Tumut

An assessment of population growth drivers in Tumut reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Tumut's population is around 6,779 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 112 people (1.7%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6,667 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 6,628 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 132 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 168 persons per square kilometer, providing significant space per person and potential room for further development. Over the past decade, Tumut has demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a 0.3% compound annual growth rate, outpacing the SA3 area. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which was essentially the sole driver of population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch is utilising the NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, as released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are also applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Regarding demographic trends, lower quartile growth of regional areas across the nation is anticipated, with the area expected to expand by 269 persons by 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 1.7% in total over the 17 years.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Tumut according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

Tumut has seen around 22 new homes approved per year, with 111 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 19 so far in FY-26. With an average of only 0.3 people per year moving to the area for each dwelling built over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), new supply is keeping pace with or exceeding demand, offering ample buyer choice and creating capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts, while new dwellings are developed at an average value of $357,000. Additionally, $42.3 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, demonstrating high levels of local commercial activity.

Compared to the rest of NSW, Tumut shows comparable development activity (per person), maintaining a market balance consistent with the broader area. This is also below average nationally, reflecting the area's maturity and pointing to possible planning constraints. New development consists of 94.0% detached dwellings and 6.0% attached dwellings, maintaining the area's traditional low-density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. The estimated count of 347 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low-activity development environment.

Looking ahead, Tumut is expected to grow by 117 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

Tumut has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 3 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the Tumut Hospital Redevelopment, Tumut Aerodrome Infrastructure Upgrade Stage 2, Tumut River Works Program, and HumeLink, with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

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 landscape in Tumut presents a mixed picture: unemployment remains low at 3.8%, yet recent job losses have affected its comparative national standing

Tumut features a balanced workforce spanning white and blue collar employment, with manufacturing and industrial sectors strongly represented, and an unemployment rate of only 3.8%. As of December 2025, 2,920 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 0.1% below Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%, and workforce participation lags significantly (56.2% compared to Regional NSW's 61.3%). Based on Census responses, a low 5.7% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Leading employment industries among residents comprise manufacturing, health care & social assistance, and retail trade. The area demonstrates a particularly notable concentration in manufacturing, with employment levels at 2.7 times the regional average. Meanwhile, professional & technical services have a limited presence with 2.2% employment compared to 5.1% regionally. While local employment opportunities exist in the area, it appears many residents commute elsewhere for work, based on the count of the Census working population relative to the local population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, the 12-month period saw the labour force decrease by 3.1% alongside a 3.6% employment decline, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.5 percentage points. This compares to Regional NSW, where employment fell by 1.2%, the labour force contracted by 0.8%, and unemployment rose 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Tumut. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Tumut's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.4% over five years and 12.1% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for FY-23 reveals that income in the Tumut SA2 is lower than average on a national basis, with the median assessed at $53,938 while the average income stands at $64,595. This contrasts with Regional NSW's figures of a median income of $52,390 and an average income of $65,215. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $58,717 (median) and $70,318 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes in Tumut all fall between the 16th and 20th percentiles nationally. Distribution data shows the largest segment comprises 28.5% earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (1,932 residents), reflecting patterns seen in the region where 29.9% similarly occupy this range. After housing, 86.4% of income remains, though this ranks at only the 19th percentile nationally.

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

Dwelling structure within Tumut, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 85.7% houses and 14.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Regional NSW's 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Tumut was in line with that of Regional NSW, at 37.7%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (29.5%) or rented (32.8%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well below the Regional NSW average at $1,300, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $245, compared to Regional NSW's $1,733 and $330. Nationally, Tumut's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

Tumut features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households dominate at 66.5% of all households, comprising 24.5% couples with children, 27.9% couples without children, and 13.1% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 33.5%, with lone person households at 31.7% and group households comprising 1.8% of the total. The median household size of 2.3 people is smaller than the Regional NSW average of 2.4.

Tumut 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 (14.8%) substantially below the NSW average of 32.2%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 10.9%, followed by graduate diplomas (2.0%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.9%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 38.7% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (8.0%) and certificates (30.7%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 28.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.9% in primary education, 8.0% in secondary education, and 2.0% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 149 active transport stops operating within Tumut, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 18 individual routes, collectively providing 151 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 142 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 93%, with 5% walking. Vehicle ownership averages 1.3 per dwelling, which is below the regional average. A relatively low 5.7% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 21 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 1 weekly trip per individual stop. The accompanying map shows the 100 nearest stops to the location centrepoint.

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

Health data reveals substantial challenges facing Tumut, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The prevalence of common health conditions is notable across both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is relatively low at approximately 51% of the total population (~3,470 people).

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and asthma, impacting 11.0 and 10.0% of residents, respectively, while 61.4% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 63.3% across Regional NSW. The working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 22.1% of residents aged 65 and over (1,501 people), which is lower than the 23.4% in Regional NSW. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

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

Tumut was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 89.0% of its population being citizens, 89.8% born in Australia, and 94.3% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Tumut is Christianity, which makes up 66.2% of people in Tumut, compared to 55.9% across Regional NSW.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Tumut are Australian, comprising 32.9% of the population, English, comprising 31.3% of the population, and Irish, comprising 8.5% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Australian Aboriginal is notably overrepresented at 5.9% of Tumut (vs 4.6% regionally), South Australian at 0.7% (vs 0.2%) and Maori at 0.6% (vs 0.3%).

Tumut's median age exceeds the national pattern

At 42 years, Tumut's median age is similar to the Regional NSW average of 43 while considerably older than Australia's 38 years. The age profile shows 25 - 34 year-olds are particularly prominent (12.6%), while the 65 - 74 group is comparatively smaller (11.0%) than in Regional NSW. Since 2021, the 25 to 34 age group has grown from 11.4% to 12.6% of the population. Conversely, the 55 to 64 cohort has declined from 13.1% to 11.7%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Tumut. The 85+ cohort shows the strongest projected growth at 67%, adding 129 residents to reach 321. In contrast, population declines are projected for the 75 to 84 and 5 to 14 cohorts.