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 Nov 2025, Tumut's population is estimated around 6,650, reflecting a 37-person increase since the 2021 Census. This growth represents a 0.6% rise from the previous figure of 6,613 people. AreaSearch validated this estimate by examining the latest ERP data release by ABS (June 2024) and new addresses since the Census date. The population density is approximately 225 persons per square kilometer. Over the past decade, Tumut's growth rate was 0.3% compound annually, outperforming its SA3 area. Overseas migration primarily drove this growth.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area (released in 2024 with a 2022 base year) and NSW State Government's SA2 level projections where applicable. Future trends suggest lower quartile growth outside capital cities, with Tumut expected to grow by 267 persons to 2041, reflecting a total gain of 2.9% over the 17 years.

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 20 residential properties granted approval each year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 104 homes. As of FY-26, 11 approvals have been recorded. Over these five years, an average of 0.3 new residents per year per dwelling constructed was observed. The average construction value for new properties is $446,000.

This financial year has seen $42.3 million in commercial development approvals, indicating strong commercial development momentum. Compared to Rest of NSW, Tumut shows comparable new home approvals per person, maintaining market balance consistent with the broader area and being under the national average, suggesting an established nature and potential planning limitations. Recent construction comprises 95% detached houses and 5% townhouses or apartments, reflecting Tumut's traditional low density character focused on family homes. The location has approximately 337 people per dwelling approval, indicating a low density market.

According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Tumut is expected to grow by 190 residents through to 2041. Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

Tumut has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified three projects likely to impact the region. Key projects are Tumut Hospital Redevelopment, Tumut Aerodrome Infrastructure Upgrade Stage 2, Tumut River Works Program, and HumeLink. The following 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 employment landscape in Tumut shows performance that lags behind national averages across key labour market indicators

Tumut's workforce is balanced across white and blue collar jobs. Manufacturing and industrial sectors are prominent.

The unemployment rate was 4.2% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 7.8%. As of June 2025, 3,021 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 4.7%, slightly higher than Rest of NSW's 3.7%. Key industries include manufacturing, health care & social assistance, and retail trade. Manufacturing employment is particularly high at 2.7 times the regional level, while professional & technical jobs are lower at 2.2% compared to 5.1% regionally.

Employment opportunities locally may be limited as suggested by Census data comparison of working population versus resident population. Over a 12-month period ending Sep-22, employment increased by 7.8%, labour force by 8.9%, raising the unemployment rate by 1 percentage point. In contrast, Rest of NSW saw employment fall by 0.1%, labour force expand by 0.3%, and unemployment rise by 0.4 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project overall growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Tumut's industry mix suggests local employment could increase by 5.4% in five years and 12.1% in ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

Tumut's median income among taxpayers was $51,769 in financial year 2022. The average income stood at $63,749 during the same period. These figures compare to Rest of NSW's median and average incomes of $49,459 and $62,998 respectively. As of September 2025, current estimates project Tumut's median income to be approximately $58,297 and the average income at around $71,788, based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.61% since financial year 2022. According to Census 2021 data, household, family, and personal incomes in Tumut all fall between the 16th and 20th percentiles nationally. Income analysis reveals that 28.8% of Tumut's population (1,915 individuals) earn within the $1,500 - $2,999 income range, a proportion similar to metropolitan regions where 29.9% fall into this bracket. After accounting for housing costs, 86.4% of income remains in Tumut, 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

Tumut's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 85.6% houses and 14.3% other dwellings. In comparison, Non-Metro NSW had 92.0% houses and 8.0% other dwellings. Home ownership in Tumut was at 37.6%, with mortgaged dwellings at 29.5% and rented ones at 32.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,300, similar to Non-Metro NSW's average. The median weekly rent was $245 in Tumut, compared to $230 in Non-Metro NSW. Nationally, Tumut's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,300 versus the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially lower at $245 compared to the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 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 make up 33.6%, consisting of 31.8% lone person households and 1.8% group households. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is smaller than the Rest of NSW average of 2.4.

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

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates at 14.9%, substantially below the NSW average of 32.2%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 11.0%, followed by graduate diplomas (2.0%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.9%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 38.5% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (7.9%) and certificates (30.6%).

Educational participation is notably 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. Tumut's 5 schools have a combined enrollment reaching 1,441 students while the area demonstrates varied educational conditions (ICSEA: 939). The educational mix includes 2 primary, 1 secondary, and 2 K-12 schools. The area functions as an education hub with 21.7 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

Tumut's public transport analysis indicates 135 active stops, serving a mix of bus routes. These are covered by 18 individual routes, offering 151 weekly passenger trips in total. Residents enjoy excellent accessibility to transport, with an average distance of 142 meters to the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 21 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately one weekly trip per stop.

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 its health data.

The prevalence of common health conditions is notable across both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover in Tumut is approximately 52% of the total population (~3,468 people), slightly higher than the average SA2 area. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (11.0%) and asthma (10.1%). However, 61.4% of residents claim to be completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 62.9% in Rest of NSW. Tumut has 22.3% of residents aged 65 and over (1,482 people), lower than the 24.8% in Rest of NSW. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, broadly aligned with the general population's health profile.

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. Its population is predominantly Australian citizens, with 88.9% being citizens and 89.8% born in Australia. English is the primary language spoken at home by 94.2%.

Christianity is the dominant religion in Tumut, comprising 66.1%, compared to 65.3% across Rest of NSW. The top three ancestry groups are Australian (32.8%), English (31.3%), and Irish (8.6%). Notably, Australian Aboriginal representation is higher than regional averages at 5.9% in Tumut versus 4.8%. South African and Maori representations are also notably higher at 0.7% and 0.6%, respectively, compared to regional percentages of 0.5% and 0.4%.

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

Tumut's median age is 42 years, similar to Rest of NSW's average of 43 but considerably older than Australia's median age of 38 years. The age profile shows that those aged 25-34 are particularly prominent, making up 12.5% of the population, while those aged 65-74 comprise a smaller proportion at 11.1%, compared to Rest of NSW. Between 2021 and present, the percentage of the population aged 25-34 has grown from 11.4% to 12.5%. Conversely, the percentage of those aged 55-64 has declined from 13.1% to 11.9%. Population forecasts for Tumut indicate substantial demographic changes by 2041. The 25-34 age cohort is projected to grow significantly at a rate of 16%, adding 134 residents to reach a total of 966. However, population declines are projected for those aged 75-84 and 5-14 years old.