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

As of May 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Tallai is around 4,694, reflecting an increase of 229 people since the 2021 Census. This growth represents a 5.1% increase from the previous population count of 4,465. The current resident population estimate of 4,644 by AreaSearch is based on an examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and includes an additional 32 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 361 persons per square kilometer. Over the past decade, Tallai has shown resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 1.0%, outpacing its SA3 area. The primary driver of population growth was overseas migration, contributing approximately 56% of overall population gains during recent periods.

However, all migration factors including interstate migration and natural growth were positive contributors. AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections released in 2023 based on 2021 data are used. It is noted that these state projections do not provide age category splits; therefore, AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings aligned with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort released in 2023 using a base year of 2022. Considering projected demographic shifts, exceptional growth is predicted over the period with the suburb expected to grow by 2,219 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 46.2% in total population over the 16-year span.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers in Tallai shows an average of around 17 new dwelling approvals per year. Between FY-21 and FY-25, approximately 86 homes were approved, with another 13 approved so far in FY-26. Each new dwelling built over the past five financial years has resulted in an average of 2.1 new residents per year.

The average construction value for these dwellings is $682,000, indicating a focus on premium properties. In FY-26, there have been $83,000 in commercial approvals, suggesting minimal commercial development activity. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Tallai has seen elevated construction levels, with 47.0% more per person over the past five years.

Recent building activity consists solely of detached houses, maintaining the area's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. There are approximately 144 people per dwelling approval in Tallai, confirming its low-density market status. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Tallai is expected to grow by 2,169 residents by 2041. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing buyer competition and supporting stronger price growth.

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

Area infrastructure changes significantly influence local performance. AreaSearch identified 18 potential impact projects. Key initiatives include Gooding Drive Commercial Precinct, Merrimac Green Residential Development, Merrimac State School Modernisation, and Merrimac Community Sports Hub. The following list details those likely most 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.

The employment environment in Tallai shows above-average strength when compared nationally

Tallai's workforce is well-educated with significant representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 3.2% as of December 2025. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 1.3%.

As of December 2025, 2,416 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 0.8% below Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%. Workforce participation in Tallai was broadly similar to Regional Qld's 64.5%. According to Census responses, 20.7% of residents worked from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Employment was concentrated in health care & social assistance, construction, and education & training.

Construction employment was notably high at 1.4 times the regional average, while agriculture, forestry & fishing employed just 0.9% of local workers, below Regional Qld's 4.5%. The area appeared to offer limited local employment opportunities based on resident population vs working population counts. Over the 12 months to December 2025, employment increased by 1.3%, labour force by 1.5%, causing unemployment rate to rise 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 in unemployment rate. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest potential future demand within Tallai. Applying these projections to Tallai's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 6.8% over five years and 13.9% over ten years, assuming constant population projections for illustrative purposes.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year ended June 2023 shows median income in Tallai suburb was $50,045 and average income was $68,364. This compares to Regional Qld's median income of $53,146 and average income of $66,593 in the same period. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since financial year ended June 2023, estimated median income as of March 2026 would be approximately $55,730 and average income would be around $76,130. Census data indicates household income ranks at the 78th percentile ($2,198 weekly) and personal income at the 44th percentile in Tallai. Income analysis reveals that 28.4% of individuals (1,333 people) earn between $1,500 to $2,999 per week, similar to the surrounding region where 31.7% fall into this bracket. The suburb demonstrates affluence with 36.6% earning over $3,000 weekly, supporting premium retail and services. Housing accounts for 14.3% of income. Tallai residents rank at the 79th percentile for disposable income and 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

Dwelling structure in Tallai, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 89.9% houses and 10.2% other dwellings. In comparison, Regional Qld had 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Tallai was 38.5%, with mortgaged dwellings at 51.0% and rented dwellings at 10.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Tallai was $2,167, higher than Regional Qld's average of $1,655. Median weekly rent in Tallai was $550, compared to Regional Qld's $345. Nationally, Tallai's median monthly mortgage repayments were higher at $2,167 versus the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 82.7 percent of all households, including 43.5 percent couples with children, 26.8 percent couples without children, and 10.8 percent single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 17.3 percent, with lone person households at 15.6 percent and group households comprising 2.0 percent of the total. The median household size is 3.1 people, which is larger than the Regional Queensland 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 educational profile is notable regionally, with university qualification rates of 28.2% among residents aged 15+ exceeding the Rest of Qld average of 20.6% and that of 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 prominent, with 38.1% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas account for 13.1% and certificates for 25.0%.

Educational participation is high, with 33.9% of residents 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

Transport analysis indicates five operational public transport stops in Tallai, all serving bus routes. These stops facilitate one route collectively transporting 80 weekly passengers. Transport accessibility is limited, with residents typically residing 770 meters from the nearest stop. Predominantly residential area sees outward commuting; cars remain primary mode at 96%. Average vehicle ownership per dwelling stands at 2.1, exceeding regional average. According to the 2021 Census, 20.7% of residents work from home, potentially influenced by COVID-19 conditions.

Service frequency averages 11 trips daily across all routes, equating to roughly 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 shows Tallai residents have positive outcomes, matching national mortality rates and health conditions benchmarks.

Common health issues affect both young and old equally. Private health cover is high at 54% (~2,548 people). Mental health issues impact 8.4%, arthritis affects 8.3%. 70.1% report no medical ailments, compared to 67.6% in Regional Qld. Under-65s have better-than-average health outcomes. The area has 20.0% residents aged 65 and over (938 people). Senior health outcomes are above average, aligning with national rankings.

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 cultural diversity was above average, with 7.9% speaking a language other than English at home and 27.3% born overseas. Christianity dominated Tallai's religious landscape at 49.4%. Notably, Judaism was overrepresented at 0.3%, compared to Regional Qld's 0.1%.

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

Tallai hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

Tallai's median age is 44 years, which is marginally higher than the Regional Queensland average of 41 and considerably older than Australia's median age of 38 years. The age profile shows that individuals aged 45-54 are particularly prominent, comprising 13.9% of the population, while those aged 25-34 make up a smaller proportion at 9.9%, compared to Regional Queensland. Between 2021 and present, the 25-34 age group has grown from 8.4% to 9.9% of Tallai's population, and the 15-24 cohort has increased from 11.8% to 13.2%. Conversely, the 55-64 age group has declined from 13.7% to 12.7%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate significant demographic changes in Tallai, with the 25-34 cohort projected to grow by 80%, adding 370 residents to reach a total of 835 individuals in that age group.