Urban Centre · Area profile
Tumbarumba
6 km²
A significant population drop of 30% since 2011 has reshaped Tumbarumba, though the town remains a stable regional hub. While the population has shrunk, the community has grown younger, with the typical resident now 46 compared to 57 years old a decade ago. It is a place where traditional Australian roots are strong, characterized by a high rate of home ownership and a workforce heavily involved in manufacturing and agriculture. The town is distinguished by a strong spirit of volunteering and a higher-than-average Indigenous population.
Explore Tumbarumba by topic
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people make up 7.4% of the population, which is well above the national figure of 3.2%. The community is generally older than the rest of Australia, with 25.7% of residents aged 65 and over.
People born overseas make up only 9.4% of the population, a figure far below the national average of 27.7%. Most residents claim Australian or English ancestry.
English is the primary language for 91.3% of the community, and very few people—just 0.3%—speak little or no English, which is well below the national figure.
About 57.2% of residents identify as Christian, while 32.7% report no religion. This last group has grown by 7.8 percentage points since 2011.
Qualifications are lower than the state average, with only 10.5% of adults holding a bachelor degree or higher. The most common qualification is a Certificate III or IV.
Typical weekly family incomes are $1,606, which is well below the New South Wales figure of $2,185. However, incomes have risen since 2011, with the typical personal income increasing by $272.
Health challenges are more common here than in most areas, with 37.4% of people living with a long-term health condition. About 7.8% of residents need help with daily activities.
Volunteering is a standout feature, with 22.8% of people volunteering—well above the national figure of 14.1%. Unpaid care is also more common than in most similar areas.
One-parent families are more common here than in the rest of the state, making up 18.7% of households. About 30.2% of people live alone.
The town consists almost entirely of separate houses, with 95.7% of homes being detached. Rents are far below the national figure, typically costing $220 per week.
Cars are essential for the community, as 0% of people commute by public transport. About 39% of homes have two vehicles.
The area has seen significant movement, with 38.9% of people moving in the last five years. Recent overseas arrivals have also increased, now making up 10.6% of the population.
Full-time employment is high at 61.6%, which is well above the national average. Manufacturing is the most common industry, employing 16.7% of the workforce.
The town is somewhat walkable, and residents have far better access to health services within a 15-minute walk compared to the state average.