Tallai

Tallai lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Analysis of ABS population updates and AreaSearch validation indicates that as of Feb 2026, the estimated population of Tallai is around 4,705. This shows an increase of 240 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,465. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of 4,607 residents in Jun 2024, based on latest ERP data release by ABS, and an additional 29 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 361 persons per square kilometer. Over the past decade, Tallai has demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a 1.2% compound annual growth rate, outpacing its SA3 area. Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration contributing approximately 56% during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections from 2023 based on 2021 data are adopted. Looking ahead, exceptional growth is predicted for Tallai, placing it in the top 10 percent of national regional areas. By 2041, the suburb is expected to grow by 2,316 persons, reflecting an increase of 48.5% over the 17 years.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Tallai when compared nationally

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, Tallai has seen approximately 17 new homes approved each year over the past five financial years from FY21 to FY25. This totals an estimated 86 homes. As of FY26, 10 approvals have been recorded. On average, these new dwellings accommodate around 2.9 new residents per year.

The average construction cost value of these new homes is approximately $682,000, indicating a focus on the premium market segment. This financial year has also seen $83,000 in commercial approvals, suggesting a predominantly residential development focus. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Tallai has slightly more development activity, with 45% above the regional average per person over the five-year period.

All recent building activity consists of detached dwellings, maintaining the area's traditional low-density character and appealing to those seeking family homes with space. The location currently has approximately 145 people per dwelling approval, indicating a low-density market. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Tallai is projected to add around 2,283 residents by 2041. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth in the area.

Tallai has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 18 projects that are expected to impact the area. Notable projects include Gooding Drive Commercial Precinct, Merrimac Green Residential Development, Merrimac State School Modernisation, and Merrimac Community Sports Hub. The following list details those most likely to be relevant.

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 performance in Tallai exceeds national averages across key labour market indicators

Tallai has an educated workforce with prominent representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate is 3.3%. Over the past year, estimated employment growth was 1.7%.

As of September 2025, 2,481 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 0.8% below Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation is 68.5%, compared to Rest of Qld's 65.7%. According to Census responses, 20.7% of residents work from home. Leading industries include health care & social assistance, construction, and education & training.

Construction employment is notably high at 1.4 times the regional average, while agriculture, forestry & fishing has lower representation at 0.9%. The area may have limited local employment opportunities. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment increased by 1.7% alongside labour force growth of 2.1%, raising unemployment by 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts national employment to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Tallai's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.8% over five years and 13.9% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for local population projections.

The economic profile demonstrates above-average performance, with income metrics exceeding national benchmarks based on AreaSearch comparative assessment

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data released for financial year 2023, Tallai suburb had a median income among taxpayers of $50,045 and an average level of $68,364. Nationally, the figures stood at $53,146 (median) and $66,593 (average). Considering Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes for September 2025 would be approximately $55,004 (median) and $75,139 (average). Census data indicates household income ranks at the 78th percentile ($2,198 weekly), with personal income at the 44th percentile. The dominant income bracket is $1,500 - 2,999, comprising 28.4% of residents (1,336 people). High weekly earnings exceeding $3,000 are achieved by 36.6% of households. Housing accounts for 14.3% of income, with disposable income ranking at the 79th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

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

The dwelling structure in Tallai, as evaluated at the latest Census, consisted of 89.9% houses and 10.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Non-Metro Qld's 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. The level of home ownership in Tallai was 38.5%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (51.0%) or rented (10.6%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,167, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $550. Nationally, Tallai's mortgage repayments are significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially above the national figure of $375.

Tallai features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 82.7% of all households, including 43.5% couples with children, 26.8% couples without children, and 10.8% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 17.3%, with lone person households at 15.6% and group households comprising 2.0%. The median household size is 3.1 people, larger than the Rest of Qld average of 2.5.

Tallai demonstrates exceptional educational outcomes, ranking among the top 5% of areas nationally based on AreaSearch's comprehensive analysis of qualification and performance metrics

The area's university qualification rate is 28.2%, higher than the Rest of Qld average of 20.6%. This rate exceeds that of the SA3 area at 20.8%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 19.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.8%) and graduate diplomas (3.0%).

Vocational credentials are held by 38.1% of residents aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 13.1% and certificates at 25.0%. Educational participation is high, with 33.9% currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.2% in secondary education, 11.0% in primary education, and 5.6% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Tallai has five active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by one route in total, offering 80 weekly passenger trips combined. Transport accessibility is limited, with residents typically located 770 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to Tallai's residential nature. Cars remain the dominant mode of transport at 96%. Vehicle ownership averages 2.1 per dwelling, higher than the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 20.7% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 11 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 16 weekly trips per individual stop.

Tallai's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with a fairly standard level of common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts

Health data for Tallai shows positive outcomes, aligning with national benchmarks for mortality rates and health conditions.

Common health issues are seen across all age groups, with mental health issues affecting 8.4% of residents and arthritis impacting 8.3%. Approximately 70.1% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 67.6% in the rest of Queensland. The area has a high private health cover rate at about 54%, covering around 2,554 people. The under-65 population shows better than average health outcomes. Tallai has 19.9% of residents aged 65 and over (936 people), with seniors showing above average health outcomes, comparable to national rankings for the general population.

In terms of cultural diversity, Tallai records figures broadly comparable to the national average, as found in AreaSearch's assessment of a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Tallai's population showed cultural diversity with 7.9% speaking a language other than English at home and 27.3% born overseas, as of the latest available data. Christianity was the predominant religion in Tallai, accounting for 49.4%. Notably, Judaism had a higher representation in Tallai at 0.3%, compared to 0.1% regionally.

In terms of ancestry, the top groups were English (31.7%), Australian (25.0%), and Scottish (9.2%). Some ethnic groups showed notable differences: New Zealanders made up 1.6% in Tallai versus 0.9% regionally, South Africans were at 1.0% compared to 0.5%, and French individuals constituted 0.7% versus 0.5%.

Tallai hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

Tallai's median age is 43 years, which is higher than the Rest of Qld average of 41 and exceeds the national average of 38 years. The 15-24 age group constitutes 13.4% of Tallai's population compared to Rest of Qld. The 25-34 cohort makes up 10.2%. Post-Census data shows that by June 2021, the 25-34 age group had grown from 8.4% to 10.2%, while the 15-24 cohort increased from 11.8% to 13.4%. Conversely, the 55-64 cohort decreased from 13.7% to 12.1%. Demographic modeling projects significant changes in Tallai's age profile by 2041. The 25-34 cohort is projected to grow by 82%, adding 394 residents to reach a total of 874.