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

West Ulverstone's population was approximately 4,723 as of November 2025. This figure represents an increase of 208 people from the 2021 Census total of 4,515. The growth is inferred from ABS estimates showing a resident population of 4,608 in June 2024 and the addition of 105 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 261 persons per square kilometer. West Ulverstone's 4.6% growth rate since the 2021 census surpassed the SA3 area's 4.1%, indicating it as a region leader in growth. Interstate migration accounted for approximately 80% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections released in 2024, with 2022 as the base year, for each SA2 area. For areas not covered by this data and post-2032 growth estimation by age group, Tasmania State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2022 with a 2021 base year are adopted, adjusted using weighted aggregation methods. Projected demographic shifts suggest an overall population decline of 200 persons by 2041, but specific age cohorts like the 75 to 84 group are expected to grow, potentially increasing 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 approved approximately 25 residential properties each year. From financial years FY-21 to FY-25, a total of 129 homes were granted approval, with an additional 12 approved in FY-26 so far. On average, over these five years, about 1.1 new residents arrived per newly built home. However, this figure has decreased to -0.7 people per dwelling over the past two financial years, indicating improved supply availability.

The average construction value of development projects was $323,000. In FY-26, commercial approvals totaled $250,000, suggesting minimal commercial development activity in West Ulverstone compared to other areas in Tasmania. Between FY-21 and FY-25, West Ulverstone showed moderately higher development activity than the regional average, with 44.0% more approvals per person over this period.

This balance has preserved buyer options while sustaining property demand. However, building activity has slowed recently. All new constructions in West Ulverstone have been standalone homes, maintaining its traditional low-density character and appealing to those seeking space for families. With approximately 272 people per approval, West Ulverstone reflects a low-density area. Given stable or declining population forecasts, housing pressure may ease, creating favorable conditions for buyers in the future.

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

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified five projects that could impact this region. Notable ones are South Road Service Station Development, Ulverstone Sewage Treatment Plant Upgrade, Oak Rise Housing, and Jernej Way Residential Subdivision. The following list details those likely to be most relevant.

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

West Ulverstone has a balanced workforce with white and blue collar jobs, well-represented essential services sectors, an unemployment rate of 5.2%, and estimated employment growth of 2.0% in the past year as of June 2025. There are 1,872 residents employed, with an unemployment rate at 1.3% above Rest of Tas.'s 3.9%.

Workforce participation is lower at 47.9%, compared to Rest of Tas.'s 55.7%. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade, with notable concentration in construction at 1.3 times the regional average. Agriculture, forestry & fishing shows lower representation at 4.3% versus the regional average of 8.4%. Over the 12 months to June 2025, employment increased by 2.0%, while labour force increased by 2.1%, keeping unemployment relatively stable at 5.2%.

Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying rates across industry sectors. Applying these projections to West Ulverstone's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.0%% 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's median income among taxpayers is $43,730. The average income in this area was $52,052 during the same period. Both figures are below the national averages. In comparison, Rest of Tas.'s median income was $47,358 with an average of $57,384 for the same year. Since financial year 2022, there has been a Wage Price Index growth of 13.83%. Based on this rate, current estimates suggest West Ulverstone's median income would be approximately $49,778 and the average around $59,251 as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data indicates that household, family, and personal incomes in West Ulverstone all fall within the 5th to 6th percentiles nationally. Income analysis reveals 31.9% of the population (1,506 individuals) earn between $400 and $799 annually, differing from regional levels where the $1,500 to $2,999 category is predominant at 28.5%. After accounting for housing costs, 85.7% of income remains in West Ulverstone. However, this ranks at only the 8th percentile nationally.

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

Dwelling structure in West Ulverstone, as evaluated at the latest Census held on 28 August 2016, consisted of 89.9% houses and 10.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro Tas., which had 90.3% houses and 9.7% other dwellings during the same period. 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, while the median weekly rent figure was $240. Nationally, as of June 2021, West Ulverstone's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and 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 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%. The median household size is 2.3 people, aligning with the average in the Rest of Tas.

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 presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 9.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.6%) and graduate diplomas (1.6%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 37.7% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas (7.9%) and certificates (29.8%).

Educational participation is 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. West Ulverstone Primary School serves the local area, with an enrollment of 115 students as of the latest data. The area offers varied educational conditions, with 1 school focused exclusively on primary education and secondary options available in nearby areas. Local school capacity is limited (2.4 places per 100 residents vs 16.3 regionally), leading many families to travel for schooling.

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

Transport analysis indicates 13 operational public transport stops in West Ulverstone. These stops serve a variety of bus routes, totalling 31 individual services. Weekly passenger trips facilitated by these routes amount to 3,438.

Residential accessibility to transport is deemed good, with average proximity to the nearest stop being 339 meters. Daily service frequency averages 491 trips across all routes, equating to roughly 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 is low at approximately 46%, covering about 2,182 people, compared to Tasmania's average of 48.9% and Australia's national average of 55.3%. The most frequent medical issues are arthritis (affecting 12.6%) and mental health problems (9.6%), with 57.8% reporting no medical ailments, compared to Rest of Tas.'s 60.3%.

The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 28%, or about 1,321 people, than Tasmania'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 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's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 90.8% of its population being citizens born in Australia speaking English only at home. The predominant religion was Christianity at 44.6%. This compares to 41.9% across the rest of Tasmania.

The top three ancestry groups were Australian (34.1%), English (34.0%), and Scottish (7.4%). Notably, Dutch representation was higher at 2.5% compared to the regional average of 1.7%, Australian Aboriginal was at 6.4% versus 5.9%, and Welsh was at 0.5% compared to 0.3%.

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 makes up 10.3% of West Ulverstone's population, compared to Rest of Tas., while the 25-34 cohort represents 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, West Ulverstone's age profile is projected to change significantly. The 75 to 84 age cohort is expected to grow by 160 people (33%), from 485 to 646. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will 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.