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

As of Nov 2025, South Tamworth's population is estimated at around 6844 people. This reflects an increase of 223 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6621 people. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of the resident population at 6724 following examination of ABS ERP data release in Jun 2024 and six validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1805 persons per square kilometer, above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Over the past decade, South Tamworth has demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 1%. Population growth was primarily driven by natural growth contributing approximately 44% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year, and NSW State Government's SA2 level projections for areas not covered by this data, 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 population increase just below the median of Australian non-metropolitan areas, with South Tamworth expected to increase by 869 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 15.6% in total 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 from statistical area data, South Tamworth averaged approximately 12 new dwelling approvals each year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 64 homes. So far in FY-26, three approvals have been recorded. Over these five years, there has been an average of 6.9 new residents arriving per year for every dwelling constructed.

This demand significantly exceeds new supply, typically leading to price growth and increased buyer competition while new properties are constructed at an average expected construction cost value of $514,000. Compared to the Rest of NSW, South Tamworth has significantly less development activity, 59.0% below the regional average per person. This constrained new construction usually reinforces demand and pricing for existing dwellings. Nationally, South Tamworth also reflects market maturity and possible development constraints with lower activity compared to national averages. New development consists of 60.0% detached houses and 40.0% townhouses or apartments, indicating an expanding range of medium-density options creating a mix of opportunities across price brackets from traditional family housing to more affordable compact alternatives. This represents a notable shift from the area's existing housing composition, which is currently 79.0% houses, suggesting decreasing availability of developable sites and reflecting changing lifestyles and the need for more diverse, affordable housing options.

The location has approximately 702 people per dwelling approval, demonstrating an established market. Looking ahead, South Tamworth is expected to grow by 1,065 residents through to 2041 according to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially heightening buyer competition and supporting price increases.

South Tamworth has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

The performance of a specific area can significantly influenced by changes made to its local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified six projects that are expected to impact this particular area. Among these key projects are Goonoo Goonoo Commercial Precinct, Tamworth Sports and Entertainment Precinct, Goonoo Goonoo Road Upgrade, and Maintenance and Workshop Buildings. The following list outlines those projects deemed 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.

AreaSearch analysis reveals South Tamworth recording weaker employment conditions than most comparable areas nationwide

South Tamworth has a diverse workforce with both white and blue collar jobs, significantly represented by manufacturing and industrial sectors. The unemployment rate in South Tamworth is 5.0%, with an estimated employment growth of 3.8% over the past year (AreaSearch data).

As of June 2025, there are 3,443 residents employed, with an unemployment rate at 1.4% above Rest of NSW's rate of 3.7%. The workforce participation rate is lower at 50.6% compared to Rest of NSW's 56.4%. Key employment sectors include health care & social assistance, manufacturing, and retail trade. Manufacturing has a particularly high representation with an employment share 2.4 times the regional level.

Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing shows lower representation at 1.9% versus the regional average of 5.3%. Over the past year (Jun-24 to Jun-25), employment increased by 3.8%, while labour force grew by 2.6%, leading to a 1.0 percentage point decrease in unemployment. In contrast, Rest of NSW saw employment contract by 0.1% and unemployment rise by 0.4 percentage points during the same period. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 project overall employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to South Tamworth's current employment mix suggests local employment should increase by approximately 5.7% over five years and 12.6% over ten years, though these are simple weighted extrapolations for illustrative purposes only and do not account for localized population projections.

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

In AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released on 30 June 2022 for financial year 2022, South Tamworth's median income among taxpayers was $41,357. The average income was $49,825. This is below the national average. In comparison, Rest of NSW had a median income of $49,459 and an average of $62,998. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.61% since financial year 2022, current estimates for South Tamworth's median income would be approximately $46,572 as of September 2025. The average estimate for the same period is $56,108. Census data indicates that household, family and personal incomes in South Tamworth all fall between the 4th and 15th percentiles nationally. Income distribution shows that 30.5% of individuals earn between $800 and $1,499, while the leading bracket regionally is $1,500 to $2,999 at 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 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, consisted of 78.6% houses and 21.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In contrast, Non-Metro NSW had 89.5% houses and 10.4% other dwellings. South Tamworth's home ownership rate was 28.3%, with mortgaged dwellings at 21.5% and rented ones at 50.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in South Tamworth was $1,170, lower than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,500. Median weekly rent in South Tamworth was $260, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $300. Nationally, South Tamworth's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,170 versus 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 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, 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 - advanced diplomas at 7.2% and certificates at 33.9%. Educational participation is high, with 29.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education: 12.2% in primary, 8.0% in secondary, and 2.0% in tertiary education.

Six schools operate in South Tamworth, educating approximately 1,721 students, with varied educational conditions (ICSEA: 854). The educational mix includes three primary, two secondary, and one K-12 school. The area serves as an education hub with 25.1 school places per 100 residents, significantly above the regional average of 16.4, attracting students from surrounding communities. Note: where schools show 'n/a' for enrolments, please refer to the parent campus.

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

Transport analysis shows 129 active transport stops operating in South Tamworth, serving a mix of bus routes. These stops are covered by 62 individual routes, collectively offering 673 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 108 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 96 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 5 weekly trips per 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, with various conditions affecting both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is low at approximately 47% of the total population (~3,196 people), compared to 50.0% across Rest of NSW and a national average of 55.3%. Mental health issues and asthma are the most common medical conditions in the area, impacting 11.7 and 11.6% of residents respectively.

However, 57.2% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 63.4% across Rest of NSW. The area has 20.2% of residents aged 65 and over (1,382 people), with health outcomes among seniors presenting challenges broadly in line with the general population's health 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 citizens born in Australia who speak English only at home: 91.3% were born in Australia and 92.9% spoke English at home. Christianity was the main religion, comprising 57.6%, compared to 63.6% across Rest of NSW. The top three ancestry groups were Australian (33.1%), English (28.1%), and Australian Aboriginal (14.1%).

Notably, Vietnamese and Macedonian ethnicities had higher representations 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 37 years, which is significantly lower than Rest of NSW's average of 43 and close to the national average of 38 years. The age profile shows that those aged 25-34 are notably prominent at 15.8%, while the 45-54 age group is relatively smaller at 8.9% compared to Rest of NSW. Between 2021 and present, the proportion of 25 to 34-year-olds has increased from 14.8% to 15.8%. Conversely, the proportion of those aged 45-54 has decreased from 10.5% to 8.9%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in South Tamworth's age structure. The 25-34 age group is projected to increase by 328 people (30%), growing from 1,081 to 1,410. Conversely, the 15-24 age group is projected to decrease by 30 residents.