Tenterfield

Tenterfield has shown very soft population growth performance across periods assessed by AreaSearch

Tenterfield's population, as of May 2026, is approximately 7,252. This figure represents an increase of 442 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 6,810. The growth was inferred from ABS data showing an estimated resident population of 7,188 in June 2025 and an additional 279 validated new addresses post-Census. This results in a population density ratio of 1.0 persons per square kilometer. Tenterfield's growth rate of 6.5% since the 2021 Census exceeded both its SA3 area (2.7%) and SA4 region, indicating it as a growth leader. Interstate migration contributed approximately 82.2% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, NSW State Government's SA2 level projections from 2022 with a base year of 2021 are used. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Future population trends indicate an overall decline over this period, with the area's population expected to decrease by 681 persons by 2041. However, specific age cohorts are anticipated to grow, notably the 85 and over age group projected to increase by 191 people.

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

Tenterfield has seen approximately 36 new homes approved annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, around 180 homes were approved, with an additional 38 approved in FY26 so far. On average, about 1.6 people have moved to the area per dwelling built over these years.

This suggests a balanced supply and demand dynamic, contributing to stable market conditions. The average construction cost of new properties is $235,000, which is below the regional average, indicating more affordable housing options for buyers. In FY26, there have been $3.7 million in commercial approvals, suggesting limited focus on commercial development. Compared to the Rest of NSW, Tenterfield has 86.0% more building activity per person.

This increased activity provides greater choice for buyers, although recent periods have seen some moderation in development activity. All recent development has been comprised of detached houses, maintaining the area's traditional low-density character and appealing to those seeking family homes with space. The location currently has approximately 254 people per dwelling approval, indicating potential room for growth. With a projected stable or declining population, Tenterfield is expected to have reduced pressure on housing, potentially creating opportunities for buyers in the future.

Tenterfield has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 16 projects that may affect the region. Notable ones include Molesworth Street Bridge Replacement and Sewer Line Relocation, Tenterfield Heavy Vehicle Bypass, Haddington Aged Care Community Expansion, and Mt Lindesay Road Upgrade - Legume to Woodenbong. The following list details those most likely to be 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 performance in Tenterfield has been below expectations when compared to most other areas nationally

Tenterfield's workforce is balanced across white and blue collar jobs with varied sector representation, an unemployment rate of 4.4% as of December 2025. There are 3,157 employed residents, a 0.4% higher unemployment rate compared to Regional NSW's 3.9%. Workforce participation is lower at 54.0%, against Regional NSW's 60.5%.

Census data shows 20.1% of residents work from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Key employment sectors include agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and retail trade. Tenterfield specialises in agriculture, forestry & fishing with an employment share 4.2 times Regional NSW's level. However, health care & social assistance is under-represented at 11.9%, compared to Regional NSW's 16.9%.

The area may have limited local employment opportunities, indicated by the working population versus resident population count. Over December 2025, labour force levels decreased by 0.8% and employment fell by 1.5%, raising unemployment by 0.7 percentage points. In contrast, Regional NSW saw a 1.2% employment contraction, 0.8% labour force fall, and a 0.4 percentage point unemployment rise. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest overall growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Tenterfield's industry mix indicates local employment could increase by 5.5% over five years and 12.0% over ten years, though these are illustrative extrapolations not accounting for localised population changes.

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

The Tenterfield SA2 had a median taxpayer income of $35,780 and an average of $44,630 in the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year 2023. This is lower than national averages, contrasting with Regional NSW's median income of $52,390 and average income of $65,215. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since the financial year 2023, estimates for March 2026 would be approximately $39,472 (median) and $49,236 (average). Census data indicates that household, family, and personal incomes in Tenterfield all fall between the 1st and 3rd percentiles nationally. The $400 - $799 earnings band captures 34.0% of the community (2,465 individuals), contrasting with the broader area where the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket leads at 29.9%. The concentration of 46.2% in sub-$800 weekly brackets highlights economic challenges facing a significant portion of the community. While housing costs are modest with 88.4% of income retained, the total disposable income ranks at just the 4th percentile nationally.

Tenterfield is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Tenterfield's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 95.5% houses and 4.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Regional NSW's 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Tenterfield stood at 58.1%, with mortgaged dwellings at 22.3% and rented ones at 19.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,083, below Regional NSW's average of $1,733. Median weekly rent in Tenterfield was $240, compared to Regional NSW's $330. Nationally, Tenterfield's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Tenterfield features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 61.6% of all households, including 16.1% couples with children, 35.2% couples without children, and 9.6% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 38.4%, with lone person households at 35.5% and group households comprising 2.9% of the total. The median household size is 2.1 people, which is smaller than the Regional NSW average of 2.4.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 15.6%, 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 the most common at 11.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.1%) and graduate diplomas (2.1%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 39.5% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas at 9.8% and certificates at 29.7%.

Educational participation is high, with 25.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.6% in primary education, 8.3% in secondary education, and 1.7% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Tenterfield has 347 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 29 different routes that collectively provide 325 weekly passenger trips. The average distance from a resident's location to the nearest transport stop is 162 meters. In this predominantly residential area, most commuting is outward-bound, with cars being the primary mode of transport at 89%. Seven percent of residents walk to their destinations. On average, there are 1.4 vehicles per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, 20.1% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages 46 trips per day across all routes, resulting in approximately zero weekly trips per individual stop. The accompanying map displays the 100 nearest stops to the location's centrepoint.

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

Tenterfield faces substantial health challenges according to AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are notable across both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is very low at approximately 48%, compared to 51.9% in Regional NSW and 55.7% nationally.

The most common medical conditions are arthritis (13.5%) and mental health issues (9.1%). Conversely, 58.3% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 63.3% across Regional NSW. Working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 34.7% of residents aged 65 and over (2,515 people), higher than the 23.4% in Regional NSW.

The latest Census data sees Tenterfield placing among the least culturally diverse areas in the country when compared across a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Tenterfield's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 88.1% of its population being citizens, 90.3% born in Australia, and 96.8% speaking English only at home. The predominant religion in Tenterfield is Christianity, accounting for 59.9% of the population, compared to 55.9% across Regional NSW. Regarding ancestry, the top three groups are English (31.5%), Australian (28.3%), and Irish (11.2%).

Notably, German ethnicity is overrepresented in Tenterfield at 5.6%, compared to 3.1% regionally, as are Scottish (9.3% vs 8.0%) and Australian Aboriginal (5.1% vs 4.6%).

Tenterfield ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Tenterfield's median age is 55 years, significantly higher than Regional NSW's average of 43 and national norm of 38. The age profile shows that those aged 65-74 are most prominent at 19.9%, while the 25-34 group is smaller at 6.4%. This concentration of 65-74 year-olds is higher than the national average of 9.4%. Between 2021 and present, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 9.3% to 11.2%, while the 0 to 4 cohort increased from 3.9% to 5.0%. Conversely, the 55 to 64 cohort declined from 17.5% to 15.8%. By 2041, demographic projections show significant shifts in Tenterfield's age structure. The 85+ age cohort is projected to rise substantially by 167 people (65%), from 258 to 426. Demographic aging continues as residents aged 65 and older represent all anticipated growth. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 25-34 and 0-4 cohorts.