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This analysis uses Suburbs and Localities (SAL) boundaries, which can materially differ from Statistical Areas (SA2) even when sharing the same name.
SAL boundaries are defined by Australia Post and the Australian Bureau of Statistics to represent commonly-known suburb names used in postal addresses.
Statistical Areas (SA2) are designed for census data collection and may combine multiple suburbs or use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
est. as @ -- *
2021 Census | -- people
Sales Activity
Curious about local property values? Filter the chart to assess the volume and appreciation (including resales) trends and regional comparisons, or scroll to the map below view this information at an individual property level.
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Sales Detail
Population
South Tamworth is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends
The population of South Tamworth is estimated at around 6,779 as of May 2026. This reflects an increase from the 2021 Census figure of 6,621 people, a rise of 158 individuals (2.4%). The latest estimate by AreaSearch, based on ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and validated new addresses since the Census date, is 6,751 residents. This results in a population density ratio of 1,788 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. South Tamworth's growth rate of 2.4% since the census is within 1.2 percentage points of the SA4 region (3.6%), indicating competitive growth fundamentals. Natural growth contributed approximately 44.0% to overall population gains during recent periods, with all migration factors also being positive contributors.
AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, and NSW State Government's SA2 level projections where necessary, released in 2022 with a base year of 2021. Future population trends suggest a median increase just below Australian non-metropolitan areas, with the suburb expected to gain 790 persons by 2041, reflecting an overall increase of 11.2% over the 16-year period.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
Development
Residential development activity is lower than average in South Tamworth according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets
AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows South Tamworth averaged approximately 13 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 68 homes. As of FY26, 9 approvals have been recorded. Historically, each new dwelling has attracted about 4.1 new residents per year on average between FY21 and FY25, indicating demand outstrips supply, which typically drives price growth and increased buyer competition. The average construction value for new properties is around $514,000, suggesting developers target the premium market segment with higher-end properties.
This financial year has seen $3.3 million in commercial approvals, reflecting South Tamworth's primarily residential nature. Compared to Rest of NSW, South Tamworth has significantly less development activity, approximately 57.0% below the regional average per person, which usually reinforces demand and pricing for existing dwellings. This is also lower than the national average, suggesting market maturity and possible development constraints. New developments consist of roughly 67.0% detached dwellings and 33.0% townhouses or apartments, offering a range of housing types from spacious family homes to more accessible compact options. With around 696 people per approval, South Tamworth appears as a mature, established area.
Future projections estimate South Tamworth will add approximately 762 residents by 2041, based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. If current development rates persist, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and supporting stronger price growth.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around South Tamworth
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| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
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SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
Infrastructure
South Tamworth has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally
Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified six projects likely impacting the area. Key projects include Goonoo Goonoo Commercial Precinct, Tamworth Sports and Entertainment Precinct, Goonoo Goonoo Road Upgrade, and Maintenance and Workshop Buildings. The following list details those most relevant.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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.
Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
New England Renewable Energy Zone (REZ)
EnergyCo is planning the New England REZ network infrastructure to connect solar, wind and storage projects to the NSW electricity grid using new high voltage transmission lines, energy hubs and enabling infrastructure. The project remains in planning, with EnergyCo refining a 1km study corridor and a proposed 250m EIS corridor after community feedback. The EIS is expected to be lodged and publicly exhibited in the second half of 2026, while three shortlisted network operator consortia are in the RFP stage. A preferred network operator is expected to enter a commitment deed in late 2027, with contract execution and financial close anticipated in 2028. Stage 1 operation is proposed for 2032 and Stage 2 for 2034.
