Tewantin

Tewantin 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, Tewantin's population is around 10,699 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 161 people (1.5%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 10,538 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 10,691 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 381 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 417 persons per square kilometer, providing significant space per person and potential room for further development. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 87.7% of overall population gains during recent periods.

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. Regarding demographic trends, lower quartile growth of national non-metropolitan areas is anticipated, with the area expected to increase by 370 persons by 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a gain of 3.4% in total over the 17 years.

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

Tewantin has recorded around 22 residential properties granted approval annually, with 111 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 2 so far in FY-26. At an average of just 0.3 new residents per year arriving per new home over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), supply is meeting or surpassing demand, providing greater buyer choice and supporting potential for population growth above projections, while new properties are constructed at an average value of $416,000. Additionally, $10.3 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, indicating steady commercial investment activity.

When measured against the Rest of Qld, Tewantin records markedly lower building activity (59.0% below regional average per person). This scarcity of new homes typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. This level is similarly under the national average, indicating the area's established nature and suggesting potential planning limitations. Recent construction comprises 81.0% detached dwellings and 19.0% attached dwellings, preserving the area's low density nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. The estimated count of 707 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment.

Future projections show Tewantin adding 362 residents by 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

Tewantin has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 37thth percentile nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects and planning initiatives. In total 18 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Tewantin Bypass - Beckmans Road Planning & Construction, Sidoni Street Mixed-Use Development, Hilton Terrace Townhomes, and Doonella Street Social Housing 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.

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While Tewantin retains a healthy unemployment rate of 3.8%, recent employment declines have impacted its national performance ranking

Tewantin has a skilled workforce, with tourism and hospitality sectors prominently featured, and an unemployment rate of only 3.8%. As of December 2025, 4,667 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 0.2% below Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%, and workforce participation lags significantly (52.6% compared to Regional Qld's 65.4%). Based on Census responses, a moderate 13.9% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

The key industries of employment among residents are health care & social assistance, accommodation & food, and retail trade. The area shows particularly strong specialization in accommodation & food, with an employment share of 1.7 times the regional level. On the other hand, agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented, with only 0.6% of Tewantin's workforce compared to 4.5% in Regional Qld. 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, the 12-month period saw the labour force decrease by 3.3% combined with employment decreasing by 3.1%, resulting in the unemployment rate falling by 0.2 percentage points. In contrast, Regional Qld experienced employment growth of 0.7% and labour force growth of 1.0%, with a 0.3 percentage point rise. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Tewantin. 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 Tewantin's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.4% over five years and 13.2% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

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

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for FY-23, the Tewantin SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $44,761 with the average level standing at $59,628. This is below the national average 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 $49,197 (median) and $65,537 (average) as of September 2025. According to 2021 Census figures, household, family and personal incomes in Tewantin all fall between the 16th and 17th percentiles nationally. Distribution data shows 29.7% of the population (3,177 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, mirroring regional levels where 31.7% occupy this bracket. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 80.9% of income remaining, ranking at the 15th percentile.

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

Dwelling structure within Tewantin, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 84.8% houses and 15.2% 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 Tewantin was well beyond that of Regional Qld, at 44.1%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (30.1%) or rented (25.8%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was above the Regional Qld average at $1,800, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $450, compared to Regional Qld's $1,655 and $345. Nationally, Tewantin's mortgage repayments are lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially above the national figure of $375.

Tewantin has a typical household mix, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households dominate at 68.8% of all households, comprising 23.0% couples with children, 33.0% couples without children, and 12.0% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 31.2%, with lone person households at 27.6% and group households comprising 3.7% of the total. The median household size of 2.3 people is smaller than the Regional Qld average of 2.5.

Educational attainment in Tewantin aligns closely with national averages, showing typical qualification patterns and performance metrics

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (18.8%) substantially below the Australian average of 30.4%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 13.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.9%) and graduate diplomas (2.1%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 42.6% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (13.4%) and certificates (29.2%).

A substantial 24.7% of the population actively pursues formal education. This includes 8.8% in primary education, 8.8% in secondary education, and 2.6% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 55 active transport stops operating within Tewantin comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 7 individual routes, collectively providing 1,159 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 265 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 1.4 per dwelling. Some 13.9% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 165 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 21 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Tewantin is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Tewantin faces significant health challenges, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions are somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is very low at approximately 49% of the total population (~5,231 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 11.1 and 8.1% of residents, respectively, while 62.5% 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 30.1% of residents aged 65 and over (3,224 people), which is higher than the 20.4% in Regional Qld, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

Tewantin ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Tewantin was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 75.4% of its population born in Australia, 87.7% being citizens, and 94.0% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Tewantin is Christianity, which makes up 46.4% of people. 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 Tewantin are English, comprising 34.0% of the population, Australian, comprising 25.4% of the population, and Irish, comprising 9.3% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: French is notably overrepresented at 0.8% of Tewantin (vs 0.5% regionally), New Zealand at 1.0% (vs 0.9%) and Scottish at 8.9% (vs 7.8%).

Tewantin ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Tewantin's median age of 50 years is materially older than Regional Qld's 41 and is significantly higher than the Australian median of 38. The age profile shows 75 - 84 year-olds are particularly prominent (11.9%), while the 25 - 34 group is comparatively smaller (8.0%) than in Regional Qld. This 75 - 84 concentration is well above the national 6.1%. Post-2021 Census data shows the 35 to 44 age group has grown from 10.1% to 11.7% of the population, while the 15 to 24 cohort increased from 9.3% to 10.5%. Conversely, the 65 to 74 cohort has declined from 15.7% to 13.9% and the 45 to 54 group dropped from 13.4% to 12.2%. Demographic modeling suggests Tewantin's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 85+ age cohort is projected to expand considerably, increasing by 239 people (52%) from 463 to 703. In contrast, population declines are projected for the 65 to 74 and 5 to 14 cohorts.