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

The population of the Tailem Bend statistical area (Lv2) is estimated at around 1,717 as of November 2025. This reflects an increase of 12 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,705 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 1,697, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, and an additional 6 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 7.3 persons per square kilometer. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, contributing approximately 67.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered and years post-2032, the SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections by age category are adopted, based on 2021 data and adjusted employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Projections indicate a decline in overall population over this period, with the area's population expected to decline by 14 persons by 2041 according to this methodology. However, growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, led by the 85 and over age group, which is projected to grow by 69 people.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers in Tailem Bend shows around 4 new homes approved per year over the past 5 financial years, totalling an estimated 21 homes. So far in FY-26, 2 approvals have been recorded. This results in an average of 1.4 new residents per year per dwelling constructed between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating a balanced market with stable conditions. The average construction cost value for new homes is $312,000.

In the current financial year, $3.3 million in commercial approvals have been registered, reflecting Tailem Bend's primarily residential nature. Compared to Rest of SA, Tailem Bend records lower building activity, 59.0% below the regional average per person. This constrained new construction typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing homes. The area's development level is also lower than nationally, suggesting market maturity and possible development constraints. Recent development in Tailem Bend has been entirely comprised of detached houses, preserving its low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers.

As of the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, there are approximately 502 people per dwelling approval in the area. Population forecasts indicate a gain of 26 residents through to 2041. Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

Tailem Bend has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 30thth percentile nationally

No infrastructure changes or major projects have been identified by AreaSearch that will impact the area. Key projects include Summerfield Battery, Regional North-South Freight Route Upgrade, SA Water Capital Work Delivery Contracts, and SA Public Housing Maintenance and Services Contracts.

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

Tailem Bend has a balanced workforce spanning white and blue collar jobs, with lifestyle and retail sectors notably represented. The unemployment rate is 8.0%, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

As of September 2025726 residents are employed, while the unemployment rate stands at 2.6% higher than Rest of SA's rate of 5.3%. Workforce participation in Tailem Bend is significantly lower at 44.9%, compared to Rest of SA's 54.1%. The key industries for employment among residents are retail trade, health care & social assistance, and agriculture, forestry & fishing. Retail trade is particularly notable, with employment levels at 1.8 times the regional average.

Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented, with only 11.6% of Tailem Bend's workforce compared to 14.5% in Rest of SA. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Over a 12-month period ending September 2025, labour force increased by 0.8%, while employment declined by 2.6%, resulting in an unemployment rate rise of 3.0 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of SA experienced employment growth of 0.3% and labour force growth of 2.3%, with a 1.9 percentage point rise in unemployment rate. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest potential future demand within Tailem Bend. These projections estimate national employment to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Tailem Bend's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.4% over five years and 11.8% over ten years.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data, released for financial year ended June 2023, indicates Tailem Bend's median income among taxpayers is $35,345, with an average of $44,645. This is lower than national averages. Rest of SA's median is $48,920 and average is $58,933. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.8% from financial year ended June 2023 to September 2025, current estimates for Tailem Bend are approximately $38,455 (median) and $48,574 (average). Census data shows household, family, and personal incomes in Tailem Bend fall between the 1st and 4th percentiles nationally. The earnings profile indicates that 34.4% of individuals earn between $400 - $799 weekly, differing from surrounding regions where the $1,500 - $2,999 category is predominant at 27.5%. The concentration of 43.2% in sub-$800 weekly brackets suggests economic challenges for a significant portion of the community. Housing costs are modest with 86.7% of income retained, but total disposable income ranks at just the 4th percentile nationally.

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

The dwelling structure in Tailem Bend, as per the latest Census, consisted of 94.1% houses and 5.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro SA's 89.9% houses and 10.1% other dwellings. The home ownership level in Tailem Bend was 42.7%, with mortgaged dwellings at 33.7% and rented dwellings at 23.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $867, lower than Non-Metro SA's average of $1,083. The median weekly rent figure in Tailem Bend was recorded at $225, compared to Non-Metro SA's $220 and the national average of $375. Nationally, Tailem Bend's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863.

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

Family households account for 59.9% of all households, including 16.6% couples with children, 28.7% couples without children, and 13.6% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 40.1%, composed of 36.3% lone person households and 3.6% group households. The median household size is 2.1 people, which is smaller than the Rest of SA average of 2.3.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 5.9%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 4.7%, followed by graduate diplomas (0.7%) and postgraduate qualifications (0.5%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 42.0% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (7.6%) and certificates (34.4%).

Educational participation is high, with 28.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, comprising 12.5% in primary, 8.1% in secondary, and 2.7% in tertiary education.

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

Transport analysis shows one active public transport stop in Tailem Bend. This stop offers a mix of bus services. Two individual routes operate here, collectively offering 24 weekly passenger trips.

Transport accessibility is rated as limited, with residents typically located 852 meters from the nearest transport stop. Service frequency averages three trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately twenty-four weekly trips per individual 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

Tailem Bend faces significant health challenges, with various conditions affecting both younger and older residents. The rate of private health cover stands at approximately 45%, covering around 767 people, which is lower than the national average of 55.7%.

Residents commonly report arthritis (13.0%) and mental health issues (11.5%). Conversely, 53.8% claim to be free from medical ailments, compared to 61.8% in the Rest of South Australia. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 30.1%, with 516 people falling into this category, compared to the Rest of SA's 26.2%. Health outcomes among seniors largely mirror those of the general population.

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

Tailem Bend's cultural diversity was below average, with 86.5% citizens, 92.4% born in Australia, and 98.0% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 41.9%. The 'Other' category was overrepresented at 1.2%, compared to 1.5% regionally.

Top ancestry groups were Australian (33.3%), English (32.5%), and German (9.3%). Hungarian, Dutch, and Australian Aboriginal groups showed notable divergences in representation: Hungarian at 0.5% vs 0.2%, Dutch at 1.4% vs 1.1%, and Australian Aboriginal at 3.1% vs 3.0%.

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

The median age in Tailem Bend is 49, which is higher than the Rest of SA figure of 47 and substantially exceeds the national norm of 38. Compared to Rest of SA, Tailem Bend has a higher concentration of residents aged 75-84 (12.0%), but fewer residents aged 35-44 (9.0%). This concentration of 75-84 year-olds is well above the national figure of 6.0%. Between the 2021 Census and the present, the proportion of Tailem Bend's population aged 75 to 84 has grown from 10.1% to 12.0%, while the proportion of those aged 55 to 64 has declined from 15.4% to 14.1%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Tailem Bend's age structure. The number of residents aged 85 and above is projected to grow by 110%, reaching 130 from the current figure of 61. This growth will be led by those aged 65 and above, who will comprise all of the projected population growth in Tailem Bend. Conversely, both the 35-44 and 45-54 age groups are expected to decrease in number.