Tara (Qld)

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Following an examination of ABS population updates for the wider region and new address datasets verified by Districts 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 Districts 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.

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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 Districts 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.

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According to ATO statistics compiled by Districts 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 ( people), differing from wider regional trends where of people earn in the - range. With of the community earning less than weekly, local retail spending is constrained by low household budgets. Although residents keep of their earnings due to low housing costs, overall disposable income sits at only the th percentile nationally.

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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.

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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.

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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%.

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Tara faces notable health challenges, indicated by Districts' 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%.

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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.

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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 to . By Tara's demographic structure is expected to shift, with the to group growing by ( people) to reach individuals, up from . This aging trend is prominent, with residents aged and over accounting for of the projected population growth. In contrast, population declines are forecast for the to and to age cohorts.

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Tara currently has an estimated 113 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 78 children aged 0-2 and 52 children aged 3-4. This cohort grew by an estimated 16% since the previous census. though population forecasts indicate future decline, with an anticipated decrease of 1% by 2041 (to approximately 112 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 182. Recent growth has been driven by high birth rates observed in the area, with approximately 12.2 births per 1,000 residents recorded over the latest two-year period analysed which ranks the area among the top 30% of areas assessed nationally. This rate has slowed down slightly in recent years however.