Terrigal

Terrigal lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Terrigal's population, as of November 2025, is estimated at around 13,272. This figure reflects an increase of 542 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 12,730. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of 13,245 residents following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, and an additional 41 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1,464 persons per square kilometer, above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Terrigal's growth rate of 4.3% since the 2021 Census exceeded that of the SA3 area (2.3%) and the 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 3,011 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a total increase of 22.6% over the 17 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, shows Terrigal had approximately 40 new homes approved annually over the past five financial years, totalling around 201 homes. As of FY-26, 17 approvals have been recorded. On average, 3.9 new residents were associated with each home built between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating demand outpaces supply, which typically influences prices upwards and intensifies competition among buyers. The average construction value for new homes was $548,000.

This financial year saw $6.0 million in commercial approvals, reflecting Terrigal's primarily residential nature. Compared to Greater Sydney, Terrigal has 17.0% less building activity per person and ranks at the 50th percentile nationally, suggesting maturity and possible planning constraints. Recent construction comprised 39.0% detached dwellings and 61.0% townhouses or apartments, shifting from the current housing mix of 71.0% houses due to reduced development sites and evolving lifestyle demands. Terrigal has around 325 people per approval, indicating a low-density area. Population forecasts estimate an increase of 2,999 residents by 2041. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

Population forecasts indicate Terrigal will gain 2,999 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

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

Changes to local infrastructure 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 from Wamberal to Bateau Bay, and the residential development at 310 Terrigal Drive. 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 a well-educated workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 1.2% as of June 2025, with an estimated employment growth of 2.4% over the past year.

This is based on AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. There were 6,999 residents employed at this time, with an unemployment rate of 3.0%, which was below Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%. Workforce participation in Terrigal was on par with Greater Sydney's 60.0%. Employment among residents is concentrated in health care & social assistance, construction, and education & training.

The area shows particular strength in health care & social assistance, employing 1.3 times the regional level. However, professional & technical services employ only 7.8% of local workers, below Greater Sydney's 11.5%. The predominantly residential nature of Terrigal appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Over a 12-month period ending in June 2025, employment increased by 2.4% while labour force grew by 2.8%, leading to an unemployment rate rise of 0.3 percentage points. This contrasts with Greater Sydney where employment rose by 2.6%, the labour force grew by 2.9%, and unemployment also rose by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 project a 6.6% increase in national employment over five years and 13.7% over ten years. However, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Terrigal's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.0% over five years and 14.4% over ten years.

Income analysis reveals strong economic positioning, with the area outperforming 60% of locations assessed nationally by AreaSearch

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows that Terrigal has a high national median assessed income of $53,369 and an average income of $80,829. This contrasts with Greater Sydney's median income of $56,994 and average income of $80,856. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.61% since financial year 2022, current estimates for Terrigal would be approximately $60,099 (median) and $91,022 (average) as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census, incomes in Terrigal cluster around the 68th percentile nationally. The earnings profile shows that 28.2% of locals earn between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly, reflecting patterns seen in metropolitan regions where 30.9% fall into this range. Notably, 33.5% earn above $3,000 weekly. 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

Terrigal's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 71.1% houses and 28.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Sydney metro's 74.2% houses and 25.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Terrigal was higher than Sydney metro 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, above Sydney metro's average of $2,150. The median weekly rent in Terrigal was $520, compared to Sydney metro's $400. Nationally, Terrigal's mortgage repayments were 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 higher-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 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 comprise the remaining 25.4%, with lone person households at 22.3% and group households making up 3.2%. The median household size is 2.6 people, which is 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 is notably high, with 32.4% of residents aged 15 and above holding university qualifications. This compares 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 (13.8%) and certificates (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. Terrigal's five schools have a combined enrollment of 2,529 students. The area demonstrates above-average socio-educational conditions, with an ICSEA score of 1063. The educational mix includes two primary schools, two secondary schools, and one K-12 school. Note: where schools show 'n/a' for enrolments, please refer to the parent campus.

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

Terrigal has 81 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 45 different routes that together facilitate 644 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these services is rated as excellent, with residents typically living just 185 meters away from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 92 trips per day across all routes, equating to 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 superior health outcomes for both young and elderly residents. Common health conditions have a low prevalence, with arthritis affecting 8.1% and asthma impacting 7.0%.

Approximately 59% of Terrigal's total population (7,809 people) has private health cover, higher than Greater Sydney's 54.7%. About 70.6% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 64.8% in Greater Sydney. The area has 23.5% of residents aged 65 and over (3,118 people). Health outcomes for seniors are particularly strong, outperforming the general population in health metrics.

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, was 77.8%, with 88.8% being citizens and 91.9% speaking English only at home. Christianity dominated Terrigal's religion, comprising 55.1%. Judaism, however, was overrepresented at 0.2% compared to Greater Sydney's 0.2%.

The top three ancestry groups were English (31.9%), Australian (25.5%), and Irish (9.6%). South African ancestry was notably higher in Terrigal at 0.8%, compared to the regional 0.5%. French ancestry was also higher at 0.7% versus 0.5%, as was Welsh ancestry at 0.7%.

Terrigal hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

The median age in Terrigal is 43 years, considerably higher than Greater Sydney's average of 37 years and also 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 constitute only 8.5%. Since 2021, the percentage of those aged 75 to 84 has grown from 7.1% to 8.5%, and the 15 to 24 age group has increased from 11.4% to 12.6%. Conversely, the 25 to 34 age group has decreased from 9.9% to 8.5%, and the 55 to 64 age group has dropped 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 64%, from 1,128 to 1,850 people. Notably, the combined age groups of 65 and above will account for 55% of total population growth, reflecting Terrigal's aging demographic profile. Conversely, the 35 to 44 and 0 to 4 age cohorts are expected to experience population declines.