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's analysis for the broader area, as of Feb 2026, South Tamworth's estimated population is around 7,382. This reflects an increase of 761 people (11.5%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6,621. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of resident population at 6,986 in Jun 2024, based on ERP data release by ABS, and additional validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 1,947 persons per square kilometer, above national averages assessed by AreaSearch. South Tamworth's growth exceeded SA4 region (4.9%) and Rest of NSW, marking it as a regional growth leader. Natural growth contributed approximately 44.0% to overall population gains recently, with all migration drivers positive factors.

AreaSearch uses 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 utilized. Future trends suggest a population increase just below the median for Australian non-metropolitan areas by 2041, with an expected increase of 897 persons (6.8% total) based on aggregated SA2-level projections.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, shows South Tamworth averaged around 13 new dwelling approvals each year over the past five financial years. This totals an estimated 68 homes. So far in FY-26, 8 approvals have been recorded. Over these five years, an average of 6.2 new residents arrived per year per dwelling constructed.

Demand significantly exceeds new supply, typically leading to price growth and increased buyer competition. New properties are constructed at an average value of $514,000, indicating 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 (57.0% below regional average per person). This constrained new construction usually reinforces demand and pricing for existing dwellings.

Nationally, it is also lower, suggesting market maturity and possible development constraints. New development consists of 67.0% detached dwellings and 33.0% townhouses or apartments, offering choices across price ranges from spacious family homes to more compact options. With around 700 people per approval, South Tamworth exhibits a mature, established area. Future projections estimate South Tamworth will add 501 residents by 2041 (latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Development is keeping pace with projected growth, though increasing population may intensify buyer competition.

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

Area infrastructure changes significantly influence local performance. AreaSearch identified six major projects impacting the area. Key initiatives 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 had a balanced workforce in 2025 with white and blue collar jobs, strong manufacturing and industrial sectors, and an unemployment rate of 6.0%. By December 2025, 3,380 residents were employed with an unemployment rate of 2.1% above Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation was 63.5%, compared to Regional NSW's 61.3%.

Only 6.7% of residents worked from home in 2025, considering Covid-19 lockdown impacts. Employment was concentrated in health care & social assistance, manufacturing, and retail trade, with notable concentration in manufacturing at 2.4 times the regional average. Agriculture, forestry & fishing had limited presence at 1.9% compared to Regional NSW's 5.3%. The area offered limited local employment opportunities as indicated by Census data on working population vs resident population.

Between December 2024 and December 2025, South Tamworth's labour force decreased by 1.5%, while employment declined by 2.2%, 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 estimated overall employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to South Tamworth's industry-specific mix suggested local employment should increase by 5.7% over five years and 12.6% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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

South Tamworth's median income among taxpayers was $41,357 in financial year 2023. The suburb's average income stood at $49,825 during the same period. These figures are below Regional NSW's median and average incomes of $52,390 and $65,215 respectively. By September 2025, estimates suggest South Tamworth's median income will be approximately $45,021 and its average income around $54,239, based on an 8.86% increase since financial year 2023. Census data indicates that household, family, and personal incomes in South Tamworth fall between the 4th and 15th percentiles nationally. In South Tamworth, 30.5% of the population (2,251 individuals) have incomes ranging from $800 to $1,499, unlike surrounding regions where incomes between $1,500 and $2,999 dominate at 29.9%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in South Tamworth, with only 81.7% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking the suburb 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

In South Tamworth, as per the latest Census evaluation, 78.6% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 21.4% consisting of semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. This is compared 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 properties at 21.5% and rented dwellings at 50.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,170, lower than Regional NSW's average of $1,733. Median weekly rent in South Tamworth was $260, compared to Regional NSW's $330. 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 account for 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 constitute 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.

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 the most common at 7.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.5%) and graduate diplomas (0.9%). Trade and technical skills are prevalent, with 41.1% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas (7.2%) and certificates (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.

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, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 61 different routes that together facilitate 1,196 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically living just 109 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to its residential nature. Cars remain the primary mode of transportation, used by 94% of residents. On average, there is one vehicle per dwelling, which is below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, only 6.7% of residents work from home, a figure that may have been influenced by COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages 170 trips per day across all routes, resulting in approximately 8 weekly trips per stop. A map accompanies this data, displaying the 100 nearest stops to the location's centerpoint.

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 indicated by AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Multiple health conditions affect both younger and older age groups, with private health cover at a notably low rate of approximately 47% (around 3,448 people), compared to Regional NSW's 51.9% and the national average of 55.7%. Mental health issues and asthma are the most prevalent conditions, affecting 11.7% and 11.6% of residents respectively, while 57.2% report no medical ailments, lower than Regional NSW's 63.3%.

Working-age individuals face substantial health challenges due to high chronic condition rates. The area has a lower proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 20.8% (1,535 people), compared to Regional NSW's 23.4%. Health outcomes among seniors show some challenges, aligning broadly with national rankings for the general population.

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 had a cultural diversity level below average, with 84.7% citizens, 91.3% born in Australia, and 92.9% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in South Tamworth at 57.6%, slightly higher than Regional NSW's 55.9%. The top three ancestry groups were Australian (33.1%), English (28.1%), and Australian Aboriginal (14.1%), notably higher than the regional average of 4.6%.

Vietnamese and Macedonian ethnicities showed notable differences, with 0.6% in South Tamworth compared to 0.1% regionally for Vietnamese, and 0.1% versus 0.4% regionally for Macedonians.

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

The median age in South Tamworth is 36 years, significantly below Regional NSW's average of 43 years. This is also younger than Australia's median age of 38 years. The 25-34 age group makes up 16.2% of South Tamworth's population, compared to Regional NSW. However, the 45-54 cohort is less prevalent at 8.8%. Post-Census data from 2021 shows that the 25-34 age group has grown from 14.8% to 16.2%, while the 45-54 cohort has declined from 10.5% to 8.8%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate substantial demographic changes for South Tamworth. The 25-34 age group is expected to grow by 17%, reaching 1,403 people from the current 1,195. Conversely, the 5-14 and 55-64 cohorts are forecasted to experience population declines.