Ulverstone

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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Ulverstone's population is around 7,162 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 74 people (1.0%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 7,088 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 7,131 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 168 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 260 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 was essentially the sole driver of population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting 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. Considering the projected demographic shifts, projections indicate a decline in overall population, with the area's population expected to decline by 354 persons by 2041 according to this methodology. However, growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, led by the 75 to 84 age group, which is projected to increase by 320 people. See the age section for more details.

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

Ulverstone has recorded around 24 residential properties granted approval each year, with 122 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 29 so far in FY-26. Given population has fallen over the past period, development activity has been adequate in relative terms, which is a positive for buyers, while new dwellings are developed at an average construction cost of $331,000—slightly above the regional average—suggesting a focus on quality developments. Additionally, $10.2 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, demonstrating moderate levels of commercial development.

Compared to the Rest of Tas., Ulverstone records 14.0% less building activity (per person) while it places among the 66th percentile of areas assessed nationally, though development activity has picked up in recent periods. This level is similarly under the national average, indicating the area's established nature and suggesting potential planning limitations. Further, new construction has been completely comprised of detached dwellings, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. With around 211 people per dwelling approval, Ulverstone shows characteristics of a low density area.

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

Ulverstone has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 30thth percentile nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 8 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Ulverstone Rise (Trevor Street Subdivision), Ulverstone Rise, Installation of a Wet Electrostatic Scrubber Precipitator, and Jernej Way Residential Subdivision, 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 conditions in Ulverstone remain below the national average according to AreaSearch analysis

Ulverstone features a balanced workforce spanning white and blue collar employment, with essential services sectors well represented, an unemployment rate of 4.2%, and 6.4% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 3,139 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 0.4% above Regional Tas.'s rate of 3.8%, and workforce participation is somewhat below standard (54.1% compared to Regional Tas.'s 58.9%). Based on Census responses, a low 6.0% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Leading employment industries among residents comprise health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing shows lower representation at 4.7% versus the regional average of 8.4%. While local employment opportunities exist in the area, it appears many residents commute elsewhere for work, based on the count of Census working population to local population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, during the year to December 2025, employment levels increased by 6.4% and labour force increased by 5.6%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.7 percentage points. By comparison, Regional Tas. recorded employment growth of 1.8%, labour force growth of 1.5%, with 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 Ulverstone. 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 Ulverstone's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.1% over five years and 13.1% 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

As per AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released for FY-23, the Ulverstone SA2's median income among taxpayers is $51,689, with an average of $61,266. This is below the national average, and compares to Regional Tas.'s median of $49,689 and average of $59,358. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.6% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $56,651 (median) and $67,148 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes in Ulverstone all fall between the 4th and 12th percentiles nationally. Looking at income distribution, the $400 - 799 earnings band captures 33.4% of the community (2,392 individuals), unlike trends in the broader area where 28.5% fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 range. The prevalence of lower-income residents (40.9% under $800/week) indicates constrained household budgets across much of the district. After housing, 86.5% of income remains, though this ranks at only the 7th percentile nationally.

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

Dwelling structure within Ulverstone, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 85.9% houses and 14.0% 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 Ulverstone was higher than that of Regional Tas., at 45.1%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (28.7%) or rented (26.2%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well below the Regional Tas. average at $1,123, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $250, compared to Regional Tas.'s $1,274 and $250. Nationally, Ulverstone's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are 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 dominate at 62.8% of all households, comprising 20.9% couples with children, 28.9% couples without children, and 12.1% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 37.2%, with lone person households at 35.4% and group households comprising 1.8% of the total. The median household size of 2.2 people is smaller than the Regional 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 (14.8%) substantially below the Australian average of 30.4%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 10.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.3%) and graduate diplomas (1.9%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 38.8% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (9.0%) and certificates (29.8%).

A substantial 24.4% of the population actively pursues formal education. This includes 10.2% in primary education, 7.1% in secondary education, and 2.5% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 2 active transport stops operating within Ulverstone comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 7 individual routes, collectively providing 504 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as limited, with residents typically located 1092 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 93%, with 4% walking. Vehicle ownership averages 1.3 per dwelling, below the regional average. A relatively low 6.0% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 72 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 252 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Ulverstone 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 50% of the total population (~3,566 people). The national average is 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 13.1 and 9.2% of residents, respectively, while 58.3% 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 32.0% of residents aged 65 and over (2,293 people), which is higher than the 24.9% in Regional Tas. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

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 was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 90.7% of its population born in Australia, 93.4% being citizens, and 97.2% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Ulverstone is Christianity, which makes up 46.6% of people in Ulverstone. This compares to 43.0% across Regional Tas..

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Ulverstone are English, comprising 35.4% of the population, Australian, comprising 33.4% of the population, and Irish, comprising 7.2% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Dutch is notably overrepresented at 2.6% of Ulverstone (vs 1.7% regionally) and Australian Aboriginal at 5.8% (vs 4.1%).

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

At 49 years, Ulverstone's median age is significantly above the Regional Tas. average of 45 as well as considerably older than the Australian median of 38. Compared to the Regional Tas. average, the 75 - 84 cohort is notably over-represented (12.2% locally), while 25 - 34 year-olds are under-represented (8.3%). This 75 - 84 concentration is well above the national 6.1%. Post-2021 Census data shows the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 10.1% to 12.2% of the population, while the 65 to 74 cohort increased from 14.3% to 15.6%. Conversely, the 55 to 64 cohort has declined from 15.2% to 13.3% and the 25 to 34 group dropped from 9.7% to 8.3%. By 2041, Ulverstone is expected to see notable shifts in its age composition. Leading the demographic shift, the 75 to 84 group will grow by 31% (270 people), reaching 1,145 from 874. The aging population dynamic is clear, with those 65+ comprising 87% of projected growth. Conversely, both 25 to 34 and 0 to 4 age groups will see reduced numbers.