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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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Population
Population growth drivers in Terranora are above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends
As of February 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Terranora is around 3,454, reflecting an increase of 89 people since the 2021 Census. This increase represents a 2.6% growth from the previous population of 3,365. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 3,442 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, along with an additional 96 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 284 persons per square kilometer, indicating significant space per person and potential room for further development. Over the past decade, Terranora has demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 1.2%, outpacing the SA3 area. Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration, contributing approximately 57.99999999999999% of overall population gains during recent periods.
However, all drivers including interstate migration and natural growth were positive factors. 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. Examining future population trends, a population increase just below the median of non-metropolitan areas nationally is expected. The suburb of Terranora is projected to increase by 335 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an overall increase of 9.3% over the 17-year period.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
Development
Residential development activity is lower than average in Terranora according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets
AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers in Terranora shows approximately 17 new homes approved annually. Between FY-21 and FY-25, around 87 homes were approved, with an additional 14 approved so far in FY-26. This results in about 0.5 new residents arriving per year for each new home over the past five financial years, indicating that supply is meeting or exceeding demand.
The average construction value of these properties is $723,000, suggesting developers are targeting the premium market segment. Commercial approvals this financial year total $9.9 million, signifying steady commercial investment activity in the area. Compared to the Rest of NSW, Terranora has 66.0% more building activity per person, offering buyers ample choice. New development consists of 90.0% detached houses and 10.0% attached dwellings, maintaining the area's low-density character with a focus on family homes.
With around 125 people per approval, Terranora reflects a low-density population. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Terranora is projected to gain 323 residents by 2041. Given current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, presenting 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 to local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 11 projects expected to impact the area. Notable projects are 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 relevant.
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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%, as per AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of December 2025, 1,793 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 2.8% below Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%.
Workforce participation in Terranora is 64.3%, slightly higher than Regional NSW's 61.3%. According to Census responses, 18.2% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Key industries for employment among residents are health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. Terranora has a particular specialization in construction, with an employment share 1.3 times the regional level.
Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing employs only 0.6% of local workers, below Regional NSW's 5.3%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the ratio of Census working population to resident population. In the 12-month period ending December 2025, Terranora's labour force decreased by 0.5%, while employment decreased by 0.7%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.3 percentage points. This contrasts with Regional NSW, where employment contracted by 1.2%, the labour force fell by 0.8%, and unemployment rose by 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, with varying growth rates between industry sectors. 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.
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 income level than average nationally according to 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. These figures compared to Regional NSW's median of $52,390 and average of $65,215 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $52,560 (median) and $65,716 (average) as of September 2025. Census data from 2021 showed household income ranked at the 73rd percentile ($2,120 weekly), while personal income was at the 55th percentile. In Terranora, 34.0% of the population (1,174 individuals) fell within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range. Higher earners made up a substantial presence with 31.2% exceeding $3,000 weekly. Housing accounted for 14.3% of income, and residents ranked highly in disposable income at the 75th percentile. The suburb's SEIFA income ranking placed it in the 7th decile.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Housing
Terranora is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership
The dwelling structure in Terranora, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 98.5% houses and 1.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Regional NSW had 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. The level of home ownership in Terranora was 40.3%, similar to Regional NSW's figure. The remaining dwellings were either mortgaged (49.2%) or rented (10.5%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,167, higher than the Regional NSW average of $1,733. The median weekly rent figure was recorded at $540, compared to Regional NSW's $330. Nationally, Terranora's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while 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 comprise 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 make up the remaining 14.7%, with lone person households at 12.7% and group households comprising 2.3%. The median household size is 3.0 people, larger than the Regional 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 lag behind regional averages. Among residents aged 15 and above, 25.1% hold university degrees, compared to NSW's 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are the most common (18.2%), followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.6%) and graduate diplomas (2.3%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 39.9% of residents holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas at 12.1% and certificates at 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.
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
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 area's transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents on average located 219 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to its residential nature, and cars remain the primary mode of transportation at 97%. On average, there are 2.1 vehicles per dwelling, higher than the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, 18.2% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions.
Across all routes, an average of 57 trips are made per day, resulting in approximately 11 weekly trips per individual stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
Health
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 across 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. Approximately 51% (~1,755 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%). About 70.1% of residents claim to be free from medical ailments, higher than the 63.3% average in Regional NSW. Working-age residents have a notably lower chronic condition prevalence. Terranora has 20.7% (714 people) of residents aged 65 and over, which is lower than the 23.4% in Regional NSW. Health outcomes among seniors are above average but rank lower nationally compared to the broader population.
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 population showed lower cultural diversity with 85.6% born in Australia, 92.2% being citizens, and 95.5% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 54.0%. Judaism however was overrepresented at 0.3%, compared to Regional NSW's 0.1%.
Top ancestry groups were English (32.3%), Australian (28.9%), and Irish (10.0%). Other ethnicities with notable divergences included French (0.7% vs regional 0.4%) and New Zealand (0.9% vs 0.4%), both overrepresented, and Scottish (8.7% vs 8.0%), slightly higher than the regional average.
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
Age
Terranora's median age exceeds the national pattern
Terranora's median age is 42 years, similar to Regional NSW's average of 43 and older than Australia's average of 38 years. The age profile shows that those aged 15-24 make up a significant portion at 14.8%, while the 25-34 group constitutes 7.2%. Between 2021 and present, the percentage of 15 to 24-year-olds has increased from 12.0% to 14.8%, and the 75 to 84 age cohort has grown from 4.6% to 7.3%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 age group has decreased from 16.3% to 13.9%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate substantial demographic changes for Terranora. The 75 to 84 cohort is projected to grow by 35%, adding 87 residents to reach a total of 340. Meanwhile, numbers in the 5 to 14 age range are expected to decrease by 51.