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, as of November 2025, is estimated to be around 5,125 people. This figure reflects an increase of 371 individuals since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,754 people. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 5,110 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 1,268 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Tanah Merah's growth rate of 7.8% since the census positions it within 1.1 percentage points of the national average (8.9%), indicating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth in the suburb was primarily driven by natural growth, contributing approximately 38.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

However, all drivers including interstate migration and overseas migration were positive factors. AreaSearch is adopting 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 are adopted, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data. 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 for each age cohort, released in 2023 based on 2022 data. Looking ahead, an above median population growth of statistical areas across the nation is projected, with Tanah Merah expected to increase by 833 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an overall increase of 17.4% in total over the 17 years.

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

Tanah Merah has averaged approximately 14 new dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 70 homes. In the current financial year FY-26, 16 approvals have been recorded to date. Between FY-21 and FY-25, an average of 5.8 people moved to the area for each dwelling built. This supply lag indicates heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures, with new homes being constructed at an average expected cost of $359,000, below regional levels.

In FY-26, there have been $939,000 in commercial approvals, suggesting minimal commercial development activity. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Tanah Merah has around two-thirds the rate of new dwelling approvals per person and ranks among the 52nd percentile nationally, indicating its established nature and potential planning limitations. New developments consist of 27.0% detached dwellings and 73.0% attached dwellings, reflecting a trend towards denser development to cater to downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers. Tanah Merah's current housing mix is 83.0% houses, showing a significant shift from the past development trends. The area reflects a transitioning market with approximately 310 people per approval. By 2041, Tanah Merah is projected to grow by 889 residents.

If current development rates continue, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Tanah Merah has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified seven projects likely impacting the area. Notable projects include River Gardens Estate - Stage 3 & 4, The Avenues Loganholme, Loganlea Road Upgrade, and Rosebank Estate. The following list details those 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.

AreaSearch analysis reveals Tanah Merah significantly outperforming the majority of regions assessed nationwide

Tanah Merah has a skilled workforce with the construction sector being prominently represented. The unemployment rate in Tanah Merah is 2.9%, lower than Greater Brisbane's 4.1%.

Over the past year, employment growth was estimated at 5.0%. As of June 2025, there are 3,073 residents employed with an unemployment rate of 1.2% below Greater Brisbane's rate. Workforce participation in Tanah Merah is 67.8%, slightly higher than Greater Brisbane's 64.5%. The dominant employment sectors among residents include health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade.

Construction stands out with employment levels at 1.5 times the regional average. Conversely, professional & technical services have lower representation at 5.4% compared to the regional average of 8.9%. Employment opportunities locally may be limited as indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population. Over the 12 months to June 2025, employment increased by 5.0% while labour force increased by 4.9%, leaving unemployment broadly flat. In contrast, Greater Brisbane experienced employment growth of 4.4% and labour force growth of 4.0%, with a drop in unemployment rate by 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 offer insights into potential future demand within Tanah Merah. These projections suggest national employment should expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with growth rates varying between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Tanah Merah's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.4% over five years and 13.2% over ten years.

Income analysis reveals strong economic positioning, with the area outperforming 60% of locations assessed nationally by AreaSearch

AreaSearch's data for financial year 2022 shows Tanah Merah's median income at $56,120 and average income at $63,200. This is below Greater Brisbane's median of $55,645 and average of $70,520. By September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $63,971 (median) and $72,042 (average), based on a 13.99% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2022. The 2021 Census places Tanah Merah's household, family, and personal incomes at the 58th percentile nationally. Income distribution shows that 38.6% of individuals earn between $1,500 and $2,999, similar to metropolitan regions where 33.3% fall into this range. 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 dwelling structures, 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 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, slightly higher than Brisbane metro's $360. Nationally, Tanah Merah's mortgage repayments were lower ($1,733 vs $1,863), and rents were higher ($380 vs $375).

Tanah Merah has a typical household mix, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households constitute 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 account for 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, aligning 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 - advanced diplomas at 12.2% and certificates at 29.2%. Educational participation is high, with 28.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 10.5% in primary, 8.8% in secondary, and 3.6% in tertiary education. Schools appear to be located outside the immediate catchment area, requiring families to access them in neighboring regions.

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 six individual routes, providing a total of 443 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as moderate, with residents typically located 486 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 63 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 44 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's health indicators show below-average results compared to other areas. Common health conditions are somewhat typical but higher than the national average for older residents.

Private health cover stands at approximately 52% of Tanah Merah's total population (~2,677 people), slightly above Greater Brisbane's 50.0%. Mental health issues and asthma are the most common medical conditions in the area, affecting 8.7% and 8.5% of residents respectively. Conversely, 69.1% of Tanah Merah residents report no medical ailments, compared to 66.8% across Greater Brisbane. The population aged 65 and over is 14.2%, lower than the 16.7% in Greater Brisbane. However, health outcomes among seniors require more attention due to presenting challenges.

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

Tanah Merah, surveyed in Jun-Aug 2016, showed cultural diversity with 13.0% speaking a language other than English at home and 27.5% born overseas. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 48.6%. Judaism's representation was similar to Greater Brisbane's, both at 0.1%.

Top ancestry groups were English (28.2%), Australian (23.7%), and Other (8.6%). Notably, New Zealanders were overrepresented at 1.7% compared to the regional average of 1.4%, Hungarians at 0.6% versus 0.3%, and Maori at 2.2% against a regional figure of 2.6%.

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

Tanah Merah's median age is 37 years, nearly matching Greater Brisbane's average of 36 and close to Australia's median of 38. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Tanah Merah has a higher percentage of residents aged 45-54 (14.3%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (13.6%). Between the 2021 Census and now, the population aged 15-24 has grown from 11.5% to 12.5%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Tanah Merah's age profile will significantly change. The 75-84 age group is projected to grow by 66%, adding 165 residents to reach 417. Conversely, both the 0-4 and 25-34 age groups are expected to decrease in number.