Chart Color Schemes
This analysis uses Suburbs and Localities (SAL) boundaries, which can materially differ from Statistical Areas (SA2) even when sharing the same name.
SAL boundaries are defined by Australia Post and the Australian Bureau of Statistics to represent commonly-known suburb names used in postal addresses.
Statistical Areas (SA2) are designed for census data collection and may combine multiple suburbs or use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
est. as @ -- *
2021 Census | -- people
Sales Activity
Curious about local property values? Filter the chart to assess the volume and appreciation (including resales) trends and regional comparisons, or scroll to the map below view this information at an individual property level.
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Sales Detail
Population
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
Based on ABS population updates and AreaSearch validation, as of Nov 2025, Tallai's estimated population is around 4,705. This reflects an increase of 240 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,465. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of 4,607 residents following examination of ABS ERP data released in June 2024 and additional validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 361 persons per square kilometer. Over the past decade, Tallai has demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 1.2%, outpacing its SA3 area. Overseas migration contributed approximately 56% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including interstate migration and natural growth were positive factors.
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 adopted, applying proportional growth weightings from ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort. Considering projected demographic shifts, exceptional growth is predicted over the period with an expected increase of 2,319 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 48.6% over the 17 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
Development
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 a further 10 approved so far in FY-26. Each year, about 2.9 new residents are gained per dwelling built over the past five financial years, reflecting strong demand that supports property values.
The average construction cost value of new homes is $682,000, indicating a focus on premium segment properties with upmarket features. In FY-26, there have been $83,000 in commercial approvals, suggesting minimal commercial development activity. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Tallai has recorded construction levels 45.0% above the regional average per person over the past five years, offering good buyer choice while supporting existing property values.
Recent building activity consists entirely of detached houses, preserving the area's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. The location has approximately 145 people per dwelling approval, indicating a low density market. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Tallai is expected to grow by 2,286 residents through to 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.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Infrastructure
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 identified 18 projects likely impacting the area. Key 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 relevant.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Merrimac Technology Park
Proposed innovation hub and technology park on the Merrimac floodplain, intended to attract technology companies and startups to the central Gold Coast. The concept focuses on flexible office and research space, co working areas and shared facilities, aligned with the City of Gold Coast economic growth and innovation planning framework.
Merrimac Railway Station
New railway station as part of Cross River Rail project, located off Gooding Drive approximately 750 metres east of the Pacific Motorway and Gooding Drive Interchange. Features 200 parking spaces, pedestrian overpass with lifts, ticket office, bicycle storage for 40 bikes, and integrated bus terminus.
Teak Mixed Use Development
Brand new dynamic mixed use commercial development comprising Medical, Retail, Office and commercial Hotel/Pub. Features 14 brand new commercial spaces ranging from 46m2 to 490m2. Sophisticated design that respects Mudgeeraba village heritage while providing a modern commercial environment for the local community.
Raba Urban Farm Hub
A community-driven urban farm and education center featuring permanent farmers market facilities, educational programs, community garden beds, indigenous bush tucker cultivation, and sustainable agriculture demonstrations. The project includes a traditional gathering circle, healing spaces, and comprehensive environmental rehabilitation programs.
Gooding Drive Commercial Precinct
Mixed-use commercial development along Gooding Drive featuring retail spaces, office buildings, dining precincts, and integrated transport connections near Merrimac Railway Station.
Merrimac Community Sports Hub
New multi-purpose sports facility featuring indoor courts, swimming pool, gym, community meeting spaces, and outdoor sports fields to serve the growing Merrimac community.
M1 Pacific Motorway Upgrade - Mudgeeraba to Varsity Lakes
5.7km section widened to three lanes in each direction between Mudgeeraba (Exit 79) and Varsity Lakes (Exit 85), with a fourth lane northbound between Robina and The Link Way. Includes reconstruction of Mudgeeraba Creek bridges, new Stapley Drive overpass, improved interchanges and enhanced safety features. Major infrastructure improvement for regional connectivity.
Merrimac Aged Care Facility
Modern aged care facility providing residential care, respite services, and community health programs for elderly residents in the Merrimac and surrounding areas.
Employment
The employment environment in Tallai shows above-average strength when compared nationally
Tallai has an educated workforce with notable representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate was 3.3% as of September 2025, lower than the Rest of Qld's 4.1%.
Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 1.7%. There were 2,482 residents employed by September 2025, with a workforce participation rate matching Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Key employment sectors include health care & social assistance, construction, and education & training. Construction stands out with employment levels at 1.4 times the regional average, while agriculture, forestry & fishing employs only 0.9% of local workers, below Rest of Qld's 4.5%.
