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This analysis uses Suburbs and Localities (SAL) boundaries, which can materially differ from Statistical Areas (SA2) even when sharing the same name.
SAL boundaries are defined by Australia Post and the Australian Bureau of Statistics to represent commonly-known suburb names used in postal addresses.
Statistical Areas (SA2) are designed for census data collection and may combine multiple suburbs or use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
est. as @ -- *
2021 Census | -- people
Sales Activity
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Sales Detail
Population
Population growth drivers in Terranora are above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends
Based on ABS population updates and AreaSearch validation, Terranora's population is estimated at 3,454 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 89 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,365. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of 3,442 residents following ABS ERP data release in Jun 2024 and additional 95 validated new addresses. This equates to a density ratio of 284 persons per sq km. Terranora's 2.6% growth since census is within 1.3 percentage points of its SA4 region (3.9%). Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration (approx.
57.99999999999999%), although all drivers were positive factors. AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with base year 2022. For areas not covered, NSW State Government's SA2 level projections are used, released in 2022 with base year 2021. Growth rates by age group are applied to all areas from 2032 to 2041. Future trends suggest a population increase just below the median of non-metropolitan areas nationally, expecting an increase of 332 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 9.4%.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
Development
AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Terranora recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide
AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, shows Terranora had around 17 new homes approved each year. Between FY-21 and FY-25, approximately 87 homes were approved, with an additional 14 approved so far in FY-26. Over the past five financial years, an average of 0.5 new residents arrived per new home.
This suggests supply is meeting or surpassing demand, offering greater buyer choice and supporting potential population growth above projections. New properties are constructed at an average value of $723,000, indicating developers target the premium market segment with higher-end properties. There have been $9.9 million in commercial approvals this financial year, reflecting steady commercial investment activity. Compared to Rest of NSW, Terranora has 65.0% more building activity per person, providing buyers ample choice.
New development consists of 90.0% detached houses and 10.0% attached dwellings, maintaining the area's traditional low density character focused on family homes appealing to those seeking space. With around 125 people per approval, Terranora reflects a low density area. Population forecasts indicate Terranora will gain 324 residents by 2041 (based on AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate). Current development patterns suggest new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Infrastructure
Terranora 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 11 projects that could potentially impact this region. Notable projects include Serramar Estate (formerly Sherpa Terranora Estate), Club Banora Master Plan Redevelopment, Altitude Aspire Residential Estate, and Terranora Village Estate. The following list details those most likely to be relevant.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Gold Coast Heavy Rail Extension - Varsity Lakes to Gold Coast Airport
The Gold Coast Heavy Rail Extension involves a 13 km extension of the heavy rail line from Varsity Lakes to the Gold Coast Airport. The project includes four proposed new stations at Tallebudgera, Elanora, Tugun, and the Gold Coast Airport terminal. While the corridor has been preserved since 2008 and is recognized in ShapingSEQ 2023 and SEQ Rail Connect as a long-term priority for the 2032 Olympic Games legacy, it remains in the planning phase. As of early 2026, the project is still undergoing review and detailed business case development, with no committed construction start date. It is intended to integrate with the broader South East Queensland rail network and provide high-speed connectivity to the southern Gold Coast.
Kings Forest
Kings Forest is a landmark 869-hectare master-planned community on the Tweed Coast, set to deliver approximately 4,500 dwellings for 11,000 to 13,000 residents. The project features a mixed-use town centre, schools, community facilities, and a golf course, integrated with over 300 hectares of environmental conservation areas and koala habitats. As of January 2026, the first 148 residential lots have been registered and are ready for settlement, with the first residents expected to commence home construction. The development includes significant infrastructure works such as the widening of Tweed Coast Road and the establishment of active transport links to nearby coastal villages.
