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

As of Feb 2026, the population of Tannum Sands is estimated at around 5,610, reflecting an increase of 383 people since the 2021 Census. This growth represents a 7.3% increase from the previous census figure of 5,227 people. AreaSearch's examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and validation of 24 new addresses since the Census date contribute to this estimation. The population density is approximately 72 persons per square kilometer. This growth exceeds the SA4 region's average increase of 6.8%, positioning Tannum Sands as a growth leader within its region. Natural growth accounted for approximately 38.0% of overall population gains, with other factors such as overseas and interstate migration also contributing positively.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024, based on 2022 data, and Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections released in 2023, based on 2021 data, for areas not covered by the former or years post-2032. Considering these projections, Tannum Sands is expected to grow by approximately 523 persons to reach a total population of around 6,133 by 2041, reflecting an increase of 8.2% over the 17-year period.

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

Tannum Sands has received approximately 24 dwelling approvals per year based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, around 124 homes were approved, with an additional 15 approved in FY-26 so far. On average, each new home has brought in about 1.9 new residents annually over these five years.

The average construction value of new properties is $469,000, which is moderately higher than regional levels. This financial year, Tannum Sands has seen $2.0 million in commercial approvals registered, indicating its residential nature. Comparatively, Tannum Sands shows moderately higher construction activity than the rest of Queensland, with 39.0% above the regional average per person over the past five years. This balance supports current property values while offering buyer choice.

New building activity is predominantly standalone homes at 56.0%, with townhouses or apartments making up 44.0%. This mix provides options across different price points, reflecting reduced development sites and shifting lifestyle demands. Tannum Sands currently has around 125 people per dwelling approval, indicating growth area characteristics. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, the area is expected to grow by approximately 461 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, namely Tannum Sands Priority Development Area, Boyne Tannum Aquatic Centre, Riverstone Rise, and Hughes Road Battery Energy Storage System, are identified by AreaSearch as potentially impacting the area.

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

Tannum Sands has a balanced workforce with both white and blue collar jobs. The construction sector is prominent. Unemployment rate was 3.9% in the past year.

Employment grew by an estimated 0.8%. As of September 2025, 3,050 residents are employed, with unemployment at 3.0%, below Rest of Qld's 4.1%. Workforce participation is 70.7%. Census data shows 6.3% work from home.

Leading industries include manufacturing, construction, and education & training. Manufacturing has high representation, at 2.9 times the regional level. Health care & social assistance is lower at 9.8%, compared to 16.1% regionally. Local employment opportunities seem limited. Over a year, employment rose by 0.8%, labour force by 1.2%, increasing unemployment by 0.4%. Rest of Qld had higher growth rates. Jobs and Skills Australia's May-25 forecasts suggest national employment will expand by 6.6% in five years and 13.7% in ten years. Applying these projections to Tannum Sands' mix indicates local employment could increase by 5.3% in five years and 11.8% in ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation 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 aggregated from the latest ATO records for the financial year ending 30 June 2023. The median income among taxpayers was $65,522 and the average income stood at $80,995. These figures compared to those of Rest of Qld's which were $53,146 and $66,593 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since financial year 2023, estimated current incomes would be approximately $72,015 (median) and $89,022 (average) as of September 2025. According to the Census conducted in August 2021, income levels in Tannum Sands clustered around the 65th percentile nationally. The predominant income bracket was $1,500 - 2,999, with 31.8% of locals (1,783 people) falling into this category, similar to the broader area where 31.7% occupied this bracket. 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 ownership patterns similar to the broader region

Tannum Sands' dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 83.4% houses and 16.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Non-Metro Qld's 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Tannum Sands stood at 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 $1,655. Median weekly rent in Tannum Sands was $290, lower than Non-Metro Qld's figure of $345. Nationally, Tannum Sands' mortgage repayments were below the Australian average of $1,863, and 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 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 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 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 primary education (11.9%), secondary education (11.6%), and tertiary education (2.8%).

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

Public transport analysis shows nine active transport stops operating within Tannum Sands. These stops are served by one route, providing 45 weekly passenger trips collectively. Transport accessibility is limited, with residents typically located 725 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to its residential nature. Car remains the dominant mode at 92%, with an average of 1.6 vehicles per dwelling. According to the 2021 Census, a relatively low 6.3% of residents work from home, which may reflect 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 shows positive outcomes for Tannum Sands residents. Mortality rates and health conditions are broadly inline with national benchmarks.

Common health conditions are seen across both young and old age cohorts. Private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 59% of the total population, compared to 52.5% in Rest of Qld. The most common medical conditions are arthritis (8.2%) and mental health issues (8.0%). 72.5% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 67.6% in Rest of Qld. Health outcomes among the working-age population are typical. There are 16.1% of residents aged 65 and over, lower than the 20.4% in Rest of Qld. Health outcomes among seniors are strong, with national rankings even higher than the general population.

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, had a population with 83.5% born in Australia, 89.2% being citizens, and 95.6% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 49.5% of the population. The most notable disproportion was seen in Judaism, which constituted 0.1% compared to the regional average of 0.1%.

For ancestry, the top three groups were English (30.7%), Australian (28.9%), and Scottish (8.8%). There were significant differences in the representation of certain ethnicities: New Zealanders made up 1.3% versus the regional 0.9%, South Africans comprised 1.1% compared to 0.5%, and Germans accounted for 5.2% versus the regional average of 4.7%.

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 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 (14.8%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (8.7%). As per the 2021 Census, the proportion of residents aged 65-74 increased from 8.6% to 10.4%, while those aged 75-84 grew from 3.3% to 4.5%. Conversely, the proportion of residents aged 5-14 decreased from 16.4% to 14.1%, and those aged 45-54 dropped from 17.0% to 14.8%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Tannum Sands's age structure. The 75-84 age group is expected to grow by 51%, reaching 382 people from 252. Notably, the combined age groups of 65 and above will account for 53% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. In contrast, both the 5-14 and 55-64 age groups are projected to see reduced numbers.