Tara (Qld)

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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the Census, Tara's population is estimated at around 2,100 as of May 2026. This reflects an increase of 120 people (6.1%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,980 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 2,098 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and an additional 141 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1.6 persons per square kilometer. Tara's 6.1% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area (3.5%) and the SA4 region, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by natural growth that contributed approximately 48.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, although 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 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and for years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections are adopted, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data. It should be noted that these state projections do not provide age category splits; hence where utilised, AreaSearch is applying proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort, released in 2023 based on 2022 data. Looking at population projections moving forward, over this period, projections indicate a decline in overall population, with the suburb's population expected to decline by 112 persons by 2041 according to this methodology. However, growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, led by the 85 and over age group, which is projected to increase by 26 people.

The level of residential development activity in Tara is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch

Tara's development activity is limited with an average of one approval per year over five years (seven approvals). This low level reflects the rural nature of the area, where development is driven by specific local housing needs rather than broad market demand. The small number of approvals means individual projects can significantly impact annual growth and relativity statistics.

Tara has much lower development activity compared to the Rest of Qld and its pattern is below national averages. Recent building activity consists entirely of standalone homes, aligning with rural living preferences for space and privacy. There are an estimated 825 people per dwelling approval in the area, reflecting its quiet, low activity development environment. Given stable or declining population forecasts, Tara may experience less housing pressure, creating favourable conditions for buyers.

Given 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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified four projects likely to impact the area: New Tara Hospital, Western Downs Green Power Hub, Sixteen Mile Solar Farm, and Hopeland Solar Farm. The following details these key projects in order of relevance.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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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 comprising white and blue collar jobs, with prominent essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 18.9%, as per AreaSearch's statistical area data aggregation in December 2025. There are 642 residents employed, while the unemployment rate is 14.9% higher than Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%.

Workforce participation stands at 45.5%, significantly lower than Regional Qld's 64.5%. A low 12.0% of residents work from home, considering Covid-19 lockdown impacts. Dominant employment sectors include agriculture, forestry & fishing, education & training, and public administration & safety. Tara specializes in agriculture, forestry & fishing with an employment share 4.1 times the regional level, but has lower professional & technical representation at 0.6% compared to Regional Qld's average of 5.1%.

Limited local employment opportunities are indicated by the Census working population vs resident population count. Between December 2024 and December 2025, the labour force increased by 5.3%, while employment decreased by 3.2%, leading to a 7.1 percentage point rise in unemployment rate. In contrast, Regional Qld saw employment growth of 0.7% and labour force growth of 1.0%, with unemployment rising by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project overall employment expansion by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but industry-specific projections vary significantly. Applying these projections to Tara's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.4% over five years and 11.8% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes only and does not account for localized population projections.

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

The suburb of Tara's median income among taxpayers was $38,235 in financial year 2023. The average income stood at $43,392 during the same period. This compares to figures for Regional Qld which were $53,146 and $66,593 respectively. By March 2026, current estimates suggest the median income would be approximately $42,578 and the average income around $48,321, based on a Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since financial year 2023. According to the 2021 Census, incomes in Tara fall between the 0th and 2nd percentiles nationally for households, families, and individuals. The income distribution shows that 34.8% of residents (730 people) earn within the $400 - $799 bracket, unlike broader trends where 31.7% fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 range. With 45.3% earning under $800 per week, income constraints significantly impact local spending patterns in Tara. Despite modest housing costs which allow for 91.0% of income retention, the 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

Tara's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 94.4% houses and 5.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), contrasting with Regional Qld's 76.4% houses and 23.6% 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, lower than Regional Qld's average of $1,655, while the median weekly rent was $180, compared to Regional Qld's $345. Nationally, Tara's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $758 versus Australia's 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, smaller than the Regional Queensland 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 the Australian average of 30.4%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 6.4%, followed by graduate diplomas (1.6%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.1%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 39.2% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas (8.4%) and certificates (30.8%).

Educational participation is high, with 26.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 12.7% in primary, 8.8% in secondary, and 1.0% in 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, as indicated by AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are high, affecting both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is low at approximately 44% of the total population (around 932 people), compared to 52.5% in Regional Qld and a national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 12.7% and 11.9% of residents respectively. Conversely, 52.8% of residents report having no medical ailments, compared to 67.6% in Regional Qld. Working-age individuals face notable health challenges due to elevated chronic condition rates. Tara has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 24.2%, or 508 people, compared to 20.4% in Regional Qld. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly similar to 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 cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 86.8% of its population being citizens and 89.7% born in Australia. English was spoken exclusively at home by 95.9%. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 53.2%, compared to 52.2% across Regional Qld.

The top three ancestry groups were Australian (32.3%), English (29.8%), and Scottish (7.8%). Notably, Hungarian representation was higher at 0.6% in Tara versus 0.2% regionally, Australian Aboriginal at 6.9% compared to 3.9%, and German at 4.8% versus 4.7%.

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

Tara has a median age of 48, which is higher than Regional Queensland's figure of 41 and significantly above the national norm of 38. The 55-64 age group constitutes 17.9% of Tara's population, compared to Regional Queensland's figure, while the 35-44 cohort makes up 9.8%. This concentration in the 55-64 age group is well above the national average of 11.2%. According to post-2021 Census data, the 75 to 84 age group has increased from 6.3% to 7.3% of Tara's population. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has decreased from 13.3% to 10.7%, and the 5 to 14 age group has dropped from 12.6% to 11.3%. By 2041, Tara is projected to experience notable shifts in its age composition. The 75 to 84 age group is expected to grow by 16 people, reaching 178 from 153. This growth will be led by the aging population dynamic, with those aged 65 and above comprising 78% of projected growth. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 0 to 4 and 65 to 74 age cohorts.