Tamworth - East
Statistical Area - sa2

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 was 21,360 as of the 2021 Census. By Nov 2025, it is around 22,975, an increase of 1,615 people (7.6%). This growth is inferred from ABS estimates and validated new addresses. The population density is 224 persons per square kilometer. Tamworth - East's growth exceeded the SA4 region's 4.4% since the 2021 Census. Natural growth contributed approximately 44.1% of overall gains.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered, NSW State Government's SA2 level projections are used, released in 2022 with a base year of 2021. Growth rates by age group are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. By 2041, Tamworth - East is expected to increase by 2,690 persons, reflecting a total increase of 10.1%.

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, with a total of 426 homes approved during this period. In the current financial year FY26, 16 homes have been approved so far. This translates to an average of 2.9 new residents gained per dwelling built annually over these five years, indicating strong demand that supports property values.

The average expected construction cost value for new homes in Tamworth - East is $242,000, which is below the regional average, suggesting more affordable housing options for buyers. In terms of commercial development, Tamworth - East has seen $13.0 million in approvals registered during FY26, indicating moderate levels of commercial activity. Compared to the Rest of NSW, Tamworth - East has 16.0% less new development per person, and it ranks among the 38th percentile of areas assessed nationally, offering more limited choices for buyers but supporting demand for existing homes. The composition of new development in Tamworth - East is 63.0% detached dwellings and 37.0% attached dwellings, providing a mix of medium-density 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 compared to the current housing mix, which is predominantly composed of houses (86.0%). The estimated population density in Tamworth - East is 456 people per dwelling approval, indicating a quiet and low activity development environment. Looking ahead, Tamworth - East is projected to grow by 2,316 residents by the year 2041. Current development appears well-suited to meet future needs, supporting steady market conditions without extreme price pressure.

Tamworth - East has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 16thth percentile nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 21 projects that could impact the area. Notable ones 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.

Employment conditions in Tamworth - East demonstrate exceptional strength compared to most Australian markets

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.

The area shows notable concentration in manufacturing, with employment levels at 1.8 times the regional average. Agriculture, forestry & fishing has limited presence, at 2.3% compared to 5.3% regionally. As of June 2025, there are 12,779 residents employed, with an unemployment rate of 2.2%, and estimated employment growth of 4.1% over the past year. This is below Rest of NSW's unemployment rate of 3.7%.

Workforce participation is standard at 60.0%. Employment levels increased by 4.1% during the year to June 2025, while labour force increased by 3.4%, causing a fall in unemployment rate by 0.6 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of NSW saw employment fall by 0.1%, labour force expand by 0.3%, and unemployment rise by 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 suggest potential future demand within Tamworth - East. Over five years, national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6%, with local growth estimated at approximately 6.0%. Over ten years, national employment is projected to grow by 13.7%, and local growth is estimated at about 13.0%.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

Tamworth - East had a median taxpayer income of $50,607 and an average of $60,968 in financial year 2022. This was lower than the national average, with Rest of NSW having a median income of $49,459 and an average income of $62,998. By September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $56,989 (median) and $68,656 (average), based on Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2022. The 2021 Census ranked household, family, and personal incomes in Tamworth - East between the 27th and 42nd percentiles. Income distribution showed that 31.7% of locals (7,283 people) fell into the $1,500 - $2,999 category, similar to the surrounding region where 29.9% occupied this bracket. Housing affordability was 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 structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 86.2% houses and 13.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Non-Metro NSW had 89.5% houses and 10.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Tamworth - East was at 33.3%, with mortgaged dwellings at 31.0% and rented ones at 35.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,452, below Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,500. Median weekly rent in the area was $300, matching Non-Metro NSW's figure. Nationally, Tamworth - East's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 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 constitute the remaining 33.1%, with lone person households at 29.6% and group households comprising 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's university qualification rate is 16.0%, significantly lower than the NSW average of 32.2%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most common at 11.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.8%) and graduate diplomas (1.9%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 40.5% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas at 9.5% and certificates at 31.0%.

Educational participation is high, with 29.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.7% in primary, 9.9% in secondary, and 2.5% in tertiary education. Twelve schools serve 4,172 students in the area, which has varied educational conditions across Tamworth - East. The educational mix comprises 7 primary, 3 secondary, and 2 K-12 schools. Note: for schools with 'n/a' enrolments, please refer to the parent campus.

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

Analysis shows 471 active transport stops in Tamworth - East, served by buses. These are covered by 80 routes, offering 830 weekly passenger trips. Accessibility is excellent, with residents typically 113 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 118 trips per day across all routes, about 1 trip per week at each stop.

Health performance in Tamworth - East is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Tamworth - East faces significant health challenges, as indicated by its health data. Both younger and older age groups show high prevalence of common health conditions.

Approximately half of the total population (~11,487 people) has private health cover, lower than the national average of 55.3%. The most prevalent medical conditions are asthma (10.5%) and mental health issues (10.0%). Conversely, 62.1% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 63.4% in the Rest of NSW. The area has a senior population of 19.6%, comprising 4,496 people aged 65 and over. Health outcomes among seniors are broadly similar to those of the general 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 had below-average cultural diversity, with 88.6% citizens, 91.3% born in Australia, and 93.5% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the main religion, comprising 62.7%, compared to 63.6% regionally. Ancestry showed Australian (33.1%), English (29.5%), and Australian Aboriginal (9.6%) as top groups.

Notably, Vietnamese were overrepresented at 0.5% (vs regional 0.3%), Irish at 7.9% (vs 8.0%), and German at 3.0% (vs 2.9%).

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

Tamworth - East's median age is 38, which is less than the Rest of NSW figure at 43 but matches the national norm of 38. The 25-34 age group constitutes 14.7% of Tamworth - East's population compared to Rest of NSW, while the 65-74 cohort makes up 10.2%. According to the 2021 Census, the percentage of people aged 25 to 34 has increased from 13.4% to 14.7%, and the 45 to 54 age group has decreased from 11.4% to 9.9%. Demographic projections suggest Tamworth - East's age profile will change significantly by 2041, with the 25-34 cohort expected to grow by 24% (821 people), reaching 4,199 from 3,377. Meanwhile, population declines are projected for the 55-64 and 15-24 age groups.