Tara (Qld)

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

Based on analysis of Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the Census, Tara's population is estimated at around 2,129 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 149 people (7.5%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,980 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 2,004 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest Education and Workforce data release by the ABS in June 2024, along with an additional 121 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 growth rate exceeds that of its SA3 area (5.2%) and SA4 region, 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 are adopted, released in 2023 based on 2021 data. These state projections do not provide age category splits; hence proportional growth weightings are applied 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 by 98 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 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 an average annual development approval count of one over the past five years (nine approvals). This low level reflects Tara's rural nature, where development is driven by local housing needs rather than broader market demand. The small number of approvals can significantly impact annual growth and relativity statistics.

Compared to Rest of Qld and national averages, Tara has much lower development activity. Recent building activity consists solely of standalone homes, aligning with rural living preferences for space and privacy. As of now, the area has an estimated 586 people per dwelling approval, indicating its quiet, low activity development environment. With stable or declining population forecasts, Tara may face less housing pressure, potentially benefiting buyers.

Given stable or declining population forecasts, Tara may experience less housing pressure, creating favourable conditions for buyers.

Tara has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 46thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. Four projects identified by AreaSearch are expected to impact this region. Notable projects include New Tara Hospital, Western Downs Green Power Hub, Sixteen Mile Solar Farm, and Hopeland Solar Farm. The following details the projects deemed 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 conditions in Tara face significant challenges, ranking among the bottom 10% of areas assessed nationally

Tara's workforce comprises both white and blue-collar jobs with notable representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate stands at 17.1%, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

As of June 2025640 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 13.2% higher than Rest of Qld's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation in Tara is significantly lower at 41.3%, compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Key employment sectors among residents include agriculture, forestry & fishing, education & training, and public administration & safety. The area exhibits strong specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing with an employment share 4.1 times the regional level.

Conversely, professional & technical services show lower representation at 0.6% compared to the regional average of 5.1%. Local employment opportunities appear limited, as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Between June 2024 and June 2025, the labour force increased by 4.7% while employment decreased by 2.4%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate by 6.1 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Qld recorded employment growth of 1.8% and labour force growth of 2.0%, with unemployment rising by 0.2 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 offer insights into potential future demand within Tara. These projections estimate national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates vary significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Tara's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.4% over five years and 11.8% over ten years.

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

Tara's income level is below the national average according to ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2022. Tara's median income among taxpayers was $38,235 and the average income stood at $43,392. For comparison, Rest of Qld's figures were $50,780 and $64,844 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022, current estimates would be approximately $43,584 (median) and $49,463 (average) as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes in Tara all fall between the 0th and 2nd percentiles nationally. The income distribution shows that the $400 - 799 bracket dominates with 34.8% of residents (740 people), unlike broader trends where 31.7% fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 range. With 45.3% earning under $800 per week, income constraints affect 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 recorded in the latest Census, 94.4% of dwellings were houses while 5.6% consisted of other types such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and others. This contrasts with Non-Metro Qld's figures of 90.3% houses and 9.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Tara stood at 56.3%, with mortgaged properties making up 17.3% and rented dwellings comprising 26.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $758, significantly lower than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,300. Tara's median weekly rent figure was recorded at $180, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $230. Nationally, Tara's mortgage repayments were substantially lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were significantly 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 constitute 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 comprise the remaining 41.8%, with lone person households at 34.8% and group households making up 7.5%. The median household size is 2.2 people, 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 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 at 26.7%, comprising 12.7% in primary education, 8.8% in secondary education, and 1.0% pursuing tertiary education. The area has two schools serving 405 students: St Joseph's School and Tara Shire State College. The educational conditions index (ICSEA) is 847. The educational mix includes one primary school and one K-12 school.

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 945 people, compared to 49.2% across the rest of Queensland (Rest of Qld) and a national average of 55.3%. The most common medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 12.7% and 11.9% of residents respectively.

Conversely, 52.8% report no medical ailments, compared to 67.6% in Rest of Qld. Tara has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 23.7%, with around 504 people, compared to 18.2% in Rest of Qld. 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 showed low cultural diversity, with 86.8% citizens, 89.7% born in Australia, and 95.9% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, at 53.2%, compared to 64.6% in Rest of Qld. Ancestry-wise, Australian (32.3%), English (29.8%), and Scottish (7.8%) were the top groups.

Hungarian representation was notably higher at 0.6% vs regional 0.1%, while Australian Aboriginal was similar at 6.9%. German representation was slightly lower at 4.8% vs regional 5.3%.

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 shows strong representation at 17.7%, compared to Rest of Qld, while the 35-44 cohort is less prevalent at 9.6%. This 55-64 concentration is well above the national figure of 11.2%. Post-2021 Census data indicates the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 6.3% to 7.2% of the population. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 13.3% to 11.2%, and the 5 to 14 group dropped from 12.6% to 11.3%. By 2041, Tara is expected to see notable shifts in its age composition. The 85+ group will grow by 58% (27 people), reaching 74 from 46. The aging population dynamic is clear, with those aged 65 and above comprising 81% of projected growth. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 0 to 4 and 65 to 74 cohorts.