Burnie - Wivenhoe

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

Burnie-Wivenhoe's population, as per AreaSearch's analysis, was approximately 3,675 as of May 2026. This figure represents a decrease of 104 individuals (2.8%) since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 3,779 people. The change is inferred from ABS's estimated resident population of 3,675 in June 2025 and an additional 22 validated new addresses post-Census. This results in a density ratio of 321 persons per square kilometer, indicating substantial space per person and potential for further development. Overseas migration primarily drove population growth, contributing about 66.3% of overall gains recently.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data and post-2032 growth estimation by age group, Tasmania State Government's Regional/LGA projections are adopted, released in 2022 with a base year of 2021, adjusted using weighted aggregation from LGA to SA2 levels. Future demographic trends suggest an overall population decline, with the area's population projected to decrease by 61 individuals by 2041. However, specific age cohorts are expected to grow, notably the 65-74 age group, projected to increase by 54 people.

The level of residential development activity in Burnie - Wivenhoe is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch

Burnie - Wivenhoe had minimal construction activity from 2017 to 2021, with one new dwelling approved annually on average. This totals nine dwellings over the five-year period. The rural nature of the area drives development based on specific local housing needs rather than broader market demand.

Due to low approval numbers, yearly growth figures and relativities can vary significantly based on individual projects. Compared to Rest of Tas., Burnie - Wivenhoe has much lower development activity, with patterns well below national averages. Recent development consisted entirely of detached houses, reflecting the area's rural character where larger properties are typical. This favours new construction over current housing patterns (85.0% at Census), indicating robust demand for family homes.

The estimated population per dwelling approval is 2770 people, reflecting its quiet, low activity development environment. Population projections show stability or decline, which should reduce housing demand pressures and benefit potential buyers in Burnie - Wivenhoe.

Burnie - Wivenhoe has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 38thth percentile nationally

The performance of an area can significantly be influenced by changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified a total of 9 such projects that are expected to impact the area. Notable among these are the Burnie City Centre Urban Plan, Burnie Cultural Precinct Redevelopment, Parklands High School Redevelopment, and Port of Burnie - Burnie Gateway Project. The following list provides details on those projects deemed most relevant.

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

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

Burnie-Wivenhoe has a skilled workforce with well-represented essential services sectors. As of December 2025, the unemployment rate is 9.0%, with an estimated employment growth of 6.8% over the past year. By this date, 1,630 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 5.2% higher than Regional Tas.'s rate of 3.8%.

Workforce participation is similar to Regional Tas.'s 58.7%. According to Census responses, only 5.7% of residents work from home, but Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Key industries for employment among residents are health care & social assistance, retail trade, and accommodation & food. Retail trade shows strong specialization with an employment share of 1.3 times the regional level.

Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing has lower representation at 3.5% compared to the regional average of 8.4%. There are 1.7 workers for every resident in the area, indicating it functions as an employment hub attracting workers from surrounding regions. In the 12-month period ending December 2025, employment increased by 6.8%, labour force grew by 5.5%, and unemployment fell by 1.1 percentage points. Comparatively, Regional Tas. recorded employment growth of 1.8%, labour force growth of 1.5%, with a decrease in unemployment by 0.3 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia (May-25) project national employment to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates vary significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Burnie-Wivenhoe's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.1% over five years and 13.2% over ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes only.

Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch

The median taxpayer income in Burnie - Wivenhoe SA2 was $51,767 and the average was $60,604 according to AreaSearch's aggregation of postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023. This is lower than national averages; Regional Tas.'s median income was $49,689 with an average of $59,358. By March 2026, estimated incomes would be approximately $57,435 (median) and $67,240 (average), based on a 10.95% increase since financial year 2023. Incomes in Burnie - Wivenhoe fell between the 6th and 15th percentiles nationally according to 2021 Census figures. The $400-$799 earnings band accounted for 28.7% of individuals (1,054). After housing costs, 85.4% of income remained, ranking at the 9th percentile nationally.

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

The dwelling structure in Burnie - Wivenhoe, as per the latest Census, consisted of 84.6% houses and 15.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Regional Tas.'s 89.9% houses and 10.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Burnie - Wivenhoe was at 31.5%, with mortgaged dwellings at 28.9% and rented ones at 39.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $961, below Regional Tas.'s average of $1,274. The median weekly rent was recorded at $240, compared to Regional Tas.'s $250. Nationally, Burnie - Wivenhoe's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 60.2% of all households, including 18.7% couples with children, 24.9% couples without children, and 15.0% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 39.8%, with lone person households at 36.4% and group households making up 3.7%. The median household size is 2.1 people, which is smaller than the Regional Tasmanian average of 2.3.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 17.6%, 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 common at 11.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.9%) and graduate diplomas (1.8%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 39.2% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (8.7%) and certificates (30.5%).

Educational participation is high, with 27.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.6% in primary education, 7.3% in secondary education, and 3.1% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Burnie-Wivenhoe has 35 active public transport stops serving a mix of bus routes. These stops are covered by 86 individual routes, collectively facilitating 4939 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 218 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward, with car being the dominant mode at 87%, while 9% walk. Vehicle ownership averages 1.1 per dwelling, below the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, 5.7% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions.

Service frequency averages 705 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 141 weekly trips per stop.

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

Burnie-Wivenhoe faces significant health challenges as assessed by AreaSearch. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are high, with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts.

Private health cover is relatively low at approximately 49% of the total population (~1,808 people), compared to the national average of 55.7%. The most common medical conditions are mental health issues (11.3%) and arthritis (10.4%), with 59.9% of residents reporting no medical ailments, compared to 62.0% in Regional Tasmania. Working-age population faces notable health challenges due to elevated chronic condition rates. As of 2021, the area has 20.0% of residents aged 65 and over (733 people), lower than the 24.9% in Regional Tasmania. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings even higher than the general population.

Burnie - Wivenhoe ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Burnie-Wivenhoe was found to have low cultural diversity, with 88.5% of its population being Australian citizens, born in Australia (86.7%), and speaking English only at home (93.4%). Christianity is the predominant religion, comprising 36.5%. The 'Other' category is overrepresented at 1.1%, compared to 0.7% regionally.

In terms of ancestry, Australian (32.4%) and English (32.3%) are the most common, followed by Irish (7.7%). Notably, Australian Aboriginal are overrepresented at 5.5% (vs regional 4.1%), Dutch at 1.4% (vs 1.7%), and Sri Lankan at 0.2% (vs 0.1%).

Burnie - Wivenhoe's population is slightly older than the national pattern

Burnie-Wivenhoe's median age is 40 years, which is significantly lower than Regional Tasmania's average of 45 but older than Australia's median age of 38 years. The age profile shows that those aged 25-34 are particularly prominent, making up 14.2% of the population, while those aged 75-84 comprise a smaller proportion at 5.7%. Since 2021, the 35-44 age group has increased from 11.3% to 12.6%, while the 45-54 cohort has declined from 12.4% to 10.6% and the 25-34 group has dropped from 15.4% to 14.2%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes, with the 65-74 age group projected to grow by 10%, adding 41 residents to reach 473. Senior residents aged 65 and above will drive all population growth, highlighting demographic aging trends. Conversely, population declines are projected for those aged 25-34 and 15-24.