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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, Tumbarumba's population is estimated at around 1967 as of May 2026. This reflects an increase of 52 people (2.7%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1915 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 1967, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and an additional 39 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 8.5 persons per square kilometer. Tumbarumba's 2.7% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area (0.5%), along with the SA4 region, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed 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. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch is utilising the NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, as released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are also applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Over this period, projections indicate a decline in overall population, with the suburb's population expected to reduce by 2 persons by 2041 according to this methodology. However, growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, led by the 75 to 84 age group, which is projected to increase by 37 people.

The level of residential development activity in Tumbarumba is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch

Tumbarumba had an average of three development approvals per year between 2015 and 2019, totaling 16 approvals over this five-year period. These low levels reflect the rural nature of Tumbarumba, where development is primarily driven by local housing needs rather than broader market demand. The small sample size means individual projects can significantly impact annual growth and relativity statistics.

Compared to Rest of NSW and national averages, Tumbarumba had substantially lower development levels during this period. All new constructions were detached houses, aligning with rural living preferences for space and privacy. Between 2015 and 2019, there was an estimated 754 people per dwelling approval in Tumbarumba, indicating its quiet, low activity development environment. With stable or declining population forecasts, Tumbarumba may experience less housing pressure, potentially creating favourable conditions for buyers.

Given stable or declining population forecasts, Tumbarumba may experience less housing pressure, creating favourable conditions for buyers.

Tumbarumba has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified zero projects that may affect this region. Notable initiatives are Tumut River Works Program, HumeLink, Riverina Redevelopment Program, and Olympic Highway Safety Improvements.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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Despite maintaining a low unemployment rate of 3.5%, Tumbarumba has experienced recent job losses, resulting in a below average employment performance ranking when compared nationally

Tumbarumba has a balanced workforce with both white and blue collar jobs. Manufacturing and industrial sectors are prominent, with an unemployment rate of 3.5% as per AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. By December 2025, there were 836 residents employed, with an unemployment rate at 0.5% below Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%.

Workforce participation in Tumbarumba was lower at 51.8%, compared to Regional NSW's 60.5%. According to Census responses, only 7.6% of residents worked from home. The dominant employment sectors were manufacturing, agriculture, forestry & fishing, and public administration & safety. Manufacturing had particularly high representation, with employment levels at 2.8 times the regional average.

Conversely, health care & social assistance showed lower representation at 9.4%, compared to the regional average of 16.9%. The area appears to have limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the difference between Census working population and resident population. Between December 2024 and November 2025, Tumbarumba's labour force decreased by 3.2% and employment decreased by 3.6%, leading to an unemployment rate increase of 0.3 percentage points. In comparison, Regional NSW had an employment decline of 1.2%, labour force decline of 0.8%, and unemployment rose by 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying growth rates across different industry sectors. Applying these projections to Tumbarumba's employment mix indicates potential local employment increases of 4.8% over five years and 11.1% over ten years.

The area's income levels rank in the lower 15% nationally based on AreaSearch comparative data

The suburb of Tumbarumba had a median income among taxpayers of $46,741 and an average income of $56,360 in the financial year 2023, according to ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This compares to Regional NSW's figures of $52,390 and $65,215 respectively. Based on a Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $51,565 (median) and $62,176 (average) as of March 2026. Census data from 2021 shows that incomes in Tumbarumba fall between the 17th and 24th percentiles nationally for households, families, and personal incomes. The largest income segment comprises 29.8% earning $1,500 - $2,999 weekly, with 586 residents falling into this category, aligning with regional levels where this cohort represents 29.9%. Housing costs are modest in Tumbarumba, with 89.4% of income retained, but the total disposable income ranks at just the 23rd percentile nationally.

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

The dwelling structure in Tumbarumba, as per the latest Census, consisted of 96.7% houses and 3.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Regional NSW's 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Tumbarumba stood at 46.1%, with mortgaged dwellings at 28.2% and rented ones at 25.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,165, below Regional NSW's average of $1,733. The median weekly rent in Tumbarumba was $220, compared to Regional NSW's $330. Nationally, Tumbarumba's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were 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 constitute 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 comprise the remaining 31.5%, with lone person households at 30.0% and group households making up 1.4%. The median household size is 2.3 people, smaller than the Regional 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%, significantly lower than the NSW average of 32.2%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives in the region. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 10.5%, followed by graduate diplomas (1.8%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.6%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 38.5% of residents aged 15 and above holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas (8.1%) and certificates (30.4%).

Educational participation is high, with 26.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.5% in primary education, 7.3% 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

Tumbarumba has 78 active public transport stops, offering a mix of train and bus services. These are served by 14 routes, providing 1,243 weekly passenger trips in total. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 209 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward daily. Car remains the dominant mode at 90%, with 8% walking. Vehicle ownership averages 1.5 per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, 7.6% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 177 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 15 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Tumbarumba is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Tumbarumba faces significant health challenges as per AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are substantial across both younger and older age cohorts. Private health cover is relatively low at approximately 49% of the total population (~969 people), compared to Regional NSW's 51.9% and the national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions are arthritis (11.5%) and asthma (10.0%), with 59.0% of residents reporting no medical ailments, compared to Regional NSW's 63.3%. Working-age population health challenges include elevated chronic condition rates. Tumbarumba has 31.4% of residents aged 65 and over (617 people), higher than Regional NSW's 23.4%. Health outcomes among seniors present notable challenges, ranking even higher than the general population nationally.

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

Tumbarumba had a cultural diversity below average, with 90.2% citizens, 90.6% born in Australia, and 96.5% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the main religion, at 63.8%, compared to Regional NSW's 55.9%. Top ancestry groups were Australian (32.3%), English (30.1%), and Scottish (9.0%).

Notably, Australian Aboriginal was overrepresented at 5.5% (vs regional 4.6%), German at 4.9% (vs 3.1%), and Maori at 0.6% (vs 0.3%).

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

Tumbarumba's median age at 47 years exceeds both Regional NSW average of 43 and national average of 38. The age profile shows prominence of 65-74 year-olds (16.6%), compared to Regional NSW, while 25-34 group is smaller (7.9%). This concentration of 65-74 year-olds is higher than the national figure of 9.4%. Between 2021 and present, 65-74 age group grew from 13.7% to 16.6%, while 15-24 cohort increased from 9.1% to 11.1%. Conversely, 55-64 cohort declined from 14.4% to 11.4% and 25-34 group dropped from 9.8% to 7.9%. By 2041, Tumbarumba's age composition is expected to shift notably. Leading this shift, the 75-84 group will grow by 15 people (from 194 to 224), comprising 61% of projected growth. Conversely, population declines are projected for 15-24 and 0-4 cohorts.