Terrey Hills

Terrey Hills is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

As of November 2025, the estimated population of the Terrey Hills statistical area (Lv2) is around 3,022. This reflects a decrease from the 2021 Census figure of 3,142 people, marking a reduction of 120 individuals or approximately 3.8%. AreaSearch's analysis, based on the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and validated new addresses since the Census date, indicates an estimated resident population of 3,020 for this area. This results in a density ratio of 357 persons per square kilometer. Overseas migration was the primary driver of population growth in recent periods.

AreaSearch's projections are based on ABS/Geoscience Australia data released in 2024 with a base year of 2022 for covered areas, and NSW State Government's SA2 level projections released in 2022 with a base year of 2021 for uncovered areas. These projections anticipate lower quartile growth for Australian statistical areas, with the Terrey Hills (SA2) expected to expand by 37 persons to reach an estimated population of 3,069 by 2041. This reflects an increase of approximately 0.6% over the 17-year period.

The level of residential development activity in Terrey Hills is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, Terrey Hills has experienced around 3 dwellings receiving development approval per year. Approximately 18 homes were approved over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, with no approvals recorded so far in FY-26. The population decline in recent years has resulted in adequate development activity relative to population size, which is positive for buyers.

New dwellings are developed at an average expected construction cost of $2,669,000, indicating that developers target the premium market segment with higher-end properties. This financial year has seen $12.3 million in commercial development approvals, demonstrating moderate levels of commercial development. Compared to Greater Sydney, Terrey Hills has significantly less development activity, 61.0% below the regional average per person. This constrained new construction typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing dwellings. Development activity is also lower than nationally, reflecting market maturity and possible development constraints.

Recent development has been entirely comprised of detached dwellings, preserving the area's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. The estimated count of 1210 people per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment. Looking ahead, Terrey Hills is expected to grow by 18 residents through to 2041, according to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

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

AreaSearch has identified two projects that could impact the area, namely Connecting Northern Beaches - Cycling & Walking Paths and Mona Vale Road West Upgrade from McCarrs Creek Road to Powder Works Road. Other major initiatives include Newcastle-Sydney and Wollongong-Sydney Rail Line Upgrades, Wakehurst Parkway Improvements between Frenchs Forest and Narrabeen.

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

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Despite maintaining a low unemployment rate of 3.7%, Terrey Hills has experienced recent job losses, resulting in a below average employment performance ranking when compared nationally

Terrey Hills has a well-educated workforce with professional services being strongly represented. The unemployment rate is 3.7%, as per AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

As of September 2025, there are 1,537 residents employed, with an unemployment rate of 0.5% lower than Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%. Workforce participation in Terrey Hills is on par with Greater Sydney at 60.0%. Employment among residents is concentrated in construction, professional & technical services, and health care & social assistance. Construction employment levels are particularly notable, being 1.5 times the regional average.

Conversely, transport, postal & warehousing shows lower representation at 2.9% compared to the regional average of 5.3%. The predominantly residential area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, the labour force in Terrey Hills decreased by 0.4%, with a concurrent 1.6% decline in employment, leading to a 1.2 percentage point rise in unemployment. This contrasts with Greater Sydney where employment rose by 2.1%, the labour force grew by 2.4%, and unemployment increased by 0.2 percentage points. State-level data from NSW as of 25-Nov shows employment contracted by 0.03% (losing 2,260 jobs), with an unemployment rate of 3.9%. Nationally, the unemployment rate is 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Terrey Hills' employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.0% over five years and 14.0% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localised population projections.

Income metrics indicate excellent economic conditions, with the area achieving higher performance than 75% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch

As per AreaSearch's latest data released on 1st July 2023 for financial year 2023, the suburb of Terrey Hills had a median income among taxpayers of $60,722 and an average income of $134,512. This places it in the top percentile nationally. Compared to Greater Sydney's median income of $60,817 and average income of $83,003 during the same period. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% from financial year 2023 to September 2025, current estimates would be approximately $66,102 (median) and $146,430 (average). According to the 2021 Census, Terrey Hills' household incomes rank at the 94th percentile with a weekly income of $2,778. The earnings profile shows that 33.1% of residents fall within the $4,000+ bracket, which is higher than regional levels where 30.9% fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 range. A substantial presence of higher earners is indicated with 47.1% exceeding $3,000 weekly. After housing costs, residents retain 87.2% of their income, reflecting strong purchasing power. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 9th decile.

