Terrey Hills - Duffys Forest

An assessment of population growth drivers in Terrey Hills - Duffys Forest reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Terrey Hills - Duffys Forest's population was around 3,593 as of May 2026. This reflected a decrease of 193 people (5.1%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,786 people. The change was inferred from the estimated resident population of 3,593 from the ABS as of June 2025 and an additional 7 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equated to a density ratio of 50 persons per square kilometer. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopted ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilised NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations were applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. According to demographic trends, lower quartile growth of Australian statistical areas was anticipated, with the area expected to grow by 10 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 0.3% in total over the 16 years.

The level of residential development activity in Terrey Hills - Duffys Forest is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch

Terrey Hills - Duffys Forest has granted approximately 5 residential property approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling 28 homes. In FY-26 so far, 2 approvals have been recorded. The population decline in recent years suggests that new supply has likely kept pace with demand, providing good choice for buyers. New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost value of $1,133,000, indicating a focus on the premium market segment with higher-end properties.

This financial year, $12.3 million in commercial approvals have been registered, reflecting moderate levels of commercial development compared to Greater Sydney. Terrey Hills - Duffys Forest records roughly half the building activity per person when measured against Greater Sydney and places among the 18th percentile nationally, resulting in relatively constrained buyer choice that supports interest in existing dwellings. This is below average nationally, suggesting the area's maturity and possible planning constraints. Recent development has consisted entirely of detached dwellings, preserving the area's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers.

The estimated population per dwelling approval is 912 people. Population forecasts indicate a gain of 10 residents by 2041. Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating further population growth beyond current projections.

Terrey Hills - Duffys Forest 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 15 projects that could affect this region. Notable ones are Mona Vale Road West Upgrade (McCarrs Creek Road to Powder Works Road), Connecting Northern Beaches - Cycling & Walking Paths, St Ives Showground Main Carpark Upgrade, and Belrose North Residential Release. The following list provides more details on those likely to be 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.

Despite maintaining a low unemployment rate of 3.8%, Terrey Hills - Duffys Forest has experienced recent job losses, resulting in a below average employment performance ranking when compared nationally

Terrey Hills - Duffys Forest has a highly educated workforce with professional services being well-represented. As of December 2025, the unemployment rate stands at 3.8%, which is 0.4% lower than Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%. The workforce participation rate in the area is 63.7%, compared to Greater Sydney's 68.8%.

According to Census responses, 46.6% of residents work from home. The key industries of employment among residents are construction, health care & social assistance, and professional & technical services. Notably, construction employment levels are at 1.5 times the regional average. Conversely, public administration & safety shows lower representation at 3.3%, compared to the regional average of 5.7%.

The ratio of workers to residents is 0.7, indicating a higher level of local employment opportunities. Between December 2024 and December 2025, the labour force decreased by 0.2% while employment decreased by 0.8%, leading to an unemployment rate rise of 0.6 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Sydney recorded employment growth of 2.2%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project a 6.6% increase in employment over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Terrey Hills - Duffys Forest's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.9% over five years and 13.9% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes only and does not account for localised population projections.

The economic profile demonstrates exceptional strength, placing the area among the top 10% nationally based on comprehensive AreaSearch income analysis

The Terrey Hills - Duffys Forest SA2 had an exceptionally high national income level according to latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year ended 30 June 2023. Its median income among taxpayers was $65,810 and average income stood at $133,599, compared to Greater Sydney's figures of $60,817 and $83,003 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since financial year ended 30 June 2023, current estimates would be approximately $72,602 (median) and $147,386 (average) as of March 2026. According to 2021 Census figures, household incomes ranked exceptionally high at the 96th percentile ($2,899 weekly). Distribution data showed that the $4000+ bracket dominated with 35.2% of residents (1,264 people), contrasting with regional levels where the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket led at 30.9%. Terrey Hills - Duffys Forest demonstrated considerable affluence with 48.4% earning over $3,000 per week, supporting premium retail and service offerings. After housing costs, residents retained 87.2% of income, reflecting strong purchasing power. The area's SEIFA income ranking placed it in the 9th decile.

