Tara

Tara has shown very soft population growth performance across periods assessed by AreaSearch

Tara's population, as per AreaSearch's analysis, is approximately 4005 as of February 2026. This figure represents a growth of 154 individuals (4.0%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3851 people. The increase is inferred from the estimated resident population of 4000 in June 2024 and an additional 296 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 0.30 persons per square kilometer, indicating ample space per person. Tara's growth rate of 4.0% since the 2021 census exceeds that of the SA3 area (3.8%), positioning it as a growth leader in the region. Natural growth contributed approximately 47.5% of overall population gains recently, with all drivers including overseas and interstate migration being positive factors.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections from 2023, based on 2021 data, are used. However, these state projections lack age category splits; thus, AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) for each age cohort. Looking ahead, demographic trends suggest a decline in overall population by 250 persons by 2041. However, specific age cohorts are expected to grow, notably the 75 to 84 age group, projected to increase by 60 people.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in Tara, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally

Tara has received approximately 4 dwelling approvals annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, a total of 22 homes were approved, with an additional 7 approved so far in FY26. On average, about 0.4 new residents have arrived per year for each new home over these five years, indicating that new supply is meeting or exceeding demand and providing ample buyer options while also allowing for population growth beyond current forecasts.

The average construction cost of new homes has been $198,000, which is below the regional average, suggesting more affordable housing choices for buyers. This financial year has seen $4.3 million in commercial approvals, indicating limited focus on commercial development. Compared to other areas in Queensland, Tara records about three-quarters of the building activity per person and ranks at the 34th percentile nationally, offering fewer buyer options but supporting demand for existing dwellings. Recent years have seen an acceleration in building activity, which has consisted entirely of detached houses, preserving Tara's low-density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers.

As of now, there are approximately 470 people per dwelling approval in the area, reflecting its quiet development environment. With stable or declining population forecasts, Tara may experience less housing pressure, creating favorable conditions for buyers.

Tara has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 19 projects likely to impact the area. Key projects include New Tara Hospital, Origin Energy Darling Downs Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), Western Downs Green Power Hub, and Moonie Oil Field CO2 EOR Project. The following list details those most relevant.

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.

Employment conditions in Tara face significant challenges, ranking among the bottom 10% of areas assessed nationally

Tara's workforce comprises both white and blue-collar jobs across diverse sectors. Its unemployment rate in September 2025 was 12.3%. As of this date, 1,593 residents were employed while the unemployment rate stood at 8.3% above Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%.

Workforce participation was lower at 54.6%, compared to Rest of Qld's 65.7%. Census data indicated that 25.3% of residents worked from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Key industries for employment were agriculture, forestry & fishing, education & training, and health care & social assistance. Tara had a significant specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with an employment share 9.2 times the regional level.

Conversely, health care & social assistance was under-represented at 7.6% compared to Rest of Qld's 16.1%. Limited local employment opportunities were suggested by Census data comparing working population to resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, Tara's labour force increased by 6.6%, but employment declined by 0.9%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate of 6.6 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Qld saw employment growth of 1.7% and labour force growth of 2.1%, with an unemployment rate increase of 0.3 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, issued in May-25, projected national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Tara's employment mix suggested local employment should increase by 4.6% over five years and 10.5% over ten years.

Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis

The median taxpayer income in Tara SA2, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data for financial year 2023, is $41,300. The average income for the same period is $50,115. This is lower than the national averages of $53,146 (median) and $66,593 (average), as seen in Rest of Qld. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% from financial year 2023 to September 2025, estimated median income would be approximately $45,393, with an average of around $55,081. Census data indicates that incomes in Tara fall between the 2nd and 3rd percentiles nationally for households, families, and individuals. The earnings profile shows that 30.9% of residents earn between $400 and $799 weekly (1,237 people), unlike surrounding regions where 31.7% earn between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly. A significant portion of the community faces economic challenges, with 41.9% earning below $800 weekly. Despite modest housing costs allowing for retention of 91.9% of income, total disposable income ranks at just the 6th percentile nationally.

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

Tara's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census data, consisted of 94.1% houses and 5.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro Qld's 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Tara stood at 57.7%, with mortgaged dwellings at 20.0% and rented ones at 22.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $790, below Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,655. Median weekly rent in Tara was $180, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $345. Nationally, Tara's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Tara features high concentrations of lone person households and group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 62.3% of all households, including 21.8% couples with children, 28.8% couples without children, and 10.3% single parent families. Non-family households consist of the remaining 37.7%, with lone person households at 32.7% and group households making up 4.9%. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is smaller than the Rest of Qld average of 2.5.

Tara faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area's university qualification rate is 10.6%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 8.3%, followed by graduate diplomas (1.3%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.0%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 40.5% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas at 9.2% and certificates at 31.3%. Educational participation is high, with 28.3% currently enrolled in formal education: 13.8% in primary, 8.8% in secondary, and 1.8% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 28.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 13.8% in primary education, 8.8% in secondary education, and 1.8% pursuing tertiary education.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

Health performance in Tara is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Tara faces significant health challenges, as assessed by AreaSearch's evaluation of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Multiple health conditions affect both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is extremely low, at approximately 46% of Tara's total population (around 1,838 people), compared to 52.5% in the rest of Queensland and a national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 11.8% and 9.9% of residents respectively. Conversely, 58.2% report having no medical ailments, compared to 67.6% in the rest of Queensland. Working-age residents face notable health challenges due to high chronic condition rates. Tara has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over, at 21.9% (876 people), than the rest of Queensland's 20.4%. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, broadly in line with national rankings for the general population.

The latest Census data sees Tara placing among the least culturally diverse areas in the country when compared across a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Tara's population was found to be predominantly homogeneous, with 85.5% being citizens, 90.7% born in Australia, and 96.6% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the dominant religion, comprising 59.5% of Tara's population, compared to 52.2% across Rest of Qld. The top three ancestry groups were Australian (32.5%), English (30.8%), and Scottish (8.4%).

Notably, German ancestry was higher in Tara at 5.9%, compared to the regional average of 4.7%. Australian Aboriginal ancestry was also higher at 5.6% versus 3.9%, and Hungarian ancestry was slightly higher at 0.3% compared to 0.2% regionally.

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

Tara's median age is 46 years, significantly higher than Rest of Qld's 41 and the national average of 38 years. Compared to Rest of Qld, Tara has a higher percentage of residents aged 55-64 (17.2%) but fewer residents aged 35-44 (10.6%). This 55-64 concentration is well above the national figure of 11.2%. Between the 2021 Census and the present, the 25 to 34 age group has increased from 9.2% to 10.8%, while the 75 to 84 cohort has risen from 5.9% to 7.0%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 age group has decreased from 15.2% to 12.7%, and the 5 to 14 age group has dropped from 12.2% to 10.6%. By 2041, Tara's age composition is expected to shift notably. The 75 to 84 age group is projected to grow by 17 people, reaching 329 from 281. This demographic aging trend continues as residents aged 65 and older represent 86% of the anticipated growth. Conversely, both the 0 to 4 and 65 to 74 age groups are expected to see reduced numbers.