Tenterfield

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

Tenterfield's population is around 7,348 as of February 2026. This reflects an increase of 538 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6,810. The change was inferred from the estimated resident population of 7,081 in June 2024 and an additional 247 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1.0 persons per square kilometer. Tenterfield's growth rate of 7.9% since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area (3.1%) and the SA4 region, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth was primarily driven by interstate migration, contributing approximately 83.0% 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, NSW State Government's SA2 level projections are used, 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. Projections indicate a decline in overall population over this period, with the area's population expected to reduce by 603 persons by 2041. However, growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, led by the 85 and over age group, projected to grow by 199 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 23 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 balance between supply and demand, maintaining stable market conditions. New properties are constructed at an average expected cost of $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 88.0% more building activity per person, offering greater choice for buyers.

However, recent development activity has moderated. All recent developments have consisted of detached houses, preserving the area's traditional low-density character and appealing to those seeking space in family homes. The location currently has approximately 254 people per dwelling approval, indicating potential room for growth. With a projected stable or declining population, Tenterfield may experience reduced housing pressure, potentially presenting opportunities for buyers.

Tenterfield has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 45thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 16 projects likely to affect the area. 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 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.

Tenterfield has seen below average employment performance when compared to national benchmarks

Tenterfield has a balanced workforce with representation across white and blue collar jobs. The unemployment rate was 3.8% as of September 2025, with an estimated employment growth of 0.6% over the past year. This is in line with Rest of NSW's unemployment rate of 3.8%.

However, workforce participation lags behind at 56.1%, compared to Rest of NSW's 61.5%. According to Census responses, 20.1% of residents worked from home. The dominant employment sectors are agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and retail trade. Agriculture, forestry & fishing is notably concentrated with levels at 4.2 times the regional average.

Conversely, health care & social assistance is under-represented at 11.9% of Tenterfield's workforce compared to Rest of NSW's 16.9%. The area may offer limited local employment opportunities based on Census data. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment increased by 0.6%, while labour force increased by 1.1%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate by 0.4 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of NSW experienced an employment decline of 0.5% and a labour force decline of 0.1%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, issued in May-25, project national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Tenterfield's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.5% over five years and 12.0% over ten years.

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

The median taxpayer income in Tenterfield SA2 is $35,780 and the average is $44,630 according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. This is lower than national averages; Rest of NSW's median income is $52,390 with an average of $65,215. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since FY2023, estimated incomes for September 2025 are approximately $38,950 (median) and $48,584 (average). Census data shows Tenterfield's household, family, and personal incomes fall between the 1st and 3rd percentiles nationally. The $400-$799 earnings band captures 34.0% of Tenterfield residents (2,498 individuals), contrasting with broader areas where the $1,500-$2,999 bracket leads at 29.9%. The concentration of 46.2% in sub-$800 weekly brackets highlights economic challenges faced by a significant portion of the community. Housing costs are modest, with 88.4% of income retained, but 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

In Tenterfield, as per the latest Census evaluation, 95.5% of dwellings were houses while 4.4% comprised semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. This contrasts with Non-Metro NSW's figures of 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Tenterfield stood at 58.1%, with mortgaged properties accounting for 22.3% and rented ones making up 19.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,083, lower than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,733. Weekly rent median in Tenterfield was recorded at $240, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $330. Nationally, Tenterfield's mortgage repayments were significantly 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 comprise the remaining 38.4%, with lone person households at 35.5% and group households making up 2.9%. The median household size is 2.1 people, which is smaller than the Rest of 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%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 11.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.1%) and graduate diplomas (2.1%). Vocational credentials are held by 39.5% of residents aged 15 and above, with advanced diplomas at 9.8% and certificates at 29.7%. Educational participation is high, with 25.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 9.6% in primary, 8.3% in secondary, and 1.7% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably 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 individual routes that collectively facilitate 325 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of transport in Tenterfield is rated as excellent, with residents typically located just 162 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward, with cars being the dominant mode of transportation at 89%, while 7% walk. On average, there are 1.4 vehicles per dwelling in Tenterfield. 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. A map accompanies this analysis, displaying 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 significant health challenges based on AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are substantial among both younger and older age cohorts. Private health cover is low, at approximately 48% of the total population (around 3,497 people), compared to 51.9% in Rest of NSW and a national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 13.5% and 9.1% of residents respectively. Conversely, 58.3% report no medical ailments, compared to 63.3% in Rest of NSW. Working-age population health is particularly challenging due to high chronic condition rates. The area has a higher proportion of residents aged 65 and over, at 33.3% (2,449 people), than the 23.4% seen in Rest of 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, assessed in terms of cultural diversity, showed a majority population: 88.1% were citizens, 90.3% born in Australia, and 96.8% spoke English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 59.9%, compared to 55.9% regionally. The top three ancestral groups were English (31.5%), Australian (28.3%), and Irish (11.2%).

Notably, German ancestry was higher in Tenterfield at 5.6% than the regional average of 3.1%. Scottish ancestry also exceeded the regional average, at 9.3% compared to 8.0%. Additionally, Australian Aboriginal ancestry was slightly higher in Tenterfield at 5.1%, compared to the regional average of 4.6%.

Tenterfield ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

The median age in Tenterfield is 54 years, which is significantly higher than Rest of NSW's average of 43 years and considerably older than the national norm of 38 years. Compared to the Rest of NSW average, the 65-74 age cohort is notably over-represented in Tenterfield at 19.0%, while the 25-34 age group is under-represented at 6.5%. This concentration of the 65-74 age group is well above the national average of 9.5%. Between the 2021 Census and the present, the 0 to 4 age group has grown from 3.9% to 5.7%, while the 75 to 84 cohort increased from 9.3% to 10.8%. Conversely, the 55 to 64 age group has declined from 17.5% to 15.6%, and the 65 to 74 age group dropped from 20.4% to 19.0%. By 2041, Tenterfield's age composition is expected to shift notably. The 85+ age cohort is projected to expand considerably, increasing by 159 people (62%) from 256 to 416. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 100% of total population growth, reflecting Tenterfield's aging demographic profile. On the other hand, both the 25-34 and 0-4 age groups are expected to see reduced numbers.