Tamworth - East

An assessment of population growth drivers in Tamworth - East reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

Tamworth - East's population is approximately 23,676 as of February 2026. This figure represents an increase of 2,316 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 21,360. The growth is inferred from ABS data showing an estimated resident population of 22,601 in June 2024 and an additional 328 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 231 persons per square kilometer. Tamworth - East's population grew by 10.8% between the 2021 Census and February 2026, outpacing both its SA4 region (4.9%) and the Rest of NSW. Natural growth contributed approximately 44.1% to overall population gains during recent periods, with other factors such as overseas migration also playing positive roles.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024, based on 2022 data, and NSW State Government's SA2 level projections for areas not covered by this data, released in 2022 with a 2021 base year. Growth rates by age group are applied to all areas from these aggregations for the years 2032 to 2041. Based on demographic trends and latest annual ERP population numbers, Tamworth - East is expected to increase by approximately 2,690 persons by 2041, reflecting a total growth of around 6.8% over the 17-year period.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Tamworth - East when compared nationally

Tamworth - East has seen approximately 85 new homes approved annually over the past five financial years from FY21 to FY25. A total of 426 homes were approved during this period, with an additional 22 approved in FY26 as of now. On average, each dwelling built between FY21 and FY25 has resulted in approximately 2.9 new residents per year, indicating strong demand that supports property values.

The average construction cost value of these new homes is $242,000, which is below the regional average, suggesting more affordable housing options for buyers. In terms of commercial development, Tamworth - East has registered $13.0 million in approvals this financial year, reflecting moderate levels of commercial growth. Compared to the Rest of NSW, Tamworth - East has 16.0% less new development per person, and when assessed nationally, it ranks among the 38th percentile of areas, suggesting more limited choices for buyers and supporting demand for existing homes. The composition of new developments in Tamworth - East is 63.0% detached dwellings and 37.0% attached dwellings, offering a mix of medium-density housing options that cater to various price brackets, from traditional family housing to more affordable compact alternatives.

This shift reflects the reduced availability of development sites and addresses changing lifestyle demands and affordability requirements, marking a significant change from the current housing mix, which is predominantly houses (86.0%). The area's quiet, low activity development environment is reflected in its estimated count of 456 people per dwelling approval. Looking ahead, Tamworth - East is projected to grow by 1,615 residents by 2041, according to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing favorable conditions for buyers and potentially supporting population growth beyond current projections.

Tamworth - East has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 38thth percentile nationally

In total 21 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to impact the area's performance. Key projects include Goonoo Goonoo Commercial Precinct, Tamworth Sports and Entertainment Precinct, Goonoo Goonoo Road Upgrade, and Hillvue Public Preschool. The following list details those most likely to be 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.

The labour market in Tamworth - East shows considerable strength compared to most other Australian regions

Tamworth East has a balanced workforce with both white and blue collar jobs. Key sectors include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and education & training. It has a notable concentration in manufacturing, at 1.8 times the regional average.

Agriculture, forestry & fishing has limited presence, at 2.3% compared to the regional 5.3%. As of September 2025, there are 12,730 residents employed with an unemployment rate of 2.7%, and estimated employment growth of 0.6% over the past year. This is below Rest of NSW's unemployment rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation is high at 71.7%, compared to Rest of NSW's 61.5%.

Only 12.6% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts may have influenced this figure. Employment levels increased by 0.6% and labour force increased by 0.9% during the year to September 2025, causing unemployment rate to rise by 0.3 percentage points. This contrasts with Rest of NSW where employment fell by 0.5%, labour force contracted by 0.1%, and unemployment rose by 0.4 percentage points. National employment forecasts from May-25 suggest national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with growth rates varying between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Tamworth East's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 6.0% over five years and 13.0% over ten years.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

Tamworth - East SA2 had a median taxpayer income of $52,945 and an average of $61,935 in financial year 2023, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This is lower than the national average, with Rest of NSW having a median income of $52,390 and an average income of $65,215. By September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $57,636 (median) and $67,422 (average), based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023. The 2021 Census showed household, family, and personal incomes in Tamworth - East ranking modestly, between the 27th and 42nd percentiles. Distribution data indicated that 31.7% of locals (7,505 people) fell into the $1,500 - 2,999 income category, similar to the surrounding region where 29.9% were in this bracket. Housing affordability pressures were severe, with only 84.7% of income remaining, ranking at the 28th percentile.

