Terranora

Population growth drivers in Terranora are above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

As of May 2026, the population of Terranora is estimated at around 3,557 people. This reflects an increase of 192 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,365 people. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of the resident population as 3,556 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and an additional 96 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 293 persons per square kilometer. Terranora's growth rate of 5.7% since the 2021 census exceeded that of both its SA4 region (3.7%) and SA3 area, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 58% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including interstate migration and natural growth were positive factors.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for Terranora, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. Future population trends suggest a median increase just below that of non-metropolitan areas nationally, with an expected increase of 317 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an overall increase of approximately 9% over the 16 years.

Residential development activity is slightly higher than average within Terranora when compared nationally

Terranora has seen approximately 17 new homes approved annually based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers. Between FY-21 and FY-25, around 87 homes were approved, with an additional 18 approved so far in FY-26. This results in an average of about 1.6 new residents per year arriving per new home over the past five financial years, indicating balanced supply and demand. However, this has eased to approximately 0.9 people per dwelling over the past two financial years, suggesting better supply availability.

New homes are being constructed at an average value of $723,000, targeting the premium market segment with higher-end properties. This year alone, there have been $9.9 million in commercial approvals, reflecting steady investment activity. Compared to Rest of NSW, Terranora has 65.0% more building activity per person, offering ample choice for buyers. New development consists predominantly of detached houses (90.0%) and a smaller proportion of attached dwellings (10.0%), maintaining the area's traditional low density character focused on family homes.

With around 125 people per approval, Terranora reflects a low-density area. Population forecasts indicate an expected gain of 316 residents by 2041 based on AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate. Given current development patterns, new housing supply is likely to meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond projections.

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

Eleven projects have been identified by AreaSearch as potentially impacting the area. Key projects include Serramar Estate (formerly Sherpa Terranora Estate), Altitude Aspire Residential Estate, Club Banora Master Plan Redevelopment, and Currumbin Eco-Parkland. The following list details those 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 Terranora rank among the top 10% of areas assessed nationally

Terranora has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. Its unemployment rate was 1.1% in the past year, according to AreaSearch's statistical area data aggregation. As of December 2025, 1,828 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 2.8% below Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%.

Workforce participation was 64.2%, compared to Regional NSW's 60.5%. According to Census responses, 18.2% of residents worked from home, potentially impacted by Covid-19 lockdowns. Key industries for employment were health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. Construction had an employment share 1.3 times the regional level, while agriculture, forestry & fishing employed just 0.6%, below Regional NSW's 5.3%.

Over a 12-month period ending in December 2025, labour force decreased by 0.1% and employment decreased by 0.3%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.2 percentage points. In contrast, Regional NSW saw employment contract by 1.2%, labour force fall by 0.8%, and unemployment rise by 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest national employment growth of 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, assuming constant population projections.

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 2023. The median income among taxpayers was $48,282 and the average income stood at $60,367, compared to Regional NSW's figures of $52,390 and $65,215 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $53,265 (median) and $66,597 (average) as of March 2026. Census 2021 income data shows household income ranks at the 73rd percentile with a weekly income of $2,120, while personal income sits at the 55th percentile. The data indicates that 34.0% of the population (1,209 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, reflecting patterns seen in the region where 29.9% similarly occupy this range. Higher earners represent a substantial presence with 31.2% exceeding $3,000 weekly, indicating strong purchasing power within the community. Housing accounts for 14.3% of income while strong earnings rank residents within the 75th percentile for disposable income and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

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

The dwelling structure in Terranora, as per the latest Census, consisted of 98.5% houses and 1.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Regional NSW's 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Terranora was 40.3%, similar to Regional NSW. The remaining dwellings were mortgaged (49.2%) or rented (10.5%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,167, higher than the Regional NSW average of $1,733. The median weekly rent was $540, compared to Regional NSW's $330. Nationally, Terranora's mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $2,167 versus the Australian average of $1,863. Rents in Terranora were substantially above the national figure of $375 at $540.

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 at 2.3%. The median household size is 3.0 people, larger than the Regional NSW average of 2.4.

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; this includes 12.0% in primary education, 9.5% in secondary education, and 3.8% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Terranora has 34 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 44 different routes that together facilitate 401 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of transport in Terranora is rated as good, with residents typically living 219 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to its residential nature, with cars being the primary mode of transportation at 97%. On average, there are 2.1 vehicles per dwelling, which is higher than the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, 18.2% of residents work from home, a figure that might be influenced by COVID-19 conditions.

The service frequency averages 57 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 11 weekly trips per individual stop.

Terranora's residents are extremely healthy with prevalence of common health conditions low among the general population and nearer the nation's average across older, at risk cohorts

Analysis of health metrics indicates strong performance throughout Terranora.

AreaSearch's assessment shows low prevalence of common health conditions among the general population, nearing the nation's average for older and at-risk cohorts. Private health cover is relatively low, with approximately 51% of the total population (~1,808 people). The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (affecting 8.4% of residents) and asthma (7.5%), while 70.1% report no medical ailments, compared to 63.3% across Regional NSW. Working-age residents exhibit low chronic condition prevalence. Terranora has 21.3% of residents aged 65 and over (757 people), lower than the 23.4% in Regional NSW. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, though they rank lower nationally compared to the broader population.

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

Terranora had a cultural diversity index below the 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 dominant religion, accounting for 54.0% of Terranora's population. Notably, Judaism was overrepresented, comprising 0.3% compared to Regional NSW's 0.1%.

The top three ancestry groups were English (32.3%), Australian (28.9%), and Irish (10.0%). Other ethnic groups with notable differences included French at 0.7% (vs regional 0.4%), New Zealand at 0.9% (vs 0.4%), and Scottish at 8.7% (vs 8.0%).

Terranora's median age exceeds the national pattern

Terranora's median age is 42 years, comparable to Regional NSW's average of 43 but higher than Australia's 38 years. The age profile indicates that individuals aged 45-54 years are notably prominent at 14.0%, while those aged 25-34 years comprise a smaller proportion at 6.5% compared to Regional NSW. Between 2021 and the present, the 75-84 age group has increased from 4.6% to 7.3% of the population, and the 15-24 cohort has risen from 12.0% to 13.9%. Conversely, the 5-14 age group has decreased from 16.3% to 14.3%, and the 25-34 age group has dropped from 8.0% to 6.5%. Population projections for 2041 suggest significant demographic shifts in Terranora. The 75-84 age cohort is expected to grow by 36%, adding 93 residents to reach a total of 353. Conversely, the number of individuals aged 5-14 years is projected to decrease by 49.