New England REZ Transmission Project
Critical transmission infrastructure for the New England Renewable Energy Zone (REZ), which will be NSW's largest REZ by capacity. The project will deliver approximately 220 km of dual 500 kV transmission lines from Bayswater Power Station near Muswellbrook to the New England REZ, around 100 km of 500 kV lines connecting three energy hubs within the zone, and approximately 40 km of 330 kV lines linking the energy hubs to existing transmission lines. Delivery is planned in two stages: Stage 1 will provide 2.4 GW of transfer capacity by 2032 and Stage 2 will add 3.6 GW by 2034, enabling up to 12 GW of new renewable generation to connect by the mid-2030s. In late 2025, EnergyCo revised the study corridor between Muswellbrook and the central south hub near Walcha to improve bushfire access, reduce vegetation clearing, and avoid Chaffey Dam and Lake Glenbawn. Community feedback on the new study area closed 28 November 2025. In November 2025, EnergyCo shortlisted three consortia for the network operator package: Future Energy Networks (AusNet, Pacific Partnerships, GS, Hyundai, Ghella, CPB Contractors, UGL), NewLeaf Energy, and Verta Energy. The corridor is being refined from 3 km wide to 1 km wide in early 2026, then to 250 m for the Environmental Impact Statement, which is expected to be lodged and placed on public exhibition in the second half of 2026. Indicative planning approvals are expected in 2027.
Tamworth Sports and Entertainment Precinct
A 341-hectare structure plan precinct on the southern edge of Tamworth, designed to support and grow major regional sports, equine and entertainment facilities. The precinct encloses the Australian Equine and Livestock Events Centre (AELEC), the Tamworth Regional Entertainment and Conference Centre (TRECC), the Northern Inland Centre of Sporting Excellence (NICSE) and the Longyard Golf Course. The flagship development is the Aquatic, Education and Health Centre of Excellence on Jack Smyth Drive, Hillvue. Originally budgeted at $45 million, the project's estimated cost has risen to around $57 million following a development application modification submitted in early 2026, with the increase attributed to construction industry escalation and pool contractor pricing. Funding includes $15 million from the NSW Government's Centre of Excellence Fund, $9 million from the Australian Government's Growing Regions Program, and a Council contribution that will be partly met through asset recycling. Council is working with preferred contractor Richard Crookes Constructions through an Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) process, with enabling works to begin at the Hillvue site in coming months and a final budget, funding strategy and Design and Construct contract proposal expected to be considered by Council by June 2026. Stage 1 will deliver a 50 metre indoor pool with central swim wall and moveable floor, a 17 by 10 metre warm water pool, spa and sauna, accessible amenities, foyer, cafe, spectator seating, allied health rooms, education and meeting spaces, sports science testing lab, gym and parking, with a target opening in mid-2027. The precinct also establishes two Special Entertainment Precincts (SEPs) to support late-night live music and events in the Tamworth CBD and the Longyard area, and includes new road connections, an aquatic education hub, and medium-density housing along the western edge near Longyard Golf Course. Adoption of the wider Regional Structure Plan was deferred from December 2025 to 2026 to allow further community consultation on issues raised during exhibition.
Goonoo Goonoo Commercial Precinct
A 52-hectare (130-acre) major retail and light industrial precinct at the southern gateway to Tamworth, located 4 km south of the CBD and fronting the New England Highway. The precinct is the last remaining E3-zoned land within Tamworth's Longyard large format retail district, currently subdivided into 41 lots across four stages. The development will be anchored by a full-line Woolworths supermarket as part of a neighbourhood retail centre incorporating a chemist, GP, newsagent and bakery. Bulk earthworks across the entire site are complete and civil works (roads, sewerage and associated infrastructure) are progressing. Most lots in stages one and two are reportedly sold, with stage two (across from the AELEC on Jack Smyth Drive) ready to build first. Practical completion of stages one and two is targeted for mid-2026, with construction on individual lots commencing from registration in early 2026. The total investment is estimated at around 400 million dollars.
Thunderbolt Energy Hub (Thunderbolt Wind Farm)
Neoen's Thunderbolt Energy Hub Stage 1 (Thunderbolt Wind Farm) is an approved wind farm with up to 32 turbines in the New England REZ near Kentucky and Bendemeer, NSW. Approved by the IPC on 8 May 2024 (SSD-10807896). The approved wind component has a capacity of approximately 192-230 MW. Earlier solar farm concepts were withdrawn in 2022; a future battery remains possible as part of the broader Energy Hub vision. Construction typically 18-24 months once commenced.