Tamworth - East is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Tamworth - East's dwelling structure at the latest Census showed 86.2% houses and 13.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Non-Metro NSW's 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Tamworth - East was 33.3%, with the rest mortgaged at 31.0% or rented at 35.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,452, below Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,733 and Australia's average of $1,863. Median weekly rent in Tamworth - East was $300, lower than Non-Metro NSW's $330 and Australia's national figure of $375.

Tamworth - East has a typical household mix, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households constitute 66.9% of all households, including 24.3% couples with children, 27.4% couples without children, and 13.9% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 33.1%, with lone person households at 29.6% and group households making up 3.5%. The median household size is 2.4 people, which aligns with the Rest of NSW average.

Tamworth - East faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area has university qualification rates of 16.0%, significantly lower than the NSW average of 32.2%. This discrepancy presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 11.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.8%) and graduate diplomas (1.9%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 40.5% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (9.5%) and certificates (31.0%).

Educational participation is high, with 29.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.7% in primary education, 9.9% in secondary education, and 2.5% pursuing tertiary education.

Transport servicing is moderate compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility

Tamworth - East has 495 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 80 different routes that together facilitate 1,379 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents on average located just 113 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents in this primarily residential area commute outward daily using their cars, which remains the dominant mode of transport at 95%. On average, there are 1.4 vehicles per dwelling. According to the 2021 Census, only 12.6% of residents work from home, a figure that might be influenced by COVID-19 conditions.

The service frequency across all routes averages 197 trips per day, equating to approximately two weekly trips per individual stop. The map provided illustrates the locations of the 100 nearest stops to the area's central point.

Tamworth - East's residents are relatively healthy in comparison to broader Australia with the level of common health conditions among the general population somewhat typical, though higher than the nation's average among older cohorts

Tamworth East's health metrics are close to national benchmarks. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are typical for the general population but higher than average among older cohorts. Private health cover is relatively low at approximately 50% of the total population (~11,790 people), compared to 51.9% across Rest of NSW and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions are asthma (10.5%) and mental health issues (10.0%), while 62.1% reported no medical ailments, compared to 63.3% in Rest of NSW. Working-age residents face notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 19.8% of residents aged 65 and over (4,690 people), lower than Rest of NSW's 23.4%. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges but rank lower nationally than the broader population.

Tamworth - East is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Tamworth-East showed lower cultural diversity, with 88.6% citizens, 91.3% born in Australia, and 93.5% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 62.7%, compared to 55.9% regionally. Ancestry showed Australian at 33.1%, English at 29.5%, and Australian Aboriginal at 9.6%, higher than regional averages of 4.6%.

Notably, Vietnamese were overrepresented at 0.5%, Irish at 7.9%, and German at 3.0%.

Tamworth - East's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Tamworth - East has a median age of 38, which is lower than the Rest of NSW figure of 43 but equivalent to the national norm of 38. The 25-34 age group comprises 14.9% of Tamworth - East's population, higher than the Rest of NSW figure. Conversely, the 65-74 cohort makes up 10.3%, lower than the Rest of NSW figure. According to the 2021 Census, the 25-34 age group has increased from 13.4% to 14.9%. The 45-54 cohort has declined from 11.4% to 9.7%, and the 5-14 group has decreased from 13.7% to 12.6%. Demographic modeling indicates significant changes in Tamworth - East's age profile by 2041. The 25-34 group is projected to grow by 19% (666 people), reaching 4,199 from 3,532. Meanwhile, population declines are forecast for the 5-14 and 55-64 cohorts.