Boyne Island - Tannum Sands

Boyne Island - Tannum Sands is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Boyne Island - Tannum Sands's population is around 10,693 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 630 people (6.3%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 10,063 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 10,626 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 40 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 87 persons per square kilometer, providing significant space per person and potential room for further development. Boyne Island - Tannum Sands's 6.3% growth since the census positions it within 0.5 percentage points of the SA4 region (6.8%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by natural growth, which contributed approximately 38.4% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers, including overseas migration and interstate migration, were positive factors.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and for years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data, are adopted. It should be noted that these state projections do not provide age category splits; hence, where utilised, AreaSearch is applying proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) for each age cohort. As we examine future population trends, a population increase just below the median of Australia's regional areas is expected, with the area expected to grow by 1,118 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 9.8% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential approval activity sees Boyne Island - Tannum Sands among the top 30% of areas assessed nationwide

Boyne Island - Tannum Sands has recorded around 48 residential properties granted approval annually, with 243 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 29 so far in FY-26. At an average of 1.9 new residents per year arriving per new home over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), supply and demand appear well-balanced, creating stable market conditions, while new homes are being built at an average value of $374,000. Additionally, $2.0 million in commercial approvals have been registered this financial year, demonstrating the area's residential nature.

When measured against the Rest of Qld, Boyne Island - Tannum Sands has slightly more development (42.0% above regional average per person over the 5 year period), preserving reasonable buyer options while sustaining existing property demand. New building activity shows 51.0% standalone homes and 49.0% townhouses or apartments, featuring an increasing blend of attached housing types offering choices across price ranges, from spacious family homes to more accessible compact options. This marks a significant departure from existing housing patterns (currently 86.0% houses), suggesting diminishing developable land availability and responding to evolving lifestyle preferences and housing affordability needs. At around 268 people per approval, Boyne Island - Tannum Sands reflects a low density area.

Looking ahead, Boyne Island - Tannum Sands is expected to grow by 1,051 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

Boyne Island - Tannum Sands has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 7 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the Boyne Tannum Aquatic Centre, Tannum Sands Priority Development Area, Riverstone Rise, and the Hughes Road Battery Energy Storage System, with the list below detailing those likely to be 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.

The labour market in Boyne Island - Tannum Sands shows considerable strength compared to most other Australian regions

Boyne Island - Tannum Sands possesses a balanced workforce spanning white and blue collar employment, with the construction sector a particular standout in terms of representation, and an unemployment rate of just 2.7%. As of December 2025, 5,831 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 1.3% below Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%, and workforce participation is well beyond standard (70.9% compared to Regional Qld's 65.4%). Based on Census responses, a low 6.1% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

The key industries of employment among residents are manufacturing, construction, and health care & social assistance. The area has particular employment specialization in manufacturing, with an employment share of 3.2 times the regional level. In contrast, health care & social assistance employs just 10.8% of local workers, below Regional Qld's 16.1%. The area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, over the 12 months to December 2025, labour force levels decreased by 3.3% combined with employment decreasing by 2.5%, causing unemployment to fall by 0.8 percentage points. This contrasts with Regional Qld, where employment rose by 0.7%, the labour force grew by 1.0%, and unemployment rose 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Boyne Island - Tannum Sands. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Boyne Island - Tannum Sands's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.3% over five years and 11.8% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

Income metrics indicate excellent economic conditions, with the area achieving higher performance than 75% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch

The Boyne Island - Tannum Sands SA2's income level is extremely high nationally according to the latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY-23. The Boyne Island - Tannum Sands SA2's median income among taxpayers is $67,273 and the average income stands at $83,324, which compares to figures for Regional Qld's of $53,146 and $66,593 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $73,940 (median) and $91,581 (average) as of September 2025. From the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes in Boyne Island - Tannum Sands cluster around the 61st percentile nationally. Income analysis reveals the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket dominates with 32.9% of residents (3,517 people), aligning with the region where this cohort likewise represents 31.7%. After housing costs, residents retain 86.8% of income, reflecting strong purchasing power.

Boyne Island - Tannum Sands is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

Dwelling structure within Boyne Island - Tannum Sands, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 85.7% houses and 14.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Regional Qld's 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Boyne Island - Tannum Sands was lagging that of Regional Qld, at 27.8%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (40.5%) or rented (31.7%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was above the Regional Qld average at $1,733, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $300, compared to Regional Qld's $1,655 and $345. Nationally, Boyne Island - Tannum Sands's mortgage repayments are lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

Boyne Island - Tannum Sands has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households dominate at 75.3% of all households, comprising 33.3% couples with children, 30.6% couples without children, and 10.5% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 24.7%, with lone person households at 22.7% and group households comprising 2.2% of the total. The median household size of 2.6 people is larger than the Regional Qld average of 2.5.

Educational outcomes in Boyne Island - Tannum Sands fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (15.1%) substantially below the Australian average of 30.4%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 11.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.1%) and graduate diplomas (1.8%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 46.7% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (9.8%) and certificates (36.9%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 31.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 12.6% in primary education, 10.5% in secondary education, and 2.9% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 22 active transport stops operating within Boyne Island - Tannum Sands, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 1 individual route, collectively providing 60 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as limited, with residents typically located 670 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 92%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.6 per dwelling. A relatively low 6.1% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 8 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 2 weekly trips per individual stop.

Boyne Island - Tannum Sands's residents are relatively healthy in comparison to broader Australia with a fairly standard level of common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts

Boyne Island - Tannum Sands's health metrics sit close to national benchmarks, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. There is a standard level of common health conditions across both young and old age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 61% of the total population (6,501 people). This compares to 52.5% across Regional Qld. The national average is 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and arthritis, impacting 7.9% and 7.8% of residents, respectively, while 72.4% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 67.6% across Regional Qld. Health outcomes among the working-age population are broadly typical. The area has 16.5% of residents aged 65 and over (1,762 people), which is lower than the 20.4% in Regional Qld. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, with national rankings even higher than the general population.

Boyne Island - Tannum Sands is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Boyne Island - Tannum Sands was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 88.7% of its population being citizens, 84.7% born in Australia, and 96.0% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Boyne Island - Tannum Sands is Christianity, which makes up 47.0% of the population. However, the most apparent overrepresentation was in Judaism, which comprises 0.1% of the population, compared to 0.1% across Regional Qld.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Boyne Island - Tannum Sands are English, comprising 31.1% of the population, Australian, comprising 30.0% of the population, and Scottish, comprising 8.4% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: South Australian is notably overrepresented at 1.0% of Boyne Island - Tannum Sands (vs 0.5% regionally), New Zealand at 1.1% (vs 0.9%) and Maori at 1.1% (vs 0.8%).

Boyne Island - Tannum Sands's population aligns closely with national norms in age terms

The 39-year median age in Boyne Island - Tannum Sands is somewhat lower than Regional Qld's average of 41 though very close to the 38-year national average. The age profile shows 5 - 14 year-olds are particularly prominent (13.7%), while the 75 - 84 group is comparatively smaller (4.8%) than in Regional Qld. In the period since 2021, the 65 to 74 age group has grown from 8.8% to 10.6% of the population, while the 75 to 84 cohort increased from 3.5% to 4.8%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort has declined from 16.1% to 13.7% and the 45 to 54 group dropped from 15.4% to 13.2%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections reveal significant shifts in Boyne Island - Tannum Sands's age structure. The 25 to 34 age cohort is projected to increase solidly, expanding by 272 people (24%) from 1,136 to 1,409. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 51% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. On the other hand, the 55 to 64 and 5 to 14 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.