Ulverstone
Statistical Area - sa2

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

Ulverstone's population, according to AreaSearch's analysis, is approximately 7,206 as of August 2025. This figure represents an increase of 118 people, a growth rate of 1.7%, since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 7,088. The increase was inferred from the estimated resident population of 7,134 as of June 2024 and an additional 160 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 262 persons per square kilometer, indicating significant space per person and potential for further development. Ulverstone's growth rate since the census, at 1.7%, is within two percentage points of the SA3 area's growth rate of 3.7%, showcasing competitive growth fundamentals. Overseas migration was the primary driver of population growth in 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 by age group estimation, 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 population trends indicate an overall decline, with the area's population expected to decrease by 354 persons by 2041. However, specific age cohorts are projected to grow, notably the 75 to 84 age group which is anticipated to increase by 320 people.

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

Ulverstone has seen approximately 24 new homes approved annually. The Australian Bureau of Statistics produces development approval data on a financial year basis, showing 122 homes over the past five years from FY21 to FY25 and 8 so far in FY26. Despite population decline, this development activity has been relatively adequate for Ulverstone, benefiting buyers while new homes are constructed at an average cost of $390,000. This year has seen $10.2 million in commercial approvals, indicating steady investment activity.

Compared to the Rest of Tas., Ulverstone has 14.0% less new development per person but ranks among the 66th percentile nationally, with recent periods showing increased development activity. This is below the national average, suggesting possible planning constraints due to the area's maturity. Recent development has consisted solely of detached houses, maintaining Ulverstone's traditional low-density character and appealing to those seeking spacious family homes. With around 211 people per approval, Ulverstone reflects a low-density area.

Given expected stable or declining population, housing pressure may remain relatively low in Ulverstone, potentially presenting opportunities for buyers.

Ulverstone has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 11thth percentile nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified eight projects that could affect this region. Notable ones are Ulverstone Rise (Trevor Street Subdivision), Ulverstone Sewage Treatment Plant Upgrade, and Ulverstone Rise with a Wet Electrostatic Scrubber Precipitator installation planned. The following list details those most likely to be relevant.

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

AreaSearch analysis reveals Ulverstone recording weaker employment conditions than most comparable areas nationwide

Ulverstone's workforce is balanced across white and blue collar jobs with significant representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 4.4% as of June 2025.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 2.7%. As of June 2025, 3,094 residents were employed while the unemployment rate stood at 4.4%, 0.4% higher than Rest of Tas.'s rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation in Ulverstone was 50.4%, significantly lower than Rest of Tas.'s 55.7%.

Key industries of employment among residents were health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction. Agriculture, forestry & fishing had limited presence with 4.7% employment compared to the regional average of 8.4%. Over the 12 months to June 2025, employment increased by 2.7% while labour force increased by 2.1%, leading to a decrease in unemployment by 0.6 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Tas. experienced an employment decline of 0.5% and a labour force decline of 0.6%. State-level data from Sep-25 showed Tasmania's employment grew by 0.77% year-on-year, adding 1,170 jobs, with the state unemployment rate at 4.3%, favourable compared to the national rate of 4.5%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts for Ulverstone from May 2025 projected a local growth of approximately 6.1% over five years and 13.1% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections mapped against Ulverstone's employment mix.

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

AreaSearch's data for financial year 2022 shows Ulverstone's median income was $49,146 and average income was $58,498. This is lower than the national averages of $50,377 (median) and $62,320 (average). In Rest of Tas., median income was $47,358 with an average of $57,384. Based on 11.94% Wage Price Index growth since FY2022, estimated incomes for Ulverstone as of March 2025 are approximately $55,014 (median) and $65,483 (average). Census data indicates Ulverstone's household, family, and personal incomes fall between the 5th and 13th percentiles nationally. The most common income bracket in Ulverstone is $400 - $799, with 33.4% of residents, while surrounding regions have more residents in the $1,500 - $2,999 range (28.5%). A significant portion, 40.9%, earns less than $800 per week, suggesting limited household budgets. After housing costs, 86.5% of income remains, ranking at only the 8th percentile nationally.

