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This analysis uses Suburbs and Localities (SAL) boundaries, which can materially differ from Statistical Areas (SA2) even when sharing the same name.
SAL boundaries are defined by Australia Post and the Australian Bureau of Statistics to represent commonly-known suburb names used in postal addresses.
Statistical Areas (SA2) are designed for census data collection and may combine multiple suburbs or use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
est. as @ -- *
2021 Census | -- people
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Tara (Qld) has an estimated 2,097 residents, up from 1,980 at the 2021 Census — a change of 117 people, or 5.9%. Growth has averaged 0.6% a year over five years. 150 new addresses have been validated here since Census night. Natural increase accounts for 48.0% of that increase. Fewer than ten people live on each square kilometre, across a boundary that takes in surrounding rural land. Population is estimated from ABS Estimated Resident Population releases and GNAF address data, re-based from the 2021 Census and updated annually.
Detail
An evaluation of regional ABS demographic updates alongside post-Census address validations conducted by AreaSearch places the estimated population of the suburb of Tara (Qld) at approximately 2,097 as of Aug 2026. Compared with the 1,980 residents recorded in the 2021 Census, this indicates an expansion of 117 people (5.9%). This estimate builds upon an Estimated Resident Population of 2,094 calculated by AreaSearch following the ABS June 2025 ERP release, combined with 150 validated new addresses added after the Census. Consequently, population density stands at 1.6 persons per square kilometer, ensuring considerable living space.
The 5.9% population increase in the suburb of Tara (Qld) since the 2021 census outperformed both the wider SA4 region and the SA3 area (3.5%), establishing the community as a regional growth leader. The primary catalyst for this demographic expansion was natural increase, which generated roughly 48.0% of overall population gains across recent periods, supported by positive contributions from both interstate migration and overseas migration. For each SA2 area, AreaSearch incorporates ABS/Geoscience Australia demographic projections released in 2024 using 2022 as a base year. Where SA2 areas lack coverage or for horizons beyond 2032, Queensland State Government SA2 figures released in 2023 (founded on 2021 data) are used instead. Because these state forecasts omit age breakdowns, AreaSearch applies cohort weightings aligned with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections (published in 2023 using 2022 data) across individual age brackets. Under this framework, demographic modelling suggests a general population contraction for the suburb of Tara (Qld), forecasting a reduction of 107 persons by 2041. Nevertheless, specific age brackets are expected to expand, most notably the 75 to 84 age group with a projected rise of 27 people.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
Detail
Residential building activity in Tara remains very subdued, averaging 2 dwelling approvals annually and reaching a total of 11 across the past five years. Modest building volumes of this nature reflect typical rural environments where local infrastructure capacity and limited housing requirements constrain development activity. Because approval numbers are small, individual construction projects can substantially skew annual growth statistics and proportional comparisons. Construction volumes in Tara sit well below the levels seen in Rest of Qld and trail broader Australian patterns. New residential development has focused entirely on standalone houses designed for families seeking rural lifestyle living and open space.
The presence of 522 people in the area per dwelling approval highlights this tranquil, low-density development setting. Given that demographic forecasts indicate a stable or declining population, reduced housing demand pressures should create favorable conditions for prospective property purchasers in Tara.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Tara (Qld)
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| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
|---|
SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks one current infrastructure or development project inside Tara (Qld), worth an estimated $27 million. A further 35 sit in the immediately surrounding suburbs, taking the tracked pipeline within reach of the area to $10.4 billion. 12 are already under construction and 12 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans residential development, health & medical and transport & logistics. Records are compiled from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, council planning portals and public announcements, reviewed and updated daily, then ranked by proximity, construction stage, completion horizon and project scale.
Detail
Infrastructure investments, major works, and strategic planning initiatives play a decisive role in shaping local community development. AreaSearch has pinpointed 4 significant projects positioned to influence the district, with key undertakings comprising the New Tara Hospital, Sixteen Mile Solar Farm, Hopeland Solar Farm, and Western Downs Green Power Hub.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
New Tara Hospital
Part of the Queensland Government's Building Rural and Remote Health Program, the new Tara Hospital replaces a 60-year-old facility. The modern development includes a 12-bed inpatient unit, an expanded emergency department, palliative care, and adult mental health services. It features single inpatient rooms and enhanced digital connectivity to improve healthcare delivery for the Tara community.
