Westbury

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

According to the analysis by AreaSearch, the population of Westbury is approximately 4,795 as of May 2026. This represents a growth of 444 individuals (10.2%) from the 4,351 residents recorded during the 2021 Census. This population shift is calculated using the ABS estimated resident population of 4,740 from June 2025 alongside 196 validated new addresses registered since the Census. The region maintains a density of 7.1 persons per square kilometer, indicating a spacious living environment. The growth rate of 10.2% since the 2021 Census outpaced both the statewide rate of 4.0% and the broader SA4 region, positioning the locality as a regional leader in growth. The expansion was chiefly fueled by interstate migration, which accounted for roughly 49.7% of the total population increase, though other factors such as natural growth and overseas migration also made positive contributions.

Projections from the ABS and Geoscience Australia, published in 2024 with a 2022 baseline, are utilized for each SA2 region. For locations lacking this coverage, and to project age bracket variations beyond 2032, regional and LGA projections from the Tasmanian State Government released in 2022 with a 2021 baseline are applied, utilizing weighted aggregation of population changes from the LGA to the SA2 level. Future trends point toward growth patterns characteristic of the lower quartile for areas situated outside major cities, with the local population projected to rise by 84 individuals by 2041 based on the most recent annual ERP data, representing a total increase of 0.6% over the 16 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential approval activity sees Westbury among the top 30% of areas assessed nationwide

Westbury averages approximately 48 residential approvals annually, totaling 240 home approvals over the last 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 33 during the current FY-26. Stable market conditions are supported by a balanced alignment of supply and demand, with an average of 1.9 new residents moving in per approved home over the last 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), while the average construction value of these new dwellings is $268,000. Additionally, commercial development approvals have reached $7.2 million this financial year, which reinforces the predominantly residential nature of the locality.

When compared to the Rest of Tas., Westbury exhibits a higher level of construction activity, tracking 45.0% above the regional per capita average over the 5 year period, which maintains diverse options for buyers while supporting existing home values. Recent building activity consists entirely of separate houses, preserving the classic low-density environment and catering to families desiring space. There are roughly 115 people per approved dwelling, indicating a growing local market.

Looking ahead, the population of Westbury is projected to rise by 29 residents by 2041, according to the latest AreaSearch quarterly figures. Existing construction volumes suggest that residential supply will comfortably satisfy demand, establishing positive conditions for purchasers and potentially paving the way for expansion that surpasses current estimates.

Westbury has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 21stth percentile nationally

Local infrastructure projects, planning changes, and major works play a significant role in shaping the performance of a region. AreaSearch has identified 1 project that is expected to influence the local area. Key regional projects include the West Tamar Highway Targeted Upgrades (Exeter to Launceston), Tasmanian Irrigation Schemes: Tranche 3, Burnie To Hobart Freight Corridor Improvement, and the Palmerston to George Town High Voltage Transmission Lines, with the most relevant developments detailed below.

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Despite maintaining a low unemployment rate of 3.2%, Westbury has experienced recent job losses, resulting in a below average employment performance ranking when compared nationally

The local workforce is characterized by diverse industry representation and a low unemployment rate of 3.2%. As of March 2026, there are 2,242 employed residents, with an unemployment rate that sits 0.8% below the 3.9% recorded in Regional Tas., while participation in the labor force matches the Regional Tas. rate of 58.8%. Data from the Census indicates that only 13.2% of the working population operated from home, though this figure may have been influenced by pandemic-related lockdowns.

Local employment is largely centered around agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and construction. The region shows a strong specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing, employing workers at a rate of 1.9 times the regional average. In contrast, retail trade is less prominent, accounting for 8.0% of local jobs compared to the regional average of 10.1%. A comparison of the Census working population against the resident population suggests that local employment opportunities are somewhat restricted.

AreaSearch's evaluation of SALM and ABS statistics shows that over the 12-month period, the local labor force contracted by 1.6% and total employment fell by 1.7%, leading to a 0.1 percentage point increase in the unemployment rate. Conversely, Regional Tas. experienced an employment expansion of 1.8% and labor force growth of 1.7%, with a slight decline in unemployment. National employment projections from Jobs and Skills Australia as of May-25 provide a broader context for future demand in Westbury. These five and ten-year projections have been applied to the local workforce structure to model potential growth. Nationwide employment is projected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with performance varying by sector. Aligning these sectoral trends with the employment distribution in Westbury suggests that local employment could rise by 5.7% over five years and 12.4% over ten years, representing a simple weighted extrapolation that does not account for local population projections.

The area's income levels rank in the lower 15% nationally based on AreaSearch comparative data

Tax data from the ATO for the 2023 financial year, compiled by AreaSearch, shows that income levels in the Westbury SA2 are below the national benchmark. Taxpayers in the Westbury SA2 recorded a median income of $47,931 and an average income of $55,010, compared to $49,689 and $59,358 respectively for Regional Tas. Adjusting for a 10.95% rise in the Wage Price Index since the 2023 financial year, estimated figures as of March 2026 would be approximately $53,179 for the median and $61,034 for the average. The 2021 Census indicates that household, family, and individual incomes in Westbury fall between the 13th and 14th percentiles nationally. The most common weekly household income bracket is $1,500 - 2,999, containing 29.3% of households (1,404 residents), which is comparable to the wider region where this group makes up 28.5%. Housing expenses are relatively low, allowing residents to retain 87.7% of their income, yet overall disposable income is situated at the 18th percentile nationally.

