Tamworth - West
Statistical Area - sa2

Population growth drivers in Tamworth - West are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Tamworth - West's population was around 7,246 as of November 2025, according to AreaSearch's analysis. This figure represents a growth of 1,248 people (20.8%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 5,998 people. The increase is inferred from the estimated resident population of 6,531 in June 2024 and an additional 346 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 115 persons per square kilometer, indicating significant space per person and potential for further development. Tamworth - West's growth rate of 20.8% since the 2021 census exceeded the SA4 region (4.4%) and the non-metro area, positioning it as a growth leader in the region. Natural growth contributed approximately 63.2% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopted ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilized NSW State Government's SA2 level projections released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations were applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Based on projected demographic shifts, a significant population increase is forecasted in the top quartile of Australia's non-metropolitan areas. The area is expected to expand by 1,540 persons to 2041, with an overall increase of 10.2% over the 17-year period.

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

Tamworth - West has received approximately 38 dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling 193 homes. Up to May 2026, 28 approvals have been recorded. On average, each dwelling accommodates around two new residents per year, indicating a healthy demand that supports property values. The average construction cost of new homes is approximately $230,000, which is below regional levels, offering more affordable housing options for buyers.

This financial year has seen $23.9 million in commercial development approvals, indicating moderate commercial growth. Compared to the rest of NSW, Tamworth - West has slightly higher development activity, with 33.0% more approvals per person over the past five years, balancing buyer choice while supporting current property values. Recent construction comprises 47.0% standalone homes and 53.0% medium and high-density housing, shifting from the area's existing housing composition of 95.0% houses. This change reflects decreasing availability of developable sites and evolving lifestyles requiring more diverse and affordable housing options. The current population density is approximately 231 people per dwelling approval, suggesting room for growth.

By 2041, Tamworth - West is projected to grow by 736 residents. At the current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing favourable conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

Tamworth - West has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 18thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 18 projects likely to impact the area. Notable projects include Tamworth Global Gateway Park, Rosary College Lifestyle Community, Maintenance and Workshop Buildings, and Majestic Tamworth. The following list details those most 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.

AreaSearch analysis reveals Tamworth - West recording weaker employment conditions than most comparable areas nationwide

Tamworth - West has a balanced workforce with both white and blue collar jobs. Manufacturing and industrial sectors are prominent, with an unemployment rate of 5.4% as of June 2025.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 5.0%. There are 3,039 residents in work, with an unemployment rate of 1.7% above Rest of NSW's rate of 3.7%. Workforce participation is lower than standard, at 53.5% compared to Rest of NSW's 56.4%. Manufacturing, health care & social assistance, and retail trade are the dominant employment sectors among residents.

Manufacturing has a particularly high representation, with an employment share 3.0 times the regional level. Conversely, education & training is under-represented, with only 4.8% of Tamworth - West's workforce compared to 9.6% in Rest of NSW. The resident-to-worker ratio indicates substantial local employment opportunities, at 1:1 as per the Census. Over the 12 months to June 2025, employment increased by 5.0%, while labour force grew by 3.5%, reducing the unemployment rate by 1.4 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of NSW saw employment decline by 0.1% and labour force growth of 0.3%, with a rise in unemployment of 0.4 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia (May 2025) project national employment expansion of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Tamworth - West's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 5.3% over five years and 12.0% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

The area's income levels rank in the lower 15% nationally based on AreaSearch comparative data

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows that Tamworth - West has an income below the national average. The median income is $43,604 while the average income stands at $52,531. This contrasts with Rest of NSW's figures where the median income is $49,459 and the average income is $62,998. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.61% since financial year 2022, current estimates for Tamworth - West would be approximately $49,102 (median) and $59,155 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals that household, family and personal incomes in Tamworth - West all fall between the 16th and 21st percentiles nationally. Income brackets indicate that the predominant cohort spans 30.3% of locals (2,195 people) in the $1,500 - $2,999 category, which aligns with the metropolitan region where this cohort likewise represents 29.9%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Tamworth - West, with only 81.2% of income remaining, ranking at the 14th percentile.

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

Tamworth - West's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, comprised 95.1% houses and 4.9% other dwellings. In comparison, Non-Metro NSW had 89.5% houses and 10.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Tamworth - West was at 23.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 28.3% and rented ones at 48.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,387, lower than Non-Metro NSW's $1,500. Median weekly rent in Tamworth - West was $290, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $300. Nationally, Tamworth - West's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,387 versus Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Tamworth - West features high concentrations of group households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households comprise 72.9% of all households, including 26.2% couples with children, 21.9% couples without children, and 23.2% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 27.1%, with lone person households at 23.2% and group households comprising 3.8%. The median household size is 2.7 people, higher than the Rest of NSW average of 2.4 people.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 9.0%, significantly lower than the NSW average of 32.2%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most common at 6.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.3%) and graduate diplomas (1.1%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 40.3% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas at 7.1% and certificates at 33.2%.

Educational participation is high, with 36.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 16.4% in primary education, 10.8% in secondary education, and 1.5% pursuing tertiary education. The area has two schools serving a total of 1,040 students: Peel High School and Westdale Public School. Educational provision follows conventional lines, with one primary and one secondary institution.

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

Transport analysis shows 159 active transport stops in Tamworth - West, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 57 individual routes that together offer 508 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of public transport is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 107 meters from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 72 trips per day across all routes, which equates to approximately 3 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Tamworth - West faces significant health challenges, as indicated by health data. Both younger and older age groups have notable prevalence of common health conditions. Private health cover is low, at approximately 47% (around 3,383 people), compared to Rest of NSW's 50.0%, and the national average of 55.3%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are asthma and mental health issues, affecting 11.3% and 11.2% of residents respectively. About 64.3% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to Rest of NSW's 63.4%. The area has 12.1% (879 people) aged 65 and over, lower than Rest of NSW's 19.9%. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, generally mirroring the overall population's health profile.

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

Tamworth-West showed lower cultural diversity, with 82.8% citizens, 89.8% born in Australia, and 91.6% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the dominant religion at 54.1%, compared to 63.6% across Rest of NSW. The top three ancestry groups were Australian (32.6%), English (25.8%), and Australian Aboriginal (19.5%), which is substantially higher than the regional average of 9.4%.

Notably, Filipino representation was overrepresented at 2.7%, compared to 0.7% regionally, and Maori at 0.6%, compared to 0.2%.

Tamworth - West hosts a very young demographic, ranking in the bottom 10% of areas nationwide

Tamworth-West has a median age of 30 years, which is significantly lower than the Rest of NSW average of 43 years and the Australian median of 38 years. Compared to the Rest of NSW, Tamworth-West has a higher proportion of residents aged 25-34 (16.9%) but fewer residents aged 65-74 (6.6%). Between the 2021 Census and the present day, the population aged 25-34 has increased from 15.0% to 16.9%, while the proportion of those aged 5-14 has decreased from 18.1% to 16.5%. The percentage of residents aged 55-64 has also dropped, from 9.1% to 8.0%. By 2041, demographic modeling indicates that Tamworth-West's age profile will change significantly. The number of residents aged 25-34 is projected to grow by 29%, adding 354 people to reach a total of 1,575 in this age group. Conversely, both the 5-14 and 75-84 age groups are expected to see a decrease in numbers.