Tamworth Global Gateway Park
Tamworth Global Gateway Park is a 246-hectare, council-owned, master-planned enterprise and logistics park at Westdale, adjacent to Tamworth Regional Airport. The multi-stage project includes serviced industrial and commercial lots, internal access roads, trunk stormwater infrastructure, upgraded heavy vehicle access (including the Country Road and Oxley Highway roundabout), and a Qube-operated intermodal rail freight terminal. Early infrastructure works and stages 1-2 are substantially complete, most initial lots are sold or under contract, and further stages continue through the 2020s-2030s, driving regional economic growth and employment.
Southern Gateway Activation Precinct
Draft structure plan for the Southern Gateway area on Tamworth's southern fringe near Kingswood, providing a high-level framework for diverse housing development from large residential lots to standard urban lots. The plan wraps around the existing Kingswood residential estate and features gently rolling hills with elevated areas offering panoramic views. The structure plan is part of three major growth precincts identified by Council to accommodate population growth and enhance liveability over the next 20 years. Public exhibition of the draft structure plan closed in 2025, with technical studies and planning amendments still required to facilitate the long-term vision. The precinct is bounded by the New England Highway to the east, Duri Road and Gowrie Road to the west, Spains Lane to the south, and Burgmanns Lane to the north.
New England Highway - Willow Tree to Uralla Safety Upgrade
Safety upgrades on the New England Highway between Willow Tree and Uralla as part of the Saving Lives on Country Roads program, including wider shoulders, wide centreline treatment, drainage upgrades, road rehabilitation, surface improvements, overtaking lanes, intersection upgrades, and shoulder sealing. Aims to improve safety by reducing run-off-road and head-on crashes, enhancing road safety and freight connectivity between Sydney and Brisbane.
Employment
The labour market performance in South Tamworth lags significantly behind most other regions nationally
South Tamworth has a diverse workforce with both white and blue collar jobs, prominently featuring manufacturing and industrial sectors. Its unemployment rate is 6.0%, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of December 2025, 3,222 residents are employed while the unemployment rate stands at 8.9% (6.0% + 2.9%), which is higher than Regional NSW's rate of 6.0%.
Workforce participation in South Tamworth is similar to Regional NSW's 60.5%. Census data reveals that only 6.7% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts are noted. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, manufacturing, and retail trade. Manufacturing employment is particularly notable at 2.4 times the regional average.
Meanwhile, agriculture, forestry & fishing has limited presence with only 1.9% of jobs compared to Regional NSW's 5.3%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the difference between Census working population and resident population counts. Between December 2024 and December 2025, South Tamworth's labour force decreased by 2.6%, while employment declined by 3.2%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.6 percentage points. In contrast, Regional NSW saw employment contract by 1.2%, the labour force fall by 0.8%, and unemployment rise by 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that while overall employment is projected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates vary significantly between sectors. Applying these projections to South Tamworth's employment mix indicates potential local employment increases of 5.7% over five years and 12.6% over ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes only and do not account for localized population projections.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Income
Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis
The suburb of South Tamworth has an income level below the national average, according to the latest data from the Australian Taxation Office (ATO), aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year 2023. The median income among taxpayers in South Tamworth is $41,357, while the average income stands at $49,825. In comparison, Regional NSW has a median income of $52,390 and an average income of $65,215. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since financial year 2023, current estimates for South Tamworth's median income would be approximately $45,625 and the average income would be around $54,967 as of March 2026. Census data shows that household, family, and personal incomes in South Tamworth all fall between the 4th and 15th percentiles nationally. Income distribution reveals that 30.5% of the population (2,067 individuals) earn within the $800 - $1,499 range, differing from the surrounding region where the $1,500 - $2,999 range dominates with 29.9%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in South Tamworth, with only 81.7% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 5th percentile.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Housing
South Tamworth is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region
South Tamworth's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 78.6% houses and 21.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Regional NSW's figures of 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in South Tamworth stood at 28.3%, with mortgaged dwellings at 21.5% and rented ones at 50.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,170, significantly lower than Regional NSW's average of $1,733. Median weekly rent in South Tamworth was recorded at $260, substantially below the Regional NSW figure of $330 and the national average of $375. Nationally, South Tamworth's mortgage repayments were notably lower than the Australian average of $1,863.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Household Composition
South Tamworth features high concentrations of lone person households and group households, with a lower-than-average median household size
Family households constitute 57.3% of all households, including 16.8% couples with children, 22.0% couples without children, and 16.9% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 42.7%, with lone person households at 38.1% and group households comprising 4.6%. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is smaller than the Regional NSW average of 2.4.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
Local Schools & Education
South Tamworth faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally
The area has university qualification rates of 10.0%, significantly lower than the NSW average of 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 7.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.5%) and graduate diplomas (0.9%). Vocational credentials are held by 41.1% of residents aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 7.2% and certificates at 33.9%. Educational participation is high, with 29.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.
