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 a 7.1% increase since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 4,067. This growth was inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 4,172 following examination of ABS' latest ERP data release in June 2024 and an additional 87 validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density is approximately 6.5 persons per square kilometer. Tenterfield's growth exceeded that of its SA3 area (3.1%) and SA4 region, marking it as a growth leader. Interstate migration contributed around 83.0% of overall population gains during recent periods. AreaSearch projections for the suburb of Tenterfield are based on ABS/Geoscience Australia projections released in 2024 with a 2022 base year, and NSW State Government's SA2 level projections released in 2022 with a 2021 base year for areas not covered by ABS data.

These projections indicate a decline of 312 persons by 2041, but growth is anticipated across specific age cohorts, notably the 85 and over age group projected to grow by 145 people.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Tenterfield had around 12 new homes approved annually. Between FY-21 and FY-25, approximately 61 homes were approved, with another 8 in FY-26 so far. Each year, an estimated 3 new residents arrive per dwelling constructed during these years.

This demand significantly exceeds new supply, typically leading to price growth and increased buyer competition. New dwellings are developed at an average value of $400,000, which is moderately above regional levels, suggesting a focus on quality construction. In FY-26, there have been $1.1 million in commercial approvals, indicating the area's residential nature. Compared to Rest of NSW, Tenterfield shows comparable construction activity per person, maintaining market balance with the broader area.

However, this level is lower than nationally, reflecting market maturity and potential development constraints. Recent building activity consists entirely of detached houses, preserving the area's traditional low density character and appealing to those seeking space. There are approximately 336 people per dwelling approval, suggesting room for growth. 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

AreaSearch has identified three projects that could impact the area significantly due to changes in local infrastructure. These key projects are: 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 likely to be 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 exceeds national averages across key labour market indicators

Tenterfield's workforce is balanced across white and blue-collar jobs. Key sectors include essential services, with an unemployment rate of 2.7% as of September 2025. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 1.0%.

The unemployment rate in Tenterfield is 1.1% lower than Rest of NSW's rate of 3.8%, but workforce participation is slightly below standard, at 57.0%. Approximately 14.3% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts may have influenced this figure. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, retail trade, and agriculture, forestry & fishing. Tenterfield has a notable employment specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with an employment share 2.1 times the regional level.

However, health care & social assistance shows lower representation at 13.1% compared to the regional average of 16.9%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the comparison between Census working population and resident population. Over a 12-month period ending in September 2025, employment increased by 1.0%, while labour force increased by 1.2%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate of 0.2 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of NSW experienced employment decline of 0.5% and labour force decline of 0.1%, with an unemployment rate increase of 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that 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 Tenterfield's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 6.0% over five years and 12.6% over ten years, though these estimates are based on simple weighting extrapolations for illustrative purposes only and do not account for localized population projections.

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

Tenterfield suburb's income level is lower than average nationally per latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. Tenterfield's median income among taxpayers is $36,092 and average income stands at $44,701, compared to Rest of NSW's $52,390 and $65,215 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023, current estimates are approximately $39,290 (median) and $48,662 (average) as of September 2025. According to 2021 Census figures, incomes in Tenterfield fall between the 1st and 4th percentiles nationally for households, families, and individuals. Income analysis shows largest segment comprises 33.6% earning $400-$799 weekly (1,462 residents), differing from broader area patterns where $1,500-$2,999 dominates with 29.9%. With 44.4% earning under $800 per week, suburb faces income constraints affecting local spending. Housing costs are modest, with 87.3% of income retained, but 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

As of the latest Census evaluation in Tenterfield, 94.1% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 5.9% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments, and other dwelling types. This compares to Non-Metro 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, lower than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,733. Weekly rent in Tenterfield was recorded at $250, compared to $330 in Non-Metro NSW. 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 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 account for the remaining 37.9%, with lone person households at 35.3% and group households comprising 2.3%. The median household size is 2.1 people, which is smaller than the Rest of NSW average of 2.4 people.

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%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 39.1% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (9.4%) and certificates (29.7%).

A substantial 24.5% of the population is actively engaged in formal education, including 9.0% in primary education, 7.8% in secondary education, and 1.8% pursuing 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 operating within its boundaries. These stops are served by 16 individual bus routes that collectively provide 169 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 145 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to the area's residential nature. The car remains the dominant mode of transport at 90%, with 7% walking. Vehicle ownership averages 1.4 per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, 14.3% of residents work from home, which may reflect 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 based on AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are high, with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. Private health cover is extremely low at approximately 45% of the total population (~1,946 people), compared to 51.9% in Rest of NSW and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions are arthritis (impacting 13.7% of residents) and mental health issues (9.3%), while 56.9% declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 63.3% in Rest of NSW. Working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 35.2% of residents aged 65 and over (1,532 people), higher than the 23.4% in Rest of 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's population showed low cultural diversity, with 90.7% being citizens, 91.4% born in Australia, and 97.2% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 63.3%, compared to 55.9% across Rest of NSW. The top three ancestry groups were English (32.5%), Australian (29.0%), and Irish (11.6%).

Notably, German ancestry was higher in Tenterfield at 5.9% than regionally at 3.1%, Scottish at 9.0% compared to 8.0%, and Welsh at 0.6% versus 0.5%.

Tenterfield ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

The median age in Tenterfield is 54 years, which is significantly higher than Rest of NSW's average of 43 years and considerably older than the national norm of 38 years. Compared to the Rest of NSW average, the 65-74 age cohort is notably over-represented at 18.6% in Tenterfield, while the 25-34 year-olds are under-represented at 6.8%. This concentration of the 65-74 age group is well above the national average of 9.5%. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics Census Data from 2021, the 0 to 4 age group has grown from 4.4% to 6.0% of Tenterfield's population, while the 75 to 84 cohort increased from 10.9% to 12.5%. Conversely, the 55 to 64 age group declined from 15.3% to 13.4%, and the 65 to 74 group dropped from 20.2% to 18.6%. By 2041, Tenterfield's age composition is expected to shift notably. The 85+ age cohort is projected to expand considerably, increasing by 118 people (66%) from 178 to 297. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 100% of total population growth, reflecting Tenterfield's aging demographic profile. On the other hand, both the 25-34 and 0-4 age groups are expected to see reduced numbers.