Currumbin Eco-Parkland
The Currumbin Eco-Parkland project preserves 148 hectares of unique land, transforming it into one of Australia's largest eco-parks. The March 2024 Activation Plan outlines a phased approach including ecological restoration, wetland rehabilitation, nature-based trails, and koala habitat protections with a rehabilitation facility and fodder plantation. As of mid-2025, works have progressed to include major weed treatment, planned burns for fuel reduction, and the establishment of native species communities. The site aims to boost regional ecotourism while serving as a critical wildlife haven and flood plain storage area.
Pacific Highway Banora Point Upgrade
A transformational 2.5km six-lane divided highway upgrade from Barneys Point Bridge to Tweed Heads, including two new bridges over Terranora Creek, improved intersections, dedicated cycling and pedestrian facilities, noise walls, and upgraded stormwater management. The project removed a major traffic bottleneck and improved safety for 50,000 vehicles daily.
Terranora Lakes Masterplanned Community (formerly Terranora Lakes Country Club Redevelopment)
Redevelopment of the former 184-hectare Terranora Lakes Country Club site into a master-planned community. The concept plan has been subject to modifications, with current proposals for a mixed residential development including 1,604 residential dwellings, retail and commercial space, and associated infrastructure. A portion of the site (15 acres) has been purchased by GemLife for a separate 300-home land lease community for over-50s. The main masterplan is being modified with changes to dwelling yield, building heights, open space, and the removal of the private school and nursing home precincts mentioned in earlier approvals. The project has a long history of planning and is part of the larger 'RISE' development area. The project's full completion is dependent on road infrastructure conditions.
Banora Shopping Village Redevelopment
Major shopping centre redevelopment featuring demolition and extension of existing supermarket, construction of new 3,500 sqm Woolworths store with Direct to Boot services, removal and reconfiguration of 13 specialty shops, upgraded fire services, refurbished public amenities, enhanced car parking with shade structures, and improved external facade treatments.
Altitude Aspire Residential Estate
A premium residential land estate spanning 37 hectares in Terranora with 280 allotments ranging from 525-800sqm. The development features breathtaking views of the ocean, Gold Coast lights, and scenic hinterland. Thoughtful urban design maximizes the unique topography with landscaped parklands, community facilities, and walking trails. Located 15 minutes from Gold Coast Airport.
M1 Pacific Motorway Varsity Lakes to Tugun Upgrade
$1.5 billion upgrade of 10 km of the M1 to a minimum of three lanes each way, with interchange upgrades at Burleigh (Exit 87), Tallebudgera (Exit 89) and Palm Beach (Exit 92), widening of Tallebudgera and Currumbin Creek bridges, a new two-way western service road between Tallebudgera and Palm Beach, and smart motorway technologies. Package A (Varsity Lakes to Burleigh) completed in 2022; Packages B (Burleigh to Palm Beach) and C (Palm Beach to Tugun) are opening progressively from 2024 through 2025.
Employment
Employment conditions in Terranora rank among the top 10% of areas assessed nationally
Terranora has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. Its unemployment rate is 1.2%, based on AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.
As of September 2025, there are 1,768 residents in work, and the unemployment rate is 2.7% below Rest of NSW's rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation stands at 65.7%, surpassing Rest of NSW's 56.4%. Key industries of employment among residents are health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. The area specializes in construction, with an employment share 1.3 times the regional level, while agriculture, forestry & fishing employs just 0.6% of local workers, below Rest of NSW's 5.3%.
