Tumut
Statistical Area - sa2

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 6748 as of Aug 2025. This reflects an increase of 81 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6667 people. The change was inferred from the estimated resident population of 6638 in June 2024 and an additional 114 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 167 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 compound annual growth rate of 0.3%, outpacing the SA3 area. Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered, AreaSearch utilises NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. According to demographic trends, regional areas across the nation are anticipated to have lower quartile growth. By 2041, Tumut is expected to expand by 269 persons based on latest population numbers, reflecting an increase of 2.2% 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 approximately 22 new homes approved annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25111 homes were approved, with an additional 8 approved so far in FY-26. On average, 0.3 people per year have moved to the area for each dwelling built during these years.

This indicates that new supply is keeping pace with or exceeding demand, providing ample buyer choice and capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts. The average expected construction cost value of new dwellings is $446,000. In FY-26 alone, $42.3 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, demonstrating high levels of local commercial activity. Compared to the Rest of NSW, Tumut shows comparable development activity per person, maintaining market balance consistent with the broader area.

This is below average nationally, reflecting the area's maturity and possible planning constraints. New development consists of 94.0% detached dwellings and 6.0% attached dwellings, maintaining Tumut's traditional low density character focused on family homes. The estimated count of 347 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment. By 2041, Tumut is expected to grow by 148 residents. 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 emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 32ndth percentile nationally

Local infrastructure changes significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified three projects expected to impact the region. Notable projects are Tumut Hospital Redevelopment, Tumut Aerodrome Infrastructure Upgrade Stage 2, Tumut River Works Program, and HumeLink.

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

The employment landscape in Tumut shows performance that lags behind national averages across key labour market indicators

Tumut has a balanced workforce with both white and blue collar jobs. Manufacturing and industrial sectors are prominent.

The unemployment rate in Tumut is 4.1%, with an estimated employment growth of 7.8% over the past year. As of June 2025, there are 3,057 residents employed, with an unemployment rate of 4.6%. The dominant industries include manufacturing, health care & social assistance, and retail trade. Manufacturing employment is particularly high at 2.7 times the regional average.

Professional & technical services have limited presence with only 2.2% employment compared to the regional average of 5.1%. Many Tumut residents commute elsewhere for work. Over the past year, employment increased by 7.8%, labour force grew by 8.9%, and unemployment rose by 1.0 percentage points. This contrasts with the Rest of NSW where employment contracted slightly while unemployment rose marginally more than in Tumut. State-level data to Sep-25 shows NSW employment contracted by 0.41% with an unemployment rate of 4.3%. Nationally, employment growth was 0.26%, and the unemployment rate was 4.5%. Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Tumut's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 5.4% over five years and 12.1% over ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes only.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

Tumut's median taxpayer income was $51,849 in financial year 2022. The average income during this period was $63,847. This is slightly lower than the national average. In comparison, Rest of NSW had a median income of $49,459 and an average income of $62,998 in the same financial year. Based on a 10.6% increase from Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2022, estimated incomes for Tumut as of March 2025 would be approximately $57,345 (median) and $70,615 (average). Data from the 2021 Census shows that household, family, and personal incomes in Tumut fall between the 17th and 20th percentiles nationally. The predominant income cohort spans 28.5% of locals, with 1,923 people earning between $1,500 and $2,999, mirroring the surrounding region where 29.9% fall into this bracket. After accounting for housing costs, 86.4% of income remains, ranking at the 20th percentile nationally.

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

Tumut's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 85.7% houses and 14.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro NSW's 92.0% houses and 8.0% other dwellings. Home ownership in Tumut was at 37.7%, with the remaining dwellings either mortgaged (29.5%) or rented (32.8%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Tumut was $1,300, aligning with Non-Metro NSW's average. The median weekly rent figure was recorded at $245, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $230. Nationally, Tumut's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were 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 constitute 66.5% of all households, including 24.5% couples with children, 27.9% couples without children, and 13.1% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 33.5%, with lone person households at 31.7% and group households making up 1.8%. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is smaller than the Rest of NSW average of 2.4.

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

The area has university qualification rates at 14.8%, significantly lower than NSW's average of 32.2%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 10.9%, followed by graduate diplomas (2.0%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.9%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 38.7% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications, including advanced diplomas (8.0%) and certificates (30.7%).

Educational participation is high at 28.1%, comprising primary education (10.9%), secondary education (8.0%), and tertiary education (2.0%). Tumut's five schools have a combined enrollment of 1,441 students. The educational mix includes two primary, one secondary, and two K-12 schools. As an education hub, the area offers 21.4 school places per 100 residents, higher than the regional average of 13.9, attracting students from nearby communities.

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

Transport analysis in Tumut shows 140 active transport stops operating, with a mix of buses serving these locations. These stops are covered by 18 individual routes, providing a total of 151 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 142 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 21 trips per day across all routes, resulting in approximately one weekly trip per individual stop.

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

Health data indicates significant health challenges in Tumut, with common conditions prevalent across both younger and older age groups.

Private health cover stands at approximately 51% of the total population (~3,454 people), slightly lower than the average SA2 area. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (11.0%) and asthma (10.0%). A majority, 61.4%, report no medical ailments, compared to 62.9% in Rest of NSW. Tumut has a lower proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 22.2% (1,496 people) than Rest of NSW's 24.8%. Health outcomes among seniors mirror the general population's health profile.

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

Tumut had a cultural diversity index below average, with 89.0% citizens, 89.8% born in Australia, and 94.3% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, at 66.2%, compared to 65.3% regionally. Ancestry wise, Australian (32.9%), English (31.3%), and Irish (8.5%) were the top groups.

Notably, Australian Aboriginal (5.9%) was overrepresented compared to regional average of 4.8%. Similarly, South African (0.7% vs 0.5%) and Maori (0.6% vs 0.4%) populations were higher than regional averages.

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

Tumut's median age is 42 years, similar to the Rest of NSW average of 43 but older than Australia's median age of 38 years. The age profile shows that 25-34 year-olds are particularly prominent at 12.4%, while the 65-74 group is smaller at 11.1% compared to the Rest of NSW average. Between 2021 and present, the proportion of 25-34 year-olds has increased from 11.4% to 12.4%. Conversely, the proportion of 55-64 year-olds has decreased from 13.1% to 11.9%. Population forecasts for Tumut in 2041 indicate significant demographic changes. The 25-34 age group is projected to grow by 16%, adding 133 residents to reach a total of 974. In contrast, population declines are projected for the 75-84 and 5-14 age groups.