Chinchilla Weir Revitalisation
Revitalisation of the Chinchilla Weir under Western Downs Regional Council's COVID-19 Recovery Package. Works completed 3 July 2021 improved amenities and the natural landscape including day use upgrades, landscaping, fire pits, shelters, BBQs, bin enclosures, vehicle barriers, camp kitchen, interpretation signage, and upgrades to overnight camping areas.
Southern Cross Care Chinchilla - Illoura Village Redevelopment
A new, state-of-the-art residential aged care home that opened in February 2025, replacing the previous 40-year-old building. The $36 million facility provides 81 private rooms with ensuites, replacing the previous facility that accommodated 66 residents. The project is part of a broader vision for a 'Chinchilla Wellness Hub' which includes an 'Age Well' community centre and an education and training hub in partnership with Southern Queensland Rural Health. The redevelopment also includes staff housing and aims to provide comprehensive aged care expansion for the Western Downs region.
Chinchilla Aquatic Precinct
Council-led replacement of the ageing Chinchilla Aquatic and Fitness Centre with a modern aquatic precinct at 35-41 Villiers Street. The new precinct will feature an eight-lane 50-metre pool, a 25-metre indoor lap pool, and a dedicated learn-to-swim and toddler pool. The plan also features flexible spaces for aquatic support areas, allied health and rehabilitation gym areas, cafe/kiosk, amenities, change areas, outdoor recreation areas, and administration spaces.
Chinchilla Cultural Precinct Revitalisation
Revitalisation of the Chinchilla Cultural Precinct to create a modern, vibrant and welcoming community hub for residents and visitors to enjoy, home to the Customer Contact Centre, Library, Cinema, Cultural Centre and Lapunyah Art Gallery. The project includes a central lawn area for community events, revitalized library with multimedia and reading areas, art gallery with new layout and workshops, street arbours, communal workshop, landscaping, amphitheatre, and enhanced lighting.
Warrego Highway Chinchilla Heavy Vehicle Route Strategy
A $1 million planning project to investigate the need for a future heavy vehicle route for Chinchilla, identifying a potential bypass or alternative route to improve safety, local amenity, and flood immunity as part of the Warrego Highway Upgrade Program.
Chinchilla Christian College Extensions
Multi-stage expansion and refurbishment of Chinchilla Christian College including Stage 3 and Stage 4 extensions to the main school building, new general learning areas, technologies building, library hub, staff facilities, toilet amenities and refurbishment of the multipurpose court. The expanded facilities support enrolment growth from Kindergarten to Year 12 across the Western Downs region.
Arrow Energy Surat Gas Project North
Arrow Energy's Surat Gas Project North is the northern expansion of its 27-year Surat Gas Project near Miles. The development includes up to 450 coal seam gas wells over two stages, a field compression station, a 26 to 27 km infrastructure corridor, gas and water gathering pipelines, road and intersection upgrades, and a hybrid power station with gas generation, solar and battery storage. First gas was delivered in late 2025 and the project is scaling toward about 130 TJ/day at peak capacity, with field compression station, accommodation and hybrid power works continuing.
629 residents of Tara (Qld) are employed, from a labour force of 774. Unemployment sits at 18.7%, with participation at 44.6%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 5.4% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth. The working-day population is estimated at 1,789, about 85% of the resident population, so more people leave the area for work than travel in. Unemployment and labour force come from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, updated quarterly; the industry and occupation profile is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Employment across Tara features an even mix of blue-collar and white-collar roles, anchored by strong representation across essential services, alongside an unemployment rate of 18.7% according to AreaSearch statistical aggregations. By March 2026629 residents were employed, while the local jobless rate sat 14.8% higher than the Regional Qld benchmark of 3.9%, highlighting room for improvement. Labor force participation also remains subdued at 44.6% against 64.2% in Regional Qld. Census records show just 12.0% of workers working from home, though Covid-19 restrictions may have influenced these findings. The primary employment sectors for local residents include agriculture, forestry & fishing, education & training, along with public administration & safety.
