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 November 2025, is approximately 3711. This figure represents a growth of 189 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3522. The increase was inferred from an estimated resident population of 3543 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 (2.8%) and SA4 region, making it a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 93.8% to overall population gains recently.

AreaSearch uses 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 are used, released in 2022 with a base year of 2021. 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, but specific age cohorts like the 75-84 age group are expected to grow, with a projected increase of 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. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, a total of 63 homes were approved, with an additional 4 approved so far in FY-26. On average, over these five years, each dwelling constructed has resulted in 0.6 new residents per year.

This pace of construction matches or exceeds 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. In FY-26 alone, 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 area's development is primarily composed of detached houses, maintaining its low-density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. As of now, there are estimated to be 737 people in Tumbarumba per dwelling approval, indicating a quiet, low-activity development environment. With population projections suggesting stability or decline, housing demand pressures should remain relatively low, benefiting potential buyers in the area.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 15 projects that could impact the 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 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.

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

Tumbarumba's workforce is balanced across white and blue-collar jobs with varied sector representation. The unemployment rate was 3.0% as of September 2025, lower than Rest of NSW's 3.8%. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 4.2%.

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

Agriculture, forestry & fishing had employment levels at 5.0 times the regional average. However, health care & social assistance was 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 September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 4.2%, labour force by 4.9%, resulting in an unemployment rise of 0.7 percentage points. Rest of NSW recorded employment decline of 0.5%, labour force decline of 0.1%, with unemployment rising by 0.4 percentage points during the same period. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, May-25, project national employment growth at 6.6% 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.

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 was lower than the national average. Rest of NSW had a median income of $52,390 and an average of $65,215 during the same period. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year ending June 2023, estimated median and average incomes for Tumbarumba SA2 as of September 2025 would be approximately $55,644 and $64,693 respectively. According to Census 2021 income data, household, family, and personal incomes in Tumbarumba SA2 were modest, ranking between the 22nd and 29th percentiles. The $1,500 - $2,999 income bracket dominated with 30.0% of residents (1,113 people). Housing costs were manageable with 91.4% retained, but disposable income was 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 evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 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 was at 51.3%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (26.3%) or rented (22.4%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Tumbarumba was $1,127, below Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,733 and Australia's national average of $1,863. Median weekly rent in Tumbarumba was recorded at $208, compared to 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, broken down into 23.1% couples with children, 36.4% couples without children, and 10.1% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 29.5%, with lone person households at 27.8% and group households comprising 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's university qualification rate is 16.6%, significantly lower than the NSW average of 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are the 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% while certificates make up 31.6%. Educational participation is high, with 30.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education: 12.0% in primary, 8.8% in secondary, and 2.0% in tertiary education.

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.

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 in total. Transport accessibility is rated good with residents typically located 204 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward; car use dominates at 88%, while 9% walk. Average vehicle ownership per dwelling is 1.7, above 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 provided map displays the 100 nearest stops to the location's 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 outcomes, as assessed by AreaSearch. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are higher than average, affecting both younger and older age cohorts more commonly than usual. Private health cover is very low in Tumbarumba at approximately 49% of the total population (~1,814 people), compared to 51.9% across Rest of NSW and a national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (affecting 11.2% of residents) and asthma (8.9%). However, 62.8% of Tumbarumba's residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 63.3% in Rest of NSW. Working-age population health challenges include elevated chronic condition rates. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over (28.7%, or 1,065 people) than Rest of NSW's 23.0%. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, ranking even higher than the general population nationally.

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 is the dominant religion in Tumbarumba, comprising 61.4%, compared to 55.9% across Rest of NSW. The top three ancestry groups are Australian (32.2%), English (31.4%), and Scottish (9.0%).

Notably, German ancestry is overrepresented at 4.7% in Tumbarumba versus 3.1% regionally, while Australian Aboriginal is slightly underrepresented at 4.4% compared to 4.6%. Maltese ancestry is also marginally higher at 0.5% than 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 substantially exceeds the national average of 38. The age profile shows that those aged 65-74 are particularly prominent, making up 16.2% of the population, compared to 9.4% nationally. This group has grown from 13.9% in 2021 to 16.2% currently. Meanwhile, the 25-34 age group is smaller at 8.5%, down from 9.7% in 2021. The 55-64 cohort has declined from 15.5% to 13.8%. By contrast, the 15-24 cohort has increased from 8.8% to 10.2%. Looking ahead to 2041, Tumbarumba's age composition is expected to shift notably. The 75-84 group is projected to grow by 13 people (from 341 to 387), reflecting the aging population trend where those aged 65 and above will comprise 84% of the projected growth. Conversely, declines are projected for the 0-4 and 15-24 age groups.