West Ulverstone

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

West Ulverstone's population, as of November 2025, is approximately 4713. This figure represents an increase of 198 individuals, a 4.4% rise from the 2021 Census total of 4515 residents. The growth is inferred from the estimated resident population of 4607 in June 2024 and an additional 105 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 261 persons per square kilometer, indicating significant space per person and potential for further development. Over the past decade, West Ulverstone has shown resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 0.6%, outperforming the SA3 area. Interstate migration contributed approximately 80% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch uses 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 made using a method of weighted aggregation from LGA to SA2 levels. Considering these projections, West Ulverstone's population is expected to decline by 200 persons by 2041. However, specific age cohorts are anticipated to grow, notably the 75 to 84 age group, 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 granted around 25 residential properties approval each year. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, it approved a total of 129 homes and an additional 14 in FY-26 so far. On average, approximately 1.1 new residents have arrived per new home annually over these years. However, this figure has eased to -0.7 people per dwelling over the past two financial years, reflecting improved supply availability.

The average construction value of development projects is $323,000. In FY-26, commercial approvals valued at $250,000 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.

This has preserved reasonable buyer options while sustaining existing property demand. However, building activity has slowed in recent years, with all new constructions comprising standalone homes, maintaining the area's traditional low density character and appealing to those seeking space. West Ulverstone reflects a low-density area, with around 272 people per approval. Given stable or declining population forecasts, it may experience less housing pressure, creating favourable conditions for buyers.

West Ulverstone has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 10thth percentile nationally

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

West Ulverstone shows employment indicators that trail behind approximately 70% of regions assessed across Australia

West Ulverstone has a balanced workforce with both white and blue collar jobs. Key sectors include essential services, healthcare & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. As of September 2025, the unemployment rate is 4.9%, with an estimated employment growth of 6.3% over the past year.

There are 1,909 residents in work, but the unemployment rate is higher than Rest of Tas.'s rate at 3.8%. Workforce participation is lower at 52.1%. A low 6.9% of residents work from home. Employment concentration in construction is notable at 1.3 times the regional average, while agriculture, forestry & fishing shows lower representation at 4.3%.

Over the year to September 2025, employment increased by 6.3%, leading to a fall in unemployment rate by 0.5 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to West Ulverstone's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.0% over five years and 12.9% over ten years, assuming population projections remain constant.

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 2023 shows West Ulverstone SA2 had a median income of $45,993 and an average of $54,515. This is below the national average. The Rest of Tas. had a median income of $49,689 and an average of $59,358. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.6% since financial year 2023, estimates for September 2025 would be approximately $50,408 (median) and $59,748 (average). 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 31.9% of the population falls within the $400 - $799 income range, differing from regional levels where the $1,500 - $2,999 category predominates at 28.5%. After housing costs, 85.7% of income remains, 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% consisting of semi-detached homes, apartments, and other dwelling types. This distribution is similar to that of Non-Metro Tasmania which also had 89.9% houses and 10.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in West Ulverstone stood at 42.2%, with mortgaged dwellings at 31.5% and rented ones at 26.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,213, lower than the Non-Metro Tas. average of $1,274. The median weekly rent in West Ulverstone was $240, compared to $250 in Non-Metro Tasmania. Nationally, mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $1,863 while rents were substantially lower than the national figure of $375.

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

Family households comprise 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 constitute 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's university qualification rate is 13.4%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. This discrepancy presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 9.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.6%) and graduate diplomas (1.6%). Trade and technical skills are prevalent, with 37.7% of residents aged 15 and above 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. This includes 10.8% in primary education, 8.1% in secondary education, and 1.8% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Transport analysis shows 13 operational public transport stops in West Ulverstone, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by a total of 57 routes, facilitating 3,104 weekly passenger trips combined. Transport accessibility is deemed good, with residents typically residing 339 metres from the nearest stop. As primarily residential, most commutes are outward-bound, with cars being the prevalent mode at 95%. On average, there are 1.4 vehicles per dwelling. According to the 2021 Census, only 6.9% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions.

The service frequency averages 443 trips daily across all routes, translating to approximately 238 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 substantial health challenges, as per AreaSearch's assessment from June 20XX. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence were notable across both younger and older age cohorts. Private health cover was found to be low at approximately 47% of the total population (~2,205 people), compared to 49.1% in Rest of Tas.

and the national average of 55.7%. The most common medical conditions were arthritis (12.6%) and mental health issues (9.6%), while 57.8% declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 62.0% in Rest of Tas.. Working-age population faced notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. The area had 28.0% of residents aged 65 and over (1,318 people), higher than the 24.3% in Rest of Tas.. Health outcomes among seniors presented some challenges, with national rankings even higher than the general population.

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 had a lower cultural diversity, with 90.8% citizens, 90.4% born in Australia, and 97.4% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, at 44.6%, compared to 43.0% regionally. The top three ancestry groups were Australian (34.1%), English (34.0%), and Scottish (7.4%).

Notably, Dutch (2.5%) and Australian Aboriginal (6.4%) were overrepresented, while Welsh was slightly higher at 0.5%.

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 above the national average of 38. The 75-84 age group constitutes 10.3% of West Ulverstone's population, compared to the Rest of Tas., while the 25-34 cohort makes up 9.7%. According to the 2021 Census, the 75 to 84 age group has increased from 8.8% to 10.3%, 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%. By 2041, demographic modeling projects significant changes in West Ulverstone's age profile. The 75 to 84 age cohort is expected to grow by 161 people (33%), from 484 to 646. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups are projected to account for 89% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic trend. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 0 to 4 and 5 to 14 cohorts.