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

According to the analysis by AreaSearch, the population of Burnie - Ulverstone Surrounds stands at approximately 5,437 as of May 2026. This represents an expansion of 262 individuals (5.1%) relative to the 2021 Census, which counted 5,175 residents. The calculation is based on the June 2025 ABS estimated resident population of 5,426 combined with 86 validated new addresses registered after the Census. This population size results in a density of 4.0 persons per square kilometer, indicating a spacious residential environment. The 5.1% increase since the 2021 census paced ahead of the SA3 area (3.2%) and the SA4 region, establishing it as a local growth outperformer. Natural increase was the primary contributor, accounting for roughly 63.1% of the overall population gains, though interstate and overseas migration also made positive contributions.

Projections for each SA2 region rely on ABS and Geoscience Australia figures published in 2024 with a 2022 baseline. For SA2 areas excluded from this dataset, as well as for post-2032 age group projections, Tasmania State Government Regional/LGA projections from 2022 with a 2021 baseline are applied, utilizing weighted aggregation of population changes from LGA to SA2 levels. Based on this approach, future demographic trends point to a population contraction, with a projected loss of 244 persons by 2041. In contrast, certain cohorts are expected to expand, particularly the 75 to 84 age group, which is forecast to grow by 160 people. Further details are available in the age section.

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

Development approvals in Burnie - Ulverstone Surrounds average approximately 13 dwellings per year, with a total of 66 residential approvals over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 9 recorded so far in FY-26. With an average of 3.6 new residents per year added for every finished dwelling over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), demand outstrips supply, which generally drives up prices and increases buyer competition, while new builds average a construction cost of $225,000. Additionally, commercial approvals worth $1.5 million have been logged during the current financial year, underlining the predominantly residential character of the locality.

Building activity per person in Burnie - Ulverstone Surrounds is about 65% of the level seen in Rest of Tas., placing the area in the 33rd percentile nationally, which limits choices for buyers and sustains interest in existing homes. This performance is also lower than the national average, suggesting a mature market and potential developmental barriers. Furthermore, all new builds have been detached homes, preserving a low-density suburban landscape oriented toward families wanting space. The ratio of 508 people per dwelling approval reflects a quiet construction market with low development intensity.

Faced with forecasts of a stable or contracting population, Burnie - Ulverstone Surrounds is likely to see reduced housing pressure, which should benefit buyers.

Burnie - Ulverstone Surrounds has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 36thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure, major developments, and urban planning policies are key drivers of regional performance. AreaSearch has identified 23 projects likely to impact the locality. Notable projects include the Penguin District School Redevelopment, Dial Regional Sports Complex Infrastructure Upgrades, the Ironcliffe Road Upgrade Project, and the Penguin Town Centre Masterplan, with details on the most relevant works provided below.

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 labour market in Burnie - Ulverstone Surrounds shows considerable strength compared to most other Australian regions

The labor force in Burnie - Ulverstone Surrounds is balanced between white and blue collar jobs, with notable representation in industrial and manufacturing sectors, an unemployment rate of 2.5%, and an estimated job growth rate of 3.3% over the prior year. In March 2026, employed residents numbered 2,962, while the unemployment rate sat 1.4% below the 3.9% recorded in Regional Tas., and participation was high at 66.6% compared to 58.8% in Regional Tas. Census data indicates that only 12.8% of workers worked from home, though this figure may have been influenced by Covid-19 restrictions.

Local employment is concentrated in agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and retail trade. Specialization is particularly high in agriculture, forestry & fishing, which employs residents at 2.0 times the regional rate. Conversely, accommodation & food services accounts for only 5.0% of local jobs, below the 7.7% average in Regional Tas. The comparison between the Census working population and resident workforce suggests that local employment opportunities are somewhat limited.

Analysis of SALM and ABS statistics shows that during the 12-month period, employment rose by 3.3% while the labor force expanded by 3.2%, yielding a 0.1 percentage point reduction in the unemployment rate. This outpaced Regional Tas., which saw a 1.8% rise in employment, a 1.7% increase in the labor force, and a marginal decline in unemployment. Future demand trends in Burnie - Ulverstone Surrounds can be interpreted using national employment projections from Jobs and Skills Australia as of May-25. These five and ten-year forecasts have been applied to local employment sectors to model potential growth. Nationally, employment is projected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with wide variation across industries. Weighting these projections to the employment structure of Burnie - Ulverstone Surrounds suggests local employment could grow by 5.4% over five years and 12.0% over ten years, though this illustrative extrapolation does not account for local population projections.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

Postcode-level ATO data for financial year 2023 indicates that incomes in the Burnie - Ulverstone Surrounds SA2 are below national averages, with a median of $49,869 and an average of $59,825. For comparison, Regional Tas. recorded a median of $49,689 and an average of $59,358. Adjusting for a 10.95% increase in the Wage Price Index since financial year 2023, current estimates for March 2026 are approximately $55,330 for the median and $66,376 for the average. Census data places household, family, and personal incomes in the modest 26th to 32nd percentiles. The $1,500 - 2,999 weekly household income bracket is the most common, containing 32.8% of households (1,783 people), compared to 28.5% regionally. Housing expenses are manageable with households retaining 89.3% of income, though disposable income levels rank in the 38th percentile, below average.

