Teralba

Teralba lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

As of Feb 2026, the population of Teralba is estimated at around 2,940. This reflects an increase of 286 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,654 people. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 2,861 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 81 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 206 persons per square kilometer. Teralba's growth rate of 10.8% since the 2021 census exceeded that of the Rest of NSW (5.9%). Population growth in the suburb was primarily driven by interstate migration, contributing approximately 85.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises the NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, released in 2022 with a base year of 2021. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. By 2041, the suburb is forecasted to grow by 886 persons based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 27.4% in total over the 17-year period.

AreaSearch assessment of residential approval activity sees Teralba among the top 30% of areas assessed nationwide

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area data, Teralba has experienced around 19 dwellings receiving development approval per year. Over the past 5 financial years, between FY-21 and FY-25, approximately 96 homes were approved, with an additional 5 approved so far in FY-26. This results in an average of 3.3 people moving to the area per dwelling built over these years, indicating significant demand exceeding new supply.

The average construction cost value for new homes is $472,000, suggesting developers are targeting the premium market segment with higher-end properties. In FY-26, commercial approvals totaling $1.7 million have been registered, reflecting a predominantly residential focus in Teralba. Compared to Rest of NSW, Teralba has around three-quarters the rate of new dwelling approvals per person and ranks among the 84th percentile nationally when assessed areas are considered.

New development consists of 80.0% detached houses and 20.0% medium and high-density housing, preserving the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. With around 116 people per approval, Teralba reflects a developing area. Future projections show Teralba adding 807 residents by 2041, as estimated in the latest AreaSearch quarterly report. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing buyer competition and supporting stronger price growth.

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

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 13 projects that may impact this region. Notable ones include Lake Macquarie High School HPGE Upgrades, Speers Point Transport Improvements, Winten Cameron Park Stage 5 Development, and Weemala at the Lake. 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 conditions in Teralba remain below the national average according to AreaSearch analysis

Teralba has a skilled workforce with prominent representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 4.3%. Over the past year, it has maintained relative employment stability.

As of December 2025, Teralba has 1,392 residents employed while its unemployment rate is 0.4% higher than Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation in Teralba is 63.8%, slightly above Regional NSW's 61.3%. According to Census responses, 23.4% of Teralba residents work from home.

The key industries for employment among residents are health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing shows lower representation at 0.2%, compared to the regional average of 5.3%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data comparing working population to local population. Between December 2024 and November 2025, Teralba's labour force increased by 1.5% while employment decreased by 0.1%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate of 1.5 percentage points. In comparison, Regional NSW saw an employment decline of 1.2% and a labour force decline of 0.8%, with unemployment rising by 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Teralba's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.8% over five years and 14.1% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year ending June 2023, Teralba had a median income among taxpayers of $60,941. The average income stood at $79,344. Nationally, these figures are high compared to the national median and average incomes of $52,390 and $65,215 respectively in Regional NSW. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% from financial year ending June 2023 to September 2025, estimated median income would be approximately $66,340 and average income around $86,374 as of that date. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes in Teralba cluster around the 63rd percentile nationally. The income band of $1,500 - 2,999 captures 36.4% of the community (1,070 individuals), reflecting patterns seen in the surrounding region where 29.9% similarly occupy this range. High housing costs consume 15.9% of income. Despite this, strong earnings place disposable income at the 69th percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

Teralba is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

The dwelling structure in Teralba, as per the latest Census, consisted of 87.5% houses and 12.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Regional NSW's 87.5% houses and 12.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Teralba stood at 28.3%, with the rest being mortgaged (49.6%) or rented (22.1%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,167, higher than Regional NSW's average of $1,733. Median weekly rent was recorded at $363, compared to Regional NSW's $330. Nationally, Teralba's mortgage repayments are significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are lower than the national figure of $375.

Teralba has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households make up 75.3% of all households, including 36.1% couples with children, 25.9% couples without children, and 11.4% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 24.7%, with lone person households at 22.7% and group households comprising 2.5%. The median household size is 2.6 people, larger than the Regional NSW average of 2.4.

Educational outcomes in Teralba fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

The area's university qualification rate is 18.9%, 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 13.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.4%) and graduate diplomas (2.5%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 44.0% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas account for 10.9% while certificates make up 33.1%.

Educational participation is high, with 27.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.1% in primary education, 6.2% in secondary education, and 3.9% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Teralba has 18 active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 32 different routes, collectively facilitating 1,018 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good with residents typically located 259 meters from the nearest stop. As a predominantly residential area, most commuters travel outward, with car being the primary mode at 96%. On average, there are 1.6 vehicles per dwelling. According to the 2021 Census, 23.4% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions.

Service frequency averages 145 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 56 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Teralba is well below average with considerably higher than average prevalence of common health conditions and to an even higher degree among older age cohorts

Teralba faces significant health challenges based on AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are substantially higher than average, particularly amongst older age cohorts.

Private health cover is very high at approximately 58% of the total population (~1,712 people), compared to 51.9% across Regional NSW. The most common medical conditions are mental health issues (10.7%) and arthritis (9.9%). 62.9% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, similar to the 63.3% in Regional NSW. Working-age residents have an above-average prevalence of chronic health conditions. Teralba has 15.9% of residents aged 65 and over (467 people), lower than the 23.4% in Regional NSW. Health outcomes among seniors present challenges, ranking lower nationally than the broader population.

Teralba is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Teralba, as per the 2016 Census, had a cultural diversity index of below average. The population born in Australia was 90.8%, with 92.7% being Australian citizens and 95.2% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 51.9% of the population, compared to 55.9% across Regional NSW.

The top three ancestry groups were English (32.7%), Australian (31.6%), and Scottish (7.9%). Notably, Hungarian (0.5%) and Macedonian (0.3%) ethnicities were overrepresented in Teralba compared to the regional averages of 0.2% and 0.4%, respectively. Samoan ethnicity was also higher than average at 0.3%.

Teralba's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

The median age in Teralba was 36 years as of the 2016 Census, significantly lower than Regional NSW's average of 43 years and slightly younger than Australia's median age of 38 years. The 25-34 age group constituted 17.8% of Teralba's population, higher than Regional NSW's percentage. Conversely, the 65-74 age cohort made up only 7.8% of Teralba's population. Post-2021 Census data revealed a decrease in median age to 36 years from 37 years previously. The 35-44 age group grew from 14.0% to 16.5%, and the 25-34 cohort increased from 15.9% to 17.8%. Meanwhile, the 55-64 cohort declined from 11.6% to 9.1%, and the 45-54 age group decreased from 10.8% to 9.4%. By 2041, Teralba's population is projected to see significant shifts in its age composition, with the 35-44 age cohort expected to grow by 222 people (46%) from 485 to 708. In contrast, the 65-74 age cohort is projected to experience minimal growth of just 2% (5 people).