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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
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Tallai has an estimated 4,694 residents, up from 4,465 at the 2021 Census — a change of 229 people, or 5.1%. Growth has averaged 0.6% a year over five years. Overseas migration accounts for 56.0% of that increase. That puts 361 residents on each square kilometre. Population is estimated from ABS Estimated Resident Population releases and GNAF address data, re-based from the 2021 Census and updated annually.
Detail
Based on an evaluation of ABS demographic updates for the surrounding region alongside new addresses verified by AreaSearch since the Census, the population of the suburb of Tallai is projected to be approximately 4,694 in May 2026. This represents a growth of 229 people (5.1%) compared to the 2021 Census, which counted 4,465 individuals. This adjustment is calculated from a resident population of 4,644, estimated by AreaSearch using the latest ABS ERP data release (June 2025) plus 32 validated new addresses recorded since the Census. This population level translates to a density of 361 persons per square kilometer, indicating substantial personal space and capacity for potential development.
Over the last ten years, the suburb of Tallai has shown steady expansion with a 1.0% compound annual growth rate, exceeding that of the SA3 region. Population increases in the area were chiefly driven by overseas migration, which accounted for roughly 56.00000000000001% of all population gains in recent times, though other contributors such as interstate migration and natural growth also registered positive outcomes. AreaSearch incorporates ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 region, published in 2024 with a 2022 baseline. For SA2 regions lacking this data, and for any years after 2032, the Queensland State Government's SA2 projections from 2023, which utilize 2021 data, are implemented. These state-level projections omit age breakdowns; consequently, AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings matching the ABS Greater Capital Region projections (published in 2023, with a 2022 baseline) for each age bracket. Reflecting these demographic projections, the suburb of Tallai is anticipated to experience remarkable expansion, ranking in the top 10 percent of national non-metropolitan localities, with the population expected to rise by 2,219 persons by 2041 based on compiled SA2 projections, representing a total increase of 46.2% over the 16 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
62 new dwellings have been approved in Tallai over the past five years, an average of 12 a year. That is 2.7 approvals per 1,000 residents. Approvals are currently running at an annualised 14, broadly in line with that longer-run average. Figures come from ABS building approvals aggregated to this Suburb (SAL) boundary and are updated monthly as the ABS releases them.
Detail
An analysis by AreaSearch of ABS building approvals assigned from statistical data indicates that Tallai averages approximately 12 residential approvals annually. This totals an estimated 62 residences approved during the past 5 financial years (from FY-21 to FY-25) and 13 so far during FY-26. Reflecting strong demand that supports property values, each new dwelling has added an average of 2.4 residents over the past 5 financial years (from FY-21 to FY-25). New residential builds carry an average estimated cost of $682,000, showing that developers are targeting the high-end market with premium housing.
Additionally, commercial development has been extremely quiet, with only $83,000 in commercial approvals recorded this financial year. Relative to the Rest of Qld, Tallai displays comparable per-capita construction rates, indicating a balanced market aligned with the wider region. This rate is below the national average, reflecting the mature nature of the locality and suggesting potential planning constraints. Furthermore, recent building approvals have consisted entirely of separate houses, maintaining the low-density character of the neighborhood and catering to buyers seeking space. With roughly 263 people per approval, Tallai displays the characteristics of a low-density community. Looking forward, Tallai is projected to add 2,169 residents by 2041, based on the most recent quarterly estimates from AreaSearch. If building activity remains at its current level, residential supply may not keep pace with population growth, which could heighten buyer competition and support price appreciation.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Tallai
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| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
|---|
SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks 12 current infrastructure and development projects inside Tallai, worth an estimated $2.24 billion. A further 69 sit in the immediately surrounding suburbs, taking the tracked pipeline within reach of the area to $21.3 billion. 23 are already under construction and 24 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans residential development, transport & logistics and communities, precincts & urban renewal. Records are compiled from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, council planning portals and public announcements, reviewed and updated daily, then ranked by proximity, construction stage, completion horizon and project scale.