This includes 12.2% in primary education, 8.0% in secondary education, and 2.0% pursuing tertiary education.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Nearby Services & Amenities
Transport
Transport servicing is good compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility
South Tamworth has 140 active public transport stops operating within its boundaries. These stops are served by 61 individual bus routes, which together facilitate 1,196 weekly passenger trips. Residents enjoy excellent transport accessibility, with an average distance of 109 meters to the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward from this primarily residential area, with cars being the dominant mode of transportation at 94%. The average vehicle ownership is 1.0 per dwelling, lower than the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, only 6.7% of residents work from home, a figure that might be influenced by COVID-19 conditions.
Service frequency across all routes averages 170 trips per day, equating to approximately 8 weekly trips per individual stop. The accompanying map displays the 100 nearest stops to the location's centrepoint.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
Health
Health performance in South Tamworth is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts
South Tamworth faces significant health challenges, as assessed by AreaSearch's analysis of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. A variety of health conditions affect both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is low at approximately 47% (~3,166 people), compared to Regional NSW's 51.9% and the national average of 55.7%.
Mental health issues and asthma are the most common medical conditions, affecting 11.7% and 11.6% of residents respectively. However, 57.2% of residents report having no medical ailments, compared to Regional NSW's 63.3%. The working-age population faces notable health challenges due to high chronic condition rates. South Tamworth has 21.7% of residents aged 65 and over (1,471 people), lower than Regional NSW's 23.4%. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, aligning with national rankings for the general population.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Cultural Diversity
South Tamworth is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics
South Tamworth's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 84.7% of its population being Australian citizens, 91.3% born in Australia, and 92.9% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in South Tamworth, making up 57.6% of people, compared to 55.9% across Regional NSW. The top three ancestry groups in South Tamworth are Australian (33.1%), English (28.1%), and Australian Aboriginal (14.1%), which is significantly higher than the regional average of 4.6%.
Notably, Vietnamese and Macedonian ethnicities have different representations compared to regional averages: Vietnamese at 0.6% in South Tamworth versus 0.1% regionally, and Macedonian at 0.1% versus 0.4%.
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
Age
South Tamworth's population is slightly younger than the national pattern
The median age in South Tamworth as of 2021 is 37 years, which is lower than Regional NSW's average of 43 and close to Australia's national average of 38 years. The age profile shows that the 25-34 year-old group constitutes 16.3% of the population, while the 45-54 year-old group makes up 9.2%. Between 2021 and present, the 25-34 year-old group has grown from 14.8% to 16.3%, and the 85+ age cohort has increased from 2.8% to 3.9%. Conversely, the 5-14 year-old group has decreased from 13.0% to 11.5%, and the 45-54 year-old group has dropped from 10.5% to 9.2%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections indicate that South Tamworth's age structure will shift significantly. The 25-34 year-old cohort is projected to increase by 242 people (22%), growing from 1,104 to 1,347 residents. Meanwhile, the 15-24 year-old group is expected to decrease by 37 residents.