Agricultural, forestry & fishing activities show exceptional concentration, employing residents at 4.1 times the regional average. Conversely, professional & technical roles account for only 0.6% employment in contrast to 5.1% across the broader region. A comparison of Census local workplace numbers against the resident population suggests a restricted local job market. AreaSearch evaluations of broader ABS and SALM figures show that in the year to March 2026, the local workforce grew by 1.3% while employment dropped by 5.1%, driving an unemployment increase of 5.5 percentage points. In comparison, Regional Qld experienced 0.1% employment growth, a 0.3% rise in the labour pool, and a 0.1 percentage points increase in unemployment. National employment projections from Jobs and Skills Australia as of Mar-26 provide additional context on future labor needs in Tara over five and ten-year horizons. Across Australia, employment is projected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with performance varying widely across industries. Applying these sector trends to the local industry profile suggests employment in Tara could rise by 5.4% over five years and 11.8% over ten years, based on a simple weighted extrapolation for illustrative purposes that excludes localized population projections.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Tara (Qld) is $867 a week (about $45,000 a year), with median personal income at $479 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $38,235 a year against an average of $43,392. Household income is from the 2021 Census; taxable income is from ATO Taxation Statistics for the latest financial year available, indexed forward using the ABS Wage Price Index.
Detail
Based on ATO postcode-level tax data compiled by AreaSearch for financial year 2023, Tara recorded a median taxable income of $38,235 and an average taxable income of $43,392. These figures track below national averages and trail the Regional Qld benchmarks of $53,146 (median) and $66,593 (average). Adjusting for an 11.36% rise in the Wage Price Index since financial year 2023, updated estimates reach approximately $42,578 for median income and $48,321 for average income as of March 2026. The 2021 Census placed Tara's personal, family, and household earnings between the lowest percentile and 2nd percentiles across Australia.
The $400 - 799 weekly income bracket is the most prevalent, encompassing 34.8% of residents (729 people), contrasting with metropolitan areas where the $1,500 - 2,999 band leads at 31.7%. With 45.3% of the community receiving less than $800 weekly, financial constraints affect local spending capacity. Although modest living overheads leave residents retaining 91.0% of their income, total disposable earnings place the area at the 4th percentile nationwide.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Tara (Qld) had 765 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 94% detached houses and 1% apartments. 17% are owned with a mortgage, 26% rented and 56% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $180 a week and the median mortgage repayment $758 a month. Rent absorbs 20.8% of household income here and mortgage repayments 20.2%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
At the time of the latest Census, the housing stock in Tara consisted of 94.4% houses and 5.6% other dwellings such as apartments, semi-detached properties, and alternative formats, compared to 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings in Regional Qld. Outright home ownership stood significantly higher than the regional benchmark at 56.3%, while remaining properties were occupied under a mortgage (17.3%) or rented (26.3%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $758 compared to $1,655 across Regional Qld, and median weekly rent was $180 versus $345 regionally. On a national scale, mortgage costs in Tara remain well below the Australian average of $1,863, and rents sit far under the nationwide figure of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Tara (Qld) counted 765 households at the 2021 Census, an estimated 810 today, averaging 2.2 people each. 16% are couples with children, fewer than in 93% of areas nationally, against 27% couples without children. 35% of households are people living alone, and families average 2.2 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Family units constitute 58.2% of all households, consisting of couples without children (26.5%), couples with children (16.3%), and single parent families (12.8%). Non-family living arrangements make up the remaining 41.8%, led by single-person households at 34.8% and group households representing 7.5%. The average household size of 2.2 people remains below the Regional Qld figure of 2.5.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
9.1% of adults in Tara (Qld) hold a university qualification, including 6.4% with a bachelor degree and 1.1% with postgraduate qualifications, lower than 96% of areas nationally. A further 30.8% hold a vocational qualification. 2 schools serve the area, with 405 enrolment places and an average ICSEA of 847 against a national benchmark of 1,000. Qualifications come from the 2021 Census; school enrolments, ICSEA and results come from ACARA's current release.
