Tarrawanna

Tarrawanna has seen population growth performance typically on par with national averages when looking at short and medium term trends

As of Feb 2026, the estimated population of Tarrawanna is around 2,239, reflecting a 55-person increase (2.5%) since the 2021 Census which reported 2,184 people. This estimate is inferred from AreaSearch's resident population figure of 2,216, derived from examination of ABS' latest ERP data release in June 2024 and an additional 14 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 892 persons per square kilometer, comparable to averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Tarrawanna's 2.5% growth since census positions it within 2.0 percentage points of the SA3 area (4.5%), indicating competitive growth fundamentals. Overseas migration contributed approximately 72.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, driving primary growth for the area. AreaSearch is adopting 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 for areas not covered by this data, released in 2022 with a base year of 2021.

These projections indicate that Tarrawanna is expected to expand by 192 persons to 2041, reflecting a gain of 7.5% over the 17 years, which is just below the median growth rate for regional areas across the nation.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in Tarrawanna, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers indicates Tarrawanna has received approximately 7 dwelling approvals annually. Between FY-21 and FY-25, around 39 homes were approved, with an additional 15 approved in FY-26 so far. Over the past five financial years, an average of 1.1 new residents arrived per new home. However, recent data shows this has increased to 4.9 people per dwelling over the past two financial years.

The average construction value for development projects is $523,000, reflecting a focus on premium market developments. This year, $5.9 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded. Compared to Rest of NSW, Tarrawanna records about 61% of building activity per person and ranks among the 33rd percentile nationally, suggesting relatively constrained buyer choice. Recent construction comprises 50.0% detached dwellings and 50.0% attached dwellings, creating more affordable entry points for downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. The estimated population per dwelling approval is 500 people.

Future projections show Tarrawanna adding 169 residents by 2041. Current construction levels suggest housing supply should adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Tarrawanna has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified nine projects likely affecting this region. Key initiatives include IRT Towradgi Park Seniors Housing Redevelopment, Corrimal Transport Oriented Development Area, Wilga Street Block Rezoning and Development Control Plan Amendment, and 61 Marlo Road Towradgi - Three Townhouses. Below is a list of 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.

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

Tarrawanna has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate was 4.7% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 1.3%. As of December 2025998 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 0.7% higher than Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%.

Workforce participation is lower at 55.5%, compared to Regional NSW's 61.3%. According to Census responses, 33.3% of residents work from home. Leading employment industries are health care & social assistance, education & training, and public administration & safety. The area specializes in education & training with an employment share 1.4 times the regional level, but agriculture, forestry & fishing shows lower representation at 0.7%.

Employment opportunities locally appear limited based on Census data comparison. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment increased by 1.3% while labour force increased by 1.1%, decreasing the unemployment rate by 0.2 percentage points. In contrast, Regional NSW experienced a 1.2% employment decline and a 0.8% labour force decline, with a 0.4 percentage point rise in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest potential future demand within Tarrawanna. National employment is projected to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates vary between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Tarrawanna's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.7% over ten years.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year ended June 2023 shows that income in Tarrawanna is below national average. Median income is $48,933 while average income stands at $62,876. This contrasts with Regional NSW's median income of $52,390 and average income of $65,215. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% from July 2023 to September 2025, current estimates would be approximately $53,268 (median) and $68,447 (average). Census data reveals household income ranks at 23rd percentile, family income at 29th, and personal income at 32nd in Tarrawanna. Income distribution shows that 26.3% of locals (588 people) earn between $1,500 - $2,999 weekly, similar to the broader area's 29.9%. Economic diversity is evident with 33.8% in constrained financial circumstances and 22.4% achieving substantial weekly earnings. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 83.0% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at 31st percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

Tarrawanna displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

In Tarrawanna, as per the latest Census data, 62.8% of dwellings were houses while 37.2% were other types such as semi-detached homes, apartments and 'other' dwellings. This contrasts with Regional NSW's dwelling composition of 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Tarrawanna stood at 40.6%, similar to Regional NSW's figure. The remaining dwellings were either mortgaged (28.2%) or rented (31.2%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,167, higher than Regional NSW's average of $1,733. Median weekly rent in Tarrawanna was recorded at $340, compared to Regional NSW's $330. Nationally, Tarrawanna's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were lower than the national figure of $375.

Tarrawanna features high concentrations of lone person households, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households account for 66.0% of all households, including 29.5% couples with children, 25.6% couples without children, and 9.7% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 34.0%, with lone person households at 31.1% and group households comprising 2.8%. The median household size is 2.4 people, matching the Regional NSW average.

Educational outcomes in Tarrawanna fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

Tarrawanna's educational qualifications trail regional benchmarks, with 25.6% of residents aged 15+ holding university degrees compared to the SA3 area's 33.6%. This gap indicates potential for educational development and skills enhancement. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 16.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (6.4%) and graduate diplomas (2.5%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 36.6% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (10.1%) and certificates (26.5%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 27.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.1% in primary education, 6.8% in secondary education, and 4.9% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Tarrawanna has 11 active public transport stops operating, all of which are bus stops. These stops are serviced by 17 different routes that together provide 367 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these stops is rated as good, with residents typically located 213 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward from Tarrawanna, which is primarily a residential area. Cars remain the dominant mode of transport, used by 91% of residents. On average, there are 1.3 vehicles per dwelling in Tarrawanna, which is below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 33.3% of residents work from home, a figure that may reflect COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages 52 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 33 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Tarrawanna is well below average with considerably higher than average prevalence of common health conditions and to an even higher degree among older age cohorts

Tarrawanna faces significant health challenges, as indicated by AreaSearch's assessment.

The prevalence of common health conditions is substantially higher than average and even more so among older age groups. Only approximately 52% (~1,160 people) of the total population has private health cover. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (11.3%) and mental health issues (8.4%). Conversely, 64.8% of residents report having no medical ailments, compared to 63.3% across Regional NSW. Health outcomes among working-age individuals in Tarrawanna are generally typical. The area has a higher proportion of seniors (28.9%, or 647 people) than Regional NSW (23.4%). While health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, they rank lower nationally compared to the broader population.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Tarrawanna was found to be slightly above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Tarrawanna's population showed high cultural diversity, with 21.5% born overseas and 15.6% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, at 60.3%, slightly higher than Regional NSW's 55.9%. The top three ancestry groups were Australian (25.9%), English (25.3%), and Scottish (7.7%).

Notably, Serbian (1.0%) and Dutch (2.2%) populations were higher than the regional averages of 0.2% and 1.0%, respectively, while Macedonian was at 2.0%, compared to Regional NSW's 0.4%.

Tarrawanna hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Tarrawanna's median age is 47 years, which is significantly higher than the Regional NSW average of 43 years and substantially exceeds the national average of 38 years. The age profile shows that those aged 85+ are particularly prominent at 6.9%, while the 65-74 group is comparatively smaller at 10.0% compared to Regional NSW. Between 2021 and the present, the 25-34 age group has grown from 9.6% to 11.8% of the population, while the 0-4 cohort increased from 4.3% to 5.5%. Conversely, the 45-54 cohort has declined from 12.5% to 10.9%, and the 55-64 group dropped from 12.8% to 11.4%. By 2041, Tarrawanna is expected to see notable shifts in its age composition, with the 85+ group growing by 50% (77 people), reaching 232 from 154. Meanwhile, the 5-14 and 65-74 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.