Tamworth Regional

The area has a much higher proportion of First Nations people than most regions, rising to 12.7% since 2011. Children under 15 are also more common here at 20.1%, while the typical resident is 39 years old.

Most residents were born in Australia (84.3%), and the area has far fewer overseas-born residents than the state average. However, the percentage of people born overseas has risen to 8.4% since 2011.

English is the primary language for 87.2% of the community. Use of other languages at home is far below the national figure, though it has increased to 5.8% over the last decade.

Christianity remains the most common faith at 57.9%. The proportion of people reporting no religion has risen sharply by 19 points since 2011 to reach 31.4%.

About 15% of adults hold a bachelor degree or higher, which is more than in most similar areas. Year 12 completion has also climbed to 41.2% since 2011, though this remains far below the national figure.

Typical weekly household income is $1,416, which is a little below the national figure. Incomes have risen since 2011, with the share of households earning $3,000 or more per week growing to 14.6%.

Health challenges are more common here than in most areas, with 33.3% of people living with a long-term health condition. This includes a higher-than-average rate of mental health conditions at 10.7%.

Unpaid care is a common part of life, with 12.8% of people providing unpaid care and 26.8% caring for children. Local volunteering has fallen since 2011 to 15.5%.

The First Nations community is among the largest for its level, with a typical age of 21, which is noticeably younger than the national figure. Year 12 completion for First Nations residents is 29.1%.

One-parent families are much more common here than in most areas, making up 18% of households. About 28.5% of people live alone.

Large homes are the norm, with 80.3% of dwellings having three or more bedrooms. Most people live in separate houses (88.1%), and the typical weekly rent is $300.

Cars are essential for most, as only 0.2% of people commute by public transport. However, the area has a high number of public transport stops relative to its population.

The region has seen a significant shift in movement, with recent overseas arrivals rising by 14 points since 2011. About 40% of residents have moved house in the last five years.

Full-time employment is more common here than in the rest of the state, at 62.9%. The most common industries are health care and social assistance, followed by retail trade.

The area is home to 6,244 businesses and has seen a population growth of 4.3% since 2021. Its overall advantage score is lower than about 60% of similar areas.

The region receives far more rainfall than the state average, at 843mm annually. Minimum temperatures are also much lower than in most areas, averaging 8.4 degrees.

Recorded offences are much higher than in most areas, particularly for assault, burglary, and motor vehicle theft. The crime rate has risen by 31.9% over the last five years.

The area is only somewhat walkable, with far fewer homes within a 15-minute walk of groceries, health services, or schools compared to the state average.