Terrigal - North Avoca

Population growth drivers in Terrigal - North Avoca are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Terrigal - North Avoca's population is 15,468 as of Nov 2025. This reflects a growth of 619 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 14,849. The increase is inferred from ABS data showing an estimated resident population of 15,437 in June 2024 and an additional 46 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 1,476 persons per square kilometer, higher than average national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The area's growth rate of 4.2% since the 2021 census exceeded both its SA3 and SA4 regions, making it a growth leader. Overseas migration contributed approximately 76.9% to overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year, and NSW State Government's SA2 level projections for areas not covered by this data, released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group are applied to all areas from these aggregations for years 2032 to 2041. Based on demographic trends and latest annual ERP population numbers, an above median growth is projected for the area, expecting a gain of 3,432 persons by 2041, reflecting a total increase of 22.0% over the 17 years.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Terrigal - North Avoca when compared nationally

Terrigal - North Avoca has seen approximately 46 new homes approved annually over the past five financial years, totalling 231 homes. As of FY-26, 18 approvals have been recorded. On average, 3.9 new residents have moved in per year for every home built between FY-21 and FY-25. This suggests supply is lagging demand, potentially leading to heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures.

New homes are being constructed at an average value of $477,000, indicating a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties. In FY-26, $3.3 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, reflecting the area's residential character. Compared to Greater Sydney, Terrigal - North Avoca has 18.0% lower construction activity per person, placing it among the 47th percentile nationally. This indicates somewhat limited buyer options while demand for established properties strengthens. Recent construction comprises 42.0% standalone homes and 58.0% townhouses or apartments, representing a shift from the area's existing housing composition of 74.0% houses. The location has approximately 555 people per dwelling approval, demonstrating an established market.

Population forecasts suggest Terrigal - North Avoca will gain 3,401 residents by 2041. If current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag population growth, likely intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

Terrigal - North Avoca has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 39thth percentile nationally

A total of 28 projects have been identified by AreaSearch as potentially impacting the area, with changes to local infrastructure being influential factors. Key projects include Wamberal Beach Coastal Protection Works, 310 Terrigal Drive Residential Development, and other specified projects, with a detailed list provided for 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.

AreaSearch analysis of employment trends sees Terrigal - North Avoca performing better than 90% of local markets assessed across Australia

Terrigal - North Avoca has a well-educated workforce with professional services strongly represented. The unemployment rate is 1.4%, with an estimated employment growth of 3.1% over the past year.

As of September 2025, 8,365 residents are employed, and the unemployment rate is 2.8% lower than Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%. Workforce participation is similar to Greater Sydney's 60.0%. The dominant employment sectors among residents include health care & social assistance, construction, and education & training, with a particularly strong specialization in health care & social assistance at 1.4 times the regional level. However, professional & technical services have limited presence, with an employment share of 8.3% compared to the regional level of 11.5%.

The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 3.1%, and labour force increased by 3.5%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.4 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Sydney recorded employment growth of 2.1% and an unemployment increase of 0.2 percentage points during the same period. State-level data from NSW as of 25-Nov shows employment contracted by 0.03%, with a state unemployment rate of 3.9%. National employment forecasts from May-25 suggest national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates vary significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Terrigal - North Avoca's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.1% over five years and 14.5% over ten years.

The area exhibits notably strong income performance, ranking higher than 70% of areas assessed nationally through AreaSearch analysis

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data released for financial year 2022, Terrigal - North Avoca SA2 had a median taxpayer income of $54,768 and an average income of $83,072. These figures are among the highest in Australia, compared to Greater Sydney's median of $56,994 and average of $80,856. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.61% since financial year 2022, estimated incomes for September 2025 would be approximately $61,674 (median) and $93,547 (average). Census data shows household, family, and personal incomes in Terrigal - North Avoca cluster around the 72nd percentile nationally. The dominant earnings bracket is $1,500 - 2,999, with 28.5% of residents (4,408 people), similar to metropolitan Sydney at 30.9%. A substantial proportion, 34.7%, earn above $3,000 per week, indicating strong economic capacity. High housing costs consume 15.7% of income, but disposable income remains at the 74th percentile, with the area's SEIFA income ranking placing it in the 8th decile.

