Tumbarumba

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, as of February 2026, is approximately 3,712 people. This figure reflects a growth of 190 individuals since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,522. The increase was inferred from an estimated resident population of 3,543 in June 2024 and an additional 62 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 0.80 persons per square kilometer. Tumbarumba's growth rate of 5.4% since the 2021 census exceeded that of its SA3 area (2.9%) and SA4 region, indicating it as a growth leader. Overseas migration contributed approximately 93.8% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year, and NSW State Government's SA2 level projections for areas not covered by this data, released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group are applied to all areas from 2032 to 2041. Projections indicate an overall population decline of 11 persons by 2041, but growth is anticipated for specific age cohorts, notably a projected increase of 82 people in the 75 to 84 age group.

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 granted development approval annually. Between financial years FY-21 and FY-25, a total of 63 homes were approved, with an additional 4 approved in FY-26 to date. On average, over these five years, each dwelling constructed has attracted around 0.6 new residents per year.

This pace of construction is meeting or exceeding demand, providing more options for buyers and potentially driving population growth beyond current projections. The average expected construction cost value of new homes is $295,000. This financial year, Tumbarumba has recorded $7.0 million in commercial development approvals, reflecting its predominantly residential character. Compared to the rest of NSW, Tumbarumba's construction levels are 15.0% higher per person over the past five years, balancing buyer choice with support for current property values.

However, building activity has slowed in recent years. The estimated population count per dwelling approval in Tumbarumba is 737 people, indicating a quiet and low-activity development environment. Recent development has consisted entirely of detached houses, maintaining the area's low-density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. Population projections suggest stability or decline, which should alleviate housing demand pressures and benefit potential buyers. Tumbarumba's construction levels are below the national average, suggesting an established area with potential planning limitations.

Tumbarumba has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

AreaSearch has identified fifteen projects that could impact the local area. Key projects include Batlow Water Security (Concept Design) Project, Talbingo Battery Energy Storage System, Snowy 2.0 Transmission Connection Project, and Tumut River Works Program. The following details projects likely to be 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.

The employment environment in Tumbarumba shows above-average strength when compared nationally

Tumbarumba's workforce is balanced across white and blue collar jobs, with diverse sector representation. Its unemployment rate was 3.0% in the past year, lower than Rest of NSW's 3.8%. Employment grew by an estimated 4.2% during this period.

As of September 2025, 1,630 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 0.8% below Rest of NSW's rate. Workforce participation in Tumbarumba is 56.0%, compared to Rest of NSW's 61.5%. According to Census responses, 17.4% of residents work from home. Dominant employment sectors include agriculture, forestry & fishing, manufacturing, and public administration & safety.

Agriculture, forestry & fishing has particularly high concentration, with levels at 5.0 times the regional average. However, health care & social assistance is under-represented, at 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 September 2024 and 2025, employment levels increased by 4.2%, labour force by 4.9%, leading to an unemployment rise of 0.7 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of NSW saw employment decline by 0.5% and labour force decline by 0.1%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Tumbarumba's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 4.7% over five years and 10.8% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

In AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year ending June 2023, Tumbarumba SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $51,115 and an average of $59,428. This is lower than the national average. In comparison, Rest of NSW had a median income of $52,390 and an average of $65,215. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year ending June 2023, current estimates for Tumbarumba SA2 would be approximately $55,644 (median) and $64,693 (average) as of September 2025. According to Census 2021 income data, household, family, and personal incomes in Tumbarumba rank modestly, between the 22nd and 29th percentiles. The data shows that the majority of residents, 30.0% or 1,113 people, fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 income bracket. Housing costs are manageable with 91.4% retained, but disposable income is below average at the 32nd percentile.

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

Dwelling structure in Tumbarumba, as per the latest Census evaluation, consisted of 97.0% houses and 3.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Non-Metro NSW's 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Tumbarumba stood at 51.3%, with the remaining dwellings either mortgaged (26.3%) or rented (22.4%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,127, significantly lower than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,733 and the national figure of $1,863. The median weekly rent in Tumbarumba was recorded at $208, substantially below Non-Metro NSW's $330 and 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 account for 29.5%, with lone person households at 27.8% and group households comprising 2.0%. The median household size is 2.3 people, 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's university qualification rate is 16.6%, significantly lower than the NSW average of 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 12.2%, followed by graduate diplomas (2.3%) and postgraduate qualifications (2.1%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 41.3% of residents aged 15+ holding them. Advanced diplomas account for 9.7% and certificates for 31.6%.

Educational participation is high at 30.2%, including 12.0% in primary education, 8.8% in secondary education, and 2.0% in tertiary education.

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

Tumbarumba has 197 active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These are covered by 17 routes, providing 1,301 weekly passenger trips combined. Transport accessibility is good with residents typically located 204 meters from the nearest stop. Most commuting in this residential area is outward-bound. Cars remain the dominant mode at 88%, with 9% walking. Average vehicle ownership per dwelling is 1.7, higher than the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 17.4% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 185 trips per day across all routes, equating to about 6 weekly trips per stop. The map shows the 100 nearest stops to the location centrepoint.

Health outcomes in Tumbarumba are marginally below the national average with common health conditions slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age cohorts

Tumbarumba's health indicators show below-average results based on AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are slightly more common than average across both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is very low at approximately 49% of Tumbarumba's total population (~1,815 people), compared to 51.9% in Rest of NSW and the national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (11.2%) and asthma (8.9%). 62.8% of residents claim to be completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 63.3% in Rest of NSW. Working-age population health challenges include elevated chronic condition rates. Tumbarumba has a higher percentage of seniors aged 65 and over at 29.6%, with 1,100 people, compared to Rest of NSW's 23.4%. Health outcomes among seniors are above average nationally.

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

Tumbarumba had a cultural diversity level 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 predominant religion, comprising 61.4% of Tumbarumba's population, compared to 55.9% 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 3.1%. Australian Aboriginal ancestry was also slightly higher at 4.4% versus 4.6%. Maltese ancestry was present at 0.5%, slightly above the regional average of 0.4%.

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

Tumbarumba's median age is 47 years, which is significantly higher than the Rest of NSW average of 43 and exceeds the national average of 38. The age profile shows that those aged 65-74 are particularly prominent, making up 16.8% of the population, while those aged 25-34 comprise only 8.4%. This concentration of those aged 65-74 is well above the national average of 9.5%. Between 2021 and present, the percentage of Tumbarumba's population aged 65-74 has grown from 13.9% to 16.8%, while the 15-24 age group has increased from 8.8% to 10.0%. Conversely, the 55-64 age group has declined from 15.5% to 13.3%, and the 25-34 age group has dropped from 9.7% to 8.4%. By 2041, Tumbarumba's population is expected to see notable shifts in its age composition. The 75-84 age group is projected to grow by 9 people, reaching 387 from 356. Those aged 65 and above are expected to comprise 82% of the total projected growth. Conversely, population declines are projected for those aged 0-4 and 55-64.