Westdale (Tamworth Regional - NSW)

Westdale lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

As of May 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Westdale (Tamworth Regional - NSW) is around 3,314 people. This figure reflects an increase of 351 individuals since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,963 people. The change is inferred from the resident population estimate of 3,258 by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2025) and an additional 219 validated new addresses since the Census date. This equates to a density ratio of 63 persons per square kilometer in Westdale. The suburb's population growth of 11.8% since the 2021 census exceeded both the SA4 region (3.6%) and the Rest of NSW, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Natural growth contributed approximately 63.0% 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, and NSW State Government's SA2 level projections for areas not covered by this data, 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. By 2041, a significant population increase is forecasted for Westdale, with an expected expansion of 729 persons, reflecting a total increase of 20.3% over the 16-year period.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Westdale recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers for Westdale shows an average of 14 new dwelling approvals per year. Between FY-21 and FY-25, approximately 70 homes were approved, with a further 29 so far in FY-26. Over the past five financial years, an average of two people moved to the area for each dwelling built. However, this has eased to 1.4 people per dwelling over the past two financial years.

The average construction value of new properties is $297,000. This year, commercial development approvals totalled $6.9 million, indicating Westdale's residential character. Compared to Rest of NSW, Westdale exhibits similar construction activity per person, maintaining market equilibrium with surrounding areas. New developments consist equally of standalone homes and townhouses or apartments (50% each), marking a significant shift from the current 97% houses pattern. There are approximately 160 people per dwelling approval in Westdale, suggesting an expanding market.

By 2041, Westdale is projected to grow by 673 residents. Development pace appears reasonable with population growth projections, though increasing competition among buyers is expected as the population expands.

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

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified four projects that could impact the region: Tamworth Global Gateway Park, Oxley Vale Lifestyle Estate, Tamworth Sports and Entertainment Precinct, and Arcadia Estate. The following details these key projects:.

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

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AreaSearch analysis of employment trends sees Westdale performing better than 90% of local markets assessed across Australia

Westdale has a diverse workforce with both white and blue collar jobs, particularly in manufacturing and industrial sectors. Its unemployment rate is 1.2%. Employment stability has been maintained over the past year.

As of December 2025, 1,866 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 2.7%, below Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation is high at 77.4% compared to Regional NSW's 60.5%. According to Census data, only 8.2% work from home, but Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Manufacturing, health care & social assistance, and retail trade are the main employment sectors.

Manufacturing stands out with levels at 3.3 times the regional average. Education & training has limited presence at 5.6%, compared to 9.6% regionally. There are 1.5 workers per resident, indicating Westdale functions as an employment hub hosting more jobs than residents and attracting external workers. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment increased by 0.4% while labour force also rose by 0.4%, with unemployment remaining stable. This contrasts with Regional NSW where employment contracted by 1.2%, labour force fell by 0.8%, and unemployment rose by 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project overall growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates vary across sectors. Applying these projections to Westdale's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.2% over five years and 11.9% over ten years.

The area's income profile falls below national averages based on AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows Westdale's median income among taxpayers is $55,826. The average income is $67,255. These figures align with national averages. In comparison, Regional NSW has a median income of $52,390 and an average of $65,215. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes for March 2026 are approximately $61,587 (median) and $74,196 (average). Census 2021 income data indicates that Westdale's incomes cluster around the 52nd percentile nationally. The largest segment comprises 41.0% earning $1,500 - $2,999 weekly, with 1,358 residents in this cohort. This aligns with the regional trend where this cohort represents 29.9%. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 83.2% of income remaining, ranking at the 47th percentile.

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

Westdale's housing structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 97.4% houses and 2.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Regional NSW's 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Westdale stood at 18.2%, with mortgaged dwellings at 41.8% and rented ones at 40.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,517, lower than Regional NSW's average of $1,733. The median weekly rent in Westdale was $350, slightly higher than Regional NSW's figure of $330. Nationally, Westdale's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,517 compared to the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were less at $350 compared to the national figure of $375.

Westdale features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 81.4% of all households, including 36.7% couples with children, 24.3% couples without children, and 18.7% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 18.6%, with lone person households at 15.6% and group households comprising 3.2%. The median household size is 3.0 people, larger than the Regional NSW average of 2.4.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 10.6%, 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 7.7%, followed by graduate diplomas (1.5%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.4%). Vocational credentials are held by 41.7% of residents aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 7.9% and certificates at 33.8%.

Educational participation is high, with 34.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 14.8% in primary education, 10.3% in secondary education, and 1.4% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Westdale has 88 operational public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 20 different routes that together facilitate 213 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these stops is rated as excellent, with residents typically residing just 136 meters away from the nearest stop. As a predominantly residential area, most Westdale residents commute outward daily. Cars remain the primary mode of transport, used by 97% of residents. On average, there are 1.6 vehicles per dwelling in the area.

According to the 2021 Census, only 8.2% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency across all routes averages 30 trips per day, translating to approximately two weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Westdale 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. Approximately 54% (~1,773 people) of Westdale's population has private health cover, slightly higher than the average SA2 area. The most prevalent medical conditions are asthma (affecting 10.9% of residents) and mental health issues (9.3%). Conversely, 69.8% of residents report being completely free from medical ailments, compared to 63.3% across Regional NSW. Working-age residents have an above-average prevalence of chronic health conditions. Westdale has a lower proportion of residents aged 65 and over (9.9%, or 328 people) than Regional NSW (23.4%). Despite this, health outcomes among seniors in Westdale are better than average, ranking higher nationally than the general population.

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

Westdale's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 88.0% of its population being citizens, 87.3% born in Australia, and 89.3% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the main religion in Westdale, comprising 55.7% of people, compared to 55.9% across Regional NSW. The top three ancestry groups are Australian (33.6%), English (26.5%), and Australian Aboriginal (15.1%), which is significantly higher than the regional average of 4.6%.

Notably, Filipino representation in Westdale is overrepresented at 4.2%, compared to 0.6% regionally, Maori at 0.6% versus 0.3%, and Maltese at 0.4% compared to a similar regional figure of 0.4%.

Westdale hosts a very young demographic, ranking in the bottom 10% of areas nationwide

Westdale's median age is 30 years, which is considerably lower than the Regional NSW average of 43 and substantially under the Australian median of 38. Compared to Regional NSW, Westdale has a higher concentration of 25-34 year-olds at 17.5%, but fewer 65-74 year-olds at 6.1%. Between the 2021 Census and present, the proportion of 25 to 34 year-olds has grown from 15.8% to 17.5%, while the 5 to 14 age group has declined from 19.0% to 16.4%. By 2041, Westdale's demographic modeling suggests significant changes in its age profile. The 25 to 34 cohort is projected to grow by 36%, adding 207 residents to reach 787. Meanwhile, the 65 to 74 cohort shows no projected growth (0 people).