Tannum Sands

Tannum Sands 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, as of November 2025, the estimated population of Tannum Sands is around 5,576. This reflects an increase of 349 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 5,227. The change is inferred from the resident population of 5,568, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, and an additional 16 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 72 persons per square kilometer. Tannum Sands's growth of 6.7% since the 2021 census exceeded the SA4 region's growth of 6.6%. Population growth was primarily driven by natural growth, contributing approximately 38.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting 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. Age category splits are applied proportionally according to ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 based on 2022 data. Future population dynamics anticipate a median increase for Australian non-metropolitan areas, with the suburb expected to increase by 526 persons to 2041, reflecting an overall increase of 8.9% over the 17 years.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Tannum Sands when compared nationally

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers indicates Tannum Sands has received around 24 dwelling approvals per year. Approximately 120 homes were approved between financial years FY-21 to FY-25, with an additional 15 approved in FY-26. This results in an average of about 2 new residents arriving per year for each new home over the past five financial years.

The average construction value of new properties is around $469,000, aligning with regional patterns. In FY-26, $80,000 worth of commercial approvals have been registered, reflecting the area's residential nature. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Tannum Sands exhibits moderately higher construction activity, at 34.0% above the regional average per person over the past five years. This balance supports both buyer choice and current property values.

The new building activity shows a mix of 53.0% standalone homes and 47.0% townhouses or apartments, indicating a shift from the current housing mix of 83.0% houses. This change is likely due to reduced development site availability and evolving lifestyle demands. Tannum Sands has around 125 people per dwelling approval, suggesting characteristics of a growth area. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, the area is projected to grow by approximately 495 residents by 2041. Given current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing favorable conditions for buyers and potentially supporting population growth beyond current projections.

Tannum Sands has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 47thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified five projects that may impact this region. Notable projects are Boyne Tannum Aquatic Centre, Riverstone Rise, Tannum Sands Priority Development Area, and Hughes Road Battery Energy Storage System. The following list details those likely most relevant.

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Employment performance in Tannum Sands has been broadly consistent with national averages

Tannum Sands has a diverse workforce with both white and blue collar jobs. The construction sector is prominent.

Unemployment rate was 4.2% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 4.2%. As of June 2025, 3071 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 4.2%, which is 0.3% higher than Rest of Qld's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation in Tannum Sands is 66.5%, compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Major employment industries include manufacturing, construction, and education & training.

Manufacturing has a particularly high representation, at 2.9 times the regional level. Conversely, health care & social assistance shows lower representation at 9.8% versus the regional average of 16.1%. Employment opportunities locally may be limited, as indicated by Census data comparing working population to resident population. In the past year, employment increased by 4.2%, while labour force grew by 4.9%, causing unemployment rate to rise by 0.6 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Qld had employment growth of 1.8% and labour force growth of 2.0%, with a 0.2 percentage point rise in unemployment rate. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 suggest potential future demand within Tannum Sands. These projections estimate national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Tannum Sands' employment mix, local employment is expected to increase by 5.3% over five years and 11.8% over ten years.

Income metrics indicate excellent economic conditions, with the area achieving higher performance than 75% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch

Tannum Sands' median income among taxpayers was $65,522 in financial year 2022. The average income stood at $80,995 during the same period. This compares to figures for Rest of Qld's median and average incomes of $50,780 and $64,844 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022, estimated median income is approximately $74,689 as of September 2025, with average income at around $92,326 during the same period. According to the 2021 Census, incomes in Tannum Sands cluster around the 65th percentile nationally. The predominant income cohort spans 31.8% of locals (1,773 people) earning between $1,500 and $2,999. After housing costs, residents retain 87.7% of their income. Tannum Sands' SEIFA income ranking places it in the 4th decile.

Tannum Sands is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

The latest Census showed that in Tannum Sands, 83.4% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 16.6% being semi-detached, apartments, or other types. In comparison, Non-Metro Qld had 85.7% houses and 14.3% other dwellings. Home ownership in Tannum Sands was 29.2%, similar to Non-Metro Qld's figure. Mortgaged dwellings made up 40.6%, while rented ones were 30.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,733, higher than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,600 but lower than the national average of $1,863. The median weekly rent in Tannum Sands was $290, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $275 and the national figure of $375.

Tannum Sands has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 76.6% of all households, including 35.5% couples with children, 31.1% couples without children, and 9.5% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 23.4%, with lone person households at 21.5% and group households comprising 1.8%. The median household size is 2.6 people, larger than the Rest of Qld average of 2.5.

Educational outcomes in Tannum Sands fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

The area's university qualification rate is 15.8%, considerably lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 11.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.3%) and graduate diplomas (1.8%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 45.8% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas at 10.2% and certificates at 35.6%. Educational participation is high, with 31.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education: 11.9% in primary, 11.6% in secondary, and 2.8% in tertiary education.

Tannum Sands has 4 schools with a combined enrollment of 1,747 students, operating under typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 995) with balanced educational opportunities. Educational provision is split between 2 primary and 2 secondary institutions. The area serves as an education hub, offering 31.3 school places per 100 residents - significantly higher than the regional average of 18.2 - attracting students from surrounding communities.

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

Transport analysis shows nine active stops operating in Tannum Sands, served by a mix of buses. These stops are covered by one route, offering 45 weekly passenger trips collectively. Transport accessibility is rated limited, with residents typically located 725 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages six trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately five weekly trips per individual stop.

The level of general health in Tannum Sands is notably higher than the national average with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Tannum Sands shows superior health outcomes for both younger and older age groups, with low prevalence rates of common health conditions. The private health cover rate is notably high at approximately 59% of the total population (3,306 people), compared to the Rest of Qld's 55.6%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 8.2% and 8.0% of residents respectively. A significant majority, 72.5%, report no medical ailments, compared to the Rest of Qld's 69.4%. As of March 2021, 15.4% of residents are aged 65 and over (858 people). Health outcomes among seniors in Tannum Sands exceed those of the general population in various health metrics.

Tannum Sands is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Tannum Sands, as per the census data from June 2016, displayed a lower level of cultural diversity with 83.5% of its population born in Australia and 89.2% being citizens. The majority spoke English at home, with 95.6% reporting this as their primary language. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 49.5% of Tannum Sands' population.

Notably, Judaism, which had no representation regionally (Rest of Qld), comprised 0.1% of Tannum Sands' population. In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English at 30.7%, Australian at 28.9%, and Scottish at 8.8%. There were also notable differences in the representation of certain ethnic groups: New Zealanders made up 1.3% compared to 0.8% regionally, South Africans comprised 1.1% versus 0.6%, and Germans constituted 5.2% compared to 5.1%.

Tannum Sands hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

The median age in Tannum Sands is 41 years, matching Rest of Qld's average but somewhat older than Australia's average of 38 years. Compared to Rest of Qld, Tannum Sands has a higher concentration of residents aged 45-54 (15.2%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (8.6%). As of the 2021 Census, the 65-74 age group comprises 9.9% of the population, up from 8.6%, while the 75-84 cohort increased to 4.4% from 3.3%. Conversely, the 45-54 cohort declined to 15.2% from 17.0%, and the 5-14 age group decreased to 14.7% from 16.4%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Tannum Sands's age structure. The 65-74 age group is projected to grow by 28% (156 people), reaching 709 from 552. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 56% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. In contrast, both the 55-64 and 5-14 age groups are projected to see reduced numbers.