Tumbarumba
Statistical Area - sa2

Tumbarumba is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

Tumbarumba's population was around 3,607 as of August 2025. This figure reflects an increase of 85 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,522. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 3,543 in June 2024 and an additional 60 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population results in a density ratio of 0.80 persons per square kilometer. Tumbarumba's growth rate of 2.4% since the 2021 census exceeded that of its SA3 area, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 93.8% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, released in 2022 with a base year of 2021, are utilized. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Projections indicate an overall population decline of 11 persons by 2041. However, specific age cohorts are expected to grow, notably the 75 to 84 age group, projected to expand by 82 people.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in Tumbarumba, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally

Tumbarumba has seen approximately 12 dwellings receive development approval annually. The Australian Bureau of Statistics provides development approval data on a financial year basis, showing 63 homes approved over the past five years from FY-21 to FY-25, with no recorded approvals so far in FY-26. On average, around 0.6 new residents per year have been associated with each dwelling constructed during this period. This pace of new supply has kept up with or exceeded demand, providing ample buyer choice and creating capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts.

The average construction value of these properties was $376,000, which is below the regional average, suggesting more affordable housing options for buyers. In FY-26, there have been $7.0 million in commercial approvals, indicating limited focus on commercial development. Compared to the Rest of NSW, Tumbarumba has recorded somewhat elevated construction activity, with 15.0% above the regional average per person over the five-year period, balancing buyer choice while supporting current property values. However, building activity has slowed in recent years.

Nationally, this level is below average, reflecting the area's maturity and possible planning constraints. All new construction during this period comprised detached dwellings, preserving Tumbarumba's low-density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. The estimated population count of 737 people per dwelling approval reflects its quiet development environment. With population projections indicating stability or decline, Tumbarumba is expected to experience reduced housing demand pressures, benefiting potential buyers.

Tumbarumba has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 37thth percentile nationally

The performance of a region is greatly influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified 15 such projects that could impact this area. Notable projects include the Batlow Water Security (Concept Design) Project, Talbingo Battery Energy Storage System, Snowy 2.0 Transmission Connection Project, and Tumut River Works Program, with the following list detailing those of most relevance.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

Employment performance in Tumbarumba has been broadly consistent with national averages

Tumbarumba's workforce is balanced between white and blue-collar jobs across various sectors. The unemployment rate was 3.4% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 7.6%.

As of June 2025, 1,636 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 3.4%, which is 0.3% below Rest of NSW's rate of 3.7%. Workforce participation in Tumbarumba is 54.1%, compared to Rest of NSW's 56.4%. Key industries for employment among residents include agriculture, forestry & fishing, manufacturing, and public administration & safety. Tumbarumba has a strong specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with an employment share 5.0 times the regional level.

However, health care & social assistance is under-represented, with only 8.1% of Tumbarumba's workforce compared to Rest of NSW's 16.9%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment levels increased by 7.6%, labour force increased by 8.9%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 1.1 percentage points. In comparison, Rest of NSW saw employment fall by 0.1%, labour force expand by 0.3%, and unemployment rise by 0.4 percentage points. State-level data for NSW as of Sep-25 shows employment contracted by 0.41% (losing 19,270 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 4.3%. National employment forecasts from May 2025 project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Tumbarumba's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 4.7% over five years and 10.8% over ten years.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year ended June 2022 shows median income in Tumbarumba was $48,813 and average income was $58,858. This contrasts with Rest of NSW's figures of median income at $49,459 and average income at $62,998. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.6% from financial year ended June 2022 to March 2025, current estimates suggest median income in Tumbarumba is approximately $53,987 and average income is around $65,097. Census 2021 data indicates household, family, and personal incomes in Tumbarumba rank modestly, between the 23rd and 30th percentiles. The earnings profile shows that 30.0% of locals (1,082 people) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income category, aligning with regional levels where this cohort also represents 29.9%. Housing costs are manageable with 91.4% retained, but disposable income ranks below average at the 33rd percentile.

Tumbarumba is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Tumbarumba's dwellings, as recorded in the latest Census, were 97.0% houses and 3.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Non-Metro NSW's 92.0% houses and 8.0% other dwellings. Home ownership in Tumbarumba was 51.3%, with mortgaged dwellings at 26.3% and rented dwellings at 22.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Tumbarumba was $1,127, lower than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,300. Median weekly rent in Tumbarumba was $208, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $230. Nationally, Tumbarumba's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Tumbarumba has a typical household mix, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 70.5% of all households, including 23.1% couples with children, 36.4% couples without children, and 10.1% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 29.5%, with lone person households at 27.8% and group households at 2.0%. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is smaller than the Rest of NSW average of 2.4.

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

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates at 16.6%, substantially below the NSW average of 32.2%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 12.2%, followed by graduate diplomas (2.3%) and postgraduate qualifications (2.1%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 41.3% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (9.7%) and certificates (31.6%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 30.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 12.0% in primary education, 8.8% in secondary education, and 2.0% pursuing tertiary education. Tumbarumba's five schools have a combined enrollment reaching 438 students as of the latest data. The area demonstrates varied educational conditions across its schools. Education provision is balanced with four primary and one secondary school serving distinct age groups.

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

Tumbarumba has 195 active public transport stops. These include both train and bus services. There are 16 different routes operating in total, providing 142 weekly passenger trips combined.

The accessibility of these services is rated as good, with residents on average located just 205 meters from the nearest stop. On average, there are 20 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately one trip per week for each individual stop.

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

Health data indicates significant challenges for Tumbarumba regarding common health conditions, with notable prevalence across both younger and older age cohorts. Private health cover stands at approximately 49% (around 1,771 people), lower than the national average of 55.3%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (affecting 11.2% of residents) and asthma (8.9%). Conversely, 62.8% report no medical ailments, comparable to Rest of NSW's 62.9%. Tumbarumba has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 28.7% (around 1,035 people), compared to Rest of NSW's 24.8%. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors are above average and better than the general population in health metrics.

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

Tumbarumba's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 85.8% of its population being citizens, 89.3% born in Australia, and 96.7% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the main religion in Tumbarumba, comprising 61.4% of people, compared to 65.3% across Rest of NSW. The top three ancestry groups were Australian (32.2%), English (31.4%), and Scottish (9.0%).

Notably, German ancestry was overrepresented at 4.7%, compared to the regional average of 3.7%. Similarly, Australian Aboriginal ancestry was slightly higher at 4.4% than the regional figure of 4.8%. Maltese ancestry was also higher in Tumbarumba at 0.5%, compared to the regional average of 0.2%.

Tumbarumba hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Tumbarumba's median age is 47 years, which is higher than the Rest of NSW average of 43 years and the national average of 38 years. The age profile shows that 65-74 year-olds are prominent at 16.2%, while the 25-34 group is smaller at 8.5% compared to the Rest of NSW figure. This 65-74 concentration is higher than the national average of 9.4%. Between 2021 and present, the 65-74 age group has increased from 13.9% to 16.2%, while the 15-24 cohort has risen from 8.8% to 10.2%. Conversely, the 55-64 cohort has declined from 15.5% to 13.8%, and the 25-34 group has dropped from 9.7% to 8.5%. By 2041, Tumbarumba's age composition is expected to shift notably. The 75-84 group is projected to grow by 17 people, reaching 387 from 331. Those aged 65 and above are expected to comprise 71% of the population growth. Conversely, population declines are projected for those aged 0-4 and 15-24 years.