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 May 2026, the estimated population of Terrigal is around 13,414. This reflects an increase from the 2021 Census figure of 12,730 people, a rise of 684 individuals (5.4%). The current resident population estimate of 13,401 by AreaSearch, following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025, and additional validation of 44 new addresses since the Census date, indicates this growth. This results in a density ratio of 1,480 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Terrigal's population growth rate surpassed that of its SA3 area (2.6%) and SA4 region, positioning it as a growth leader. Overseas migration contributed approximately 78% to overall population gains in recent periods.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, NSW State Government's SA2-level projections released in 2022 with a base year of 2021 are utilized. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. By 2041, Terrigal is projected to increase its population by 2,837 persons, reflecting an overall increase of 21.1% over the 16-year period.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Terrigal had approximately 43 new homes approved annually over the past five financial years, totalling around 215 homes. As of FY-26, 23 approvals have been recorded. With an average of 4 new residents per year for every home built between FY-21 and FY-25, demand significantly outpaces supply, potentially driving up prices and increasing buyer competition. New homes are being constructed at an average value of $548,000, indicating developers target the premium market segment with higher-end properties.

This financial year has seen $3.2 million in commercial approvals registered, suggesting limited focus on commercial development. Comparatively, Terrigal has 12.0% less new development per person than Greater Sydney and ranks among the 46th percentile nationally for assessed areas, implying somewhat limited buyer options while strengthening demand for established dwellings. This reflects market maturity and possible development constraints. Recent construction consists of 39.0% detached dwellings and 61.0% townhouses or apartments, shifting towards higher-density living to create more affordable entry points for downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. This marks a significant change from the current housing mix, which is currently 71.0% houses. Terrigal indicates a mature market with around 352 people per approval.

Looking ahead, AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate projects Terrigal to grow by approximately 2,824 residents by 2041. At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to keep pace with population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and supporting price increases.

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

Infrastructure changes significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 20 projects likely impacting the region. Notable ones are Wamberal Beach Coastal Protection Works, Central Coast Highway Upgrade from Wamberal to Bateau Bay, upgrade of Central Coast Highway and Tumbi Road intersection, and Wamberal Community Park Upgrade. 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 key services sectors well-represented. Its unemployment rate is 1.2%, with estimated employment growth of 3.6% in the past year (AreaSearch data). As of December 2025, 7,187 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 3.0%, lower than Greater Sydney's 4.2%.

Workforce participation is 64.8%, compared to Greater Sydney's 68.8%. Census responses show 39.6% work from home, potentially impacted by Covid-19 lockdowns. Key employment sectors are health care & social assistance, construction, and education & training, with healthcare having an employment share 1.3 times the regional level. Professional & technical services employ 7.8%, below Greater Sydney's 11.5%.

Limited local employment opportunities are suggested by Census data comparing working population to resident population. In the year ending December 2025, employment increased by 3.6% and labour force by 3.8%, raising unemployment by 0.1 percentage points, contrasting with Greater Sydney's marginal employment rise. Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Terrigal's employment mix suggests local growth of 7.0% over five years and 14.4% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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 income in Terrigal is high nationally. The median income is $53,369 and the average is $80,829. This contrasts with Greater Sydney's median of $60,817 and average of $83,003. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since financial year 2023, current estimates are approximately $58,877 (median) and $89,171 (average) as of March 2026. The 2021 Census figures indicate 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 metropolitan patterns where 30.9% fall into this range. Significantly, 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). In comparison, Sydney metro had 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Terrigal was at 39.9%, with the rest mortgaged (35.7%) or rented (24.4%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,492, higher than Sydney metro's $2,427. The median weekly rent was $520, compared to Sydney metro's $470. Nationally, Terrigal's mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $1,863, while rents were substantially above the national average of $375.

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

Family households account for 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 constitute 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 possessing university qualifications, compared to 20.8% in the broader SA4 region and 25.7% in the SA3 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 and above holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas at 13.8% and certificates at 22.3%. Educational participation is 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 84 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. Residents enjoy excellent transport accessibility, with an average distance of 185 meters to the nearest stop. Most residents commute outside Terrigal, primarily using cars (93%). The average vehicle ownership per dwelling is 1.6, higher than the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, 39.6% of residents work from home, a figure possibly influenced by COVID-19 conditions.

Across all routes, there are an average of 92 trips daily, equating to approximately 7 weekly trips per individual 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 based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence.

The area has a very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups. Approximately 59% (7,892 people) have private health cover, which is exceptionally high. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis and asthma, affecting 8.1 and 7.0% of residents respectively. 70.6% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 74.6% across Greater Sydney. Working-age residents have low chronic condition prevalence. Terrigal has 24.0% (3,219 people) of residents aged 65 and over, higher than the 15.5% in Greater Sydney. 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, similar to the wider region's averages. Christianity is the predominant religion in Terrigal, comprising 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%), all higher than regional averages of 19.0%, 17.8%, and 4.8% respectively. Notable divergences exist in South Australian (0.8% vs 0.5%), French (0.7% vs 0.5%), and Welsh (0.7% vs 0.4%) representation.

Terrigal hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

The median age in Terrigal as of 2021 is 43 years, which is higher than Greater Sydney's average of 37 and exceeds the national average of 38. The age profile shows that those aged 65-74 make up 12.4% of the population, while those aged 25-34 comprise only 8.9%. Between 2021 and present, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 7.1% to 8.9%, and the 15 to 24 cohort has increased from 11.4% to 12.8%. Conversely, the 55 to 64 age group has decreased from 13.0% to 11.9%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Terrigal's age structure. The 85+ age cohort is projected to grow exceptionally, expanding by 636 people (176%) from 362 to 999. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 52% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. Meanwhile, the 0 to 4 cohort is projected to decline by 19 people.