Tenterfield

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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Tenterfield's population is around 7,348 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 538 people (7.9%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6,810 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 7,081 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 247 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 1.0 persons per square kilometer, providing ample space per person. Tenterfield's 7.9% growth 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 for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration, which contributed approximately 83.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilizes the NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, as released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are also applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. As we examine future population trends, projections indicate a decline in overall population, with the area's population expected to reduce by 603 persons by 2041 according to this methodology. However, growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, led by the 85 and over age group, which is projected to grow by 199 people. See the age section for more details.

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 around 36 new homes approved per year, with 180 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 27 so far in FY-26. With an average of 1.6 people per year moving to the area for each dwelling built over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), supply and demand seem well-matched, fostering stable market dynamics, while new properties are constructed at an average value of $235,000—below the regional average—suggesting more affordable housing options for buyers. There have also been $3.7 million in commercial approvals this financial year, indicating limited commercial development focus.

When measured against the Rest of NSW, Tenterfield has 88.0% more building activity (per person), creating greater choice for buyers, though development activity has moderated in recent periods. Meanwhile, recent development has been entirely comprised of detached houses, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. The location has approximately 254 people per dwelling approval, indicating room for growth.

With the population expected to remain stable or decline, Tenterfield should see reduced pressure on housing, potentially creating opportunities for buyers.

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

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 16 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the 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, with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

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 possesses a balanced workforce spanning white and blue collar employment, with diverse sector representation, and an unemployment rate of 4.4%. As of December 2025, 3,157 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 0.4% above Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%, and workforce participation lags significantly (55.6% compared to Regional NSW's 61.3%). Based on Census responses, a moderate 20.1% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Leading employment industries among residents comprise agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and retail trade. The area has particular employment specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with an employment share of 4.2 times the regional level. Conversely, health care & social assistance is under-represented, with only 11.9% of Tenterfield's workforce compared to 16.9% in Regional NSW. The area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, over the 12 months to December 2025, labour force levels decreased by 0.8% combined with employment decreasing by 1.5%, resulting in the unemployment rate rising by 0.7 percentage points. This contrasts with Regional NSW, where employment contracted by 1.2%, the labour force fell by 0.8%, and unemployment rose 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Tenterfield. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Tenterfield's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.5% over five years and 12.0% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

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

The Tenterfield SA2 shows a median taxpayer income of $35,780 and an average of $44,630 according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY-23. This is lower than average on a national basis, contrasting with Regional NSW's median income of $52,390 and average income of $65,215. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $38,950 (median) and $48,584 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes in Tenterfield all fall between the 1st and 3rd percentiles nationally. The data shows the $400 - 799 earnings band captures 34.0% of the community (2,498 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

Dwelling structure within Tenterfield, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 95.5% houses and 4.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Regional NSW's 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Tenterfield was well beyond that of Regional NSW, at 58.1%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (22.3%) or rented (19.6%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well below the Regional NSW average at $1,083, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $240, compared to Regional NSW's $1,733 and $330. Nationally, Tenterfield's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are 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 dominate at 61.6% of all households, comprising 16.1% couples with children, 35.2% couples without children, and 9.6% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 38.4%, with lone person households at 35.5% and group households comprising 2.9% of the total. The median household size of 2.1 people 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 faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (15.6%) substantially below the NSW average of 32.2%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 11.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.1%) and graduate diplomas (2.1%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 39.5% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (9.8%) and certificates (29.7%).

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

Public transport analysis reveals 347 active transport stops operating within Tenterfield, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 29 individual routes, collectively providing 325 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 162 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 89%, with 7% walking. Vehicle ownership averages 1.4 per dwelling. Some 20.1% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 46 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 0 weekly trips per individual stop. The accompanying map shows the 100 nearest stops to the location centrepoint.

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

Health data reveals substantial challenges facing Tenterfield, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The prevalence of common health conditions is notable across both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is very low at approximately 48% of the total population (~3,497 people). This compares to 51.9% across Regional NSW and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 13.5% and 9.1% of residents, respectively, while 58.3% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 63.3% across Regional NSW. The working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 33.3% of residents aged 65 and over (2,449 people), which is higher than the 23.4% in Regional NSW, with national rankings even higher than the general population.

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 was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 88.1% of its population being citizens, 90.3% born in Australia, and 96.8% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Tenterfield is Christianity, which makes up 59.9% of the population. This compares to 55.9% across Regional NSW.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Tenterfield are English, comprising 31.5% of the population, Australian, comprising 28.3% of the population, and Irish, comprising 11.2% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: German is notably overrepresented at 5.6% of Tenterfield (vs 3.1% regionally), Scottish at 9.3% (vs 8.0%) and Australian Aboriginal at 5.1% (vs 4.6%).

Tenterfield ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

The 54-year median age in Tenterfield is significantly above Regional NSW's average of 43 and considerably older than the national norm of 38. Compared to the Regional NSW average, the 65 - 74 cohort is notably over-represented (19.0% locally), while 25 - 34 year-olds are under-represented (6.5%). This 65 - 74 concentration is well above the national 9.5%. Since the 2021 Census, the 0 to 4 age group has grown from 3.9% to 5.7% of the population, while the 75 to 84 cohort increased from 9.3% to 10.8%. Conversely, the 55 to 64 cohort has declined from 17.5% to 15.6% and the 65 to 74 group dropped from 20.4% to 19.0%. By 2041, Tenterfield is expected to see notable shifts in its age composition. 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 the area's aging demographic profile. On the other hand, both 25 to 34 and 0 to 4 age groups will see reduced numbers.