Detail
Attainment levels present noticeable hurdles in the area, as the tertiary qualification rate of 9.1% sits well below the 30.4% Australian average, highlighting a distinct opportunity for focused educational programs. Bachelor degrees account for 6.4% of qualifications, followed by graduate diplomas at 1.6% and postgraduate qualifications at 1.1%. Vocational and technical training is widely held, with 39.2% of individuals aged 15+ holding technical credentials, comprising advanced diplomas (8.4%) and certificates (30.8%). Educational engagement is strong throughout the community, with 26.7% of residents attending formal learning programs. This cohort includes 12.7% enrolled in primary education, 8.8% in secondary education, and 1.0% engaged in tertiary studies.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Getting around Tara (Qld) means driving: households keep an average of 1.4 vehicles, and no scheduled public transport appears in the current timetable feeds. Service data is built from operators' published GTFS timetables; vehicle ownership is from the 2021 Census.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
52.8% of residents in Tara (Qld) report no long-term health condition, a less healthy profile than 96% of areas nationally. 13.1% need daily assistance with core activities, and 44.4% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 8.5 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
AreaSearch evaluations of mortality statistics and chronic health conditions indicate substantial community health challenges in Tara, impacting younger as well as older demographics. Private health insurance uptake is notably low at approximately 44% of residents (~931 people), trailing both the Regional Qld benchmark of 52.5% and the national rate of 55.7%. Arthritis and mental health conditions are the most prevalent ailments locally, affecting 12.7% and 11.9% of the population respectively, while 52.8% of residents reported having no medical conditions compared to 67.6% across Regional Qld. Chronic conditions present noticeable challenges among working-age individuals.
Seniors aged 65 and over comprise 25.3% of the community (530 people), above the 20.3% level recorded for Regional Qld, with overall health measures among older residents aligning closely with national averages.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Tara (Qld) is largely Australian-born, at 89.7% of residents, with 4.1% speaking a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are Australian (32.3%) and English (29.8%). 6.9% of residents identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander. Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Cultural diversity in Tara is comparatively low, with Australian citizens comprising 86.8% of the community, 89.7% of residents born in Australia, and 95.9% speaking only English in domestic settings. Christianity represents the leading faith, practiced by 53.2% of the local population compared to 52.2% across Regional Qld. Regarding parental lineage, the primary ancestries in Tara are Australian at 32.3% (exceeding the 26.5% regional proportion), English at 29.8%, and Scottish at 7.8%. Other ancestral backgrounds display distinct local variations, including Australian Aboriginal representation at 6.9% compared to 3.9% regionally, German ancestry at 4.8% versus 4.7%, and Hungarian at 0.6% against 0.2% across Regional Qld.
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Tara (Qld) is 48, older than 88% of areas nationally. 19.2% of residents are aged 15 to 34. Age cohorts are not raw Census counts: the Census split is re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections.
Detail
The age distribution in Tara reflects an established and mature demographic. As of August 2026, retirees and elderly residents aged 65 and over make up an estimated 25.3% of the community compared to 20.4% across Regional Qld, while younger to middle-aged adults aged 25 - 44 represent 19.3% versus 25.5% regionally. The estimated median age reached 48 as of August 2026, matching the 2021 Census figure and sitting 7 years above the Regional Qld median of 41 and above the national median of 38 at that Census. The most noticeable shift since the Census has occurred within the retiree and elderly segment, increasing from 23.2% to an estimated 25.3%.
Projections to 2041 anticipate older age brackets capturing the bulk of population growth, expanding by 41 residents (8%) to reach 572, whereas cohorts comprising children, young adults, middle-aged residents, and younger retirees are projected to contract.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Tara (Qld)
9 of 14 data sections on this page were updated within the last 12 months — the newest current to Oct 2026.
Everything is aggregated to the Suburb (SAL) boundary shown above, on a 2021 Census baseline. Only 3 sections — housing, households and cultural diversity — still wait on the 2026 Census.
