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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 2,100 residents, up from 1,980 at the 2021 Census — a change of 120 people, or 6.1%. Growth has averaged 0.6% a year over five years. 141 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
Following an examination of ABS population updates for the wider region and new address datasets verified by AreaSearch since the Census, the suburb of Tara (Qld) has a projected population of approximately 2,100 as of May 2026. This represents a growth of 120 people (6.1%) from the 1,980 residents recorded in the 2021 Census. This adjustment is calculated from a resident population of 2,098, which AreaSearch estimated using the latest ABS ERP release (June 2025) combined with 141 validated new addresses registered since the Census. Such figures indicate a population density of 1.6 persons per square kilometer, which ensures residents have substantial space.
This 6.1% rate of growth since the 2021 census outpaced the SA3 area (3.5%) and the broader SA4 region, positioning the suburb of Tara (Qld) as a leader in regional growth. The expansion was primarily fueled by natural increase, which accounted for roughly 48.0% of the population gains, though alternative factors such as interstate and overseas migration also contributed positively. AreaSearch utilises projections from ABS and Geoscience Australia for every SA2 area, which were published in 2024 using 2022 as a baseline. For SA2 areas lacking this information, or for any projections extending past 2032, figures from the Queensland State Government released in 2023 (based on 2021 data) are substituted. Because these state-level projections lack specific age breakdowns, AreaSearch allocates growth weightings across age cohorts using the 2023 ABS Greater Capital Region projections (derived from 2022 baseline data). Looking at future demographic trends, projections suggest a contraction in the overall population, with the suburb of Tara (Qld) expected to lose 112 residents by 2041. Even so, specific age demographics are expected to expand, particularly individuals aged 85 and over, which is projected to grow by 26 people.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
Detail
Tara experiences very little residential building activity, averaging one dwelling approval annually, which amounts to a total of seven across the preceding five years. This minimal development scale is typical for rural localities where housing requirements are quiet and building projects are restricted by local demand and infrastructure limits. Because approval volumes are so low, individual development projects can have a disproportionate effect on yearly trends and relative growth figures. Tara exhibits far less construction activity than the Rest of Qld, with development trends also falling well below national baselines.
In addition, recent building projects consist exclusively of standalone houses, reflecting the rural preference for space and isolation. A ratio of 835 residents per single dwelling approval highlights the quiet, low-scale nature of the local building sector. Given that demographic projections point to stable or contracting numbers, Tara is likely to experience less pressure on housing demand, which should benefit buyers.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Tara (Qld)
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| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
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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 $10.3 billion. 13 are already under construction and 10 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
Changes to local infrastructure, major construction works, and planning updates are primary drivers of regional performance. AreaSearch has identified a total of four projects that are expected to influence the local area. The key developments include the New Tara Hospital, the Western Downs Green Power Hub, the Sixteen Mile Solar Farm, and the Hopeland Solar Farm, with detailed profiles available for the most significant projects.
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.
638 residents of Tara (Qld) are employed, from a labour force of 782. Unemployment sits at 18.4%, with participation at 45.0%. 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 1,788, 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
Tara has a mixed workforce of blue-collar and white-collar workers, with a solid footprint in essential services and an unemployment rate of 18.4% compiled by AreaSearch from local statistical data. In March 2026, there were 638 working residents, and the unemployment rate was 14.5% higher than the Regional Qld benchmark of 3.9%, highlighting potential for economic improvement. Workforce participation is also notably low at 45.0% compared to 64.3% in Regional Qld. Census records show that a minor 12.0% of the workforce operated from home, though this figure may have been affected by pandemic-related lockdowns.
The primary sectors employing local residents are agriculture, forestry & fishing, education & training, and public administration & safety. The region displays a high concentration in agriculture, forestry & fishing, employing residents at a rate 4.1 times the regional norm. In contrast, professional & technical roles are underrepresented, accounting for 0.6% of local jobs compared to the regional average of 5.1%. Comparing Census employment numbers against the resident population suggests that local job opportunities are relatively scarce. According to AreaSearch's evaluation of SALM and ABS statistics for the broader region, the labour force grew by 1.7% in the year leading to March 2026, while total employment fell by 4.6%, leading to a rise in the unemployment rate of 5.4 percentage points. Over the same timeframe, Regional Qld experienced an employment lift of 0.1% and labour force growth of 0.3%, with its unemployment rate ticking up by 0.1 percentage points. National employment outlooks from Jobs and Skills Australia published in May-25 offer additional context on future demand trends in Tara. These five and ten-year projections have been applied to the local workforce structure to estimate potential changes. Although national employment is predicted to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, the growth trajectories vary widely by industry. Weighting these projections against Tara's specific industry profile suggests local employment could rise by 5.4% over five years and 11.8% over ten years.
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
According to ATO statistics compiled by AreaSearch for the 2023 financial year, average earnings in the suburb of Tara are below the national average. The median income for local taxpayers is $38,235, with the average income at $43,392, compared to Regional Qld benchmarks of $53,146 and $66,593. Factoring in a Wage Price Index rise of 11.36% since the 2023 financial year, current estimates would sit at roughly $42,578 for the median and $48,321 for the average in March 2026. Data from the 2021 Census places household, family, and individual incomes in Tara within the lowest percentiles nationally, specifically between the 0th and 2nd percentiles.