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

At the time of the latest Census, the housing mix in Westbury consisted of 96.4% separate houses and 3.7% alternative housing types (including semi-detached properties, apartments, and other dwellings), compared to 89.9% separate houses and 10.1% alternative dwellings in Regional Tas. Home ownership is notably high at 45.9%, with the remaining properties being mortgaged (35.2%) or occupied by tenants (19.0%). The median monthly mortgage payment of $1,243 is lower than the Regional Tas. average of $1,274, while the median weekly rent matches the Regional Tas. figure of $250. When compared to national averages, mortgage payments in Westbury are significantly below the Australian figure of $1,863, and weekly rents are much lower than the national average of $375.

Westbury has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size

Families make up the majority of households at 72.1%, consisting of couples without children at 36.4%, couples with children at 26.2%, and single-parent households at 8.6%. Non-family living arrangements account for the remaining 27.9%, with single-person households representing 25.3% and group housing making up 2.5%. The average household size stands at 2.4 people, which is slightly above the Regional Tas. average of 2.3.

Educational outcomes in Westbury fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

Educational attainment levels present an opportunity for improvement, as the proportion of residents with university degrees (17.6%) is notably lower than the national figure of 30.4%. Among those with higher education, bachelor degrees are the most common at 12.8%, followed by postgraduate degrees at 3.1% and graduate diplomas at 1.7%. Technical and trade qualifications are widely held, with 38.2% of residents aged 15+ possessing vocational qualifications, consisting of advanced diplomas (10.0%) and certificates (28.2%).

Enrolment in education is quite high, with 25.4% of the population participating in formal learning. This cohort is composed of 10.8% in primary schools, 7.7% in secondary schools, and 2.2% in higher education institutions.

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

Analysis of the local transit network shows 2 public transport stops within Westbury, offering bus services. These stops connect to 3 distinct routes, providing a total of 104 passenger trips each week. Transit accessibility is low, with residents living an average of 2983 meters from the nearest stop. The area functions primarily as a commuter suburb, with 93% of residents using private vehicles to travel to work, while 5% walk. Vehicle ownership is high, averaging 2.0 cars per household, which is above the regional average. A relatively low proportion of the population worked from home at 13.2%, based on the 2021 Census, which may have been influenced by pandemic-related conditions.

Transit routes average 14 trips per day, which translates to approximately 52 weekly services at each individual stop.

Westbury's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with prevalence of common health conditions quite low across both younger and older age cohorts

Health outcomes for the population of Westbury are generally positive, with AreaSearch's evaluation of mortality and medical conditions indicating alignment with national standards, alongside a low rate of illness across all age groups. Private health insurance coverage is low, held by approximately 47% of residents (~2,272 people), compared to the national rate of 55.7%.

The most prevalent chronic health conditions reported by residents are arthritis and mental health conditions, affecting 11.5 and 8.5% of the population, respectively. Meanwhile, 62.9% of residents reported having no chronic medical conditions, compared to 62.0% across Regional Tas. Rates of chronic health issues are slightly higher than average among the working-age cohort. Residents aged 65 and over make up 26.6% of the population (1,274 people), which exceeds the Regional Tas. average of 24.9%. Seniors in the area display positive health outcomes, with national rankings aligning with those of the general population.

Westbury is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Cultural diversity in Westbury is low relative to national averages, with 88.0% of the population born within Australia, 91.1% holding citizenship, and 97.8% speaking only English at home. Christianity is the dominant religion, practiced by 47.9% of residents. The most noticeable variation is in the Other category, which accounts for 0.7% of the population, matching the 0.7% average for Regional Tas.

The most common ancestral backgrounds identified by residents are English (37.4%), Australian (34.0%), and Irish (7.6%). Notable variations in ethnic representation include Dutch ancestry at 1.7% (matching the 1.7% regional average), Welsh ancestry at 0.6% (compared to 0.4% regionally), and Australian Aboriginal ancestry at 2.1% (compared to 4.1% regionally).

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

The median age of 47 in Westbury is slightly higher than the Regional Tas. average of 45 and well above the Australian median of 38. The 65 - 74 age group is highly represented at 14.6% of the population, compared to the regional average, while the 35 - 44 cohort is less represented at 10.6%. This concentration of residents aged 65 - 74 is significantly higher than the national average of 9.4%. Since 2021, the 75 to 84 cohort has expanded from 6.9% to 9.7% of the population. In contrast, the 5 to 14 cohort declined from 12.6% to 10.9%, and the 55 to 64 group decreased from 15.7% to 14.0%. Looking toward 2041, demographic projections indicate notable shifts, with the 45 to 54 cohort expected to grow by 207 people (36%), rising from 581 to 789. Older residents aged 65+ will account for 54% of the overall population growth, while declines are projected for the 0 to 4 and 5 to 14 age groups.