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

Terrey Hills' dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 86.5% houses and 13.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other'). In comparison, Sydney metro had 57.6% houses and 42.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Terrey Hills was 47.1%, with mortgaged dwellings at 38.0% and rented at 14.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $3,033, higher than Sydney metro's $3,000. Median weekly rent was $600, compared to Sydney metro's $592. Nationally, Terrey Hills' mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents substantially above the national figure of $375.

Terrey Hills features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 83.2% of all households, including 45.4% couples with children, 30.3% couples without children, and 7.0% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 16.8%, with lone person households at 14.6% and group households making up 2.2% of the total. The median household size is 3.0 people, which is larger than the Greater Sydney average of 2.7.

Educational achievement in Terrey Hills places it within the top 10% nationally, reflecting strong academic performance and high qualification levels across the community

In Terrey Hills, educational qualifications exceed regional averages: 32.3% of residents aged 15+ hold university degrees compared to the SA4 region's 41.5%. University graduates comprise 21.9%, postgraduate qualifications 7.2%, and graduate diplomas 3.2%. Vocational credentials are prominent, with 35.4% holding such qualifications: advanced diplomas at 13.1% and certificates at 22.3%. Educational participation is high, with 28.5% currently enrolled in formal education: primary 10.1%, secondary 8.7%, tertiary 4.5%.

Educational participation is notably high, with 28.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.1% in primary education, 8.7% in secondary education, and 4.5% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Transport analysis shows 38 active transport stops in Terrey Hills, served by buses via 66 routes offering 2,049 weekly passenger trips. Residents' average distance to nearest stop is 260 meters, with service frequency averaging 292 daily trips and approximately 53 weekly trips per stop.

Service frequency averages 292 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 53 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health outcomes in Terrey Hills are marginally below the national average with common health conditions slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age cohorts

Terrey Hills shows below-average health outcomes with common conditions more prevalent than average across both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 80% of the total population of 2,413 people, compared to 71.5% across Greater Sydney and a national average of 55.7%. The most common medical conditions are arthritis (affecting 8.2%) and mental health issues (7.1%), while 69.0% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 74.7% across Greater Sydney.

The area has 27.2% of residents aged 65 and over (821 people), higher than the 17.8% in Greater Sydney. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, performing better than the general population in health metrics.

In terms of cultural diversity, Terrey Hills records figures broadly comparable to the national average, as found in AreaSearch's assessment of a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Terrey Hills' cultural diversity aligns with the broader area, as shown by its population born in Australia (77.2%), citizens (93.0%), and English-only speakers at home (90.7%). Christianity is the predominant religion, comprising 54.5% of residents. Notably, Judaism is overrepresented at 0.7%, compared to Greater Sydney's 0.3%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (31.4%), Australian (25.6%), and Irish (8.7%). Some ethnic groups show significant differences: South African (1.4% vs regional 0.9%), Russian (0.7% vs 0.4%), and Hungarian (0.4% vs 0.3%) are notably overrepresented in Terrey Hills.

Terrey Hills hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Terrey Hills has a median age of 47 years, which is higher than Greater Sydney's average of 37 years and exceeds the national average of 38 years. The 75-84 age group makes up 10.9% of Terrey Hills' population, compared to Greater Sydney, while the 25-34 cohort comprises only 5.5%. According to post-2021 Census data, the 75 to 84 age group grew from 8.7% to 10.9%, and the 15 to 24 cohort increased from 12.1% to 14.0%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort declined from 16.1% to 14.4%, and the 35 to 44 group decreased from 9.7% to 8.5%. Demographic modeling indicates that Terrey Hills' age profile will change significantly by 2041. The 75 to 84 cohort is projected to grow by 41%, adding 134 residents to reach 464. Senior residents aged 65 and above will drive all population growth, highlighting demographic aging trends. Meanwhile, populations in the 25 to 34 and 15 to 24 age groups are projected to decline.