South Tamworth

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

Based on ABS population updates and AreaSearch validation, as of Nov 2025, South Tamworth's population is estimated at around 7,370. This reflects an increase of 749 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6,621. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of 6,986 residents following examination of ABS ERP data (June 2024) and six additional validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,944 persons per square kilometer, above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. South Tamworth's growth of 11.3% since the 2021 census exceeded the SA4 region (4.6%) and the non-metro area. Population growth was primarily driven by natural growth contributing approximately 44.0%.

All drivers, including overseas migration and interstate migration, were positive factors. AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data, NSW State Government's SA2 level projections are used, released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Future population trends indicate a median increase just below Australian non-metropolitan areas, expecting an increase of 886 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a total increase of 7.5% over the 17 years.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees South Tamworth recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area data, South Tamworth averaged around 13 new dwelling approvals each year over the past 5 financial years ending June 2025. This totals an estimated 69 homes. So far in FY-26 (which began July 2025), 5 approvals have been recorded. Over these 5 years, an average of 6.4 new residents arrived per year for each dwelling constructed.

Demand significantly exceeded new supply, typically leading to price growth and increased buyer competition. New properties were constructed at an average expected cost value of $514,000, indicating developers targeted the premium market segment with higher-end properties. In FY-26, there have been $3.3 million in commercial approvals, reflecting South Tamworth's primarily residential nature. Compared to Rest of NSW, South Tamworth had significantly less development activity, 56.0% below regional average per person as of June 2025. This constrained new construction usually reinforces demand and pricing for existing dwellings.

Nationally, South Tamworth also reflected lower development activity, indicating market maturity and possible development constraints. New development consisted of 67.0% detached dwellings and 33.0% townhouses or apartments, offering choices across price ranges from spacious family homes to more accessible compact options. As of June 2025, South Tamworth had around 668 people per approval, demonstrating a mature, established area. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, South Tamworth is projected to add 556 residents by 2041. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing buyer competition and supporting stronger price growth.

South Tamworth has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

Infrastructure changes significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified six projects potentially impacting the region. Notable 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.

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 labour market performance in South Tamworth lags significantly behind most other regions nationally

South Tamworth has a balanced workforce with white and blue collar employment, strongly represented in manufacturing and industrial sectors. The unemployment rate is 5.8%, according to AreaSearch's statistical area data aggregation.

As of September 2025, 3421 residents are employed while the unemployment rate stands at 5.8%. This is 2.0% higher than Rest of NSW's rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation in South Tamworth lags behind Rest of NSW, at 50.6% compared to 56.4%. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, manufacturing, and retail trade.

Manufacturing employment is particularly notable, at 2.4 times the regional average. Agriculture, forestry & fishing has limited presence, with only 1.9% of employment compared to the regional average of 5.3%. The area offers limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by Census working population vs resident population count. In the year to September 2025, the labour force increased by 0.2%, while employment declined by 0.7%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.8 percentage points. This contrasts with Rest of NSW where employment contracted by 0.5%, the labour force fell by 0.1%, and unemployment rose by 0.4 percentage points. State-level data from 25-Nov shows NSW employment contracted by 0.03% (losing 2,260 jobs), with a state unemployment rate of 3.9%. Nationally, the unemployment rate is 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that over five years, national employment will expand by 6.6%, and over ten years, it will increase by 13.7%. Applying these projections to South Tamworth's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 5.7% over five years and 12.6% over ten years.

Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis

The suburb of South Tamworth had an income level below the national average according to data from the Australian Taxation Office aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year ended June 2023. The median income among taxpayers in South Tamworth was $41,357 and the average income stood at $49,825. This compares with figures for Rest of NSW of $52,390 and $65,215 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% between July 2023 and September 2025, current estimates would be approximately $45,021 (median) and $54,239 (average). Census data indicates that household, family and personal incomes in South Tamworth all fall within the 4th to 15th percentiles nationally. Looking at income distribution, 30.5% of the population (2,247 individuals) fell within the $800 - $1,499 income range, differing from patterns across the surrounding region where $1,500 - $2,999 dominated with 29.9%. Housing affordability pressures were severe, with only 81.7% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 5th percentile nationally.

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 structure, as per the latest Census evaluation, consisted of 78.6% houses and 21.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro NSW's 89.5% houses and 10.4% 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, lower than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,500. Weekly rent in South Tamworth was recorded at $260, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $300. Nationally, South Tamworth's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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 comprise 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 Rest of NSW average of 2.4.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 10.0%, significantly lower than the NSW average of 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 7.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.5%) and graduate diplomas (0.9%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 41.1% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (7.2%) and certificates (33.9%). Educational participation is high, with 29.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, comprising 12.2% in primary, 8.0% in secondary, and 2.0% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably 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.

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

South Tamworth has 141 active public transport stops. These are served by a mix of buses operating along 61 different routes. Together, these routes facilitate 1,196 weekly passenger trips.

The average distance from residents to the nearest stop is 109 meters, indicating excellent accessibility. On average, there are 170 trips per day across all routes, which equates to about 8 weekly trips per individual stop.

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, affecting various age groups. Approximately 47% (~3,442 people) have private health cover, compared to 49.8% across Rest of NSW and a national average of 55.7%. Mental health issues and asthma are the most prevalent conditions, impacting 11.7% and 11.6% of residents respectively.

However, 57.2% report no medical ailments, compared to 63.4% across Rest of NSW. The area has 20.1% (1,481 people) aged 65 and over, with health outcomes broadly aligning with the general population's profile.

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 63.6% across Rest of NSW. The top three ancestry groups are Australian (33.1%), English (28.1%), and Australian Aboriginal (14.1%).

Notably, Vietnamese and Macedonian ethnicities are overrepresented in South Tamworth at 0.6% and 0.1%, respectively, compared to regional averages of 0.3% and 0%.

South Tamworth's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

The median age in South Tamworth is 36 years, which is significantly lower than Rest of NSW's average of 43 years and also younger than Australia's median age of 38 years. The 25-34 age group constitutes 15.8% of the population in South Tamworth, compared to a higher prevalence of this age group in Rest of NSW. Conversely, the 45-54 cohort makes up 8.8% of South Tamworth's population, which is lower than its representation in Rest of NSW. According to data from the 2021 Census, the proportion of people aged 25 to 34 has increased from 14.8% to 15.8%, while the proportion of those aged 45 to 54 has decreased from 10.5% to 8.8%. Population forecasts for 2041 suggest significant demographic changes in South Tamworth, with the 25-34 age group projected to grow by 21% (adding 248 people), reaching a total of 1,413 from its current figure of 1,164. Conversely, the 5-14 and 55-64 age groups are expected to experience population declines in South Tamworth.