Tumut

An assessment of population growth drivers in Tumut reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

As of February 2026, the estimated population of Tumut is around 6,721, reflecting a growth of 108 people since the 2021 Census. This increase represents a 1.6% change from the previous population count of 6,613. The resident population estimate of 6,570 by AreaSearch, based on the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and additional validated new addresses since the Census date, supports this growth inference. This results in a density ratio of 227 persons per square kilometer for Tumut. Over the past decade, ending in 2021, Tumut has shown resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 0.3%, outperforming its SA3 area. Overseas migration was the primary driver behind this population growth during recent periods.

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 where applicable, released in 2022 with a base year of 2021. These projections indicate that Tumut is expected to grow by 271 persons to reach a total population of around 7,092 by the year 2041, reflecting an overall growth rate of approximately 1.8% over the 17-year period from 2026 to 2041.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Tumut according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Tumut recorded around 21 residential properties granted approval each year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 109 homes. So far in FY26, 19 approvals have been recorded. On average, 0.3 new residents per year per dwelling constructed were recorded between FY21 and FY25. This suggests new construction is matching or outpacing demand, offering buyers more options while enabling population growth.

The average value of new properties constructed is $446,000, indicating a focus on the premium market with high-end developments. In this financial year, $39.1 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, showing strong commercial development momentum. Compared to Rest of NSW, Tumut has comparable new home approvals per person, maintaining market balance consistent with the broader area and suggesting potential planning limitations. Recent construction comprises 95.0% detached houses and 5.0% townhouses or apartments, reflecting the area's traditional low density character focused on family homes appealing to those seeking space.

The location has approximately 299 people per dwelling approval, indicating a low density market. Looking ahead, Tumut is expected to grow by 120 residents through to 2041, with current development patterns suggesting new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

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

The performance of a region is significantly influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified three projects that are expected to impact the area. Notable projects include Tumut Hospital Redevelopment, Tumut Aerodrome Infrastructure Upgrade Stage 2, Tumut River Works Program, and HumeLink. The following details those projects likely to have the most relevance.

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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 Tumut presents a mixed picture: unemployment remains low at 3.9%, yet recent job losses have affected its comparative national standing

Tumut's workforce is balanced across white and blue collar jobs, with manufacturing and industrial sectors prominent. As of December 2025, the unemployment rate stands at 3.9%, mirroring Regional NSW's rate. There are 2,887 employed residents, but workforce participation lags behind Regional NSW at 55.9%.

Census data shows that only 5.7% work from home. Leading industries include manufacturing, health care & social assistance, and retail trade. Manufacturing is particularly strong, employing 2.7 times the regional average. However, professional & technical services employ just 2.2%, below Regional NSW's 5.1%.

Between December 2024 and November 2025, Tumut saw a 3.1% decrease in labour force and a 3.6% drop in employment, leading to an unemployment rate rise of 0.5 percentage points. In comparison, Regional NSW recorded a 1.2% employment decline and a 0.8% labour force decline over the same period. Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Tumut's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.4% over five years and 12.1% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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

AreaSearch's aggregation of latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year ending June 2023 shows Tumut had a median taxpayer income of $51,769 and an average of $63,749. These figures are lower than national averages of $52,390 and $65,215 in Regional NSW respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since June 2023, estimated median and average incomes for Tumut as of September 2025 would be approximately $56,356 and $69,397 respectively. According to the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in Tumut fall between the 16th and 20th percentiles nationally. The $1,500 - 2,999 income bracket dominates with 28.8% of residents (1,935 people), similar to the broader area where 29.9% occupy this range. After housing costs, 86.4% of income remains, ranking at the 19th percentile nationally.

Tumut is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

In Tumut, as per the latest Census data, 85.6% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 14.3% consisting of semi-detached homes, apartments, and other dwelling types. This compares to Regional NSW's figures of 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Tumut stood at 37.6%, with mortgaged dwellings at 29.5% and rented ones at 32.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,300, lower than Regional NSW's average of $1,733. Median weekly rent in Tumut was recorded at $245, compared to Regional NSW's $330. Nationally, Tumut's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households make up 66.4% of all households, including 24.4% couples with children, 28.1% couples without children, and 13.0% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 33.6%, with lone person households at 31.8% and group households comprising 1.8%. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is smaller than the Regional NSW average of 2.4.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 14.9%, significantly lower than NSW's average of 32.2%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 11.0%, followed by graduate diplomas (2.0%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.9%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 38.5% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas account for 7.9% while certificates make up 30.6%.

Educational participation is high, with 28.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.9% in primary education, 8.1% in secondary education, and 1.9% pursuing tertiary education.

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

The analysis of public transport in Tumut indicates that there are 144 active transport stops currently operating, consisting solely of bus services. These stops are serviced by 18 individual routes, collectively providing a total of 151 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of transport is rated as excellent, with residents typically located approximately 142 meters away from the nearest transport stop. As Tumut is primarily a residential area, most residents commute outward for work or other purposes. The dominant mode of transportation remains the car, used by 93% of residents, while walking accounts for 5%. Vehicle ownership averages at 1.3 per dwelling, which is lower than the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census data, a relatively low 5.7% of residents work from home, which may be reflective of COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages out to approximately 21 trips per day across all routes, equating to roughly 1 weekly trip per individual stop. The accompanying map displays the locations of the 100 nearest stops in relation to the location's centrepoint.

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

Tumut faces significant health challenges, as indicated by AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence.

Both younger and older age groups exhibit high prevalence of common health conditions, with approximately 52% (~3,505 people) having private health cover, slightly higher than the average SA2 area. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (11.0%) and asthma (10.1%), while 61.4% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 63.3% in Regional NSW. Working-age population health is notably challenging due to high chronic condition rates. Tumut has 22.4% of residents aged 65 and over (1,505 people), lower than the 23.4% in Regional NSW. Senior health outcomes present some challenges, generally aligning with national rankings.

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

Tumut's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 88.9% of its population being Australian citizens, born in Australia on 89.8%, and speaking English only at home on 94.2%. The predominant religion in Tumut is Christianity, followed by 66.1% of people, compared to 55.9% across Regional NSW as of August 2021. In terms of ancestry, the top three groups represented are Australian with 32.8%, English with 31.3%, and Irish with 8.6%.

Notably, Australian Aboriginal representation is higher in Tumut at 5.9% compared to 4.6% regionally, South Australian at 0.7% versus 0.2%, and Maori at 0.6% against 0.3%.

Tumut's median age exceeds the national pattern

Tumut's median age is 42 years, similar to Regional NSW's average of 43 but older than Australia's 38 years. The age profile shows that those aged 25-34 are particularly prominent at 12.7%, while the 65-74 group is smaller at 11.1% compared to Regional NSW. Between 2021 and present, the 25-34 age group has grown from 11.4% to 12.7%, and the 35-44 cohort has increased from 11.3% to 12.4%. Conversely, the 55-64 cohort has declined from 13.1% to 11.7%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate significant demographic changes in Tumut. The 85+ cohort is projected to grow by 73%, adding 137 residents to reach 326. Meanwhile, population declines are projected for the 75-84 and 5-14 age groups.