West Ulverstone
Statistical Area - sa2

An assessment of population growth drivers in West Ulverstone reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, West Ulverstone's population is around 4725 as of Aug 2025. This reflects an increase of 210 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4515 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 4608 in June 2024 and an additional 106 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 261 persons per square kilometer. West Ulverstone's growth rate of 4.7% since the 2021 census exceeded both the SA3 area (3.7%) and the SA4 region, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth was primarily driven by interstate migration, contributing approximately 80% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data and to estimate growth by age group post-2032, Tasmania State Government's Regional/LGA projections are adopted with adjustments employing a method of weighted aggregation from LGA to SA2 levels. Considering projected demographic shifts, projections indicate an overall population decline of 200 persons by 2041, with the area's population expected to decline according to this methodology. However, specific age cohorts are anticipated to grow, led by the 75-84 age group which is projected to increase by 195 people.

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

West Ulverstone has recorded approximately 25 residential properties granted approval each year. Development approval data is produced by the ABS on a financial year basis, with 129 dwellings approved over the past five financial years from FY-21 to FY-25, and three recorded so far in FY-26. On average, 1.1 new residents have arrived per new home annually over these five years, suggesting balanced supply and demand conditions. However, recent data indicates a moderation to -0.7 people per dwelling over the past two financial years, implying an improved supply-demand balance. New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost of $533,000, reflecting developers' focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties.

In FY-26, approximately $250,000 in commercial approvals have been registered, indicating minimal commercial development activity compared to residential. Compared to the Rest of Tas., West Ulverstone shows moderately higher development activity, with a 44.0% increase per person over the five-year period, offering reasonable buyer options while sustaining existing property demand. However, building activity has slowed in recent years.

All new construction in West Ulverstone comprises standalone homes, maintaining the area's traditional low-density character and focusing on family homes appealing to those seeking space. With around 272 people per approval, West Ulverstone reflects a low-density area. Given stable or declining population forecasts, West Ulverstone may experience less housing pressure in the future, creating favourable conditions for buyers.

West Ulverstone has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 24thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified five projects likely impacting the region. Notable projects include South Road Service Station Development, Ulverstone Sewage Treatment Plant Upgrade, Oak Rise Housing, and Jernej Way Residential Subdivision. The following details those considered most relevant.

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

The labour market performance in West Ulverstone lags significantly behind most other regions nationally

West Ulverstone has a balanced workforce with both white and blue collar jobs, with essential services well represented. Its unemployment rate was 5.2% as of June 2024, with an estimated employment growth of 2.0%.

As of June 2025, 1,872 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 1.3% higher than Rest of Tas.'s rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation in West Ulverstone lags at 47.9%, compared to Rest of Tas.'s 55.7%. Residents' employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade, with notable concentration in construction at 1.3 times the regional average. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing shows lower representation at 4.3% versus the regional average of 8.4%.

Over the year to June 2025, employment increased by 2.0%, while labour force increased by 2.1%, keeping unemployment relatively stable. In contrast, Rest of Tas. experienced employment decline of 0.5% and labour force decline of 0.6%. State-level data to Sep-25 shows TAS employment grew by 0.77% year-on-year, with the state unemployment rate at 4.3%, outpacing the national average growth of 0.26%. National employment forecasts from May 2025 project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but local projections based on West Ulverstone's employment mix suggest approximately 6.0%% growth over five years and 12.9% over ten years.

Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows West Ulverstone had a median income among taxpayers of $43,730 and an average income of $52,052. These figures are below the national averages. In comparison, Rest of Tas.'s median income was $47,358 with an average of $57,384. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.94% since financial year 2022, estimated current incomes for West Ulverstone would be approximately $48,951 (median) and $58,267 (average) as of March 2025. According to Census 2021 income data, household, family and personal incomes in West Ulverstone all fall between the 5th and 6th percentiles nationally. Income analysis reveals that 31.9% of West Ulverstone's population (1,507 individuals) fall within the $400 - 799 income range, which differs from regional levels where the $1,500 - 2,999 category predominates at 28.5%. After housing costs, 85.7% of income remains in West Ulverstone, ranking at only the 8th percentile nationally.

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

In West Ulverstone, as per the latest Census evaluation, 89.9% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 10.1% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments, and other dwelling types. This is compared to Non-Metro Tas., which had 90.3% houses and 9.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in West Ulverstone stood at 42.2%, with mortgaged properties at 31.5% and rented dwellings at 26.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,213, higher than Non-Metro Tas.'s average of $1,200. The median weekly rent in West Ulverstone was recorded at $240, matching Non-Metro Tas.'s figure of $240. Nationally, West Ulverstone's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

West Ulverstone has a typical household mix, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households account for 68.5% of all households, including 22.0% couples with children, 32.7% couples without children, and 13.4% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 31.5%, with lone person households at 29.3% and group households making up 2.0% of the total. The median household size is 2.3 people, which aligns with the Rest of Tas. average.

West 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 13.4%, substantially below the Australian average of 30.4%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 9.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.6%) and graduate diplomas (1.6%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 37.7% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (7.9%) and certificates (29.8%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 25.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 10.8% in primary, 8.1% in secondary, and 1.8% in tertiary education. West Ulverstone Primary School provides local educational services within West Ulverstone, with an enrollment of 115 students as of the latest data. The area demonstrates varied educational conditions, with 1 school focusing exclusively on primary education, and secondary options available in surrounding areas. Limited local school capacity (2.4 places per 100 residents vs 16.3 regionally) means many families travel to nearby areas for schooling.

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

Transport analysis shows 13 active stops operating in West Ulverstone, offering mixed bus services. These stops are covered by 31 routes, facilitating 3,438 weekly passenger trips. Transport access is deemed good, with residents on average being 339 meters from the nearest stop.

Services run at an average frequency of 491 trips per day across all routes, amounting to around 264 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

West Ulverstone faces significant health challenges, with common conditions prevalent across both younger and older age groups. Private health cover stands at approximately 46% (around 2,182 people), lower than Rest of Tas's 48.9% and the national average of 55.3%. Arthritis and mental health issues are the most common medical conditions, affecting 12.6% and 9.6% respectively.

About 57.8% reported no medical ailments, compared to 60.3% in Rest of Tas. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 28.0% (1,321 people), compared to Rest of Tas's 24.7%. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges but perform better than the general population in health metrics.

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

West Ulverstone showed lower cultural diversity, with 90.8% citizens and 90.4% born in Australia. English was the primary language spoken at home by 97.4%. Christianity was the predominant religion at 44.6%, compared to 41.9% regionally.

Ancestry-wise, Australian (34.1%), English (34.0%), and Scottish (7.4%) were the top groups. Notably, Dutch (2.5% vs regional 1.7%), Australian Aboriginal (6.4% vs 5.9%), and Welsh (0.5% vs 0.3%) had higher representation in West Ulverstone compared to the region.

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

West Ulverstone has a median age of 48, which is higher than the Rest of Tas. figure of 45 and well above the national average of 38. The age group 75-84 shows strong representation at 10.3%, compared to Rest of Tas., while the 25-34 cohort is less prevalent at 9.7%. According to the 2021 Census, the 75 to 84 age group has increased from 8.8% to 10.3% of the population. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has decreased from 11.9% to 10.3%, and the 85+ group has dropped from 4.9% to 3.7%. Demographic modeling suggests that West Ulverstone's age profile will significantly evolve by 2041. The 75 to 84 age cohort is projected to grow by 160 people (33%), from 485 to 646. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups are expected to account for 89% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 0 to 4 and 5 to 14 cohorts.