Tailem Bend

Tailem Bend is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

According to assessments of ABS population figures for the broader region and recent address validations conducted by AreaSearch since the Census, the resident count in the suburb of Tailem Bend is projected to stand at approximately 1,691 by May 2026. This represents a decline of 14 residents (0.8%) from the 2021 Census, which recorded 1,705 individuals. This shift is derived from a resident count of 1,686, calculated by AreaSearch using the latest ABS ERP release (June 2025) alongside 7 validated new addresses registered after the Census. Such a population size results in a density of 7.2 individuals per square kilometer, ensuring resident spaces remain highly spacious. The primary driver of local population gains has been overseas migration, accounting for roughly 67.0% of recent growth.

AreaSearch utilizes the 2024 ABS/Geoscience Australia population projections for individual SA2 regions, which rely on a 2022 baseline. In cases where SA2 figures are unavailable, or for timeframes beyond 2032, regional and LGA projections by age bracket published by the SA State Government in 2023 (using 2021 data) are applied, adjusted using a weighted aggregation method to translate LGA-level growth to SA2 units. Looking at upcoming demographic trajectories, forecasts indicate a minor downward trend, with the total population of the suburb of Tailem Bend anticipated to drop by 1 individual by 2041 under this approach. Conversely, expansion is expected within particular age brackets, most notably the cohort aged 85 and above, which is set to rise by 66 residents. Refer to the age breakdown section for further specifics.

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

Based on an analysis by AreaSearch of ABS building approvals distributed from regional data, the suburb of Tailem Bend has averaged approximately 5 approved residential builds annually, compiling a total of 27 residential completions over the previous 5 financial years. Thus far in FY-26, approvals for 2 dwellings have been documented. Amid the recent downward population trend, this incoming supply has likely matched local demand, providing buyers with suitable options, while new construction carries a mean value of $312,000. Additionally, commercial approvals worth $3.3 million have been logged during the current financial year, highlighting that the local market remains dominantly residential.

In comparison to the Rest of SA, building approvals per resident in the suburb of Tailem Bend are roughly half as frequent, placing the area in the 50th percentile of locations evaluated across the country. This slower rate compared to national benchmarks indicates a mature property market and points to potential development constraints. Furthermore, recent construction has consisted entirely of stand-alone houses, maintaining a low-density profile that appeals to buyers seeking extra space. The presence of approximately 338 residents for every approved dwelling indicates a typically low-density environment.

Given that demographic projections suggest a stable or contracting resident count, the suburb of Tailem Bend is likely to experience less pressure on housing demand, which should benefit buyers.

Tailem Bend has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 29thth percentile nationally

Local infrastructure projects, major developments, and urban planning changes play a key role in regional performance. AreaSearch has identified no new projects expected to influence the local area. Highlighted regional works include the Summerfield Battery, the Regional North-South Freight Route Upgrade, the SA Water Capital Work Delivery Contracts 2024-28, and the SA Housing Trust Maintenance Contracts Review and Service Program, with details on the most relevant initiatives provided below.

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Employment drivers in Tailem Bend are experiencing difficulties, placing it among the bottom 20% of areas assessed across Australia

The workforce in the suburb of Tailem Bend displays a balanced mix of professional and manual roles, with notable employment in the retail and lifestyle sectors, an unemployment rate of 7.8%, and steady job numbers over the prior year according to AreaSearch regional data. As of March 2026697 locals are employed, representing an unemployment rate that is 2.3% higher than the 5.5% observed in Regional SA, while workforce participation is notably lower at 52.1% compared to 58.4% regionally. Census records show that a minor 7.8% of employed residents worked from their homes, though this figure may reflect the influence of pandemic lockdowns.

The primary sectors employing local residents are retail trade, health care & social assistance, and agriculture, forestry & fishing. The retail trade sector shows a particularly high concentration, employing people at 1.8 times the regional rate. In contrast, agriculture, forestry & fishing is less prevalent, accounting for 11.6% of the workforce compared to a regional average of 14.5%. Comparing the number of working residents to the local job pool suggests that local employment opportunities are somewhat restricted.

According to AreaSearch evaluations of SALM and ABS statistics for the wider region, the twelve months ending March 2026 saw employment levels experience zero change, staying flat at 0.0%, while the local labour force grew by 1.7%, pushing the unemployment rate up by 1.6 percentage points. For the same timeframe, Regional SA experienced a 1.2% rise in employment, a 2.6% increase in the labour force, and a 1.4 percentage point rise in unemployment. Long-term employment trends can be examined using the national forecasts released by Jobs and Skills Australia in May-25. These five-year and ten-year national projections have been applied to the local workforce structure to model future opportunities. Nationally, employment is predicted to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, though these rates vary widely by industry. Applying these trends to the local industry distribution suggests employment for the suburb of Tailem Bend could rise by 5.4% over five years and 11.8% over ten years, representing a basic weighted projection that does not factor in local population adjustments.

