Tenterfield

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

As of November 2025, Tenterfield's population is estimated at around 4,083 people, reflecting an increase of 16 individuals since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 4,067. This change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 4,012 based on ABS ERP data released in June 2024 and validation of 82 new addresses since the Census date. The current density ratio stands at 6.1 persons per square kilometer. Over the past decade, Tenterfield has shown resilient growth with a compound annual growth rate of 0.5%, outperforming its SA3 area. Interstate migration contributed approximately 83.0% of overall population gains during recent periods. AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 using 2022 as the base year, and NSW State Government's SA2 level projections for areas not covered by this data, released in 2022 with a 2021 base year.

Growth rates by age group are applied to all areas from 2032 to 2041. According to these projections, the suburb's population is expected to decline by 316 persons by 2041, while specific age cohorts like those aged 85 and over are projected to grow by 139 people.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Tenterfield according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Tenterfield had around 11 new homes approved annually. Between FY21-FY25, approximately 56 homes were approved, with 5 more in FY26 so far. Each dwelling constructed over these years brought about an average of 3.3 new residents.

This demand exceeds supply, leading to price growth and increased buyer competition, while dwellings are developed at around $400,000. Commercial approvals totalled $1.1 million in FY26, indicating the area's residential nature. Compared to Rest of NSW, Tenterfield maintains market balance with comparable construction activity per person. However, this level is lower than national averages, suggesting market maturity and possible development constraints.

Recent building activity consists solely of detached houses, preserving Tenterfield's low-density character focused on family homes. The area has an estimated 560 people per dwelling approval, reflecting its quiet development environment. With stable or declining population expected, housing pressure in Tenterfield should ease, potentially creating buying opportunities.

Tenterfield has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

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

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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Employment conditions in Tenterfield demonstrate strong performance, ranking among the top 35% of areas assessed nationally

Tenterfield has a balanced workforce with white and blue collar jobs. The unemployment rate in June 2025 was 2.1%.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 4.5%. Residents' employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, retail trade, and agriculture, forestry & fishing. Agriculture, forestry & fishing has a high representation with an employment share of 2.1 times the regional level. Health care & social assistance shows lower representation at 13.1% versus the regional average of 16.9%.

The area offers limited local employment opportunities as indicated by Census data. In the past year, employment increased by 4.5%, labour force grew by 3.7%, and unemployment rate fell by 0.8 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Sep-22 suggest Tenterfield's employment should increase by 6.0% over five years and 12.6% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to the local employment mix.

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

Tenterfield's median income among taxpayers was $36,092 in financial year 2022. The average income stood at $44,701 during the same period. These figures are lower than those for Rest of NSW, which were $49,459 and $62,998 respectively. By September 2025, current estimates suggest the median income would be approximately $40,643 and the average income around $50,338, based on a 12.61% growth in wages since financial year 2022. According to the 2021 Census, incomes in Tenterfield fall between the 1st and 4th percentiles nationally for households, families, and individuals. Income analysis shows that the largest segment of residents earn $400 - $799 weekly, comprising 33.6% (1,371 residents), unlike broader area patterns where $1,500 - $2,999 is dominant at 29.9%. With 44.4% earning under $800 per week, the suburb faces income constraints impacting local spending patterns. Despite modest housing costs allowing for 87.3% of income retention, Tenterfield's 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

Tenterfield's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 94.1% houses and 5.9% other dwellings. In comparison, Non-Metro NSW had 93.0% houses and 6.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Tenterfield was 55.1%, with mortgaged dwellings at 22.1% and rented ones at 22.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,192, higher than Non-Metro NSW's $1,100 but significantly lower than Australia's average of $1,863. The median weekly rent figure in Tenterfield was $250, slightly above Non-Metro NSW's $240 and substantially below the national average 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 37.9%, with lone person households at 35.3% and group households comprising 2.3% of the total. The median household size is 2.1 people, which is smaller than the Rest of NSW average of 2.3.

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%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 11.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.0%) and graduate diplomas (1.8%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 39.1% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (9.4%) and certificates (29.7%). A total of 24.5% of the population is actively pursuing formal education, with 9.0% in primary, 7.8% in secondary, and 1.8% in tertiary education.

The area has three schools with a combined enrollment of 572 students, serving distinct age groups and demonstrating varied educational conditions (ICSEA: 927).

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

Tenterfield has 160 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 16 different routes that together offer 167 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of transport in Tenterfield is rated as excellent, with residents on average located just 145 meters from the nearest stop.

Across all routes, service frequency averages 23 trips per day, which equates to approximately one weekly trip per individual stop.

Health performance in Tenterfield is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Tenterfield faces significant health challenges, with various conditions affecting both younger and older residents. The private health cover rate is low at approximately 45%, covering around 1,825 people, compared to Rest of NSW's 46.9% and the national average of 55.3%. Arthritis and mental health issues are the most prevalent conditions, affecting 13.7% and 9.3% of residents respectively.

However, 56.9% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to Rest of NSW's 61.0%. The area has a higher proportion of seniors, with 34.9% aged 65 and over (1,424 people), compared to Rest of NSW's 27.4%. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors in Tenterfield are better than those of 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 cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 90.7% of its population being citizens and 91.4% born in Australia. English was spoken by 97.2% of residents at home as their main language. Christianity was the predominant religion, practiced by 63.3% of Tenterfield's population, compared to 64.8% across the Rest of 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%, compared to 3.9% regionally, Scottish at 9.0% versus 8.4%, and Welsh at 0.6% versus 0.3%.

Tenterfield ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

The median age in Tenterfield is 54 years, significantly higher than Rest of NSW's average of 43 and national norm of 38. The 65-74 cohort is notably over-represented at 18.8% locally compared to the Rest of NSW average, while the 25-34 age group is under-represented at 6.7%. This concentration in the 65-74 age group is well above the national figure of 9.4%. Between the 2021 Census and present, the 0 to 4 age group has grown from 4.4% to 6.1%, while the 75 to 84 cohort increased from 10.9% to 12.1%. Conversely, the 55 to 64 age group declined from 15.3% to 13.7% and the 65 to 74 group dropped from 20.2% to 18.8%. By 2041, Tenterfield's age composition is expected to shift notably. The 85+ age cohort is projected to expand significantly, increasing by 138 people (85%) from 163 to 302. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 80% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. Conversely, both the 0 to 4 and 35 to 44 age groups are expected to decrease in numbers.