Detail
Local infrastructure projects, major works, and planning updates have a significant impact on local performance. AreaSearch has identified 18 projects that are expected to influence the local area. Prominent developments include the Gooding Drive Commercial Precinct, the Merrimac Green Residential Development, the Merrimac State School Modernisation, and the Merrimac Community Sports Hub, with the detailed list below focusing on those most relevant to local property.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
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Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Merrimac Floodplain and Stormwater Management Program
Ongoing City of Gold Coast flood mitigation and stormwater infrastructure program across the Merrimac floodplain. Works include stormwater drainage upgrades, detention infrastructure, floodplain management and supporting drainage improvements to improve flood resilience while accommodating future development. Public information indicates the originally supplied project pages are no longer available and works now form part of broader floodplain and drainage management activities.
Merrimac Community Sports Hub
City of Gold Coast community sports hub proposed for Merrimac to provide indoor multi-purpose courts, aquatic facilities, fitness spaces, community meeting rooms and outdoor sporting fields. The project remains in planning as part of the city's long-term community infrastructure program with planning and community consultation continuing.
Greenheart Master Plan
Covering 257 hectares across Merrimac and Robina, Greenheart will be the largest parkland on the Gold Coast. The masterplan includes 11 sports fields, playgrounds, event lawns, wetlands renewal, and a 27-kilometre network of paths, to be delivered in phases over 10 to 15 years.
Gooding Drive Commercial Precinct
Established and emerging mixed-use commercial corridor along Gooding Drive in Merrimac on the Gold Coast, featuring existing retail, office, dining, and light industrial tenancies. The precinct is positioned to benefit significantly from the new Merrimac Station (Cross River Rail), with major station construction underway by Fulton Hogan and expected to be complete in 2026. The addition of the station is expected to catalyse transit-oriented commercial and retail development along the corridor.
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.
Merrimac Cultural Arts Centre
Proposed community arts and cultural centre for the Merrimac area on the Gold Coast, intended to feature performance spaces, art galleries, workshop facilities, and community meeting rooms to support local cultural activities. No confirmed development timeline or contractor has been publicly reported as of this update.
Merrimac Environmental Reserve Enhancement
Ecological restoration and enhancement of natural areas around Merrimac including native vegetation rehabilitation, wildlife corridors, and community education facilities.
SkyRidge Living Estate
A 342-hectare master-planned community in Worongary, Gold Coast, featuring 3,500 dwellings across eight neighbourhoods. The project includes 75 hectares of parklands, a future retail village centre with a supermarket and tavern, medical facilities, and childcare. As of early 2026, the development is in active construction with multiple residential stages released, a 37-home display village open, and the first residents already moved in. The project is being delivered by Perron Group in a joint venture.
2,433 residents of Tallai are employed, from a labour force of 2,508. Unemployment sits at 3.0%, with participation at 66.0%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 6.8% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth. The working-day population is estimated at 3,935, about 84% of the resident population, so more people leave the area for work than travel in. Unemployment and labour force come from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, updated quarterly; the industry and occupation profile is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Tallai has a highly educated workforce with a strong presence in essential services, an unemployment rate of only 3.0%, and an estimated job growth of 2.1% over the last year, according to compiled statistical area data from AreaSearch. In March 2026, there were 2,433 employed residents, while the local unemployment rate was 0.9% lower than the Regional Qld average of 3.9%. Workforce participation levels are very close to the Regional Qld figure of 64.3%. Census data indicates that a moderate 20.7% of employed residents worked from home, though this may have been influenced by COVID-19 lockdown measures.