Terrigal - North Avoca is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Terrigal - North Avoca dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 73.8% houses and 26.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Sydney metro's 74.2% houses and 25.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Terrigal - North Avoca stood at 40.0%, with the rest being mortgaged (37.0%) or rented (23.1%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,500, higher than Sydney metro's average of $2,150. The median weekly rent figure was $520, compared to Sydney metro's $400. Nationally, Terrigal - North Avoca's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Terrigal - North Avoca has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 75.1% of all households, including 33.6% couples with children, 30.5% couples without children, and 10.4% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 24.9%, with lone person households at 21.8% and group households comprising 3.1%. The median household size is 2.6 people, which is larger than the Greater Sydney average of 2.5.

Terrigal - North Avoca shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

Educational attainment in Terrigal - North Avoca is notably higher than broader benchmarks. Specifically, 33.8% of residents aged 15 and above hold university qualifications, compared to 20.8% in the SA4 region and 25.7% in the SA3 area. Bachelor degrees are most common at 23.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (7.2%) and graduate diplomas (3.0%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 35.6% of residents aged 15 and above holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas account for 13.7% and certificates for 21.9%.

Educational participation is high, with 30.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.2% in primary education, 8.5% in secondary education, and 5.2% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Terrigal - North Avoca has 110 active public transport stops. These are served by buses along 45 routes, offering a total of 659 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is excellent, with residents located an average of 176 meters from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 94 daily trips across all routes, translating to about five weekly trips per individual stop.

The level of general health in Terrigal - North Avoca is notably higher than the national average with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Terrigal-North Avoca shows superior health outcomes for both young and elderly residents, with low prevalence of common conditions. The region has a high private health cover rate of 61%, compared to Greater Sydney's 54.7% and the national average of 55.3%. Arthritis (7.8%) and asthma (6.8%) are the most prevalent medical conditions.

71.5% of residents report no medical ailments, higher than Greater Sydney's 64.8%. The area has 22.6% seniors (3,500 people), lower than Greater Sydney's 24.5%. Senior health outcomes are notably strong, outperforming general population metrics.

Terrigal - North Avoca ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Terrigal-North Avoca, as per the 2016 Census, had a cultural diversity index of below average. Its population was predominantly born in Australia (78.6%), with 89.2% being Australian citizens and 92.5% speaking English at home exclusively. Christianity was identified as the primary religion, comprising 53.9% of the population.

However, Judaism showed an overrepresentation compared to Greater Sydney, with 0.2% in Terrigal-North Avoca versus 0.2%. In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (31.9%), Australian (25.9%), and Irish (9.8%). Notable divergences included Welsh (0.8% vs regional 0.7%), South African (0.8% vs 0.5%), and New Zealand (0.9% vs 0.7%).

Terrigal - North Avoca's median age exceeds the national pattern

The median age in Terrigal - North Avoca is 43 years, which is higher than Greater Sydney's average of 37 years and exceeds the national average of 38 years. The age profile shows that those aged 65-74 make up 12.3% of the population, while those aged 25-34 constitute only 8.5%. Between 2021 and present, the 75 to 84 age group has increased from 6.5% to 7.9%, and the 15 to 24 cohort has risen from 11.6% to 12.7%. Conversely, the 25 to 34 age group has decreased from 9.8% to 8.5%, and the 55 to 64 group has fallen from 13.3% to 12.2%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Terrigal - North Avoca's age structure. The 85+ age cohort is projected to grow by 790 people (210%), from 375 to 1,166. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 53% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. Meanwhile, the 35 to 44 and 0 to 4 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.