In 2021 the communities of Boyne Tannum had a population of 10,059, which is an increase of 405 since 2011, with the largest increase taking place between 2021 and 2016 at 241 people. It is estimated that the population will increase by a further 3,090 people to 12,991 by 2041, with the Retirement (65-79) age cohort forecasted to experience the largest increase (REMPLAN population forecast).

In 2021 the median age for Boyne Island and Tannum Sands was 39, which is consistent with Gladstone Region median age of 38 and the Queensland median age of 38.

Since 2011 the median age of the Boyne Tannum community has increased from 35 to 39 years of age.

The Boyne Island and Tannum Sands communities are diverse across age groups with people living in the area until their senior years.

There is a general trend with a decrease in the community aged zero to four years old to 50-54 years old and an increase of those aged 55-85 years and older. The most notable decrease is those aged 35-44 years old, with a decrease of 266 people between 2021 and 2011. There are notable increases of 963 people across all age brackets between the ages of 55-79 years old.

This could indicate the coastal area of Boyne Tannum could be a popular retirement region.

In 2021 the age groups that differ most to the Gladstone Region are:

• There has been an increase in older workers and retiree’s at Boyne Tannum – 50-59 years with an increase of 9.9 per cent (133 people) and empty nesters and retiree's increasing by 61.6 per cent (451 people) between 2011 and 2021.
• The most significant increase is the Senior's population (70-84) with a 103.7 per cent increase (384 people).
• There is generally a high proportion of people in these age brackets when compared the region.
• Families are well represented in Boyne Tannum, however, there has been a decrease in babies and pre-schoolers between 2016 and 2021 of 11.9 per cent (84 people), the percentage of people in this bracket is still line with the region at 6.1 per cent and 6.4 per cent of the population.
• There has been a decrease in parents and home builders, which has been steadily declining over the decade. In 2021, this population segment represented 2,711 people, a 10.4 per cent decline (316 people) since 2011. The age bracket is still comparable to the region at 26.9 per cent compared 26.6 per cent of the population.
• The largest decrease in the Boyne Tannum area is of primary and secondary school aged people between 2011 and 2021 of 1,064 people, a decrease of 31.5 per cent. As a percentage of the population, this age group represents 23 per cent in Boyne Tannum which is less than the regional comparison of 28.8 per cent.

There will continue to be demand for diverse services and activity opportunities to cater for all age groups in the community. This includes sport and recreation facilities, library services, community centres, education activities and programs, volunteer services, childcare and continued strong linkages with schools and various other services.

Whilst there has been a decrease in primary and secondary school children, the age group between 0-19 years represents almost 30 per cent of the Boyne Island Tannum Sands population. There will be a need for services to support primary and secondary school children, such as play spaces, sport and recreation infrastructure, arts and culture opportunities, and a range of childcare services.

Programming and infrastructure planning should also consider that families represent 56 per cent of the population.

It will be important to middle aged and ageing adults to remain healthy, active, valued and independent as they age.

There has also been a significant increase in the senior demographic, with 103 per cent growth over the decade. This data may indicate that residents in this coastal community are ageing in place, and consideration should be made for increased access to health services or retirement living precincts.

source ABS 2021, 2016, 2011

Service group breakdown compared to the Region, source ABS 2022, 2016, 2011