City Profile
Burnie, Tasmania
Australia · Comprehensive city data and intelligence
Burnie, a port city on Tasmania's northwest coast, was founded in 1827 as Emu Bay and later renamed after William Burnie, a director of the Van Diemen's Land Company. Officially proclaimed a city in 1988, Burnie has a rich industrial heritage, historically driven by heavy manufacturing, forestry, and farming, with its deep-water port playing a crucial role in regional exports. Despite facing economic and environmental challenges in the late 20th century, Burnie is now embracing a future focused on renewable energy, education, and tourism, positioning itself as a gateway to Tasmania's natural beauty and a hub for innovation. The city offers a blend of urban conveniences and a relaxed pace of life, making it an attractive option for those seeking a coastal lifestyle with a strong sense of community.
Tasmania, Australia's island state, is characterized by its natural beauty, temperate climate, and a relaxed, community-focused lifestyle. The economy, while the smallest in Australia by gross state product per capita, is driven by key industries such as healthcare and social assistance, retail trade, construction, and education and training, alongside significant contributions from tourism, agriculture, aquaculture, forestry, and mining. Living in Tasmania generally offers a more economical cost of living compared to other Australian states, with average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center around $1,150 AUD. The island experiences four distinct seasons with mild to warm summers and cool winters, and its cities provide modern amenities while maintaining a close connection to nature.
How this 56/100 was calculated five components, with every reading behind them
| Component | Readings used | Points | Weight | Contributes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Safety | Safety score: 72 / 100 | 72.0 | 30% | 21.6 |
| Affordability | Cost of living index (100 = national baseline): 95.0 | 50.0 | 25% | 12.5 |
| Economy & jobs | Median household income: $62,000 Income needed to live here: $55,000 Unemployment rate: 8.1% | 32.3 | 20% | 6.5 |
| Growth | Population growth rate: 1.2% Job growth rate: 2.1% | 58.5 | 15% | 8.8 |
| Business climate assessment | Business climate assessment: 68 / 100 | 68.0 | 10% | 6.8 |
| Overall score | 56.1 | |||
Provenance.
These figures were produced by the research pass recorded as
Tier 1 (fast) (q=63, partial — below threshold), last refreshed
23 September 2026.
They are researched estimates drawn from public sources, not a licensed data feed.
Each component is scored against fixed published endpoints, so this number is comparable with any other city and does not move as the dataset grows. Scoring framework 2026.10 — full methodology, weights and accepted ranges.
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Cost of Living
Burnie presents a more affordable cost of living compared to Australia's national average, with median household incomes being lower than the national median. While specific cost-of-living indices for Burnie are not readily available, property prices and rental yields suggest a more accessible market. For instance, the median house price in Burnie is significantly lower than in major Australian cities, and rental yields for both houses and units indicate a potentially favorable market for investors. However, it's important to note that while overall costs may be lower, the median household income also reflects this economic landscape.
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Burnie's economy has historically been anchored by its port, facilitating significant exports of minerals and forestry products. While manufacturing and traditional industries have seen decline, the city is actively diversifying. Key sectors now include healthcare and social assistance, agriculture, forestry, and fishing, and manufacturing. The city is also positioning itself as a hub for renewable energy, with projects like the North West Renewable Energy Zone aiming to create local jobs and attract investment. The University of Tasmania's West Park campus also contributes to the local economy by fostering education and innovation.
The average salary in Burnie is $52,000 per year. You would need approximately $55,000 to live comfortably.
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Burnie is a port city with a focus on its regional connectivity. While specific public transit scores are not detailed, the city's layout and its role as a service hub suggest a degree of accessibility. The average commute time is around 28 minutes, and car dependency is likely medium to high, typical for regional Australian centers. The city's infrastructure is being renewed to enhance livability and attract investment, which may include improvements to transportation networks.
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