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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, the estimated population of the Terrigal statistical area (Lv2) as of November 2025 is around 13,348. This reflects an increase of 618 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 12,730 people in the same area. The change is inferred from the resident population of 13,282 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2024), and an additional 41 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,473 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The Terrigal (SA2) saw a growth of 4.9% since the 2021 census, exceeding the SA3 area's growth rate of 3.1%. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, contributing approximately 78.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch is utilising the NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, as released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are also applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Considering the projected demographic shifts, an above median population growth of statistical areas analysed by AreaSearch is projected for the Terrigal (SA2), with the area expected to expand by 2,992 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 21.8% in total 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 around 42 new homes approved annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 214 homes. So far in FY-26, 20 approvals have been recorded. On average, 3.7 new residents were associated with each home built between FY-21 and FY-25. This indicates demand outpacing supply, which can put upward pressure on prices and increase competition among buyers.

The average construction value of new homes was $548,000, suggesting developers targeted the premium market segment. In this financial year, $3.2 million in commercial approvals have been registered, indicating limited focus on commercial development compared to residential. Compared to Greater Sydney, Terrigal had 12.0% less new development per person and ranked at the 46th percentile nationally, suggesting somewhat limited buyer options while strengthening demand for established dwellings. Recent construction comprised 40.0% detached dwellings and 60.0% townhouses or apartments, reflecting a shift from the current housing mix of 71.0% houses. This focus on higher-density living creates more affordable entry points, suiting downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. At around 356 people per approval, Terrigal indicates a mature market.

By 2041, Terrigal is expected to grow by 2,904 residents, potentially leading to housing supply struggles at current development rates, which could heighten buyer competition and support price increases.

Terrigal has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

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

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

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

Terrigal has an educated workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate was 1.2% as of the past year, with estimated employment growth of 3.2%.

As of September 2025, 7,122 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 3.0%, below Greater Sydney's 4.2%. Workforce participation is at Greater Sydney's level of 60.0%. Major industries for local employment include health care & social assistance, construction, and education & training, with a particularly strong specialization in the former at 1.3 times the regional level. However, professional & technical services employ only 7.8% of local workers, below Greater Sydney's 11.5%.

The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by Census data comparing working population and resident population. Over a 12-month period ending in September 2025, employment increased by 3.2%, while the labour force grew by 3.5%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.3 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Sydney saw employment grow by 2.1% and unemployment rise by 0.2 percentage points. State-level data for NSW as of 25-Nov-25 shows employment contracted by 0.03%, with an unemployment rate of 3.9%. Nationally, the unemployment rate was 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project overall growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Terrigal's industry mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.0% over five years and 14.4% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localized 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 ending June 2023 shows Terrigal's median income at $53,369 and average income at $80,829. This compares to Greater Sydney's median of $60,817 and average of $83,003. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% from July 2023 to September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $58,097 (median) and $87,990 (average). According to the 2021 Census, Terrigal's household, family, and personal incomes cluster around the 68th percentile nationally. The earnings profile shows 28.2% of locals earn between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly, with a significant 33.5% earning above $3,000. High housing costs consume 16.2% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 68th percentile. 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

Terrigal's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 71.1% houses and 28.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Sydney metro's 74.2% houses and 25.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Terrigal stood at 39.9%, with mortgaged dwellings at 35.7% and rented ones at 24.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,492, higher than Sydney metro's average of $2,150. Median weekly rent in Terrigal was $520, compared to Sydney metro's $400. Nationally, Terrigal's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 74.6% of all households, consisting of 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 making up 22.3% and group households comprising 3.2%. The median household size is 2.6 people, larger than the Greater Sydney average of 2.5.

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

Educational attainment in Terrigal shows significant surpassing of broader benchmarks. Specifically, 32.4% of residents aged 15+ hold university qualifications, compared to 20.8% in the SA4 region and 25.7% in the SA3 area. This indicates a substantial educational advantage for the area. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 22.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (6.8%) and graduate diplomas (2.7%).

Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 36.1% of residents aged 15+ holding them – advanced diplomas account for 13.8% and certificates for 22.3%. Educational participation is notably high in Terrigal, 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

Terrigal has 85 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 45 different routes that together facilitate 648 weekly passenger trips. The average distance from residents to the nearest stop is 185 meters, indicating excellent transport accessibility.

On average, there are 92 trips per day across all routes, resulting in approximately 7 weekly trips per individual stop.

The level of general health in Terrigal is notably higher than the national average with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Terrigal shows healthier-than-average results for both younger and older age groups, with low prevalence of common conditions. Approximately 59% of its total population of 7,853 have private health cover, compared to 55.3% across Greater Sydney.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (8.1%) and asthma (7.0%). 70.6% of residents report no medical ailments, higher than the Greater Sydney average of 64.8%. There are 3,136 residents aged 65 and over, comprising 23.5% of the population. Health outcomes among seniors in Terrigal exceed those of 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, comprising 55.1%. Judaism is slightly overrepresented at 0.2% compared to Greater Sydney's 0.2%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (31.9%), Australian (25.5%), and Irish (9.6%). Some ethnic groups show notable differences: South African (0.8% vs regional 0.5%), French (0.7% vs 0.5%), and Welsh (0.7% vs 0.7%) are relatively overrepresented in Terrigal.

Terrigal hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

The median age in Terrigal is 43 years, significantly higher than Greater Sydney's average of 37 years and exceeding the national average of 38 years. The age profile shows that those aged 65-74 years make up 12.5% of the population, while those aged 25-34 years comprise only 8.5%. Since 2021, the percentage of people aged 75 to 84 has increased from 7.1% to 8.5%, and the 15 to 24 age group has risen from 11.4% to 12.6%. Conversely, the 25 to 34 age cohort has decreased from 9.9% to 8.5%, and the 55 to 64 age group has fallen from 13.0% to 11.9%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Terrigal's age structure. The 75 to 84 age cohort is projected to rise by 63%, from 1,134 to 1,848 people. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups are expected to account for 55% of total population growth. Meanwhile, the 35 to 44 and 0 to 4 age cohorts are projected to experience population declines.