Tanah Merah

Tanah Merah is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

The population of Tanah Merah is estimated at around 5,000 as of May 2026. This reflects an increase of 246 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,754. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of the resident population being 4,931 following examination of ABS data released in June 2025, and an additional 34 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,237 persons per square kilometer. Population growth was primarily driven by natural growth contributing approximately 38.0% 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, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections released in 2023 based on 2021 data are adopted. It should be noted that these state projections do not provide age category splits, hence proportional growth weightings are applied in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 based on 2022 data. Demographically, the suburb is projected to have an above median population growth, increasing by 728 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a total increase of 13.2% over the 16 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in Tanah Merah, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers in Tanah Merah shows an average of 11 new dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling approximately 56 homes. In FY26 so far, 18 approvals have been recorded. This results in around 1.3 people moving to the area annually for each dwelling built between FY21 and FY25, indicating a balanced supply and demand market with stable conditions. The average construction cost of new homes is $359,000.

Additionally, $2.4 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, reflecting Tanah Merah's residential character. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Tanah Merah has approximately half the rate of new dwelling approvals per person and ranks among the 35th percentile nationally, leading to relatively constrained buyer choice and interest in existing properties. This is also below the national average, suggesting an established area with potential planning limitations. New development consists of 22.0% detached dwellings and 78.0% attached dwellings, indicating a trend towards denser development that appeals to downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers. This represents a significant change from the current housing mix, which is predominantly houses (83.0%). Tanah Merah's population growth rate of around 466 people per approval suggests a mature market.

According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Tanah Merah is projected to add 659 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.

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

Infrastructure changes significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified eight projects likely impacting the region. Notable ones are River Gardens Estate - Stages 3 & 4, The Avenues Loganholme, Loganlea Road Upgrade, and Rosebank Estate.

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.

AreaSearch assessment positions Tanah Merah ahead of most Australian regions for employment performance

Tanah Merah has a skilled workforce with an unemployment rate of 3.1% as of December 2025, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. The construction sector is particularly prominent in the area. As of December 2025, 2,744 residents are employed, and the unemployment rate is 1.1% lower than Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.1%.

Workforce participation is similar to Greater Brisbane's at 69.6%. Based on Census responses, 15.3% of residents work from home. The dominant employment sectors include health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. Construction has notable concentration with employment levels at 1.5 times the regional average.

Conversely, professional & technical services show lower representation at 5.4%. Over the year to December 2025, labour force levels decreased by 3.0% and employment decreased by 2.6%, causing unemployment to fall by 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Tanah Merah's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.4% over five years and 13.2% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localised population projections.

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

Tanah Merah's income data from AreaSearch's postcode level ATO figures for financial year 2023 shows median income at $56,120 and average income at $63,200. This is lower than Greater Brisbane's median income of $58,236 and average income of $72,799. By March 2026, estimated incomes would be approximately $62,495 (median) and $70,380 (average), based on Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023. The 2021 Census places Tanah Merah at the 58th percentile nationally for household, family, and personal incomes. Income distribution shows that 38.6% of individuals earn between $1,500 - $2,999, similar to metropolitan regions where 33.3% fall within this range. Housing costs consume 16.0% of income in Tanah Merah, with disposable income at the 59th percentile and SEIFA income ranking placing it in the 5th decile.

Tanah Merah is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

Tanah Merah's dwellings, as per the latest Census, consisted of 83.4% houses and 16.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Brisbane metro's 73.5% houses and 26.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Tanah Merah stood at 22.8%, with the rest either mortgaged (51.7%) or rented (25.5%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,733, lower than Brisbane metro's $1,863 and the national average of $1,863. Median weekly rent was $380, matching Brisbane metro's figure but higher than the national average of $375.

Tanah Merah has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 76.6% of all households, including 35.9% couples with children, 25.7% couples without children, and 13.7% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 23.4%, with lone person households at 20.4% and group households comprising 2.4%. The median household size is 2.8 people, which is larger than the Greater Brisbane average of 2.6.

Tanah Merah shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

The area's university qualification rate is 19.5%, significantly lower than Greater Brisbane's average of 30.5%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 14.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.1%) and graduate diplomas (1.8%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 41.4% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (12.2%) and certificates (29.2%). Educational participation is high at 28.6%, with 10.5% in primary education, 8.8% in secondary education, and 3.6% pursuing tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 28.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.5% in primary education, 8.8% in secondary education, and 3.6% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Tanah Merah has ten active public transport stops operating, serving a mix of bus routes. These stops are serviced by five individual routes, providing a total of 436 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as moderate, with residents typically located 486 meters from the nearest stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward. Car remains the dominant mode of transport at 94%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.8 per dwelling, above the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 15.3% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 62 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 43 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Tanah Merah is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Tanah Merah faces significant health challenges, as assessed by AreaSearch's analysis of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions are somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts.

The rate of private health cover is approximately 52% of the total population (~2,612 people), leading that of the average SA2 area but lower than Greater Brisbane's 55.8%. Mental health issues impact 8.7% of residents, while asthma affects 8.5%, with 69.1% reporting no medical ailments, similar to Greater Brisbane's 69.2%. Working-age residents show a higher prevalence of chronic health conditions compared to the average. The area has 14.7% of residents aged 65 and over (735 people), with health outcomes among seniors presenting some challenges, broadly in line with national rankings for the general population.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Tanah Merah was found to be slightly above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Tanah Merah, surveyed in the period from July 2016 to June 2021, exhibited cultural diversity higher than average. During this timeframe, 13.0% of its residents spoke a language other than English at home, and 27.5% were born overseas. Christianity was the predominant religion in Tanah Merah, with 48.6% of people identifying as Christian.

However, Judaism showed an overrepresentation compared to Greater Brisbane, comprising 0.1% versus 0.1%. The top three ancestry groups based on country of birth of parents were English (28.2%), Australian (23.7%), and Other (8.6%). Notably, New Zealanders were overrepresented at 1.7%, Hungarians at 0.6%, and Maori at 2.2% compared to regional averages of 1.0%, 0.2%, and 1.1% respectively.

Tanah Merah's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Tanah Merah's median age is nearly 37 years, closely matching Greater Brisbane's average of 36 and approaching Australia's median of 38. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Tanah Merah has a higher proportion of residents aged 45-54 (14.2%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (13.7%). Between the 2021 Census and now, the population aged 15-24 has grown from 11.5% to 12.3%, while the 0-4 age group has declined from 6.6% to 5.9%. By 2041, demographic modeling projects significant changes in Tanah Merah's age profile. The 75-84 cohort is projected to grow by 53%, adding 135 residents to reach 390. Meanwhile, both the 25-34 and 0-4 age groups are expected to decrease in number.