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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the Census Tanah Merah's population is estimated at around 4942 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 188 people (4.0%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4754 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 4909, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 17 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1223 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Population growth for the Tanah Merah statistical area (Lv2) was primarily driven by natural growth that contributed approximately 38.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including interstate migration and overseas migration were positive factors.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and for years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data, are adopted. It should be noted that these state projections do not provide age category splits; hence where utilised, AreaSearch is applying proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) for each age cohort. Moving forward with demographic trends, an above median population growth of statistical areas across the nation is projected, with the Tanah Merah (SA2) expected to increase by 836 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 21.8% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Tanah Merah recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

Based on AreaSearch analysis using ABS building approval numbers from statistical area data, Tanah Merah averaged around 10 new dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 53 homes. So far in FY-26, 10 approvals have been recorded. Between FY-21 and FY-25, an average of 7.6 people moved to the area for each dwelling built. This supply lagging demand suggests heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures, with new homes being built at an average expected construction cost value of $359,000.

In this financial year, $2.4 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, indicating Tanah Merah's residential character. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Tanah Merah has around half the rate of new dwelling approvals per person and ranks among the 30th percentile nationally, leading to relatively constrained buyer choice and supporting interest in existing properties. This is also under the national average, suggesting the area's established nature and potential planning limitations. New development consists of 20.0% detached dwellings and 80.0% attached dwellings, appealing to downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers. This trend reflects reduced availability of development sites and shifting lifestyle demands and affordability requirements, marking a significant change from the current housing mix (currently 83.0% houses). With around 539 people per approval, Tanah Merah indicates a mature market.

According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Tanah Merah is projected to add 1,075 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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified seven projects likely impacting the area. Key projects include River Gardens Estate - Stage 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 analysis places Tanah Merah well above average for employment performance across multiple indicators

Tanah Merah has a skilled workforce with the construction sector being prominent. The unemployment rate was 2.8% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 2.9%.

As of September 2025, 2,995 residents are employed and the unemployment rate is 1.2% lower than Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.0%. Workforce participation is at 67.8%, slightly higher than Greater Brisbane's 64.5%. The dominant employment sectors include health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. Construction stands out with employment levels at 1.5 times the regional average, while professional & technical services show lower representation at 5.4% compared to the regional average of 8.9%.

Over the year ending September 2025, employment increased by 2.9% and labour force grew by 2.2%, leading to a decrease in unemployment rate by 0.7 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Brisbane saw employment growth of 3.8% and labour force growth of 3.3%, with a drop in unemployment rate of 0.5 percentage points. Statewide, Queensland's employment contracted by 0.01% between November 2024 and November 2025, losing 1,210 jobs, with the state unemployment rate at 4.2%. Nationally, the unemployment rate was 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts 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 these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes only.

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 2023 shows that Tanah Merah's median income is $56,120 and average income is $63,200. This is below Greater Brisbane's median income of $58,236 and average income of $72,799. By September 2025, estimated incomes based on a 9.91% Wage Price Index growth would be approximately $61,681 (median) and $69,463 (average). According to the 2021 Census, Tanah Merah's household, family, and personal incomes fall around the 58th percentile nationally. Income distribution shows that 38.6% of individuals earn between $1,500 - 2,999, similar to metropolitan regions at 33.3%. High housing costs consume 16.0% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 59th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places 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 data, consisted of 83.4% houses and 16.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Brisbane metro's 82.9% houses and 17.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Tanah Merah stood at 22.8%, with mortgaged dwellings at 51.7% and rented ones at 25.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,733, aligning with Brisbane metro's average, while the median weekly rent was $380, compared to Brisbane metro's $1,733 and $360 respectively. Nationally, Tanah Merah's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents exceeded the national figure of $375.

Tanah Merah has a typical household mix, with a fairly typical 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 aligns with the Greater Brisbane average.

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, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by five different routes that together facilitate 436 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility to these stops is rated as moderate, with residents typically residing 486 meters away from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 62 daily trips across all routes, equating to approximately 43 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health outcomes in Tanah Merah are marginally below the national average with the level of common health conditions among the general population somewhat typical, though higher than the nation's average among older cohorts

Tanah Merah shows below-average health indicators compared to national averages.

Mental health issues and asthma are the most prevalent conditions, affecting 8.7% and 8.5% of residents respectively. Around 69.1% of Tanah Merah residents report no medical ailments, slightly higher than Greater Brisbane's 66.8%. Private health cover is held by approximately 52% of Tanah Merah's total population (~2,582 people), leading the average SA2 area. The area has a lower proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 14.2% (701 people) compared to Greater Brisbane's 16.7%. However, health outcomes among seniors require more attention than those in the broader 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 between June 2016 and June 2021, had a cultural diversity index above average with 13.0% of residents speaking a language other than English at home and 27.5% born overseas. Christianity was the predominant religion in Tanah Merah (48.6%), slightly higher compared to Greater Brisbane's 45.9%. Judaism, however, was equally represented at 0.1% across both areas.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (28.2%), Australian (23.7%), and Other (8.6%). Notable differences existed in the representation of New Zealanders (1.7%, compared to 1.4% regionally), Hungarians (0.6%, versus 0.3%), and Maori (2.2%, versus 2.6%).

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

At 37 years, Tanah Merah's median age is nearly matching Greater Brisbane's average of 36 and is very close to Australia's median of 38. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Tanah Merah has a higher concentration of residents aged 45-54 (14.3%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (13.5%). Between the 2021 Census and now, the proportion of residents aged 15-24 has grown from 11.5% to 12.5%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Tanah Merah's age profile will significantly evolve. The 45-54 cohort is projected to grow by 27%, adding 188 residents to reach 895. Meanwhile, the 0-4 group is projected to contract by 6 residents.