Over a 12-month period ending September 2025, labour force decreased by 2.7%, and employment decreased by 2.9%, leading to an unemployment rate rise of 0.2 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of NSW saw employment contract by 0.5%, labour force fall by 0.1%, and unemployment rise by 0.4 percentage points. State-level data from 25-Nov-25 shows NSW employment contracted by 0.03% (losing 2,260 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 3.9%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia for May-25 suggest national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Terranora's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.6% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Income
Income levels align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis
The suburb of Terranora had a lower than average national income level according to latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year ended June 2023. The median income among taxpayers was $48,282 and the average income stood at $60,367, compared to figures for Rest of NSW which were $52,390 and $65,215 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year ended June 2023, current estimates would be approximately $52,560 (median) and $65,716 (average) as of September 2025. According to Census data from 2021, household income ranks at the 73rd percentile with a weekly income of $2,120, while personal income sits at the 55th percentile. The data shows that 34.0% of Terranora's population (1,174 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range. Higher earners represent a substantial presence with 31.2% exceeding $3,000 weekly. Housing accounts for 14.3% of income and residents rank within the 75th percentile for disposable income. The suburb's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Housing
Terranora is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region
Terranora's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, were 98.5% houses and 1.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), contrasting with Non-Metro NSW's 66.3% houses and 33.8% other dwellings. Home ownership in Terranora stood at 40.3%, with mortgaged dwellings at 49.2% and rented ones at 10.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,167, higher than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,872. Median weekly rent in Terranora was $540, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $400. Nationally, Terranora's mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $2,167 against the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Household Composition
Terranora features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size
Family households constitute 85.3% of all households, including 42.6% couples with children, 32.7% couples without children, and 9.0% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 14.7%, with lone person households at 12.7% and group households making up 2.3% of the total. The median household size is 3.0 people, larger than the Rest of NSW average of 2.4.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
Local Schools & Education
Terranora shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators
Terranora's educational qualifications trail regional benchmarks; 25.1% of residents aged 15+ hold university degrees compared to NSW's 32.2%. This gap indicates potential for educational development and skills enhancement. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 18.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.6%) and graduate diplomas (2.3%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 39.9% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (12.1%) and certificates (27.8%).
Educational participation is high, with 31.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 12.0% in primary, 9.5% in secondary, and 3.8% pursuing tertiary education.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Nearby Services & Amenities
Transport
Transport servicing is low compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility
Transport analysis shows 34 active stops operating in Terranora, serving a mix of bus routes. These stops are covered by 44 individual routes, offering 401 weekly passenger trips collectively. Transport accessibility is rated good, with residents typically located 219 meters from the nearest stop.
Service frequency averages 57 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 11 weekly trips per stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
Health
The level of general health in Terranora is notably higher than the national average with prevalence of common health conditions quite low across both younger and older age cohorts
Terranora exhibits favorable health outcomes, with low prevalence rates for common conditions across both younger and older age groups.
Approximately 51% (~1755 people) have private health cover, which is relatively low compared to other areas. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (8.4%) and asthma (7.5%). Notably, 70.1% of residents report no medical ailments, higher than the Rest of NSW average of 64.2%. As of 30 June 2021, 20.1% (~694 people) are aged 65 and over, lower than the Rest of NSW average of 26.1%. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors in Terranora align with those of the general population, indicating above-average overall health profiles.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Cultural Diversity
Terranora is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics
Terranora's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 85.6% of its population born in Australia, 92.2% being citizens, and 95.5% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the main religion, comprising 54.0% of Terranora's population. Notably, Judaism was overrepresented at 0.3%, compared to 0.2% across Rest of NSW.
In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (32.3%), Australian (28.9%), and Irish (10.0%). Other ethnic groups with notable divergences included French (0.7% vs regional 0.5%), New Zealand (0.9% vs regional 0.7%), and Scottish (8.7% vs regional 8.7%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
Age
Terranora's median age exceeds the national pattern
Terranora's median age is 42 years, comparable to Rest of NSW's average of 43 but higher than Australia's median age of 38. The age profile indicates that individuals aged 15-24 are particularly prevalent at 14.4%, while those aged 25-34 make up a smaller proportion at 6.8% compared to Rest of NSW. Between 2021 and the present, the population of individuals aged 75-84 has grown from 4.6% to 7.1%. Concurrently, the age group of 15-24 has increased from 12.0% to 14.4%, while the 5-14 cohort has decreased from 16.3% to 14.4%. Additionally, the population aged 25-34 has dropped from 8.0% to 6.8%. Population projections for 2041 suggest significant demographic shifts in Terranora. The 75-84 age group is expected to grow by 38%, adding 93 residents and reaching a total of 339 individuals. Conversely, the number of individuals aged 5-14 is forecasted to decrease by 67.