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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, as of Nov 2025, the estimated population of West Tamworth is around 6,123. This reflects an increase of 652 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 5,471. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of the resident population at 5,720 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2024), and an additional 146 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 979 persons per square kilometer. West Tamworth's growth rate of 11.9% since the 2021 census exceeded both the SA4 region (4.4%) and the non-metro area, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Natural growth contributed approximately 51.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, 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. Future population trends project an above median growth of national non-metropolitan areas, with West Tamworth expected to increase by 1,095 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a total increase of 13.6% over the 17 years.

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

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, West Tamworth averaged approximately 22 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 114 homes. As of FY-26, 14 approvals have been recorded. Historically, around 3.3 new residents per year arrived per dwelling constructed between FY-21 and FY-25. This has led to demand significantly exceeding new supply, typically resulting in price growth and increased buyer competition.

New properties are constructed at an average expected cost of $317,000, below the regional average, suggesting more affordable housing options for buyers. In this financial year, there have been $14.5 million in commercial approvals, indicating moderate levels of commercial development. Comparatively, West Tamworth has 13.0% less new development per person than the Rest of NSW and ranks among the 58th percentile nationally when assessed areas are considered. New development consists of 52.0% detached houses and 48.0% medium to high-density housing, with a growing mix of townhouses and apartments providing options across different price points.

This marks a significant shift from existing housing patterns, which currently comprise 81.0% houses, suggesting diminishing developable land availability and responding to evolving lifestyle preferences and housing affordability needs. West Tamworth reflects a transitioning market, with around 265 people per approval. Population forecasts indicate West Tamworth will gain approximately 834 residents by 2041, according to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Construction is maintaining a reasonable pace with projected growth; however, buyers may encounter growing competition as population increases.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 12 projects likely to impact the area. Key projects include Tamworth Global Gateway Park, Rosary College Lifestyle Community, Goonoo Goonoo Commercial Precinct, and Goonoo Goonoo Road Upgrade. The following list details those most relevant.

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

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The labour market performance in West Tamworth lags significantly behind most other regions nationally

West Tamworth has a diverse workforce with both white and blue-collar jobs, notably in manufacturing and industrial sectors. The unemployment rate was 6.3% as of June 2025.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 4.7%. Residents' employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, manufacturing, and retail trade. Manufacturing has a particularly high concentration with levels at 2.8 times the regional average. Professional & technical jobs are less prevalent, at 2.5% compared to the region's 5.1%.

The area may offer limited local employment opportunities. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment levels increased by 4.7%, while the labour force grew by 3.1%, reducing the unemployment rate by 1.4 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of NSW saw employment contract by 0.1% over the same period. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, published in Sep-22, project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to West Tamworth's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.6% over five years and 12.5% over ten years.

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

West Tamworth's median income among taxpayers was $41,225 in financial year 2022. The average income stood at $49,665 during the same period. This compares to figures for Rest of NSW which were $49,459 and $62,998 respectively. Based on a Wage Price Index growth of 12.61% since financial year 2022, current estimates would be approximately $46,423 (median) and $55,928 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals that household, family and personal incomes in West Tamworth all fall between the 5th and 14th percentiles nationally. In terms of income distribution, 30.2% of the population (1,849 individuals) fall within the $800 - 1,499 income range, differing from patterns across the surrounding region where $1,500 - 2,999 dominates with 29.9%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in West Tamworth, with only 80.7% of income remaining, ranking at the 5th percentile nationally.

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

West Tamworth's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 81.0% houses and 19.0% other dwellings. In comparison, Non-Metro NSW had 89.5% houses and 10.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in West Tamworth was at 27.8%, with mortgaged dwellings at 18.6% and rented ones at 53.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,300, below Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,500. The median weekly rent in West Tamworth was $275, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $300. Nationally, West Tamworth's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian 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 account for 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 constitute 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, 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 stands at 13.9%, significantly lower than the NSW average of 32.2%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 10.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.1%) and graduate diplomas (1.5%). Vocational credentials are widely held, with 37.2% of residents aged 15 and above possessing them.

This includes advanced diplomas (7.6%) and certificates (29.6%). Educational participation is notably high, with 33.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes primary education (13.4%), secondary education (9.3%), and tertiary education (2.7%). West Tamworth's three schools have a combined enrollment of 1,203 students as of the latest data. The area demonstrates varied educational conditions, with an ICSEA score of 918. Education provision is balanced, with two primary schools and one secondary school serving distinct age groups.

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

Transport analysis shows 125 active public transport stops in West Tamworth, offering a mix of bus services. These stops are served by 67 individual routes, collectively facilitating 749 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 93 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 107 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately five weekly trips per 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, as indicated by its health data. Both younger and older age groups exhibit high prevalence rates for common health conditions. The area has a notably low private health cover rate of approximately 47% (around 2,856 people), compared to Rest of NSW's 50.0% and the national average of 55.3%.

Mental health issues and asthma are the most prevalent medical conditions in West Tamworth, affecting 12.2% and 10.8% of residents respectively. However, 59.7% of residents report being completely free from medical ailments, compared to Rest of NSW's 63.4%. The area has a lower proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 17.0% (around 1,040 people), compared to Rest of NSW's 19.9%. Health outcomes among seniors in West Tamworth present similar challenges to those faced by the general population.

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 Australian citizens, 87.5% born in Australia, and 89.8% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the main religion in West Tamworth, comprising 54.4% of people, compared to 63.6% across Rest of NSW. The top three ancestry groups were Australian (30.4%), English (26.8%), and Australian Aboriginal (16.2%), which was substantially higher than the regional average of 9.4%.

Notably, Vietnamese (1.0%) and Filipino (1.2%) populations were overrepresented in West Tamworth compared to the region's averages of 0.3% and 0.7%, respectively. Maori population was also higher at 0.6% versus the regional average of 0.2%.

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

West Tamworth's median age is 34, which is lower than the Rest of NSW figure of 43 and Australia's national average of 38 years. Compared to the Rest of NSW average, West Tamworth has a notably higher proportion of 25-34 year-olds (16.8% locally) and a lower proportion of 65-74 year-olds (7.8%). Between 2021 and present, the 25-34 age group increased from 15.4% to 16.8%, while the 5-14 cohort decreased from 13.7% to 12.4% and the 45-54 group dropped from 10.7% to 9.6%. By 2041, demographic modeling projects significant changes in West Tamworth's age profile, with the 25-34 age cohort expected to expand by 308 people (30%), from 1,028 to 1,337. Conversely, both the 65-74 and 15-24 age groups are projected to decrease in numbers.