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

Terrey Hills - Duffys Forest's population is around 3,641 as of Feb 2026. This reflects a decrease since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,786 people. The change is inferred from ABS estimated resident population data of 3,629 in June 2024 and additional validated addresses since the Census date. The population density is approximately 51 persons per square kilometer. Overseas migration was the primary driver of population growth in recent periods.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, and NSW State Government's SA2 level projections for areas not covered by this data, released in 2022 with a base year of 2021. Growth rates are applied to all areas from 2032 to 2041. Based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, the area is expected to grow by 21 persons by 2041, reflecting an increase of approximately 0.2% over the 17 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 recorded approximately five residential properties granted approval per year over the past five financial years, totalling 28 homes. As of FY-26, zero approvals have been recorded. The population has declined in recent years, indicating that new supply has likely kept pace with demand, offering good choice to buyers. The average expected construction cost value for new homes is $1,133,000, suggesting developers are targeting the premium market segment with higher-end properties.

In FY-26, $12.3 million in commercial approvals have been registered, showing moderate levels of commercial development compared to Greater Sydney. Terrey Hills - Duffys Forest records roughly half the building activity per person nationally and ranks among the 18th percentile of areas assessed, resulting in relatively constrained buyer choice and supporting interest in existing dwellings. Recent development has consisted entirely of detached dwellings, preserving the area's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers, with an estimated 912 people per dwelling approval. Population forecasts indicate Terrey Hills - Duffys Forest will gain nine residents by 2041.

Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

Terrey Hills - Duffys Forest has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

AreaSearch has identified 12 projects that could impact a certain area. Key projects include Mona Vale Road West Upgrade from McCarrs Creek Road to Powder Works Road, Connecting Northern Beaches - Cycling & Walking Paths, Belrose North Residential Release, and Newcastle-Sydney and Wollongong-Sydney Rail Line Upgrades. Below is a list detailing 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 3.9%, 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 an educated workforce with professional services well-represented. As of September 2025, the unemployment rate is 3.9%, which is 0.3% lower than Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%. Workforce participation in the area is 63.2%, compared to Greater Sydney's 70.0%.

According to Census responses, 46.6% of residents work from home. Key industries of employment include construction, health care & social assistance, and professional & technical services. Construction shows notable concentration with employment levels at 1.5 times the regional average. Conversely, public administration & safety has lower representation at 3.3%, compared to the regional average of 5.7%.

The worker-to-resident ratio is 0.7, indicating a higher level of local employment opportunities. Between September 2024 and September 2025, the labour force decreased by 0.7% while employment decreased by 1.9%, causing unemployment to rise by 1.2 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Sydney recorded employment growth of 2.1%. 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 these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes only.

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 has an exceptionally high national income level according to latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year ending June 2023. Its median income among taxpayers is $65,810 and average income stands at $133,599. This compares with Greater Sydney's figures of $60,817 (median) and $83,003 (average). Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year ending June 2023, current estimates would be approximately $71,641 (median) and $145,436 (average) as of September 2025. According to 2021 Census figures, household incomes rank exceptionally high at the 96th percentile ($2,899 weekly). Distribution data shows that 35.2% of residents (1,281 people) earn over $4,000 per week, contrasting with regional levels where the $1,500-$2,999 bracket leads at 30.9%. Terrey Hills-Duffys Forest demonstrates considerable affluence with 48.4% earning over $3,000 per week, supporting premium retail and service offerings. After housing costs, residents retain 87.2% of income, reflecting strong purchasing power. The area's SEIFA income ranking places 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, 88.0% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 12.1% being semi-detached, apartments, or other types. This is in contrast to Sydney metro's dwelling composition of 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Terrey Hills-Duffys Forest stood at 47.0%, with mortgaged properties at 37.2% and rented dwellings at 15.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $3,200, higher than Sydney metro's $2,427. The median weekly rent in the area was $610, compared to Sydney metro's $470. Nationally, Terrey Hills-Duffys Forest had significantly higher mortgage repayments at $3,200 versus Australia's average of $1,863, and substantially higher rents at $610 compared to 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, including 45.2% couples with children, 30.6% couples without children, and 6.8% single parent families. 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 or above hold university degrees, compared to the SA4 region's 41.5%. The gap indicates potential for educational development and skill enhancement. Bachelor degrees are most common at 23.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (7.3%) and graduate diplomas (3.2%). Vocational credentials are prominent with 34.9% of residents aged 15 years or above holding them, including advanced diplomas (12.9%) and certificates (22.0%).

Educational participation is high at 28.6%, with 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

Terrey Hills - Duffys Forest has 66 operational public transport stops offering mixed bus services. These stops are covered by 74 unique routes facilitating a total of 2,089 weekly passenger trips. Transport access is deemed good with residents positioned on average 374 meters from the nearest stop. Predominantly residential, most commuters travel outward; cars remain the primary mode at 91%, while 5% walk. Average vehicle ownership stands at 2.1 per dwelling, exceeding regional averages. Notably, 46.6% of residents work from home (as per the 2021 Census).

Daily service frequency across all routes averages 298 trips, translating 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

Terrey Hills - Duffys Forest shows excellent health outcomes based on AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are low, especially among younger cohorts. Private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 82% of the total population (2,967 people), compared to 59.9% in Greater Sydney and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common conditions are arthritis (7.9%) and mental health issues (6.9%), while 69.9% report no medical ailments, compared to 74.6% in Greater Sydney. Health outcomes for the under-65 population are better than average. The area has 27.7% of residents aged 65 and over (1,010 people), higher than Greater Sydney's 15.4%. 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 showed cultural diversity above average, with 9.6% speaking a language other than English at home and 23.4% born overseas. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 54.1%. Judaism's representation was 0.6%, slightly higher than Greater Sydney's 0.8%.

Top ancestry groups were English (31.0%, regional average 19.0%), Australian (24.8%, regional average 17.8%), and Irish (8.7%). Notably, South African (1.6% vs regional 0.5%), Hungarian (0.5% vs regional 0.3%), and Russian (0.7% vs regional 0.4%) groups were overrepresented.

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 exceeds the national average of 38 years. The 75-84 age group represents 10.9% of the population compared to Greater Sydney, while the 25-34 cohort comprises 5.5%. According to post-2021 Census data, the 75-84 age group has grown from 8.1% to 10.9%, and the 15-24 cohort has increased from 12.6% to 15.1%. Conversely, the 45-54 cohort has declined from 16.0% to 13.8%, and the 35-44 group has dropped from 9.8% to 8.0%. Demographic modeling indicates that Terrey Hills - Duffys Forest's age profile will significantly evolve by 2041, with the 75-84 cohort projected to grow by 33%, adding 132 residents to reach 531. 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.