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

Incomes in the suburb of Tailem Bend sit below national benchmarks, according to 2023 financial year ATO statistics compiled by AreaSearch. Taxpayers in the area recorded a median income of $35,345 and an average income of $44,645, which are lower than the Regional SA averages of $48,920 and $58,933. Adjusted for a Wage Price Index increase of 10.17% since the 2023 financial year, current estimates point to a median of approximately $38,940 and an average of $49,185 as of March 2026. The 2021 Census indicates that household, family, and individual incomes in the area rank between the 1st and 4th percentiles nationally. Weekly earnings of $400 - 799 represent the largest bracket, containing 34.4% of residents (581 individuals), which differs from the wider region where the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket is the most common at 27.5%. The fact that 43.2% of residents earn less than $800 weekly highlights the financial constraints felt by a major part of the community. Although residents retain 86.7% of their income due to modest housing expenses, overall disposable income ranks in the 4th percentile across Australia.

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

Residential structures in the suburb of Tailem Bend at the time of the latest Census consisted of 94.1% stand-alone houses and 5.9% alternative configurations like townhouses, apartments, or other dwellings, compared to Regional SA averages of 88.5% and 11.5%. Home ownership rates matched regional figures at 42.7%, with the remaining properties being mortgaged (33.7%) or occupied by tenants (23.5%). The median monthly cost for mortgage holders was $867, which is lower than the Regional SA median of $1,153, while median weekly rent was recorded at $225, compared to $220 across Regional SA. Nationally, mortgage obligations are far lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rental costs are also well below the national median of $375.

Tailem Bend features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Families make up 59.9% of local households in the suburb of Tailem Bend, consisting of couples with children (16.6%), couples without children (28.7%), and single parent arrangements (13.6%). The remaining 40.1% are non-family households, which are mostly individuals living alone (36.3%) along with a small portion of group homes (3.6%). The median household size is 2.1 residents, which is slightly smaller than the Regional SA average of 2.3.

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

Educational attainment presents challenges in the suburb of Tailem Bend, with university graduation rates of 5.9% falling well short of the national average of 30.4%. This highlights a clear opportunity for focused training programs. Among degree holders, bachelor qualifications are most common at 4.7%, followed by graduate diplomas at 0.7% and postgraduate degrees at 0.5%. Vocational qualifications are highly popular, with 42.0% of residents aged 15 and over holding trade certifications, split between advanced diplomas (7.6%) and certificates (34.4%).

A substantial proportion of the population is actively engaged in study, with 28.2% of residents currently enrolled in an educational institution. This group comprises 12.5% in primary schools, 8.1% in high schools, and 2.7% in higher education courses.

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

Public transport services in the suburb of Tailem Bend include 1 active stop. This location is served by 2 distinct routes, which combine to offer 24 passenger services weekly. Local transport access is considered basic, with residents living an average of 852 meters from the nearest stop. Given the residential nature of the area, most workers travel outside the suburb, with private cars remaining the primary travel mode at 94%, followed by walking at 4%. Households average 1.4 vehicles. A minor 7.8% of residents worked from home according to the 2021 Census, a figure that may reflect pandemic circumstances.

Transit services average 3 trips daily across all active routes, which translates to roughly 24 weekly departures from the local stop.

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

Notable health concerns exist in the suburb of Tailem Bend, based on AreaSearch assessments of mortality patterns and chronic illness rates that affect both younger and older cohorts, alongside an exceptionally low rate of private health insurance coverage at roughly 45% of residents (~756 individuals). This coverage rate is lower than the Regional SA average of 48.9% and the national benchmark of 55.7%.

Arthritis and mental health conditions are the most prevalent health issues locally, affecting 13.0% and 11.5% of residents respectively, while 53.8% of the population reported no chronic health conditions, compared to 62.5% across Regional SA. Residents of working age experience elevated rates of chronic illness. Seniors aged 65 and over make up 31.0% of the population (524 individuals), which is higher than the Regional SA average of 27.1%. Senior health profiles are generally consistent with national trends for this demographic.

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

Cultural diversity in the suburb of Tailem Bend is below the national average, with citizens representing 86.5% of the population, 92.4% of residents born in Australia, and 98.0% of households speaking only English. Christianity is the dominant religion, practiced by 41.9% of residents. The most notable religious difference is in the Other category, which accounts for 1.2% of the local population compared to 0.8% across Regional SA.

Looking at heritage based on parental birthplace, the most common ancestries in the suburb of Tailem Bend are Australian at 33.3%, English at 32.5%, and German at 9.3%. There are also distinct cultural distributions, with Hungarian ancestry overrepresented at 0.5% of the population (compared to 0.1% regionally), Dutch ancestry at 1.4% (compared to 1.3%), and Australian Aboriginal heritage at 3.1% (compared to 3.3%).

Tailem Bend hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

The median age in the suburb of Tailem Bend is 49, which is slightly higher than the Regional SA average of 47 and significantly older than the national median of 38. The area has a higher share of residents aged 75 - 84 (12.0%) compared to Regional SA, but a smaller share of those aged 35 - 44 (8.9%). This concentration of older residents is much higher than the national average of 6.1%. Since the 2021 Census, the 75 to 84 cohort has increased from 10.1% to 12.0% of the population, while the 55 to 64 group decreased from 15.4% to 13.9%. Looking toward 2041, forecasts point to major shifts in the local age profile, led by a 91% expansion in residents aged 85 and over (an increase of 61 individuals), growing the cohort from 67 to 129. The aging trend is pronounced, with seniors aged 65 and over accounting for 99% of projected population growth, while the 35 to 44 and 0 to 4 age brackets are expected to contract.