East Tamworth

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

East Tamworth's population, as of November 2025, is estimated at around 5775 people. This reflects a growth of 358 individuals since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 5417 people. The increase was inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 5547 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, along with an additional 23 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of approximately 390 persons per square kilometer for East Tamworth (SA2). The area's growth rate of 6.6% since the 2021 census exceeded both the SA4 region at 4.6% and non-metro areas, indicating it as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration was primarily responsible for population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting 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 used. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Projecting forward, the East Tamworth statistical area (Lv2) is expected to grow above median population growth of Australia's non-metropolitan areas, with an increase of approximately 1097 persons by 2041, reflecting a total increase of around 14.7% over the 17-year period.

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

East Tamworth recorded approximately 22 residential properties granted approval per year. Between financial years FY-21 and FY-25, around 111 homes were approved, with an additional 13 approved so far in FY-26. Over the past five financial years, on average, 0.9 new residents moved into each dwelling constructed.

This suggests that new supply is keeping pace with or exceeding demand, providing ample buyer choice and capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts. The average construction value of these properties was $514,000, indicating a focus on the premium market by developers. In FY-26, commercial approvals totalled $14.3 million, demonstrating steady commercial investment activity in East Tamworth compared to the rest of NSW. Nationally, East Tamworth ranks at the 52nd percentile for new development per person.

Recent construction comprises 64% detached dwellings and 36% medium and high-density housing, marking a significant shift from the current housing pattern of 82% houses. This change may indicate diminishing developable land availability and a response to evolving lifestyle preferences and housing affordability needs. East Tamworth has approximately 314 people per dwelling approval, indicating a low density market. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, the location is projected to gain 850 residents by 2041. Construction pace appears reasonable in relation to projected growth; however, buyers may face increasing competition as population increases.

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

Eight projects have been identified by AreaSearch as potentially impacting the area's performance. These include Tamworth Regional Skywalk, Carthage Street Rehabilitation, East Tamworth Watermain Replacement, and Calala to CBD Recreational Path. The following details those considered most relevant.

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East Tamworth ranks among the top 25% of areas assessed nationally for overall employment performance

East Tamworth's workforce is highly educated with significant representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate was 1.9% as of September 2025, which is below the Rest of NSW's rate of 3.8%.

Workforce participation in East Tamworth was 64.4%, higher than the Rest of NSW's 56.4%. Key industries for employment among residents are health care & social assistance, education & training, and retail trade. Health care & social assistance shows notable concentration with employment levels at 1.3 times the regional average, while construction has lower representation at 6.1% compared to the regional average of 9.7%. Over a 12-month period ending September 2025, employment increased by 0.0%, labour force increased by 0.4%, and unemployment rose by 0.3 percentage points in East Tamworth.

In comparison, Rest of NSW saw employment fall by 0.5%, labour force contract by 0.1%, and unemployment rise by 0.4 percentage points during the same period. State-level data to 25-Nov-25 shows NSW employment contracted by 0.03% (losing 2,260 jobs), with a state unemployment rate of 3.9%. National unemployment rate was 4.3% during this time. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest East Tamworth's employment should increase by 6.8% over five years and 14.3% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to the local employment mix.

The economic profile demonstrates above-average performance, with income metrics exceeding national benchmarks based on AreaSearch comparative assessment

The suburb of East Tamworth had a higher than average national income level according to AreaSearch aggregated ATO data for the financial year ending June 2023. The median income among taxpayers in East Tamworth was $60,450 and the average income stood at $72,826. This compares with figures for Rest of NSW which were $52,390 and $65,215 respectively. By September 2025, based on an 8.86% growth in wages since June 2023, estimated incomes would be approximately $65,806 (median) and $79,278 (average). Data from the Census conducted in August 2021 showed personal income ranked at the 69th percentile ($915 weekly), with household income at the 47th percentile. The largest segment of East Tamworth residents earned between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly (1,963 residents), mirroring regional levels where 29.9% occupied this bracket. After housing costs, residents retained 87.2% of their income, indicating strong purchasing power. The area's SEIFA income ranking placed it in the 6th decile.

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

In East Tamworth, as per the latest Census evaluation, 81.6% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 18.4% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. This is compared to Non-Metro NSW's figures of 89.5% houses and 10.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in East Tamworth stood at 36.7%, similar to Non-Metro NSW. The majority of dwellings were either mortgaged (27.6%) or rented (35.7%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,616, higher than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,500. The median weekly rent figure for East Tamworth was $325, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $300. Nationally, East Tamworth's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 66.2% of all households, including 23.9% couples with children, 30.1% couples without children, and 11.1% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 33.8%, with lone person households at 30.9% and group households comprising 3.0%. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is smaller than the Rest of NSW average of 2.4.

Educational attainment in East Tamworth aligns closely with national averages, showing typical qualification patterns and performance metrics

East Tamworth's educational attainment is notably higher than broader averages. Among residents aged 15+, 32.7% possess university qualifications, compared to 17.3% in the SA3 area and 19.5% in the SA4 region. Bachelor degrees are most common at 22.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (6.6%) and graduate diplomas (3.7%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 33.7% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas at 10.9% and certificates at 22.8%.

Educational participation is high in the area, with 28.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.8% in primary education, 7.8% in secondary education, and 3.5% pursuing tertiary education.

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

East Tamworth has 106 active public transport stops. These are served by a mix of buses operating along 68 different routes. Together, these provide 705 weekly passenger trips.

The accessibility of the service is rated excellent, with residents typically located just 107 meters from their nearest stop. On average, there are 100 trips per day across all routes, which works out to about six weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in East Tamworth is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

East Tamworth faces significant health challenges with common health conditions prevalent among both younger and older age cohorts. Approximately 56% (~3217 people) have private health cover, compared to 49.8% across the rest of NSW.

Mental health issues affect 8.6% of residents, while arthritis impacts 8.5%. Around 67.3% report being completely clear of medical ailments, higher than the 63.4% reported in the rest of NSW. The area has a population of 1097 people aged 65 and over, which is 19.0% of its total residents.

East Tamworth ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

East Tamworth's cultural diversity was below average, with 88.9% citizens, 87.8% born in Australia, and 91.7% speaking English only at home. Christianity dominated East Tamworth, comprising 61.7%, compared to 63.6% across Rest of NSW. The top three ancestry groups were English (29.7%), Australian (29.4%), and Irish (11.0%).

Notably, Australian Aboriginal (4.9%) was overrepresented in East Tamworth versus the regional average of 9.4%, Scottish at 8.7% compared to 7.3%, and Lebanese at 0.4% versus 0.1%.

East Tamworth's population is slightly older than the national pattern

The median age in East Tamworth is 39 years, which is significantly below Rest of NSW's average of 43 but essentially aligned with Australia's median age of 38 years. Compared to Rest of NSW, East Tamworth has a higher concentration of residents aged 25-34 (14.6%) but fewer residents aged 65-74 (9.8%). According to the 2021 Census, the population aged 35-44 grew from 11.7% to 13.2%, while the 15-24 age group increased from 10.8% to 11.9%. Conversely, the 45-54 age group declined from 12.0% to 11.1%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in East Tamworth's age structure. The 25-34 age group is projected to grow by 25%, reaching 1,050 people from the current 843. Meanwhile, the 55-64 cohort is expected to grow by a modest 1%, adding just 5 people.