Tenterfield

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

Tenterfield's population, as per AreaSearch's analysis, was around 7,247 by November 2025. This figure represents an increase of 437 people, a 6.4% rise since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 6,810. The change is inferred from ABS's estimated resident population of 7,088 in June 2024 and an additional 222 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1.0 persons per square kilometer. Tenterfield's growth rate of 6.4% exceeded that of its SA3 area (2.9%) and SA4 region, positioning it as a growth leader. Interstate migration contributed approximately 83.0% to 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 are used, released in 2022 with a base year of 2021. 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, with the area's population expected to reduce by 603 persons by 2041. However, specific age cohorts like the 85 and over group are anticipated to grow, with a projected increase of 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 19 approved in FY26 so far. On average, about 1.6 people moved to the area per dwelling built over these years.

This suggests a balance between supply and demand, contributing to stable market conditions. The average construction cost of new properties is around $400,000, aligning with regional trends. In FY26, there have been approximately $3.7 million in commercial approvals, indicating limited focus on commercial development. Compared to the rest of NSW, Tenterfield has about 88.0% more building activity per person, offering greater choice for buyers.

However, development activity has moderated recently. All recent developments have been detached houses, maintaining the area's traditional low-density character and appealing to those seeking family homes with space. There are approximately 254 people per dwelling approval in the location, indicating potential room for growth. Given that population is expected to remain stable or decline, Tenterfield may see reduced pressure on housing, potentially presenting opportunities for buyers.

Tenterfield has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 40thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 16 projects likely affecting the region. Notable initiatives 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.

Employment performance in Tenterfield has been broadly consistent with national averages

Tenterfield's workforce is balanced across white and blue collar jobs with diverse sectors represented. The unemployment rate was 3.2% as of June 2025, lower than Rest of NSW's 3.7%.

Employment grew by an estimated 4.6% in the past year. As of June 2025, 3,185 residents were employed with a workforce participation rate of 44.6%, significantly below Rest of NSW's 56.4%. Dominant employment sectors include agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and retail trade. The area has a notably high concentration in agriculture, forestry & fishing, at 4.2 times the regional average.

However, health care & social assistance is under-represented with only 11.9% of Tenterfield's workforce compared to Rest of NSW's 16.9%. Over the year to June 2025, employment increased by 4.6%, labour force grew by 3.5%, and unemployment rate fell by 1.0 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of NSW saw employment decline by 0.1% with a slight rise in unemployment rate. State-level data to Nov-25 shows NSW employment contracted by 0.03%, losing 2,260 jobs, with an unemployment rate of 3.9%. National employment forecasts from May-25 project a 6.6% growth 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, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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 $34,208 and an average of $42,367 in the financial year 2022, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This is lower than national averages; Rest of NSW's median was $49,459 with an average income of $62,998. By September 2025, estimates suggest the median would be approximately $38,522 and the average $47,709, based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.61%. Census data shows Tenterfield's household, family, and personal incomes fall between the 1st and 3rd percentiles nationally. The $400 - $799 earnings band includes 34.0% of individuals (2,463), contrasting with broader areas where the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket leads at 29.9%. A significant portion faces economic challenges, with 46.2% in sub-$800 weekly brackets. Despite modest housing costs allowing for 88.4% income retention, 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, with the remaining 4.4% being semi-detached homes, apartments, or other types. This compares to Non-Metro NSW's figures of 93.0% houses and 6.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Tenterfield stood at 58.1%, with mortgaged properties making up 22.3% and rented dwellings accounting for 19.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,083, lower than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,100. The median weekly rent in Tenterfield was recorded at $240, matching the Non-Metro NSW figure. Nationally, Tenterfield's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while 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 account for 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 constitute the remaining 38.4%, with lone person households at 35.5% and group households comprising 2.9%. The median household size is 2.1 people, smaller than the Rest of NSW average of 2.3.

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+, with advanced diplomas at 9.8% and certificates at 29.7%. Educational participation is high, with 25.3% 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 326 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 28 different routes that together offer 293 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of public transport in Tenterfield is rated as good, with residents on average located 316 meters from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 41 trips per day across all routes, which equates to approximately 0 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Tenterfield is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Tenterfield faces significant health challenges with various conditions affecting both younger and older age groups. Approximately 46% (~3,348 people) have private health cover, lower than the national average of 55.3%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (13.5%) and mental health issues (9.1%), while 58.3% report no medical ailments, compared to 61.0% in Rest of NSW. Residents aged 65 and over comprise 33.0% (2,388 people), higher than the 27.4% 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, as per the census conducted on Tuesday, June 7th, 2016, exhibited a cultural diversity below average. Its population comprised 88.1% citizens, with 90.3% born in Australia and 96.8% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 59.9% of Tenterfield's population, compared to 64.8% across the Rest of NSW.

The top three ancestry groups were English (31.5%), Australian (28.3%), and Irish (11.2%). Notably, German ancestry was overrepresented at 5.6%, compared to 3.9% regionally; similarly, Scottish ancestry stood at 9.3% versus 8.4%. However, Australian Aboriginal ancestry showed a lower representation in Tenterfield at 5.1%, contrasting with the regional average of 6.4%.

Tenterfield ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Tenterfield's median age is 55 years, which is higher than the Rest of NSW average of 43 and the national norm of 38. The age profile shows that those aged 65-74 are prominent at 19.2%, while those aged 25-34 are smaller at 6.4% compared to the Rest of NSW figure. This concentration of 65-74 year-olds is well above the national average of 9.4%. Between 2021 and present, the 0-4 age group has grown from 3.9% to 5.7%, while the 75-84 cohort increased from 9.3% to 10.5%. Conversely, the 55-64 cohort declined from 17.5% to 16.1%, and the 65-74 group dropped from 20.4% to 19.2%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections show significant shifts in Tenterfield's age structure. The 85+ age cohort is projected to rise substantially, expanding by 183 people (79%) from 232 to 416. Demographic aging continues as residents aged 65 and older represent 100% of anticipated growth. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 25-34 and 5-14 cohorts.