The local income distribution is dominated by the $400 - 799 weekly bracket, which accounts for 34.8% of residents (730 people), differing from wider regional trends where 31.7% of people earn in the $1,500 - 2,999 range. With 45.3% of the community earning less than $800 weekly, local retail spending is constrained by low household budgets. Although residents keep 91.0% of their earnings due to low housing costs, overall disposable income sits at only the 4th percentile nationally.
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
Residential profiles from the most recent Census indicate that Tara's housing stock consists of 94.4% separate houses and 5.6% alternative dwellings like apartments or semi-detached units, compared to Regional Qld where houses make up 76.4% and other options comprise 23.6%. Home ownership rates in Tara are high at 56.3%, well above the Regional Qld average, while the remaining homes are occupied by residents with mortgages (17.3%) or tenants (26.3%). The median monthly mortgage payment was $758, significantly lower than the Regional Qld average of $1,655, and the median weekly rent was $180, compared to $345 across Regional Qld.
On a national level, mortgage outlays in Tara are far below the Australian average of $1,863, and weekly rents are much lower than the national figure of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Tara (Qld) counted 765 households at the 2021 Census, an estimated 811 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
Families make up the majority of households at 58.2%, which is split into couples without children at 26.5%, couples with children at 16.3%, and single-parent homes at 12.8%. The remaining 41.8% consists of non-family living arrangements, with single-person households representing 34.8% and group housing making up 7.5%. The median household size of 2.2 residents is slightly below the Regional Qld average 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
The local community experiences educational hurdles, with university graduation rates at 9.1%, far below the national average of 30.4%. This gap highlights a significant opportunity for targeted academic programs. Among degree holders, bachelor qualifications are the most common at 6.4%, followed by graduate diplomas at 1.6% and postgraduate degrees at 1.1%. Vocational and trade qualifications are widely held, with 39.2% of residents aged 15+ holding practical credentials, consisting of advanced diplomas at 8.4% and certificates at 30.8%. Local educational enrollment is quite high, with 26.7% of the population currently engaged in study.
This group is comprised of 12.7% in primary school, 8.8% in high school, and 1.0% enrolled in higher education.
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
Tara faces notable health challenges, indicated by AreaSearch's evaluation of mortality patterns and the prevalence of chronic illnesses, which impact both younger and older residents. Furthermore, private health insurance coverage is extremely low, with only about 44% of the population (~932 people) having cover. This compares to 52.5% in Regional Qld and a national average of 55.7%. Arthritis and mental health conditions are the most prevalent health issues, affecting 12.7% and 11.9% of local residents, respectively. Meanwhile, 52.8% of the population reported no chronic illnesses, which is lower than the 67.6% recorded in Regional Qld.
Chronic health issues are particularly notable among the working-age population. Residents aged 65 and over make up 24.2% of the local population (508 people), which exceeds the Regional Qld average of 20.4%. Health profiles for these older residents present some challenges, though their national rankings are generally consistent with the broader community.
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
Tara displays lower levels of cultural diversity than average, with citizens making up 86.8% of the community, 89.7% of residents born in Australia, and 95.9% of households speaking only English. Christianity is the dominant religious affiliation, representing 53.2% of residents, which is comparable to the 52.2% recorded across Regional Qld. In terms of parental heritage, the three largest ancestral groups in Tara are Australian at 32.3% of the population (significantly above the regional average of 26.5%), English at 29.8%, and Scottish at 7.8%. There are also distinct differences in the representation of other ethnic backgrounds: Hungarian heritage is overrepresented at 0.6% (compared to 0.2% regionally), Australian Aboriginal ancestry accounts for 6.9% of residents (compared to 3.9% regionally), and German heritage stands at 4.8% (compared to 4.7% regionally).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Tara (Qld) is 48, older than 88% of areas nationally. 20.2% 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
Tara's median age of 48 is higher than the Regional Qld median of 41 and the national average of 38. The 55 - 64 age cohort is highly represented at 17.9% compared to Regional Qld, while the 35 - 44 cohort is smaller at 9.8%. This concentration of residents aged 55 - 64 is also well above the national benchmark of 11.2%. Post-2021 Census figures show that the 75 to 84 age cohort increased from 6.3% to 7.3% of the population. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort fell from 13.3% to 10.7% and the 5 to 14 cohort declined from 12.6% to 11.3%.
By 2041, Tara's demographic structure is expected to shift, with the 75 to 84 group growing by 16% (24 people) to reach 178 individuals, up from 153. This aging trend is prominent, with residents aged 65 and over accounting for 78% of the projected population growth. In contrast, population declines are forecast for the 0 to 4 and 65 to 74 age cohorts.
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 Aug 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) | May 2026 3 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 May 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to May 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Jun 2026 2 months ago headline measures · May 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Aug 2026 this month all 21 measures |
| 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 Aug 2026. | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, State agencies, Local governments Daily | Feb 2026 6 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 5 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) | Aug 2026 this month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Jul 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 — 141 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for May 2026, not a 2021 count (1,980 at the 2021 Census → 2,100 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 May 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.