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 ABS population updates for the broader area and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, as of May 2026, the estimated population of Tannum Sands is around 5,585. This reflects an increase of 358 people (6.8%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 5,227 people. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of the resident population at 5,527 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and an additional 24 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 6.8% growth since census positions it within 0.6 percentage points of the SA4 region (7.4%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by natural growth, contributing approximately 38.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

However, all drivers including overseas migration and interstate 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 based on 2021 data. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort, released in 2023 based on 2022 data. Anticipating future population dynamics, a population increase just below the median of Australian non-metropolitan areas is expected. Based on aggregated SA2-level projections, the suburb of Tannum Sands is expected to increase by 513 persons to 2041, reflecting an overall increase of 8.2% in total over the 16 years.

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

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, Tannum Sands has experienced around 23 dwellings receiving development approval per year. An estimated 115 homes were approved over the past five financial years, between FY-21 and FY-25, with a further 18 approved so far in FY-26. On average, approximately 2.5 people have moved to the area per new home constructed over these five years, reflecting robust demand that supports property values.

New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost of $469,000, which is moderately above regional levels and indicates an emphasis on quality construction. Additionally, $2.0 million in commercial approvals have been registered this financial year, demonstrating the area's residential nature. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Tannum Sands shows moderately higher construction activity, with 30.0% more approvals per person over the five-year period, balancing buyer choice while supporting current property values. New building activity comprises 52.0% standalone homes and 48.0% townhouses or apartments, showing a growing mix of housing types that provides options across different price points, from family homes to more affordable compact living.

This shift reflects the reduced availability of development sites and addresses changing lifestyle demands and affordability requirements. Currently, there are around 135 people per dwelling approval in Tannum Sands, indicating characteristics of a growth area. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Tannum Sands is expected to grow by approximately 455 residents through to 2041. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting population growth beyond current projections.

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

Five projects could significantly affect the area's performance: Tannum Sands Priority Development Area, Boyne Tannum Aquatic Centre, Riverstone Rise, Hughes Road Battery Energy Storage System.

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Employment performance in Tannum Sands exceeds national averages across key labour market indicators

Tannum Sands has a diverse workforce with both white and blue-collar jobs. The construction sector is prominent. Unemployment rate was 3.2% as of AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

As of December 2025, 2,944 residents were employed with an unemployment rate of 0.8% below Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%. Workforce participation was 68.7%, similar to Regional Qld's 64.5%. Census data showed that 6.3% of residents worked from home, potentially impacted by Covid-19 lockdowns. Employment is concentrated in manufacturing, construction, and education & training.

Manufacturing employment is notably high at 2.9 times the regional average, while health care & social assistance employs 9.8% of local workers, below Regional Qld's 16.1%. The area may offer limited local employment opportunities as indicated by Census data. Between December 2024 and December 2025, labour force decreased by 3.9%, employment declined by 3.1%, leading to a 0.9 percentage point drop in unemployment rate. In contrast, Regional Qld saw employment growth of 0.7% and labour force growth of 1.0%. 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 Tannum Sands' employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.3% over five years and 11.8% over ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes only.

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

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data released for financial year 2023, Tannum Sands had a median income among taxpayers of $65,522 and an average level of $80,995. These figures are high compared nationally with $53,146 and $66,593 in Regional Qld respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Tannum Sands would be approximately $72,965 (median) and $90,196 (average) as of March 2026. According to the 2021 Census, incomes in Tannum Sands cluster around the 65th percentile nationally. The predominant income cohort spans 31.8% of locals (1,776 people), within the $1,500 - 2,999 category, similar to regional patterns where 31.7% occupy this range. After housing costs, residents retain 87.7% of their income, reflecting strong purchasing power and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 4th decile.

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

The dwelling structure in Tannum Sands, as per the latest Census, consisted of 83.4% houses and 16.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Regional Qld's 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Tannum Sands stood at 29.2%, with the rest being mortgaged (40.6%) or rented (30.2%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,733, higher than Regional Qld's average of $1,655. The median weekly rent figure was recorded as $290, lower than Regional Qld's $345. Nationally, Tannum Sands' mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 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 comprise the remaining 23.4%, with lone person households at 21.5% and group households making up 1.8%. The median household size is 2.6 people, larger than the Regional Queensland 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%, significantly 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, including advanced diplomas (10.2%) and certificates (35.6%). Educational participation is high at 31.2%, comprising 11.9% in primary education, 11.6% in secondary education, and 2.8% pursuing tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 31.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.9% in primary education, 11.6% in secondary education, and 2.8% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Tannum Sands has nine active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by one route in total, offering 45 weekly passenger trips combined. The area's transport accessibility is limited, with residents typically located 725 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward from this primarily residential area, with cars being the dominant mode of transportation at 92%. On average, there are 1.6 vehicles per dwelling. According to the 2021 Census, only 6.3% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions.

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

Tannum Sands's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with a fairly standard level of common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts

Health data for Tannum Sands shows positive outcomes, with mortality rates and health conditions largely matching national averages. Common health issues affect both young and elderly residents equally.

Private health cover is high at 59%, compared to 52.5% in Regional Qld (3,311 people). The most common conditions are arthritis (8.2%) and mental health issues (8.0%). Overall, 72.5% of residents report no medical ailments, higher than the regional average of 67.6%. Working-age population health outcomes are typical. Residents aged 65+ make up 16.5%, lower than Regional Qld's 20.4% (921 people). Senior health outcomes rank high nationally.

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 conducted on 28 August 2016, had a cultural diversity index of below average. The population was predominantly Australian-born, with 83.5% having been born in Australia. Citizenship was also high at 89.2%, and English was spoken exclusively at home by 95.6%.

Christianity was the dominant religion, practiced by 49.5% of residents. While Judaism made up only 0.1% of Tannum Sands' population, this was an overrepresentation compared to Regional Queensland's 0.1%. The top three ancestry groups were English (30.7%), Australian (28.9%), and Scottish (8.8%). Notably, New Zealanders were overrepresented at 1.3% versus the regional average of 0.9%, South Australians at 1.1% compared to 0.5%, and Germans at 5.2% against a regional rate of 4.7%.

Tannum Sands's median age exceeds the national pattern

The median age in Tannum Sands is 41 years, matching Regional Queensland's average and slightly higher than Australia's median age of 38 years. Compared to Regional Queensland, Tannum Sands has a higher proportion of residents aged 45-54 (15.3%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (8.3%). Post the 2021 Census, the population aged 65-74 increased from 8.6% to 10.5%, while those aged 75-84 rose from 3.3% to 4.8%. Conversely, the age group 5-14 decreased from 16.4% to 14.4%, and the 45-54 cohort dropped from 17.0% to 15.3%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Tannum Sands' age structure. Notably, the 75-84 age group is projected to grow by 49%, reaching 399 people from 268. The combined age groups of 65 and above will account for 54% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic trend. Conversely, both the 5-14 and 55-64 age groups are projected to decrease in numbers.