Tara

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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Tara's population is around 4,005 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 154 people (4.0%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,851 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 4,000 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 296 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 0.30 persons per square kilometer, providing ample space per person. Tara's 4.0% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area (3.8%), marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by natural growth, which contributed approximately 47.5% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including overseas migration and interstate migration were positive factors.

AreaSearch adopts 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 applies proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) for each age cohort. Regarding demographic trends, projections indicate a decline in overall population, with the area's population expected to decline by 250 persons by 2041 according to this methodology. However, growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, led by the 75 to 84 age group, which is projected to increase by 60 people. See the age section for more details.

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 experienced around 4 dwellings receiving development approval annually, with 22 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 7 so far in FY-26. At an average of just 0.4 new residents per year arriving per new home over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), new supply is keeping pace with or exceeding demand, offering ample buyer choice and creating capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts, while new homes are being built at an average value of $198,000—below the regional average—suggesting more affordable housing options for buyers. Additionally, $4.3 million in commercial approvals have been registered this financial year, indicating a limited commercial development focus.

Relative to the Rest of Qld, Tara records about three-quarters of the building activity per person and ranks in the 34th percentile of areas assessed nationally, meaning more limited choices for buyers and supporting demand for existing dwellings, though building activity has accelerated in recent years. This level is similarly below the national average, indicating the area's established nature and suggesting potential planning limitations. Furthermore, recent building activity consists entirely of detached houses, preserving the area's low-density nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. The estimated count of 470 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low-activity development environment.

Given stable or declining population forecasts, Tara may experience less housing pressure, creating favourable conditions for buyers.

Tara 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 19 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on 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, 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.

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

Tara has a balanced workforce spanning white and blue collar employment, with diverse sector representation, an unemployment rate of 12.8%, and relative employment stability over the past year. As of December 2025, 1,591 residents are in work, while the unemployment rate is 8.8% above Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%, showing room for improvement, and workforce participation lags significantly (54.8% compared to Regional Qld's 65.4%). Based on Census responses, a high 25.3% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Leading employment industries among residents comprise agriculture, forestry & fishing, education & training, and health care & social assistance. The area has particular employment specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with an employment share of 9.2 times the regional level. Conversely, health care & social assistance is under-represented, with only 7.6% of Tara's workforce compared to 16.1% in Regional Qld. The area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of the Census working population versus the resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, during the year to December 2025, employment levels increased by 0.4% and the labour force increased by 6.0%, resulting in unemployment rising by 4.9 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 Tara. 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 Tara's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 4.6% over five years and 10.5% 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 place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for FY-23, the Tara SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $41,300 with the average level standing at $50,115. This is lower than average on a national basis and compares to levels of $53,146 and $66,593 across Regional Qld respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $45,393 (median) and $55,081 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data shows household, family and personal incomes in Tara all fall between the 2nd and 3rd percentiles nationally. The earnings profile shows 30.9% of the population (1,237 individuals) fall within the $400 - 799 income range, unlike trends in the surrounding region where 31.7% fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 range. Economic circumstances reflect widespread financial pressure, with 41.9% of households operating within modest weekly budgets below $800. While housing costs are modest with 91.9% of income retained, the 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

Dwelling structure within Tara, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 94.1% houses and 5.9% 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 Tara was well beyond that of Regional Qld, at 57.7%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (20.0%) or rented (22.3%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well below the Regional Qld average at $790, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $180, compared to Regional Qld's $1,655 and $345. Nationally, Tara's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are 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 dominate at 62.3% of all households, comprising 21.8% couples with children, 28.8% couples without children, and 10.3% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 37.7%, with lone person households at 32.7% and group households comprising 4.9% of the total. The median household size of 2.3 people is smaller than the Regional Qld average of 2.5.

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

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (10.6%) substantially below the Australian average of 30.4%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 8.3%, followed by graduate diplomas (1.3%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.0%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 40.5% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (9.2%) and certificates (31.3%).

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

Critical health challenges are evident across Tara, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. A range of health conditions have marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is extremely low at approximately 46% of the total population (~1,838 people). This compares to 52.5% across Regional Qld. The national average is 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 11.8 and 9.9% of residents, respectively, while 58.2% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 67.6% across Regional Qld. The working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 21.9% of residents aged 65 and over (876 people), which is higher than the 20.4% in Regional Qld. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with 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 was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 85.5% of its population being citizens, 90.7% born in Australia, and 96.6% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Tara is Christianity, which makes up 59.5% of people in Tara, compared to 52.2% across Regional Qld.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Tara are Australian, comprising 32.5% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 26.5%, English, comprising 30.8% of the population, and Scottish, comprising 8.4% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: German is notably overrepresented at 5.9% of Tara (vs 4.7% regionally), Australian Aboriginal at 5.6% (vs 3.9%) and Hungarian at 0.3% (vs 0.2%).

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

Tara's median age of 46 years stands significantly above Regional Qld's 41 as well as well above the 38-year national average. Relative to Regional Qld, Tara has a higher concentration of 55 - 64 residents (17.2%) but fewer 35 - 44 year-olds (10.6%). This 55 - 64 concentration is well above the national 11.2%. Since the 2021 Census, the 25 to 34 age group has grown from 9.2% to 10.8% of the population, while the 75 to 84 cohort increased from 5.9% to 7.0%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 15.2% to 12.7% and the 5 to 14 group dropped from 12.2% to 10.6%. By 2041, Tara is expected to see notable shifts in its age composition. Leading the demographic shift, the 75 to 84 group will grow by 17% (47 people), reaching 329 from 281. Demographic aging continues as residents 65 and older represent 86% of anticipated growth. Conversely, both 0 to 4 and 65 to 74 age groups will see reduced numbers.