and retail trade. The area shows particularly strong specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with an employment share of 2.0 times the regional level. In contrast, accommodation & food employs just 5.0% of local workers, below Regional Tas.'s 7.7%. The area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, the 12-month period saw employment increasing by 5.9% alongside labour force increasing by 5.7%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.2 percentage points. This contrasts with Regional Tas., where employment rose by 1.8%, the labour force grew 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 Burnie - Ulverstone Surrounds. 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 Burnie - Ulverstone Surrounds's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.4% over five years and 12.0% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for FY-23 reveals that income in the Burnie - Ulverstone Surrounds SA2 is lower than average on a national basis, with the median assessed at $49,869 while the average income stands at $59,825. This contrasts to Regional Tas.'s figures of a median income of $49,689 and an average income of $59,358. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.6% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $54,656 (median) and $65,568 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes all rank modestly in Burnie - Ulverstone Surrounds, between the 26th and 32nd percentiles. Income analysis reveals the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket dominates with 32.8% of residents (1,794 people), mirroring regional levels where 28.5% occupy this bracket. Housing costs are manageable with 89.3% retained, though disposable income sits below average at the 38th percentile.

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

Dwelling structure within Burnie - Ulverstone Surrounds, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 99.5% houses and 0.5% 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 Burnie - Ulverstone Surrounds was well beyond that of Regional Tas., at 45.8%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (42.9%) or rented (11.4%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was above the Regional Tas. average at $1,300, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $225, compared to Regional Tas.'s $1,274 and $250. Nationally, Burnie - Ulverstone Surrounds's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are 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 dominate at 76.8% of all households, comprising 31.1% couples with children, 37.3% couples without children, and 7.5% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 23.2%, with lone person households at 21.6% and group households comprising 1.4% of the total. The median household size of 2.5 people is larger than the Regional 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 (12.8%) substantially below the Australian average of 30.4%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 8.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.3%) and graduate diplomas (1.6%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 44.1% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (9.0%) and certificates (35.1%).

Educational participation is notably 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.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

Burnie - Ulverstone Surrounds's residents are relatively healthy in comparison to broader Australia with a fairly standard level of common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts

Burnie - Ulverstone Surrounds's health metrics sit close to national benchmarks, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. There is a standard level of common health conditions across both young and old age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is very low at approximately 49% of the total population (~2,674 people). The national average is 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and asthma, impacting 10.3 and 8.2% of residents, respectively, while 66.6% 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 21.1% of residents aged 65 and over (1,154 people), which is lower than the 24.9% in Regional Tas. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, with national rankings even higher than the general population.

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 was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 90.8% of its population born in Australia, 92.5% being citizens, and 98.5% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Burnie - Ulverstone Surrounds is Christianity, which makes up 38.7% of the population. However, the most apparent overrepresentation was in Judaism, which comprises 0.1% of the population, compared to 0.1% across Regional Tas..

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Burnie - Ulverstone Surrounds are Australian, comprising 38.6% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 32.6%, English, comprising 33.0% of the population, and Scottish, comprising 6.9% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Dutch is notably overrepresented at 1.8% of Burnie - Ulverstone Surrounds (vs 1.7% regionally), Australian Aboriginal at 5.1% (vs 4.1%) and New Zealand at 0.6% (vs 0.4%).

Burnie - Ulverstone Surrounds hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

At 45 years, Burnie - Ulverstone Surrounds's median age matches the Regional Tas. average of 45, though it substantially exceeds the 38-year national average. The age profile shows 55 - 64 year-olds are particularly prominent (16.4%), while the 75 - 84 group is comparatively smaller (6.3%) than in Regional Tas.. This 55 - 64 concentration is well above the national 11.2%. Since 2021, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 4.5% to 6.3% of the population, while the 65 to 74 cohort increased from 12.3% to 13.5%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 15.1% to 12.6% and the 55 to 64 group dropped from 17.7% to 16.4%. By 2041, Burnie - Ulverstone Surrounds is expected to see notable shifts in its age composition. Leading the demographic shift, the 75 to 84 group will grow by 39% (134 people), reaching 481 from 346. The aging population dynamic is clear, with those 65+ comprising 100% of projected growth. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 0 to 4 and 25 to 34 cohorts.