The ledger — source, cycle and currency by section
| Section | Source & update cycle | Currency |
|---|---|---|
| Updated within the last 12 months 9 sections | ||
| Population | ABS, GNAF, Geoscience Australia Annual (ABS ERP) | Aug 2026 2 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release) and updated with new dwellings from GNAF address data. Current to Aug 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | Aug 2026 2 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to Aug 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Aug 2026 2 months ago headline measures · Jul 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Oct 2026 this month headline measures · Sep 2026 baseline |
| Sales from the state Valuer General register, refreshed weekly, and rents from quarterly rental bond lodgements. Both are read live each time this page loads, current to Oct 2026. | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, State agencies, Local governments Daily | Feb 2026 8 months ago all 1 projects tracked here |
| Project pipeline maintained continuously from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, local government and public announcements. Records are added and revised daily; this area was last updated Feb 2026. | ||
| Employment | ABS, DEWR, JSA Quarterly (ABS SALM) | Mar 2026 7 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Unemployment and labour force from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, current to Mar 2026. The growth outlook applies Department of Employment (now Jobs and Skills Australia) forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to the local industry mix, so it measures sector composition rather than local expansion and makes no allowance for population growth. Job demand comes from the same agency via its Internet Vacancy Index; industry and occupation structure from the 2021 Census. | ||
| Education | ABS, ACARA Annual (ACARA) | Sep 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Sep 2026 last month all 14 measures |
| Annual and financial-year sources 2 sections | ||
| Income | ABS, ATO Annual (ATO) | FY 2023 3 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| ATO taxable income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index. Census household income provides the distribution detail. | ||
| Health | ABS, ATO Annual | 2024 2 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Census-measured — next update: 2026 Census 3 sections No more current small-area source exists for these, so they are labelled as Census-measured rather than implied to be current. | ||
| Housing | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 30 measures |
| Households | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 18 measures |
| Cultural diversity | ABS, Geoscience Australia 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 44 measures |
"Currency" is the most recent release feeding that section. Where the Census supplies the structural baseline underneath a current headline figure, the row says so.
How the numbers are built
Population
The Census provides the small-area baseline, aggregated from mesh blocks to this boundary. It is then re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release), and new dwellings built since Census night are counted from address data — 150 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for Aug 2026, not a 2021 count (1,980 at the 2021 Census → 2,097 now). Annual growth rates are compound (CAGR), not simple averages.
Age profile
Cohort shares are not raw Census counts. Every cohort is held as a pair — the Census baseline and a current estimate — and the split is re-based using ERP and state population projections, current to Aug 2026. Median age is the Census median plus modelled change since. Charts that show both are labelled "2021 Census vs Current Estimate".
Property sales
Sourced from the state valuation authority's sales register — current, not Census, and refreshed weekly. Medians are calculated from settled transactions in the period shown; periods with very low transaction counts are flagged or suppressed, because a handful of sales can move a median substantially.
Rents
Derived from state rental bond lodgement data, by dwelling type and bedroom count. Bonds are lodged at the start of a new tenancy, so this reflects new lettings, not the whole rented stock.
Development & infrastructure
Building approvals come from current ABS releases; development applications are collected from council and state planning portals; the infrastructure pipeline is compiled from Infrastructure Australia and local government sources. Applications are matched to this boundary by address or coordinates, so very recent lodgements may not yet appear.
Employment & income
Industry and occupation structure comes from the Census, but the headline labour-market indicators do not. Unemployment and labour force are derived from ABS Small Area Labour Markets (quarterly). The employment outlook applies Department of Employment forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to this area's own industry mix (the agency is now Jobs and Skills Australia), as does the Internet Vacancy Index used for job demand. Because it is weighted on industry composition alone, that outlook carries no allowance for local population growth — in fast-growing areas the real rise in local jobs will typically be higher. Income combines Census household income with ATO taxable-income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index.
Education, transport & amenities
School enrolments, ICSEA and performance come from ACARA's current release, not the Census. Public transport stops and service frequency are derived from GTFS timetable feeds published by state transport departments. Services and amenities are proximity and count scores built from provider directories, refreshed on their own cycle. The Census contributes only the travel-to-work and qualification measures.
Rankings and benchmarks. Where we rank this area, the comparison set is every area of the same boundary type — suburbs against suburbs, SA2s against SA2s. Benchmarks compare this area against its greater capital city region and the national figure for the same measure and period.
Limits worth knowing. Small areas carry larger error margins, and the ABS introduces small random adjustments to Census counts to protect confidentiality — so totals may not sum exactly. Estimates re-based from regional data describe the area's expected trajectory, not a direct count of it. Figures are indicative for research and are not financial, planning or valuation advice.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (SAL32745). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.