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

Dwelling structure in Ulverstone, as per the latest Census, consisted of 85.9% houses and 14.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Non-Metro Tas.'s 90.3% houses and 9.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Ulverstone stood at 45.1%, with mortgaged dwellings at 28.7% and rented ones at 26.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,123, lower than Non-Metro Tas.'s average of $1,200. Median weekly rent in Ulverstone was recorded at $250, compared to Non-Metro Tas.'s $240. Nationally, Ulverstone's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 62.8% of all households, including 20.9% couples with children, 28.9% couples without children, and 12.1% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 37.2%, with lone person households at 35.4% and group households comprising 1.8%. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is smaller than the Rest of Tas. average of 2.3.

Ulverstone 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 at 14.8%, significantly below the Australian average of 30.4%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most common at 10.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 2.3% and graduate diplomas at 1.9%. Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 38.8% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas at 9.0% and certificates at 29.8%.

A substantial 24.4% of the population actively pursues formal education, including 10.2% in primary education, 7.1% in secondary education, and 2.5% pursuing tertiary education. Ulverstone's 5 schools have a combined enrollment reaching 1,970 students as of the latest data point. The area demonstrates typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 967) with balanced educational opportunities. Education provision is balanced with 3 primary and 2 secondary schools serving distinct age groups. As an education hub, Ulverstone has 27.3 school places per 100 residents - significantly above the regional average of 16.3 - attracting students from surrounding communities as of the given date.

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

Ulverstone has two active public transport stops operating, both offering bus services. Six different routes serve these stops, collectively facilitating 1,577 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is limited in Ulverstone, with residents generally situated 1092 meters from the nearest stop.

The service operates an average of 225 trips per day across all routes, translating to roughly 788 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Ulverstone is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Ulverstone faces significant health challenges with various conditions affecting both younger and older residents. Approximately 49% (~3538 people) have private health cover, lower than the national average of 55.3%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (13.1%) and mental health issues (9.2%). Notably, 58.3% of Ulverstone residents report no medical ailments compared to 60.3% in Rest of Tas.. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 30.9% (2228 people) compared to the state's average of 24.7%. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors are challenging but perform better than the general population in health metrics.

The latest Census data sees Ulverstone placing among the least culturally diverse areas in the country when compared across a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Ulverstone's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 90.7% of its population born in Australia, 93.4% being citizens, and 97.2% speaking English only at home. The predominant religion in Ulverstone is Christianity, practiced by 46.6% of the population, compared to 41.9% across the Rest of Tas. The top three ancestry groups are English (35.4%), Australian (33.4%), and Irish (7.2%).

Notably, Dutch ancestry is overrepresented in Ulverstone at 2.6%, compared to the regional average of 1.7%. Similarly, Australian Aboriginal ancestry is also slightly higher than the regional average, at 5.8% versus 5.9%.

Ulverstone hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Ulverstone's median age at 49 years is significantly higher than the Rest of Tas. average of 45 and considerably older than the Australian median of 38. Compared to the Rest of Tas. average, Ulverstone has a notably over-represented 75 - 84 cohort (12.0%) and an under-represented 25 - 34 age group (8.4%). The local concentration of the 75 - 84 age group is well above the national average of 6.0%. Post-2021 Census data shows that this age group has grown from 10.1% to 12.0% of Ulverstone's population, while the 55 to 64 cohort has declined from 15.2% to 13.8% and the 25 to 34 group has dropped from 9.7% to 8.4%. By 2041, Ulverstone is expected to see significant shifts in its age composition. Leading this demographic shift, the 75 to 84 age group will grow by 33%, reaching 1,145 people from 861. The aging population trend is clear, with those aged 65 and above comprising 93% of projected growth. Conversely, both the 25 to 34 and 0 to 4 age groups are expected to see reduced numbers.