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

According to the latest Census, the housing stock in Burnie - Ulverstone Surrounds consists of 99.5% separate houses and 0.5% other housing types like apartments or semi-detached dwellings, compared to Regional Tas. where separate houses comprise 89.9% and other dwellings make up 10.1%. Home ownership rates are high, with 45.8% owning outright, 42.9% holding a mortgage, and 11.4% renting. The median monthly mortgage payment was $1,300, above the Regional Tas. median of $1,274, while weekly rent was $225, below the Regional Tas. median of $250. Nationally, mortgage repayments in Burnie - Ulverstone Surrounds are considerably lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents are far below the national average of $375.

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

Families make up 76.8% of households, consisting of 31.1% couples with children, 37.3% couples without children, and 7.5% single parents. The remaining 23.2% are non-family households, with single person households accounting for 21.6% and group living situations at 1.4%. The median household size of 2.5 people is larger than the average of 2.3 in Regional Tas.

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

Educational attainment in the area presents challenges, with university graduation rates at 12.8%, well below the national mark of 30.4%. This highlights both a deficiency and an opening for focused learning programs. Bachelor degrees represent 8.9% of qualifications, followed by postgraduate degrees at 2.3% and graduate diplomas at 1.6%. Vocational qualifications are common, with 44.1% of residents aged 15+ holding a credential, including advanced diplomas at 9.0% and certificates at 35.1%.

Enrolment rates are high, with 25.6% of the population engaged in formal study. This comprises 9.9% in primary school, 7.9% in secondary school, and 3.0% in tertiary education.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

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

Residents of Burnie - Ulverstone Surrounds show relatively positive health indicators, with AreaSearch's evaluation of mortality rates and illnesses tracking close to national baselines. The frequency of common conditions is standard across both younger and older populations, while private health insurance coverage is low at roughly 49% of the population (~2,658 people) compared to a national average of 55.7%.

Arthritis and asthma are the most prevalent health issues, affecting 10.3 and 8.2% of the population, respectively. Meanwhile, 66.6% of residents reported having no chronic medical conditions, higher than the 62.0% average in Regional Tas. The working-age population shows higher rates of chronic conditions. Residents aged 65 and over make up 21.3% of the population (1,155 people), which is lower than the 24.9% regional share. Health outcomes for seniors rank above average, outperforming the national general population benchmark.

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

Cultural diversity is below average, with 90.8% of residents born in Australia, 92.5% holding citizenship, and 98.5% speaking only English at home. Christianity is the dominant religion, practiced by 38.7% of the population. Judaism shows a minor overrepresentation at 0.1% of the population, matching the Regional Tas. proportion of 0.1%.

In terms of parental country of birth, the main ancestries are Australian at 38.6% of the population (higher than the regional average of 32.6%), English at 33.0%, and Scottish at 6.9%. Notable variations from regional averages include Dutch ancestry at 1.8% (compared to 1.7% regionally), Aboriginal ancestry at 5.1% (compared to 4.1%), and New Zealand ancestry at 0.6% (compared to 0.4%).

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

The median age in Burnie - Ulverstone Surrounds is 45 years, matching Regional Tas. but older than the national median of 38. The 55 - 64 age group is prominent at 16.5% of the population, while the 75 - 84 cohort is smaller at 6.2% compared to the regional distribution. This 55 - 64 segment is higher than the national share of 11.2%. Since 2021, the 75 to 84 age group rose from 4.5% to 6.2% of the population, and the 65 to 74 cohort grew from 12.3% to 13.6%. Meanwhile, the 45 to 54 cohort declined from 15.1% to 12.5% and the 55 to 64 group decreased from 17.7% to 16.5%. By 2041, demographic shifts are expected, led by a 40% growth (136 people) in the 75 to 84 cohort, rising from 338 to 475. Population growth will be entirely driven by those aged 65 and over, while contractions are forecast for the 0 to 4 and 25 to 34 cohorts.