Terrigal

Population growth drivers in Terrigal are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

As of Feb 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Terrigal is around 13,354. This reflects a growth of 624 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 12,730. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 13,282 following examination of ABS's latest ERP data release in June 2024 and an additional 43 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 1,474 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Terrigal's growth rate of 4.9% since the 2021 census exceeded that of its SA3 area (3.2%) and SA4 region, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 78.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises NSW State Government's SA2 level projections released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Considering projected demographic shifts, an above median population growth is projected for the suburb of Terrigal, with an expected expansion of 3,006 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a total increase of 21.7% over the 17 years.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Terrigal when compared nationally

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Terrigal had approximately 42 new homes approved annually over the past five financial years, totalling around 214 homes. So far in FY-26, 20 approvals have been recorded. This results in an average of 3.7 new residents per year for every home built between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating demand significantly outpaces supply. New homes are being constructed at an average value of $548,000, targeting the premium market segment with higher-end properties.

In this financial year, $3.2 million in commercial approvals have been registered, suggesting limited focus on commercial development. Compared to Greater Sydney, Terrigal has 12.0% less new development per person and ranks among the 46th percentile of areas assessed nationally, offering somewhat limited buyer options while strengthening demand for established dwellings. Recent construction comprises 40.0% detached dwellings and 60.0% townhouses or apartments, reflecting a shift towards higher-density living to create more affordable entry points for downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. This represents a considerable change from the current housing mix of 71.0% houses, indicating reduced availability of development sites and addressing shifting lifestyle demands and affordability requirements. Terrigal has around 356 people per approval, suggesting a mature market. By 2041, Terrigal is projected to grow by 2,903 residents (AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate).

At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially heightening buyer competition and supporting price increases.

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

Local infrastructure changes significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 28 projects likely affecting the region. Notable initiatives include Wamberal Beach Coastal Protection Works, Central Coast Highway Upgrade - Wamberal to Bateau Bay, and 310 Terrigal Drive Residential Development. The following list details those most 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.

AreaSearch analysis of employment trends sees Terrigal performing better than 90% of local markets assessed across Australia

Terrigal has an educated workforce with prominent representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate was 1.2% as of September 2025, with an estimated employment growth of 3.2% over the past year. This figure is based on AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

In Terrigal, 7,129 residents were employed in September 2025, with an unemployment rate of 3.0%, which is below Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%. Workforce participation was at 65.6% compared to Greater Sydney's 70.0%. According to Census responses, 39.6% of residents worked from home, although Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Employment in Terrigal is concentrated in health care & social assistance, construction, and education & training sectors.

The area has a particularly strong specialization in health care & social assistance, with an employment share of 1.3 times the regional level. In contrast, professional & technical services employ only 7.8% of local workers, which is below Greater Sydney's 11.5%. Over the 12-month period ending September 2025, employment increased by 3.2%, while the labour force grew by 3.5%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.3 percentage points. This contrasts with Greater Sydney where employment rose by 2.1%, the labour force grew by 2.4%, and unemployment rose by 0.2 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that national employment is expected to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these industry-specific projections to Terrigal's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.0% over five years and 14.4% over ten years, although this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections.

The economic profile demonstrates above-average performance, with income metrics exceeding national benchmarks based on AreaSearch comparative assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows that income in Terrigal is exceptionally high nationally. The median income is $53,369 while the average income stands at $80,829. This contrasts with Greater Sydney's figures of a median income of $60,817 and an average income of $83,003. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $58,097 (median) and $87,990 (average) as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census figures, incomes in Terrigal cluster around the 68th percentile nationally. The earnings profile shows that 28.2% of locals (3,765 people) earn between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly, reflecting patterns seen in metropolitan regions where 30.9% similarly occupy this range. Notably, 33.5% earn above $3,000 weekly, indicating prosperity pockets driving local economic activity. High housing costs consume 16.2% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 68th percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 8th decile.

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

The dwelling structure in Terrigal, as per the latest Census, consisted of 71.1% houses and 28.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Sydney metro had 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Terrigal was at 39.9%, with the remaining dwellings either mortgaged (35.7%) or rented (24.4%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Terrigal was $2,492, higher than Sydney metro's average of $2,427. The median weekly rent figure for Terrigal was recorded at $520, compared to Sydney metro's $470. Nationally, Terrigal's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Terrigal has a typical household mix, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households comprise 74.6% of all households, including 32.7% couples with children, 30.5% couples without children, and 10.8% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 25.4%, with lone person households at 22.3% and group households comprising 3.2%. The median household size is 2.6 people, which is smaller than the Greater Sydney average of 2.7.

Terrigal shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

Terrigal's educational attainment is notably high, with 32.4% of residents aged 15 and above holding university qualifications, compared to 20.8% in the broader SA4 region and 25.7% in the SA3 area. Bachelor degrees are most common at 22.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (6.8%) and graduate diplomas (2.7%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 36.1% of residents aged 15 and above holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas account for 13.8% and certificates for 22.3%. Educational participation is high, with 29.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 10.2% in primary education, 8.4% in secondary education, and 5.2% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Transport analysis shows 84 active public transport stops in Terrigal, with a mix of bus services. These stops are served by 45 individual routes, offering 648 weekly passenger trips collectively. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 185 meters from the nearest stop. As primarily residential, most commute outward; car remains dominant at 93%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.6 per dwelling, exceeding regional average. 39.6% of residents work from home (2021 Census).

Service frequency averages 92 trips daily across all routes, approximately 7 weekly trips per stop.

Terrigal's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Terrigal's health outcomes show excellent results according to AreaSearch's assessment.

Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are very low across all age groups. Private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 59% of the total population (7,857 people). The most common medical conditions are arthritis and asthma, affecting 8.1 and 7.0% of residents respectively. 70.6% of residents report being completely free from medical ailments, compared to 74.6% across Greater Sydney. Working-age residents have low chronic condition prevalence. Terrigal has 24.3% of residents aged 65 and over (3,245 people), higher than Greater Sydney's 15.4%. Health outcomes among seniors are strong, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

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

Terrigal's population, born in Australia, is 77.8%, with 88.8% being citizens and 91.9% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion, at 55.1%. Judaism, however, is overrepresented at 0.2% compared to Greater Sydney's 0.8%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (31.9%), Australian (25.5%), and Irish (9.6%). Notably, South African (0.8%), French (0.7%), and Welsh (0.7%) ethnicities are overrepresented in Terrigal compared to regional averages of 0.5%, 0.5%, and 0.4% respectively.

Terrigal hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

The median age in Terrigal is 43 years, which is higher than Greater Sydney's average of 37 years and exceeds the national average of 38 years. The age profile shows that individuals aged 65-74 years make up 12.5% of the population, while those aged 25-34 years comprise only 8.1%. Between 2021 and present, the proportion of individuals aged 75-84 years has increased from 7.1% to 9.0%, and the 15-24 age group has risen from 11.4% to 12.8%. Conversely, the 25-34 age group has decreased from 9.9% to 8.1%, and the 55-64 age group has dropped from 13.0% to 11.7%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Terrigal's age structure. The number of individuals aged 85 years and above is projected to grow by 664 people (178%), reaching 1,038 from the previous figure of 373. Notably, the combined age groups of 65 years and above will account for 53% of total population growth, reflecting Terrigal's aging demographic trend. Meanwhile, the 0-4 age cohort is projected to decline by 16 people.