Terrey Hills - Duffys Forest is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

In Terrey Hills - Duffys Forest, as per the latest Census, houses constituted 88.0% of dwellings, with other types making up 12.1%. In comparison, Sydney metro had 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Terrey Hills - Duffys Forest stood at 47.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 37.2% and rented ones at 15.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $3,200, exceeding Sydney metro's average of $2,427. Median weekly rent in the area was $610, higher than Sydney metro's $470. Nationally, Terrey Hills - Duffys Forest had significantly higher mortgage repayments at $3,200 compared to Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Terrey Hills - Duffys Forest features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 83.2% of all households, consisting of couples with children (45.2%), couples without children (30.6%), and single parent families (6.8%). Non-family households make up the remaining 16.8%, with lone person households at 15.2% and group households comprising 1.9%. The median household size is 3.0 people, larger than the Greater Sydney average of 2.7.

Terrey Hills - Duffys Forest shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

In Terrey Hills - Duffys Forest trail region, 33.8% of residents aged 15 years and older hold university degrees, compared to the SA4 regional average of 41.5%. This indicates potential for educational development and skills enhancement in the area. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 23.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (7.3%) and graduate diplomas (3.2%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 34.9% of residents aged 15 years and older holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas account for 12.9%, while certificates make up 22.0%.

Educational participation is high in the region, with 28.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.0% in primary education, 8.9% in secondary education, and 4.4% pursuing tertiary education.

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

The analysis of public transport in Terrey Hills - Duffys Forest shows that there are 66 active transport stops operating, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 74 individual routes, together providing a total of 2,089 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility to these transport services is rated as good, with residents typically living an average of 374 meters from the nearest stop. As it is primarily a residential area, most commuting is outward-bound. The dominant mode of transportation remains cars at 91%, while walking accounts for 5%. On average, there are 2.1 vehicles per dwelling in the area, which is higher than the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 46.6% of residents work from home, a figure that may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency across all routes averages at 298 trips per day, equating to approximately 31 weekly trips per individual stop.

Terrey Hills - Duffys Forest's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with younger cohorts in particular seeing very low prevalence of common health conditions

Health outcomes data shows Terrey Hills - Duffys Forest has excellent results based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Younger cohorts have particularly low prevalence of common health conditions. Private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 82% of the total population (2,928 people), compared to 59.9% in Greater Sydney and a national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (7.9%) and mental health issues (6.9%). 69.9% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 74.6% in Greater Sydney. Under-65 population has better than average health outcomes. The area has 26.3% of residents aged 65 and over (946 people), higher than the 15.5% in Greater Sydney. Health outcomes among seniors are above average but rank lower nationally compared to the broader population.

In terms of cultural diversity, Terrey Hills - Duffys Forest records figures broadly comparable to the national average, as found in AreaSearch's assessment of a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Terrey Hills-Duffys Forest had cultural diversity above average, with 9.6% speaking a language other than English at home and 23.4% born overseas. Christianity was the main religion, at 54.1%. Judaism's representation was 0.6%, higher than Greater Sydney's 0.8%.

Top ancestry groups were English (31.0%), Australian (24.8%), and Irish (8.7%). Notably, South Australian (1.6%) Hungarian (0.5%) and Russian (0.7%) groups had higher representation compared to regional averages.

Terrey Hills - Duffys Forest hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Terrey Hills-Duffys Forest's median age is 47 years, which is considerably higher than Greater Sydney's average of 37 years and the national average of 38 years. The 75-84 age group has strong representation at 10.9%, compared to Greater Sydney's percentage. Conversely, the 25-34 cohort is less prevalent at 6.4%. Post-2021 Census data shows that the 15-24 age group grew from 12.6% to 15.7%, while the 75-84 cohort increased from 8.1% to 10.9%. However, the 45-54 cohort declined from 16.0% to 14.0%, and the 35-44 group dropped from 9.8% to 7.9%. Demographic modeling suggests that by 2041, Terrey Hills-Duffys Forest's age profile will evolve significantly. The 75-84 cohort is projected to grow by 34%, adding 134 residents to reach 528. Senior residents aged 65 and above will drive all population growth, highlighting demographic aging trends. Meanwhile, population declines are projected for the 25-34 and 0-4 age cohorts.