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

The population of the Tannum Sands statistical area (Lv2) is estimated at around 5,588 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 361 people since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 5,227 people. The change was inferred from the resident population of 5,579 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (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. The Tannum Sands (SA2) experienced a growth rate of 6.9% since the 2021 census, exceeding the SA4 region's growth rate of 6.7%. Natural growth contributed approximately 38.0% of overall population gains 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 by this data and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections released in 2023 based on 2021 data are adopted. Proportional growth weightings aligned with ABS Greater Capital Region projections are applied where necessary due to lack of age category splits in state projections. Future population dynamics anticipate an increase just below the median of Australian non-metropolitan areas, with the area expected to increase by 523 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an overall increase of 8.6% 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 shows that Tannum Sands has received around 24 dwelling approvals per year. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, approximately 124 homes were approved, with an additional 15 approved in FY-26 so far. This results in an average of about 1.9 new residents arriving per new home each year over these five years.

The supply and demand dynamics appear stable, with new properties constructed at an average value of $469,000, which is moderately higher than regional levels, indicating a focus on quality construction. This financial year has seen $2.0 million in commercial approvals registered, reflecting the area's residential nature. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Tannum Sands exhibits moderately higher construction activity, with 38.0% above the regional average per person over the five-year period. New building activity comprises 56.0% standalone homes and 44.0% townhouses or apartments, demonstrating a growing mix of housing types to cater to different price points and lifestyle demands.

This shift is notable compared to the current housing mix, which is predominantly houses at 83.0%. With around 125 people per dwelling approval, Tannum Sands exhibits characteristics of a growth area. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, the area is projected to grow by approximately 480 residents by 2041. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, potentially supporting further population growth beyond current projections.

Tannum Sands has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. Five projects identified by AreaSearch are likely to affect this region. Key projects include the Tannum Sands Priority Development Area, Boyne Tannum Aquatic Centre, Riverstone Rise, and Hughes Road Battery Energy Storage System. 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.

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, with an unemployment rate of 4.0% and estimated employment growth of 0.7% in the past year (AreaSearch data).

As of September 2025, there are 3,039 employed residents, with an unemployment rate of 3.0%, compared to Rest of Qld's 4.1%. Workforce participation is high at 66.5%. Key employment industries include manufacturing, construction, and education & training. Manufacturing stands out with a share of employment 2.9 times the regional level, while health care & social assistance has lower representation at 9.8% versus the regional average of 16.1%.

Employment opportunities locally may be limited, as indicated by Census data. In the past year (AreaSearch analysis), employment increased by 0.7%, labour force by 1.2%, raising unemployment by 0.5 percentage points. Meanwhile, Rest of Qld saw employment growth of 1.7% and labour force growth of 2.1%. State-level data to 25-Nov-25 shows Queensland's employment contracted by 0.01%, with an unemployment rate of 4.2%. Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Tannum Sands' employment mix suggests local employment could increase by 5.3% in five years and 11.8% in 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

The suburb of Tannum Sands had one of the highest income levels in Australia according to AreaSearch data based on the latest ATO figures for the financial year 2023. The median income among taxpayers in Tannum Sands was $65,522 and the average income stood at $80,995, compared to $53,146 and $66,593 respectively for the rest of Queensland. Based on a 9.91% growth rate in wages since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $72,015 (median) and $89,022 (average). According to the 2021 Census, incomes in Tannum Sands clustered around the 65th percentile nationally. The majority of locals, 31.8% or 1,776 people, fell into the $1,500 - 2,999 income bracket, similar to the broader area where 31.7% occupied this category. After accounting for housing costs, residents retained 87.7% of their income, indicating strong purchasing power. The suburb's SEIFA income ranking placed it in the 4th decile.

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

Tannum Sands' dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 83.4% houses and 16.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Non-Metro Qld had 85.7% houses and 14.3% other dwellings. Home ownership in Tannum Sands was 29.2%, with mortgaged dwellings at 40.6% and rented ones at 30.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,733, higher than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,600. Median weekly rent in Tannum Sands was $290, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $275. Nationally, Tannum Sands' mortgage repayments were lower at $1,733 than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially lower at $290 compared to 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 making up 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%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. This discrepancy presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives in the region. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 11.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.3%) and graduate diplomas (1.8%). Trade and technical skills are prevalent, with 45.8% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (10.2%) and certificates (35.6%).

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

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 transport stops in Tannum Sands, offering a mix of bus services. These stops are served by one route, collectively facilitating 45 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as 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 young and elderly populations, with low prevalence of common health conditions. The rate of private health cover is notably high at approximately 59% of the total population (3,313 people), compared to 56.8% across the rest of Queensland.

Arthritis and mental health issues are the most prevalent medical conditions in the area, affecting 8.2 and 8.0% of residents respectively. A significant proportion, 72.5%, report being completely free from medical ailments, higher than the 69.4% reported across the rest of Queensland. The area has a sizeable elderly population, with 15.4% of residents aged 65 and over (860 people). Health outcomes among seniors are particularly commendable, outperforming the general population in 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 conducted on the 9th of August, 2016, had a cultural diversity index below average. The majority of its population was born in Australia, with 83.5%. Citizenship was also predominantly Australian at 89.2%, and English was spoken exclusively at home by 95.6% of the residents.

Christianity was the primary religion, practiced by 49.5% of people living in Tannum Sands. However, Judaism showed a significant overrepresentation with 0.1% of the population, compared to none reported regionally. In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English at 30.7%, Australian at 28.9%, and Scottish at 8.8%. Notably, New Zealanders were overrepresented at 1.3%, South Africans at 1.1%, and Germans at 5.2% compared to their regional counterparts.

Tannum Sands's median age exceeds the national pattern

The median age in Tannum Sands is 41 years, matching Rest of Qld's average but older than Australia's average of 38 years. Compared to Rest of Qld, Tannum Sands has a higher percentage of residents aged 45-54 (15.2%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (8.6%). Post the 2021 Census, the age group 65 to 74 grew from 8.6% to 9.9%, while the 75 to 84 cohort increased from 3.3% to 4.4%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort declined from 17.0% to 15.2% and the 5 to 14 group dropped from 16.4% to 14.7%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Tannum Sands's age structure. The 65 to 74 age group is projected to grow by 28%, reaching 709 people from 553. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 57% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. In contrast, both the 55 to 64 and 5 to 14 age groups are projected to decrease in numbers.