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

As of Feb 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Tailem Bend is around 1,722, reflecting an increase of 17 people since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 1,705. This increase is inferred from AreaSearch's resident population estimate of 1,697 based on their examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 6 validated new addresses since the Census date. The current population density is 7.4 persons per square kilometer. Overseas migration contributed approximately 67.0% of overall population gains during recent periods. AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, 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 with adjustments made 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 19 persons by 2041 according to this methodology. However, specific age cohorts are anticipated to grow, notably the 85 and over age group which is projected to grow by 66 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 for Tailem Bend indicates around 4 new homes approved annually over the past five financial years. This totals an estimated 21 homes from FY-21 to FY-25. As of FY-26, 2 approvals have been recorded. The average new residents per year per dwelling constructed during this period is 1.4.

This suggests a balanced supply and demand market with stable conditions, supporting the construction of new homes at an average expected cost of $312,000. In FY-26, $3.3 million in commercial approvals have been registered, reflecting Tailem Bend's primarily residential nature. Compared to Rest of SA, Tailem Bend has 59.0% lower building activity per person. This constrained new construction typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing homes. The area's development is also lower than the national average, indicating market maturity and possible development constraints.

Recent development in Tailem Bend has been entirely comprised of detached houses, maintaining its low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. As of FY-25, there were an estimated 502 people per dwelling approval in the area. Population forecasts indicate a gain of 14 residents by 2041. Given 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 22ndth percentile nationally

No changes can significantly affect a region's performance like alterations to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified zero projects expected to impact this area. Notable projects include Summerfield Battery, Regional North-South Freight Route Upgrade, SA Water Capital Work Delivery Contracts, and SA Public Housing Maintenance and Services Contracts, with the following list highlighting those most pertinent.

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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 comprising white and blue collar jobs, with notable representation in lifestyle and retail sectors. Its unemployment rate is 8.0%, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of September 2025725 residents are employed while the unemployment rate stands at 2.7% higher than Rest of SA's rate of 5.3%.

Workforce participation in Tailem Bend is somewhat lower at 54.7%, compared to Rest of SA's 58.5%. Census responses indicate that only 7.8% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Key industries of 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, accounting for 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 2.4%, 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 that national employment is projected to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Tailem Bend's employment mix, local employment should increase by 5.4% over five years and 11.8% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows Tailem Bend had a median income among taxpayers of $35,345 and an average of $44,645. This is lower than the national average. The Rest of SA had a median income of $48,920 and an average of $58,933 during this period. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.8% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes for Tailem Bend as of September 2025 would be approximately $38,455 (median) and $48,574 (average). Census data reveals that household, family, and personal incomes in Tailem Bend fall between the 1st and 4th percentiles nationally. The earnings profile shows that 34.4% of individuals earn between $400 - $799 weekly, differing from the surrounding region where the $1,500 - $2,999 category is predominant at 27.5%. A significant portion of the community (43.2%) falls into sub-$800 weekly brackets, highlighting economic challenges. Despite modest housing costs allowing for 86.7% income retention, 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

In Tailem Bend, as per the latest Census, 94.1% of dwellings were houses with the remaining 5.9% being semi-detached, apartments, or other types. This compares to Non-Metro SA's figures of 88.5% houses and 11.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Tailem Bend stood at 42.7%, similar to Non-Metro SA. Of the remaining dwellings, 33.7% were mortgaged and 23.5% rented. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $867, lower than Non-Metro SA's average of $1,153 and significantly below the national average of $1,863. The median weekly rent in Tailem Bend was recorded at $225, slightly higher than Non-Metro SA's figure of $220 but substantially lower than the national average of $375.

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

Family households constitute 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 account for the remaining 40.1%, with lone person households at 36.3% and group households comprising 3.6%. 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 prevalent, with 42.0% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications.

Advanced diplomas account for 7.6% while certificates make up 34.4%. Educational participation is high, with 28.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 12.5% in primary education, 8.1% in secondary education, and 2.7% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Tailem Bend has one active public transport stop. It is served by two routes offering a total of 24 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility in the area is limited, with residents located an average of 852 meters from their nearest stop. Most residents commute outwards using cars, which remain the dominant mode at 94%, while 4% walk. On average, there are 1.4 vehicles per dwelling. According to the 2021 Census, only 7.8% of residents work from home, a figure that may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions.

Service frequency across all routes averages three trips per day, resulting in approximately 24 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, as assessed by AreaSearch's analysis of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Several health conditions impact both younger and older age groups, with private health cover at approximately 45% of the total population (around 770 people), compared to 48.9% across the Rest of SA and a national average of 55.7%. Arthritis and mental health issues are the most prevalent conditions, affecting 13.0% and 11.5% of residents respectively, while 53.8% report having no medical ailments, compared to 62.5% across the Rest of SA.

The working-age population experiences notable health challenges with higher chronic condition rates. As of 2021, 31.0% of Tailem Bend's residents are aged 65 and over (533 people), which is higher than the 27.1% in the Rest of SA. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly aligning with 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, as per the census data from June 2016, had a cultural diversity index below the average. The population composition was predominantly citizens (86.5%), born in Australia (92.4%), and speaking English at home (98.0%). Christianity was the major religion, practiced by 41.9% of the population.

The 'Other' religious category showed an overrepresentation in Tailem Bend with 1.2%, compared to the regional average of 0.8%. In terms of ancestry, Australian (33.3%), English (32.5%), and German (9.3%) were the top three groups represented. Some ethnic groups showed notable differences: Hungarian was overrepresented at 0.5% (regional average: 0.1%), Dutch at 1.4% (regional average: 1.3%), and Australian Aboriginal at 3.1% (regional average: 3.3%).

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 (12.1%) but fewer residents aged 35-44 (9.0%). This 75-84 concentration is well above the national figure of 6.1%. Between the 2021 Census and now, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 10.1% to 12.1% of the population. Conversely, the 55 to 64 cohort has declined from 15.4% to 13.9%, and the 15 to 24 group has dropped from 12.0% to 10.9%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections reveal significant shifts in Tailem Bend's age structure. The 85+ group is projected to grow by 94% (61 people), reaching 127 from 65. Those aged 65 and above will comprise 93% of the projected growth. Conversely, both the 0 to 4 and 25 to 34 age groups are expected to see reduced numbers.