Tenterfield

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

As of Feb 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Tenterfield is around 4,354, reflecting an increase of 287 people since the 2021 Census. This growth represents a 7.1% increase from the previous population count of 4,067. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimated resident population of 4,172 in June 2024, along with an additional 87 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 6.5 persons per square kilometer. Tenterfield's growth rate exceeded that of its SA3 area (3.1%) and SA4 region, marking it as a growth leader. Interstate migration contributed approximately 83.0% of 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 from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. According to these projections, the suburb's population is expected to decline by 313 persons by 2041. However, growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, with the 85 and over age group projected to grow by 147 people.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Tenterfield recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area data, Tenterfield has seen around 12 new homes approved each year. Over the past 5 financial years, between FY-21 and FY-25, approximately 60 homes have been approved, with a further 9 approved so far in FY-26. On average, about 3.1 new residents arrive per dwelling constructed over these years.

This demand significantly exceeds new supply, which typically leads to price growth and increased buyer competition. The average value of new dwellings developed is $400,000, indicating an emphasis on quality construction, moderately above regional levels. Commercial approvals totaling $1.1 million have been recorded this financial year, reflecting the area's residential nature. Compared to Rest of NSW, Tenterfield shows comparable construction activity per person, maintaining market balance consistent with the broader area.

This level is lower than nationally, suggesting market maturity and possible development constraints. Recent building activity consists entirely of detached houses, maintaining the area's traditional low density character focused on family homes. The estimated count of 350 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment. With population expected to remain stable or decline, Tenterfield should see reduced pressure on housing, potentially creating opportunities for buyers.

Tenterfield has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally

The performance of an area can be significantly influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified three projects that are likely to impact the area. Key projects include Molesworth Street Bridge Replacement and Sewer Line Relocation, Tenterfield Heavy Vehicle Bypass, Haddington Aged Care Community Expansion, and Queensland Regional Road Network Safety Improvements. 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.

Despite maintaining a low unemployment rate of 3.1%, Tenterfield has experienced recent job losses, resulting in a below average employment performance ranking when compared nationally

Tenterfield's workforce is balanced across white and blue-collar jobs, with essential services well-represented. Its unemployment rate was 3.1% as of AreaSearch data aggregation. As of December 2025, 1,881 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 0.8% below Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%.

Workforce participation was at 55.6%, compared to Regional NSW's 61.3%. According to Census responses, 14.3% of residents worked from home. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, retail trade, and agriculture, forestry & fishing. Tenterfield has a high specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing (2.1 times the regional level), but lower representation in health care & social assistance (13.1% vs 16.9%).

The area may have limited local employment opportunities, indicated by Census data comparing working population to resident population. Between December 2024 and November 2025, labour force decreased by 0.6%, and employment by 1.1%, increasing unemployment by 0.5 percentage points. Regional NSW saw employment decline of 1.2% and labour force decrease of 0.8%, with unemployment rising by 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's May-25 forecasts project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying rates across sectors. Applying these projections to Tenterfield's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.0% over five years and 12.6% over ten years.

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

The suburb of Tenterfield had a lower than average national income level in the latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year 2023. The median income among taxpayers was $36,092 and the average income was $44,701. This compares to Regional NSW's figures of $52,390 and $65,215 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $39,290 (median) and $48,662 (average) as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census figures, household, family and personal incomes in Tenterfield all fell between the 1st and 4th percentiles nationally. Income analysis showed that the largest segment comprised 33.6% earning $400 - $799 weekly (1,462 residents), differing from patterns across the broader area where $1,500 - $2,999 dominated with 29.9%. With 44.4% earning under $800 per week, this suburb faced considerable income constraints affecting local spending patterns. While housing costs were modest with 87.3% of income retained, the total disposable income ranked at just the 4th percentile nationally.

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

Tenterfield's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 94.1% houses and 5.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Regional NSW's 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Tenterfield stood at 55.1%, with mortgaged dwellings at 22.1% and rented ones at 22.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,192, below Regional NSW's average of $1,733. Median weekly rent in Tenterfield was $250, lower than Regional NSW's $330. Nationally, Tenterfield's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,192 compared to the Australian average of $1,863, and 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 constitute 62.1% of all households, including 16.0% couples with children, 35.3% couples without children, and 10.4% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 37.9%, with lone person households at 35.3% and group households making up 2.3%. The median household size is 2.1 people, 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's university qualification rate is 15.0%, significantly lower than the NSW average of 32.2%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 11.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.0%) and graduate diplomas (1.8%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 39.1% of residents aged 15 and above holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas account for 9.4% and certificates for 29.7%.

A substantial 24.5% of the population is actively engaged in formal education, including 9.0% in primary, 7.8% in secondary, and 1.8% in tertiary education.

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

Tenterfield has 163 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 16 different routes that together provide 169 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 145 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to Tenterfield being primarily residential. Cars remain the dominant mode of transport at 90%, while 7% walk. On average, there are 1.4 vehicles per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, 14.3% of residents work from home, which may be due to COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 24 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately one weekly trip per individual stop. The accompanying map displays the 100 nearest stops to the location's centrepoint.

Health performance in Tenterfield is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Tenterfield faces significant health challenges, as assessed by AreaSearch's mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions are somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is extremely low at approximately 45% of the total population (about 1,946 people), compared to 51.9% in Regional NSW and the national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 13.7 and 9.3% of residents respectively, while 56.9% report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 63.3% in Regional NSW. The working-age population faces notable health challenges due to elevated chronic condition rates. Tenterfield has 35.5% of residents aged 65 and over (1,545 people), higher than the 23.4% in Regional NSW. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with 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 had a cultural diversity level below average, with 90.7% of its population being citizens, 91.4% born in Australia, and 97.2% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the main religion in Tenterfield, comprising 63.3%, compared to 55.9% across Regional NSW. The top three ancestry groups were English (32.5%), Australian (29.0%), and Irish (11.6%).

Notably, German ancestry was overrepresented at 5.9% in Tenterfield versus the regional average of 3.1%. Scottish ancestry also showed higher representation at 9.0%, compared to the regional figure of 8.0%. Welsh ancestry had a slight increase at 0.6% in Tenterfield, from the regional average of 0.5%.

Tenterfield ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

The median age in Tenterfield is 54 years, which is significantly higher than Regional NSW's average of 43 years and considerably older than the national norm of 38 years. Compared to the Regional NSW average, the 65-74 age cohort is notably over-represented in Tenterfield at 18.6%, while the 25-34 age group is under-represented at 7.1%. This concentration of the 65-74 age group is well above the national average of 9.5%. In the period from the 2021 Census to present, the 0 to 4 age group has grown from 4.4% to 6.3%, while the 75 to 84 cohort increased from 10.9% to 12.7%. Conversely, the 55 to 64 age group has declined from 15.3% to 13.6%, and the 65 to 74 age group dropped from 20.2% to 18.6%. By the year 2041, Tenterfield is projected to experience notable shifts in its age composition. The 85+ age cohort is expected to expand significantly, increasing by 118 people (65%) from 182 to 301. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 100% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. Conversely, both the 25-34 and 0-4 age groups are projected to see reduced numbers.