Burnie - Wivenhoe
Statistical Area - sa2

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, according to AreaSearch's analysis, was approximately 3,685 as of November 2025. This figure represents a decrease of 94 individuals (2.5%) from the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,779 people. The change is inferred from ABS's estimated resident population of 3,679 in June 2024 and an additional 20 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 321 persons per square kilometer. Overseas migration drove primary population growth, contributing around 60.0% of overall gains during recent periods.

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 over this period. The area's population is projected to decrease by 24 persons by 2041 according to these projections. However, growth within specific age cohorts is anticipated, notably the 65-74 age group, expected to expand by 70 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 has seen minimal construction activity with one new dwelling approved annually on average over the past five years (total of nine). This low development level reflects the rural nature of the area, where housing needs drive development rather than market demand. Note that such low approval numbers can lead to significant variations in yearly growth figures and relativities based on individual projects.

Compared to the Rest of Tas., Burnie-Wivenhoe has much lower development activity, with patterns well below national averages. Recent development has been entirely detached houses, reflecting the area's rural character where larger properties are typical (85.0% at Census). This shows ongoing robust demand for family homes. The estimated population per dwelling approval is 2770 people, indicating a quiet, low activity development environment.

Population projections show stability or decline, suggesting reduced housing demand pressures and benefiting potential buyers in Burnie-Wivenhoe.

Burnie - Wivenhoe has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 11thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified nine projects likely to affect this region. Notable ones are Burnie City Centre Urban Plan, Burnie Cultural Precinct Redevelopment, Parklands High School Redevelopment, and Port of Burnie - Burnie Gateway Project. The following list details those 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.

Employment conditions in Burnie - Wivenhoe face significant challenges, ranking among the bottom 10% of areas assessed nationally

Burnie-Wivenhoe has a skilled workforce with notable representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate as of June 2025 was 9.2%.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 2.6%. As of June 2025, 1,633 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 5.2% higher than Rest of Tas.'s rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation was broadly similar to Rest of Tas.'s 55.7%. Key industries of employment among residents were health care & social assistance, retail trade, and accommodation & food.

The area showed strong specialization in retail trade with an employment share of 1.3 times the regional level. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing had lower representation at 3.5% versus the regional average of 8.4%. There were 1.7 workers for every resident as at the Census, indicating the area functions as an employment hub attracting workers from surrounding areas. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment increased by 2.6%, labour force increased by 2.2%, resulting in a unemployment fall of 0.4 percentage points. In comparison, Rest of Tas. recorded an employment decline of 0.5% and a labour force decline of 0.6%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 suggest potential future demand within Burnie-Wivenhoe. These projections indicate national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying growth rates across industry sectors. Applying these projections to Burnie-Wivenhoe's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.1% over five years and 13.2% over ten years.

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

Burnie - Wivenhoe's median taxpayer income in financial year 2022 was $49,068, with an average of $59,642. This is lower than the national average, compared to Rest of Tas.'s median income of $47,358 and average income of $57,384. Based on a 13.83% growth in wages since financial year 2022, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $55,854 (median) and $67,890 (average). According to the 2021 Census, Burnie - Wivenhoe's household, family, and personal incomes fall between the 7th and 16th percentiles nationally. The $400-$799 earnings band captures 28.7% of the community (1,057 individuals), contrasting with the surrounding region where the $1,500-$2,999 bracket leads at 28.5%. After housing expenses, 85.4% of income remains, 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

Dwelling structure in Burnie-Wivenhoe, as evaluated at the latest Census held on 28 August 2016, comprised 84.6% houses and 15.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro Tas., which had 90.3% houses and 9.7% other dwellings at the same Census date. Home ownership in Burnie-Wivenhoe was recorded at 31.5%, with mortgaged dwellings at 28.9% and rented dwellings at 39.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area, as of this date, was $961, while the median weekly rent figure was $240. In comparison, Non-Metro Tas. had mortgage repayments averaging $1,200 and rents averaging $240 at the same time. Nationally, Burnie-Wivenhoe's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, as reported on 29 June 2021, while rents were substantially below the national figure of $375, also reported on this date.

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

Family households account for 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 constitute the remaining 39.8%, with lone person households at 36.4% and group households comprising 3.7% of the total. The median household size is 2.1 people, which is smaller than the Rest of Tas. 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%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 39.2% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas at 8.7% and certificates at 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. Burnie - Wivenhoe's 3 schools have a combined enrollment of 282 students. The area has varied educational conditions across its schools. Education provision is balanced with 2 primary and 1 secondary school serving distinct age groups. Local school capacity is limited at 7.7 places per 100 residents, compared to the regional average of 16.3, leading many families to travel for schooling. Note: where schools show 'n/a' for enrolments, please refer to the parent campus.

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

Burnie-Wivenhoe has 36 active public transport stops. These are served by buses via 56 routes, offering 5,720 weekly passenger trips in total. The average distance to the nearest stop for residents is 216 meters.

On average, there are 817 daily trips across all routes, which translates to about 158 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Health data indicates significant health challenges in Burnie - Wivenhoe, with high prevalence of common health conditions across both younger and older age groups. Approximately 50% (~1,824 people) have private health cover, lower than the national average of 55.3%.

Mental health issues affect 11.3% of residents, while arthritis impacts 10.4%. About 60% declare no medical ailments, similar to Rest of Tas. (60.3%). The area has 19.6% (721 people) aged 65 and over, lower than Rest of Tas.'s 24.7%. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges but perform better than the general population in health metrics.

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, as per the census conducted on Tuesday 9 August 2016, exhibited below-average cultural diversity. The population was predominantly Australian-born citizens: 88.5% were citizens, 86.7% were born in Australia, and 93.4% spoke English only at home. Christianity was the dominant religion, with 36.5% of people identifying as Christian.

Notably, the 'Other' religious category comprised 1.1% of Burnie-Wivenhoe's population, compared to 0.4% across the rest of Tasmania. In terms of ancestry, Australians made up 32.4%, English 32.3%, and Irish 7.7%. Some ethnic groups were notably divergent: Australian Aboriginal at 5.5% (vs regional 5.9%), 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 the Rest of Tasmania average of 45 but higher than Australia's median age of 38 years. The age profile shows that individuals aged 25-34 are particularly prominent, making up 14.8% of the population, while those aged 75-84 comprise only 5.5%, which is comparatively smaller than in the Rest of Tasmania. Between 2021 and the present, the proportion of the population aged 5-14 has increased from 11.5% to 12.5%. Conversely, the proportion of those aged 45-54 has decreased from 12.4% to 10.8%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes in Burnie-Wivenhoe. The 65-74 age cohort is projected to grow by 13%, adding 57 residents, reaching a total of 485. Senior residents aged 65 and above will drive all population growth, highlighting trends towards demographic aging. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 15-24 and 5-14 age cohorts.