Local employment is largely concentrated in healthcare & social assistance, construction, and education & training. The construction sector is particularly prominent, employing residents at 1.4 times the regional average rate. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing accounts for only 0.9% of the workforce, which is lower than the Regional Qld average of 4.5%. The suburb is primarily residential, and comparing the Census working population to the resident population suggests that local employment opportunities are limited. An analysis of SALM and ABS data by AreaSearch across broader statistical divisions shows that over the 12-month period, local employment grew by 2.1% while the labor force expanded by 2.2%, keeping unemployment relatively unchanged. By comparison, Regional Qld saw employment rise by 0.1% and the labor force grow by 0.3%, resulting in a 0.1 percentage point increase in unemployment. National employment forecasts from May-25 by Jobs and Skills Australia provide further context regarding future demand in Tallai. These five and ten-year forecasts have been mapped against the local employment profile to project growth. Nationally, employment is predicted to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, though rates vary significantly by sector. Applying these industry projections to Tallai's workforce mix suggests local employment could rise by 6.8% over five years and 13.9% over ten years, representing a simple weighted projection for illustrative purposes that does not incorporate local population forecasts.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Tallai is $2,198 a week (about $114,000 a year), with median personal income at $780 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $50,045 a year against an average of $68,364. Household income is from the 2021 Census; taxable income is from ATO Taxation Statistics for the latest financial year available, indexed forward using the ABS Wage Price Index.
Detail
The latest postcode-level ATO data from AreaSearch for financial year 2023 shows that incomes in Tallai align closely with national averages, with a median of $50,045 and an average of $68,364. This compares to Regional Qld's median income of $53,146 and average income of $66,593. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since financial year 2023, updated estimates suggest figures of roughly $55,730 for the median and $76,130 for the average as of March 2026. Census findings place household income in the 78th percentile ($2,198 weekly), while personal income ranks in the 44th percentile.
Earnings data shows that the weekly income bracket of $1,500 - 2,999 contains 28.4% of the population (1,333 residents), similar to the wider region where 31.7% fall into this group. The area shows notable wealth, with 36.6% of households earning more than $3,000 per week, which helps support high-end retail and local services. Housing costs consume 14.3% of income, while strong household earnings place residents in the 79th percentile for disposable income, and the area sits in the 7th decile of the SEIFA income index.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Tallai had 1,345 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 90% detached houses and 1% apartments. 51% are owned with a mortgage, 11% rented and 39% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $550 a week and the median mortgage repayment $2,167 a month. Rent absorbs 25.0% of household income here and mortgage repayments 22.8%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
According to the latest Census, the housing stock in Tallai consisted of 89.9% separate houses and 10.2% other housing types (including semi-detached properties, apartments, and alternative dwellings), compared to Regional Qld where separate houses made up 76.4% and other dwellings accounted for 23.6%. Home ownership in Tallai was considerably higher than the Regional Qld average, standing at 38.5%, with remaining properties being mortgaged (51.0%) or rented (10.6%). The median monthly mortgage payment was $2,167, well above the Regional Qld average of $1,655, while the median weekly rent was recorded at $550, compared to Regional Qld's $345.
Nationally, mortgage costs in Tallai are higher than the Australian median of $1,863, and weekly rents are also well above the national median of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Tallai counted 1,345 households at the 2021 Census, an estimated 1,414 today, averaging 3.1 people each. 44% are couples with children, more than in 87% of areas nationally, against 27% couples without children. 16% of households are people living alone, and families average 1.8 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Family households represent the vast majority of local homes at 82.7%, consisting of couples with children (43.5%), couples without children (26.8%), and single-parent households (10.8%). Non-family households account for the remaining 17.3%, with single-person households at 15.6% and group housing making up 2.0%. The median household size of 3.1 residents is larger than the Regional Qld average of 2.5.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
28.2% of adults in Tallai hold a university qualification, including 19.4% with a bachelor degree and 5.8% with postgraduate qualifications, higher than 99% of areas nationally. A further 25.0% hold a vocational qualification. Qualifications come from the 2021 Census.
Detail
The educational profile of the area is distinct within the region, with university attainment rates (28.2% of residents aged 15+) exceeding both the Rest of Qld average of 20.6% and the SA3 average of 20.8%, highlighting a strong local focus on higher education. Bachelor degrees are the most common higher qualification at 19.4%, followed by postgraduate degrees (5.8%) and graduate diplomas (3.0%). Vocational and technical training are also highly represented, with 38.1% of residents aged 15+ holding trade credentials, consisting of advanced diplomas (13.1%) and certificates (25.0%). Engagement in learning is very high, with 33.9% of the population enrolled in formal education.
