Tara (Qld)

Tara has shown very soft population growth performance across periods assessed by AreaSearch

As of Nov 2025, the population of the Tara (Qld) statistical area (Lv2) is estimated at around 2,077. This figure reflects an increase of 97 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,980. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of 2,073 residents following examination of ABS' latest ERP data release (June 2024) and validation of 121 new addresses since the Census date. This level of population results in a density ratio of 1.6 persons per square kilometer. Tara's growth rate of 4.9% since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area's 3.8%, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Natural growth contributed approximately 48.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, with all drivers including overseas migration and interstate migration being positive factors.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. 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. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort. Looking ahead, population projections indicate a decline of 97 persons by 2041 according to this methodology. However, specific age cohorts are expected to grow, led by the 85 and over age group projected to increase by 34 people.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in Tara, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally

Tara has seen limited development activity, averaging one approval per year over five years, from 2016 to 2020. This results in a total of seven approvals during this period. The low development levels are characteristic of rural areas like Tara, where housing needs often dictate development rather than broad market demand.

It is important to note that the small number of approvals can significantly impact annual growth and relativity statistics. Compared to other regions in Queensland, such as Rest of Qld, Tara has much lower development activity. Nationally, its development pattern also falls below average. Recent building activity in Tara consists solely of standalone homes, reflecting rural preferences for space and privacy.

The estimated population per dwelling approval is 820 people, indicating a quiet, low activity development environment. With stable or declining population forecasts, Tara may experience less housing pressure, creating favourable conditions for buyers.

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

Four projects may affect the area's performance: New Tara Hospital, Western Downs Green Power Hub, Sixteen Mile Solar Farm, and Hopeland Solar Farm. These are the key initiatives identified by AreaSearch.

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Employment conditions in Tara face significant challenges, ranking among the bottom 10% of areas assessed nationally

Tara has a balanced workforce across white and blue collar jobs. Essential services sectors are well represented, with an unemployment rate of 18.5%, as per AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

As of September 2025637 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 14.5% higher than Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation in Tara lags at 41.3%, compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Dominant employment sectors among residents include agriculture, forestry & fishing, education & training, and public administration & safety. Agriculture, forestry & fishing is particularly strong, with an employment share 4.1 times the regional level.

Conversely, professional & technical services have lower representation at 0.6% versus the regional average of 5.1%. The area may offer limited local employment opportunities, indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, Tara's labour force increased by 5.7%, while employment decreased by 5.8%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate by 9.9 percentage points. In comparison, Rest of Qld recorded employment growth of 1.7% and labour force growth of 2.1%, with unemployment rising by 0.3 percentage points. State-level data from November 25 shows Queensland's employment contracted by 0.01% (losing 1,210 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 4.2%, closely aligned with the national rate of 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest total employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates vary significantly between sectors. Applying these projections to Tara's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 5.4% over five years and 11.8% over ten years, assuming constant population projections for illustrative purposes.

Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis

The suburb of Tara's income level is below the national average according to the latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. The median income among taxpayers in Tara is $38,235 and the average income stands at $43,392. In comparison, Rest of Qld's figures are $53,146 and $66,593 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $42,024 (median) and $47,692 (average) as of September 2025. From the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes in Tara all fall between the 0th and 2nd percentiles nationally. The income distribution shows that 34.8% of residents (722 people) earn within the $400 - 799 bracket, unlike trends in the broader area where 31.7% fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 range. With 45.3% earning under $800 per week, the area faces income constraints affecting local spending patterns. Housing costs are modest with 91.0% of income retained, but total disposable income ranks at just the 4th percentile nationally.

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

In Tara, as assessed in the latest Census, 94.4% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 5.6% being semi-detached, apartments, or other types. This is compared to Non-Metro Qld's 90.3% houses and 9.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Tara stood at 56.3%, with mortgaged dwellings at 17.3% and rented ones at 26.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $758, below Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,300. The median weekly rent in Tara was $180, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $230. Nationally, Tara's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Tara features high concentrations of group households and lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 58.2% of all households, including 16.3% couples with children, 26.5% couples without children, and 12.8% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 41.8%, with lone person households at 34.8% and group households comprising 7.5%. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is smaller than the Rest of Qld average of 2.5.

Tara faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area's university qualification rate is 9.1%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common, at 6.4%, followed by graduate diplomas (1.6%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.1%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 39.2% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (8.4%) and certificates (30.8%).

Educational participation is high, with 26.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 12.7% in primary education, 8.8% in secondary education, and 1.0% pursuing tertiary education.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

Health performance in Tara is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Tara faces significant health challenges, with various conditions affecting both younger and older residents. Private health cover is low at approximately 44%, covering about 922 people, compared to 49.4% in the rest of Queensland and a national average of 55.7%. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (12.7%) and mental health issues (11.9%), with 52.8% reporting no medical ailments, compared to 67.6% in the rest of Queensland.

Tara has 23.6%, or about 490 people aged 65 and over, which is higher than the 18.2% in the rest of Queensland. Health outcomes among seniors are broadly similar to those of the general population.

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

Tara's population was found to be predominantly culturally homogeneous, with 86.8% being citizens, 89.7% born in Australia, and 95.9% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, making up 53.2% of Tara's population, compared to 64.6% across the Rest of Queensland. The top three ancestry groups were Australian (32.3%), English (29.8%), and Scottish (7.8%).

Notably, Hungarian ancestry was overrepresented at 0.6%, compared to 0.1% regionally, while Australian Aboriginal ancestry was slightly higher at 6.9% versus 6.7%. German ancestry was also present at 4.8%, compared to 5.3% regionally.

Tara hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Tara has a median age of 48, which is higher than Rest of Qld's figure of 41 and significantly above the national norm of 38. The 55 - 64 age group makes up 17.7% of Tara's population, compared to Rest of Qld's figure, while the 35 - 44 cohort is less prevalent at 9.6%. This concentration in the 55 - 64 age group is well above the national average of 11.2%. Post-2021 Census data shows that the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 6.3% to 7.2% of Tara's population, while the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 13.3% to 11.2%. The 5 to 14 age group has also dropped from 12.6% to 11.3%. By 2041, Tara is expected to see notable shifts in its age composition. The 85+ group is projected to grow by 62%, reaching 74 people from 45. The aging population dynamic is clear, with those aged 65 and above comprising 76% of the projected growth. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 0 to 4 and 65 to 74 age cohorts.