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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Burnie - Wivenhoe's population is around 3,677 as of Feb 2026. This reflects a decrease of 102 people (2.7%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,779 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 3,669 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 20 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 321 persons per square kilometer, providing significant space per person and potential room for further development. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 60.0% 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 shrink by 24 persons by 2041 according to this methodology. However, growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, led by the 65 to 74 age group, which is projected to expand by 70 people. See the age section for more details.

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

Burnie - Wivenhoe shows minimal construction activity with 1 new dwelling approved annually (totalling 9 across the past five years). These low development levels reflect the rural nature of the area, where development is typically driven by specific local housing needs rather than broad market demand. Note: with such low approval numbers, yearly growth figures and relativities can vary considerably based on individual projects.

Burnie - Wivenhoe naturally has much lower development activity compared to Rest of Tas. The development pattern is also well below national averages. Meanwhile, recent development has been entirely comprised of detached houses, reflecting the area's rural character where larger properties and space are typical. New construction favours detached housing more than current patterns suggest (85.0% at Census), demonstrating ongoing robust demand for family homes. The estimated count of 2770 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment.

With population projections showing stability or decline, Burnie - Wivenhoe should see reduced housing demand pressures, benefiting potential buyers.

Burnie - Wivenhoe has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 39thth percentile nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 9 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the Burnie City Centre Urban Plan, Burnie Cultural Precinct Redevelopment, Parklands High School Redevelopment, and Port of Burnie - Burnie Gateway Project, 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 drivers in Burnie - Wivenhoe are experiencing difficulties, placing it among the bottom 20% of areas assessed across Australia

Burnie - Wivenhoe possesses a skilled workforce, with essential services sectors well represented, an unemployment rate of 9.0%, and 6.8% estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 1,630 residents are in work, while the unemployment rate is 5.2% above Regional Tas.'s rate of 3.8%, showing room for improvement, and workforce participation is broadly similar to Regional Tas.'s 58.9%. Based on Census responses, a low 5.7% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

The key industries of employment among residents are health care & social assistance, retail trade, and accommodation & food. The area shows particularly strong specialization in retail trade, with an employment share of 1.3 times the regional level. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing shows lower representation at 3.5% versus the regional average of 8.4%. With 1.7 workers for every resident, as at the Census, the area functions as an employment hub, hosting more jobs than residents and attracting workers from surrounding areas.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, the 12-month period saw employment increase by 6.8% alongside a labour force increase of 5.5%, resulting in unemployment falling by 1.1 percentage points. By comparison, Regional Tas. recorded employment growth of 1.8%, labour force growth of 1.5%, and unemployment falling 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 - Wivenhoe. 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 - Wivenhoe's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.1% over five years and 13.2% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

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

The Burnie - Wivenhoe SA2 shows a median taxpayer income of $51,767 and an average of $60,604 according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY-23. This is lower than average on a national basis, contrasting with Regional Tas.'s median income of $49,689 and average income of $59,358. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.6% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $56,737 (median) and $66,422 (average) as of September 2025. According to 2021 Census figures, household, family and personal incomes in Burnie - Wivenhoe all fall between the 6th and 15th percentiles nationally. Distribution data shows the $400 - 799 earnings band captures 28.7% of the community (1,055 individuals), contrasting with the surrounding region where the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket leads at 28.5%. After housing, 85.4% of income remains, though this ranks at only 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 within Burnie - Wivenhoe, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 84.6% houses and 15.4% 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 - Wivenhoe was lagging that of Regional Tas., at 31.5%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (28.9%) or rented (39.6%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well below the Regional Tas. average at $961, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $240, compared to Regional Tas.'s $1,274 and $250. Nationally, Burnie - Wivenhoe's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are 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 dominate at 60.2% of all households, comprising 18.7% couples with children, 24.9% couples without children, and 15.0% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 39.8%, with lone person households at 36.4% and group households comprising 3.7% of the total. The median household size of 2.1 people is smaller than the Regional 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 faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (17.6%) substantially below the Australian average of 30.4%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 11.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.9%) and graduate diplomas (1.8%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 39.2% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (8.7%) and certificates (30.5%).

Educational participation is notably 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

Public transport analysis reveals 35 active transport stops operating within Burnie - Wivenhoe, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 86 individual routes, collectively providing 4,939 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 218 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 87%, with 9% walking. Vehicle ownership averages 1.1 per dwelling, which is below the regional average. A relatively low 5.7% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 705 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 141 weekly trips per individual 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, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions are somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is relatively low at approximately 49% of the total population (~1,809 people), compared to the national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and arthritis, impacting 11.3% and 10.4% of residents, respectively, while 59.9% 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 20.0% of residents aged 65 and over (735 people), which is lower than the 24.9% in Regional Tas. 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 be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 88.5% of its population being citizens, 86.7% born in Australia, and 93.4% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Burnie - Wivenhoe is Christianity, which makes up 36.5% of the population. However, the most apparent overrepresentation was in Other, which comprises 1.1% of the population, compared to 0.7% across Regional Tas..

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Burnie - Wivenhoe are Australian, comprising 32.4% of the population, English, comprising 32.3% of the population, and Irish, comprising 7.7% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Australian Aboriginal is notably overrepresented at 5.5% of Burnie - Wivenhoe (vs 4.1% regionally), 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

At 40 years, Burnie - Wivenhoe's median age is significantly below the Regional Tas. average of 45 though somewhat older than Australia's 38 years. The age profile shows 25 - 34 year-olds are particularly prominent (14.6%), while the 75 - 84 group is comparatively smaller (5.4%) than in Regional Tas.. In the period since 2021, the 5 to 14 age group has grown from 11.5% to 12.8% of the population, while the 35 to 44 cohort increased from 11.3% to 12.4%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 12.4% to 10.5%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Burnie - Wivenhoe. The 65 to 74 cohort shows the strongest projected growth at 10%, adding 45 residents to reach 485. Senior residents (65+) will drive 100% of population growth, underscoring demographic aging trends. On the other hand, population declines are projected for the 25 to 34 and 15 to 24 cohorts.