This group includes 11.2% in high school, 11.0% in primary school, and 5.6% attending tertiary institutions.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Getting around Tallai means driving: households keep an average of 2.1 vehicles, and scheduled services reach only a handful of stops. Service data is built from operators' published GTFS timetables; vehicle ownership is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Public transport options include 5 active transport stops in Tallai, operating a mix of buses. These stops are served by 1 separate routes, which provide a combined total of 80 passenger trips per week. Local transit accessibility is classified as limited, with residents living an average of 770 meters from the nearest stop. Due to the residential nature of the suburb, most workers travel outside the area, and cars are the primary mode of travel for 96% of commuters. Average vehicle ownership stands at 2.1 cars per household, which is higher than the regional average.
In the 2021 Census, 20.7% of residents worked from home, which may reflect the impact of COVID-19 restrictions. Service frequency across all routes averages 11 trips per day, which translates to roughly 16 weekly trips for each active transit stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
70.1% of residents in Tallai report no long-term health condition. 8.2% need daily assistance with core activities, and 54.3% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 5.4 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
Health indicators show positive trends for Tallai residents, with AreaSearch's evaluation of mortality rates and medical conditions displaying outcomes consistent with national averages. The prevalence of common health conditions is standard across both younger and older demographics, and the rate of private health insurance is high, covering approximately 54% of the population (~2,548 residents). The most prevalent health issues recorded locally were mental health conditions and arthritis, affecting 8.4 and 8.3% of the population, respectively. Meanwhile, 70.1% of residents reported having no long-term health conditions, compared to 67.6% across Regional Qld.
Residents under the age of 65 display better than average health. The neighborhood has 20.0% of its population aged 65 and over (938 individuals). Seniors in the area enjoy positive health outcomes, with national rankings aligning well with the broader population.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
27.3% of Tallai residents were born overseas and 7.9% speak a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are English (31.7%) and Australian (25.0%). Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Tallai exhibits higher-than-average cultural diversity, with 7.9% of residents speaking a non-English language at home and 27.3% born outside Australia. Christianity is the primary religion, followed by 49.4% of the community. However, the most distinct religious variance is seen in Judaism, which represents 0.3% of local residents compared to 0.1% across Regional Qld. Regarding ancestry (the birth country of parents), the three largest heritage groups are English at 31.7%, Australian at 25.0%, and Scottish at 9.2%. There are also notable differences in the representation of other ethnic backgrounds, with New Zealand ancestry accounting for 1.6% of the population (compared to 0.9% regionally), South Australian at 1.0% (compared to 0.5%), and French at 0.7% (compared to 0.5%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Tallai is 44, older than 76% of areas nationally. 23.1% of residents are aged 15 to 34. Age cohorts are not raw Census counts: the Census split is re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections.
Detail
The median age of Tallai residents is 44 years, slightly higher than the Regional Qld average of 41 years and older than the national median of 38 years. The demographic profile reveals that the 45 - 54 age bracket is especially large (13.9%), while the 25 - 34 group is relatively small (9.9%) compared to Regional Qld. Since 2021, the 25 to 34 age bracket has risen from 8.4% to 9.9% of the population, and the 15 to 24 cohort has increased from 11.8% to 13.2%. Conversely, the 55 to 64 group has decreased from 13.7% to 12.7%.
Demographic projections for 2041 forecast notable changes for Tallai, with the 25 to 34 cohort expected to grow the fastest at 80%, adding 370 residents to total 835.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Tallai
9 of 14 data sections on this page were updated within the last 12 months — the newest current to Aug 2026.
Everything is aggregated to the Suburb (SAL) boundary shown above, on a 2021 Census baseline. Only 3 sections — housing, households and cultural diversity — still wait on the 2026 Census.