Employment opportunities may be limited locally as indicated by Census data. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment increased by 1.7%, labour force by 2.1%, raising the unemployment rate by 0.4 percentage points. State-wide, Queensland's employment contracted by 0.01% to November 2025, with an unemployment rate of 4.2%. National employment forecasts from May-25 project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Tallai's employment mix suggests local employment should grow by 6.8% in five years and 13.9% in ten years, though this is an illustrative extrapolation not accounting for local population changes.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Income
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 ending June 2023 shows median income in Tallai suburb is $50,045 and average income is $68,364. This compares to Rest of Qld's median income of $53,146 and average income of $66,593. Based on Wage Price Index growth from June 2023 to September 2025 (approximately two years), current estimates would be approximately $55,004 for median income and $75,139 for average income as of September 2025. Census data indicates household income ranks at the 78th percentile ($2,198 weekly) and personal income at the 44th percentile. Income analysis shows that 28.4% of Tallai residents earn between $1,500 - 2,999 (1,336 individuals), similar to surrounding region where 31.7% fall into this bracket. The suburb demonstrates affluence with 36.6% earning over $3,000 per week. Housing accounts for 14.3% of income and residents rank in the 79th percentile for disposable income. Area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Housing
Tallai is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership
Tallai's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 89.9% houses and 10.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Non-Metro Qld's 71.9% houses and 28.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Tallai stood at 38.5%, with mortgaged dwellings at 51.0% and rented ones at 10.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,167, higher than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,950. The median weekly rent in Tallai was $550, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $435. Nationally, Tallai's mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $2,167 versus the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Household Composition
Tallai features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size
Family households comprise 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 making up 2.0%. The median household size is 3.1 people, larger than the Rest of Qld average of 2.8.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
Local Schools & Education
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 at 28.2% among residents aged 15+, surpassing the Rest of Qld average of 20.6% and the SA3 area rate of 20.8%. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent 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 at 13.1% and certificates at 25.0%.
Educational participation is high, with 33.9% currently enrolled in formal education. This includes secondary education (11.2%), primary education (11.0%), and tertiary education (5.6%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Nearby Services & Amenities
Transport
Transport servicing is very low compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility
Transport analysis indicates six active public transport stops in Tallai, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by one route collectively offering 80 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is limited with residents typically located 770 meters from the nearest stop.
Service frequency averages 11 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 13 weekly trips per individual stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
Health
Tallai's residents are relatively healthy in comparison to broader Australia with a fairly standard level of common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts
Tallai's health metrics closely match national benchmarks, with common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts being fairly standard. Approximately 54% (~2,554 people) of Tallai residents have private health cover, compared to 51.1% in the rest of Queensland.
Mental health issues and arthritis are the most prevalent medical conditions in Tallai, affecting 8.4 and 8.3% of residents respectively. Around 70.1% of Tallai residents report having no medical ailments, compared to 69.5% in the rest of Queensland. Approximately 20.0% (941 people) of Tallai residents are aged 65 and over, which is higher than the 16.7% in the rest of Queensland. Health outcomes among seniors in Tallai are above average, broadly aligning with the general population's health profile.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Cultural Diversity
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 above-average cultural diversity, with 7.9% speaking a language other than English at home and 27.3% born overseas. Christianity was the predominant religion in Tallai, accounting for 49.4%. Notably, Judaism, at 0.3%, was higher than the Rest of Qld's average of 0.2%.
The top three ancestral groups were English (31.7%), Australian (25.0%), and Scottish (9.2%). Significant differences existed in the representation of New Zealanders (1.6% vs regional 1.8%), South Africans (1.0% vs 0.7%), and French (0.7% vs 0.5%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
Age
Tallai hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average
Tallai has a median age of 43, which is higher than the Rest of Queensland average of 41 and exceeds the national average of 38. The 45-54 age group makes up 14.0% of Tallai's population, compared to the Rest of Queensland. The 25-34 cohort represents 9.9%, which is lower than the Rest of Queensland figure. According to post-2021 Census data, the 15 to 24 age group has increased from 11.8% to 13.4%, while the 25 to 34 cohort has risen from 8.4% to 9.9%. Conversely, the 55 to 64 cohort has decreased from 13.7% to 12.0%. Demographic modeling indicates that Tallai's age profile will change significantly by 2041. The 25-34 cohort is projected to grow by 87%, adding 406 residents and reaching a total of 872.