West Tamworth

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

As of Nov 2025, West Tamworth's population is estimated at around 6,150, reflecting a 12.4% increase from the 2021 Census figure of 5,471 people. This growth was inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of 5,831 residents following examination of ABS ERP data release in June 2024 and an additional 146 validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density is approximately 984 persons per square kilometer, in line with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. West Tamworth's growth exceeded the SA4 region (4.6%) and non-metro area, marking it as a growth leader. Natural growth contributed around 51% of overall population gains during recent periods, while overseas migration and interstate migration also positively impacted growth. For projections until 2041, AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia aggregations for SA2 areas released in 2024 with a base year of 2022.

For un-covered areas, NSW State Government's SA2-level projections released in 2022 with a base year of 2021 are utilised. Future trends project an above median population growth for national non-metropolitan areas, with West Tamworth expected to increase by 1,098 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 13.2% over the 17-year period.

Recent residential development output has been above average within West Tamworth when compared nationally

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows West Tamworth averaged around 25 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 126 homes. As of FY-26, 24 approvals have been recorded. On average, three people move to the area per year per new home constructed between FY-21 and FY-25, reflecting strong demand that supports property values. New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost value of $308,000.

This financial year has seen $12.3 million in commercial approvals, indicating balanced commercial development activity. Compared to the Rest of NSW, West Tamworth has similar development levels per person, maintaining market equilibrium consistent with surrounding areas. New development consists of 50% detached houses and 50% townhouses or apartments, offering affordable entry pathways and attracting downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. This represents a shift from the area's existing housing composition, which is currently 81% houses, indicating decreasing availability of developable sites and reflecting changing lifestyles and demand for diverse, affordable housing options. The location has approximately 229 people per dwelling approval, suggesting room for growth.

According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, West Tamworth is expected to grow by 810 residents through to 2041. Building activity is keeping pace with growth projections, though buyers may face increased competition as the population grows.

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

Twelve projects identified by AreaSearch are expected to impact the area significantly. These include Tamworth Global Gateway Park, Rosary College Lifestyle Community, Goonoo Goonoo Commercial Precinct, and Goonoo Goonoo Road Upgrade, with the following list detailing those likely 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.

Employment conditions in West Tamworth face significant challenges, ranking among the bottom 10% of areas assessed nationally

West Tamworth has a balanced workforce with both white and blue collar jobs, strongly represented by manufacturing and industrial sectors. The unemployment rate was 7.6% as of September 2025, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

In this period, 2,785 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 3.8% higher than Rest of NSW's rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation lagged significantly at 48.7%, compared to Rest of NSW's 56.4%. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, manufacturing, and retail trade. Manufacturing stands out with employment levels at 2.8 times the regional average.

However, professional & technical services have limited presence at 2.5% compared to the regional average of 5.1%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the difference between Census working population and resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, the labour force increased by 0.7%, while employment declined by 1.0%, causing unemployment to rise by 1.6 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of NSW saw employment contract by 0.5%, with a slight fall in labour force (-0.1%) and an increase in unemployment (0.4 percentage points). Providing broader context, state-level data up to 25-Nov-25 shows NSW employment contracted by 0.03% (losing 2,260 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 3.9%. This compares favourably to the national unemployment rate of 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 offer insight into potential future demand within West Tamworth. These projections suggest national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying growth rates across industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to West Tamworth's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by approximately 5.6% over five years and 12.5% over ten years, though these estimates are illustrative and do not account for localised population projections.

Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis

West Tamworth's median income among taxpayers in financial year 2023 was $41,225. The average income stood at $49,665 during the same period. These figures are below those of Rest of NSW, which were $52,390 and $65,215 respectively. By September 2025, estimated median and average incomes in West Tamworth would be approximately $44,878 and $54,065 based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86%. According to census data, household, family, and personal incomes in West Tamworth fall between the 5th and 14th percentiles nationally. In terms of income distribution, 30.2% of West Tamworth's population earns within the $800 - $1,499 range, differing from the surrounding region where the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket dominates at 29.9%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in West Tamworth, with only 80.7% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 5th percentile.

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

In West Tamworth, as per the latest Census evaluation, 81.0% of dwellings were houses while 19.0% comprised semi-detached units, apartments, and other types. This contrasts with Non-Metro NSW's figures of 89.5% houses and 10.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in West Tamworth stood at 27.8%, lower than Non-Metro NSW's level. Mortgaged dwellings constituted 18.6%, and rented ones made up 53.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,300, significantly lower than the Non-Metro NSW average of $1,500. Weekly rent in West Tamworth averaged $275, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $300. Nationally, West Tamworth's mortgage repayments were notably lower at $1,300 versus Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

West Tamworth features high concentrations of lone person households and group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households make up 58.6% of all households, including 16.2% couples with children, 20.7% couples without children, and 19.7% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 41.4%, with lone person households at 36.9% and group households comprising 4.6%. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is smaller than the Rest of NSW average of 2.4.

West Tamworth 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%. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 10.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.1%) and graduate diplomas (1.5%). Vocational credentials are common, with 37.2% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (7.6%) and certificates (29.6%). Educational participation is high, with 33.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 13.4% in primary education, 9.3% in secondary education, and 2.7% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Transport analysis shows 142 active transport stops in West Tamworth, consisting of bus services. These stops are covered by 67 routes, offering a total of 1,289 weekly passenger trips. Residential accessibility is rated excellent, with residents located an average of 92 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 184 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 9 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

West Tamworth faces significant health challenges, with common conditions prevalent across both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is low, at approximately 47% (around 2,868 people), compared to 49.8% in Rest of NSW and a national average of 55.7%. Mental health issues affect 12.2% of residents, while asthma impacts 10.8%.

About 59.7% report no medical ailments, compared to 63.4% in Rest of NSW. The area has 16.9% (around 1,039 people) aged 65 and over, lower than the 19.9% in Rest of NSW. Health outcomes among seniors present challenges broadly aligned with the general population's health profile.

West Tamworth ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

West Tamworth's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 79.0% of its population being citizens, 87.5% born in Australia, and 89.8% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the main religion in West Tamworth, comprising 54.4% of people, compared to 63.6% across Rest of NSW. The top three ancestry groups are Australian (30.4%), English (26.8%), and Australian Aboriginal (16.2%), which is higher than the regional average of 9.4%.

Notably, Vietnamese (1.0%) and Maori (0.6%) groups are overrepresented in West Tamworth compared to regional averages of 0.3% and 0.2%, respectively. Filipino representation was also notably higher at 1.2% compared to the regional average of 0.7%.

West Tamworth hosts a young demographic, positioning it in the bottom quartile nationwide

West Tamworth has a median age of 34, which is lower than the Rest of NSW figure of 43 and significantly lower than Australia's median age of 38 years. Compared to the Rest of NSW average, West Tamworth has an over-representation of the 25-34 cohort (16.8% locally) and an under-representation of the 65-74 year-olds (7.8%). Between 2021 and present, the 25 to 34 age group grew from 15.4% to 16.8%, while the 5 to 14 cohort declined from 13.7% to 12.4%, and the 45 to 54 group decreased from 10.7% to 9.6%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests West Tamworth's age profile will change significantly. The 25 to 34 age cohort is projected to increase by 305 people (30%), from 1,033 to 1,339. Conversely, both the 65 to 74 and 55 to 64 age groups are expected to decrease in number.