The ledger — source, cycle and currency by section
| Section | Source & update cycle | Currency |
|---|---|---|
| Updated within the last 12 months 9 sections | ||
| Population | ABS, GNAF, Geoscience Australia Annual (ABS ERP) | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release) and updated with new dwellings from GNAF address data. Current to May 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to May 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Jun 2026 2 months ago headline measures · May 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Aug 2026 this month all 21 measures |
| Sales from the state Valuer General register, refreshed weekly, and rents from quarterly rental bond lodgements. Both are read live each time this page loads, current to Aug 2026. | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, State agencies, Local governments Daily | Aug 2026 this month all 12 projects tracked here |
| Project pipeline maintained continuously from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, local government and public announcements. Records are added and revised daily; this area was last updated Aug 2026. | ||
| Employment | ABS, DEWR, JSA Quarterly (ABS SALM) | Mar 2026 5 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Unemployment and labour force from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, current to Mar 2026. The growth outlook applies Department of Employment (now Jobs and Skills Australia) forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to the local industry mix, so it measures sector composition rather than local expansion and makes no allowance for population growth. Job demand comes from the same agency via its Internet Vacancy Index; industry and occupation structure from the 2021 Census. | ||
| Education | ABS, ACARA Annual (ACARA) | Aug 2026 this month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Jul 2026 last month all 14 measures |
| Annual and financial-year sources 2 sections | ||
| Income | ABS, ATO Annual (ATO) | FY 2023 3 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| ATO taxable income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index. Census household income provides the distribution detail. | ||
| Health | ABS, ATO Annual | 2024 2 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Census-measured — next update: 2026 Census 3 sections No more current small-area source exists for these, so they are labelled as Census-measured rather than implied to be current. | ||
| Housing | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 30 measures |
| Households | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 18 measures |
| Cultural diversity | ABS, Geoscience Australia 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 44 measures |
"Currency" is the most recent release feeding that section. Where the Census supplies the structural baseline underneath a current headline figure, the row says so.
How the numbers are built
Population
The Census provides the small-area baseline, aggregated from mesh blocks to this boundary. It is then re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release), and new dwellings built since Census night are counted from address data — 32 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for May 2026, not a 2021 count (4,465 at the 2021 Census → 4,694 now). Annual growth rates are compound (CAGR), not simple averages.
Age profile
Cohort shares are not raw Census counts. Every cohort is held as a pair — the Census baseline and a current estimate — and the split is re-based using ERP and state population projections, current to May 2026. Median age is the Census median plus modelled change since. Charts that show both are labelled "2021 Census vs Current Estimate".
Property sales
Sourced from the state valuation authority's sales register — current, not Census, and refreshed weekly. Medians are calculated from settled transactions in the period shown; periods with very low transaction counts are flagged or suppressed, because a handful of sales can move a median substantially.
Rents
Derived from state rental bond lodgement data, by dwelling type and bedroom count. Bonds are lodged at the start of a new tenancy, so this reflects new lettings, not the whole rented stock.
Development & infrastructure
Building approvals come from current ABS releases; development applications are collected from council and state planning portals; the infrastructure pipeline is compiled from Infrastructure Australia and local government sources. Applications are matched to this boundary by address or coordinates, so very recent lodgements may not yet appear.
Employment & income
Industry and occupation structure comes from the Census, but the headline labour-market indicators do not. Unemployment and labour force are derived from ABS Small Area Labour Markets (quarterly). The employment outlook applies Department of Employment forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to this area's own industry mix (the agency is now Jobs and Skills Australia), as does the Internet Vacancy Index used for job demand. Because it is weighted on industry composition alone, that outlook carries no allowance for local population growth — in fast-growing areas the real rise in local jobs will typically be higher. Income combines Census household income with ATO taxable-income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index.
Education, transport & amenities
School enrolments, ICSEA and performance come from ACARA's current release, not the Census. Public transport stops and service frequency are derived from GTFS timetable feeds published by state transport departments. Services and amenities are proximity and count scores built from provider directories, refreshed on their own cycle. The Census contributes only the travel-to-work and qualification measures.
Rankings and benchmarks. Where we rank this area, the comparison set is every area of the same boundary type — suburbs against suburbs, SA2s against SA2s. Benchmarks compare this area against its greater capital city region and the national figure for the same measure and period.
Limits worth knowing. Small areas carry larger error margins, and the ABS introduces small random adjustments to Census counts to protect confidentiality — so totals may not sum exactly. Estimates re-based from regional data describe the area's expected trajectory, not a direct count of it. Figures are indicative for research and are not financial, planning or valuation advice.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (SAL32724). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.