Tumbarumba

Tumbarumba 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, Tumbarumba's population is estimated at around 1,906, reflecting a decrease of 9 people since the 2021 Census. This decline mirrors the resident population estimate of 1,867 by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 37 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population results in a density ratio of 8.2 persons per square kilometer. While Tumbarumba experienced a 0.5% decline since census, the SA3 area achieved 2.1% growth, highlighting divergent population trends. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by overseas migration contributing approximately 94.0% of overall population gains during recent periods. AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year, and utilising 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. Over this period, projections indicate a decline in overall population, expected to reduce by 3 persons by 2041. However, growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, led by the 75 to 84 age group projected to grow by 47 people.

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

Tumbarumba had an average of two dwelling approvals per year between 2015 and 2019, totaling 13 dwellings over the five-year period. This low development activity is characteristic of rural areas like Tumbarumba, where housing needs often drive development rather than broader market demand. The small sample size means annual growth and relativity statistics can be significantly influenced by individual projects.

Compared to the Rest of NSW and national averages, Tumbarumba has much lower development activity. All new construction in the area during this period was detached dwellings, reflecting its rural character where larger properties are common. With an estimated 1288 people per dwelling approval, Tumbarumba's development environment is quiet and low-activity. By 2041, Tumbarumba's population is projected to grow by 31 residents (AreaSearch quarterly estimate).

At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, potentially supporting growth beyond current projections.

Tumbarumba has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 47thth percentile nationally

No changes can significantly affect a region's performance like alterations to local infrastructure, major undertakings, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified zero projects that are expected to impact this area. Notable projects include Tumut River Works Program, HumeLink, Riverina Redevelopment Program, and Olympic Highway Safety Improvements. The following list details those projected to be 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 employment landscape in Tumbarumba shows performance that lags behind national averages across key labour market indicators

Tumbarumba has a balanced workforce with both white and blue collar jobs. The unemployment rate is 4.0%.

Over the past year, there was an estimated employment growth of 7.2%. As of June 2025863 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 0.3% higher than Rest of NSW's rate of 3.7%. Workforce participation in Tumbarumba is somewhat lower at 53.7%, compared to Rest of NSW's 56.4%. Major employment sectors include manufacturing, agriculture, forestry & fishing, and public administration & safety.

Manufacturing is particularly strong with an employment share 2.8 times the regional level. However, health care & social assistance is under-represented at 9.4% compared to Rest of NSW's 16.9%. The area may have limited local employment opportunities as indicated by Census data. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment increased by 7.2% while labour force grew by 8.7%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate by 1.2 percentage points. In comparison, Rest of NSW saw employment fall by 0.1%, labour force expand by 0.3%, and unemployment rise by 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 suggest that national employment will grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying growth rates across industry sectors. Applying these projections to Tumbarumba's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 4.8% over five years and 11.1% over ten years.

Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch

Tumbarumba's median taxpayer income was $46,741 and average income was $56,360 in financial year 2022. This is lower than the national average, with Rest of NSW having a median income of $49,459 and average income of $62,998. As of September 2025, estimated incomes are approximately $52,635 (median) and $63,467 (average), based on Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2022. Census data shows Tumbarumba's household, family, and personal incomes fall between the 17th and 24th percentiles nationally. The income bracket of $1,500 - $2,999 captures 29.8% of Tumbarumba's community (567 individuals), similar to metropolitan regions where 29.9% occupy this bracket. Housing costs are modest, with 89.4% of income retained, but total disposable income ranks at the 23rd percentile nationally.

Tumbarumba is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Tumbarumba's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 96.7% houses and 3.3% other dwellings. This compares to Non-Metro NSW's figures of 92.0% houses and 8.0% other dwellings. Home ownership in Tumbarumba stood at 46.1%, similar to Non-Metro NSW, with mortgaged dwellings at 28.2% and rented ones at 25.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,165, lower than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,300. Median weekly rent in Tumbarumba was recorded at $220, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $230. Nationally, Tumbarumba's median monthly mortgage repayment is significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while median weekly rent is substantially below the national figure of $375.

Tumbarumba features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 68.5% of all households, including 20.6% couples with children, 35.0% couples without children, and 12.3% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 31.5%, composed of 30.0% lone person households and 1.4% group households. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is smaller than the Rest of NSW average of 2.4.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 13.9%, substantially lower than NSW's average of 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 10.5%, followed by graduate diplomas (1.8%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.6%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 38.5% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (8.1%) and certificates (30.4%). Educational participation is high at 26.7%, with 10.5% in primary, 7.3% in secondary, and 2.0% in tertiary education.

Tumbarumba's three schools have a combined enrollment of 400 students. The area has typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 961) with balanced educational opportunities. There are two primary and one secondary school serving distinct age groups. It functions as an education hub with 21.0 school places per 100 residents, significantly above the regional average of 13.9, attracting students from surrounding communities.

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

Transport analysis indicates 74 active stops operating in Tumbarumba, offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 13 individual routes, collectively providing 97 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated good, with residents typically located 209 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 13 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately one weekly trip per stop.

Health performance in Tumbarumba is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Critical health challenges are evident across Tumbarumba. A range of health conditions impact both younger and older age cohorts.

The rate of private health cover is relatively low at approximately 49% of the total population (~939 people), compared to the national average of 55.3%. The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis, impacting 11.5% of residents, and asthma, impacting 10.0%. While 59.0% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, this is lower than the 62.9% across Rest of NSW. The area has 29.4% of residents aged 65 and over (560 people), which is higher than the 24.8% in Rest of NSW. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, performing even better than the general population in health metrics.

Tumbarumba is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Tumbarumba's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 90.2% of its population being Australian citizens, 90.6% born in Australia, and 96.5% speaking English only at home. The predominant religion in Tumbarumba is Christianity, accounting for 63.8% of the population, compared to 65.3% across the Rest of NSW. Regarding ancestry, the top three represented groups are Australian (32.3%), English (30.1%), and Scottish (9.0%).

Notably, certain ethnic groups have different representations: Australian Aboriginal is overrepresented at 5.5% in Tumbarumba compared to 4.8% regionally, German at 4.9% versus 3.7%, and Maori at 0.6% against 0.4%.

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

Tumbarumba's median age at 47 years is significantly higher than the Rest of NSW average of 43 years and exceeds the national average of 38 years. The age profile shows that the 65-74 year-old group comprises 15.7%, which is particularly prominent compared to the national average of 9.4%. Meanwhile, the 25-34 year-old group makes up only 8.5% of Tumbarumba's population, smaller than the Rest of NSW average. Between 2021 and present, the 65-74 age group has increased from 13.7% to 15.7%, while the 15-24 age group has risen from 9.1% to 10.7%. Conversely, the 55-64 age group has decreased from 14.4% to 12.3%, and the 25-34 age group has fallen from 9.8% to 8.5%. By 2041, Tumbarumba's population is expected to see notable shifts in its age composition. The 75-84 age group is projected to grow by 21%, reaching 217 people from the current 179. This growth will be led by those aged 65 and above, comprising 68% of the projected population increase. Conversely, population declines are projected for both the 55-64 and 65-74 age groups.