Tenterfield (NSW)

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Based on examination of ABS population statistics for the surrounding region, alongside new address data validated by Districts since the Census, the suburb of Tenterfield has an estimated residency of approximately 4,302 as of May 2026. This represents a growth of 235 people (5.8%) relative to the 2021 Census, which recorded 4,067 residents. This shift is calculated from a resident count of 4,257, projected by Districts using the most recent ABS ERP release (June 2025) and incorporating an extra 112 validated new addresses post-Census. Such population figures represent a density of 6.4 persons per square kilometer, offering residents substantial personal space. The suburb of Tenterfield's 5.8% expansion rate since the 2021 census outpaced both the SA3 area (2.7%) and the SA4 region, establishing it as a regional growth leader. This population gain was driven largely by interstate migration, which accounted for roughly 83.0% of the overall increases during recent times.

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The suburb of Tenterfield features a balanced workforce distributed between professional and trade roles, with significant representation in essential public services, alongside an unemployment rate of 4.3% calculated from Districts' regional data aggregation. In March 2026, 1,841 local citizens were employed, with the jobless rate sitting 0.2% above the 4.1% recorded for Regional NSW, while workforce engagement remains low (53.4% compared to 60.6% in Regional NSW). Census records indicate a moderate 14.3% of the working population performed their duties from home, though this figure may reflect the influence of pandemic restrictions.

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The latest postcode-level ATO statistics compiled by Districts for financial year 2023 indicate that earnings in the suburb of Tenterfield sit below the national average, showing a median income of $36,092 and an average income of $44,701. In comparison, Regional NSW recorded a median income of $52,390 and an average of $65,215. Incorporating Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since financial year 2023, estimates for March 2026 stand at roughly $39,817 for the median and $49,314 for the average. According to 2021 Census data, household, family, and individual earnings in the suburb of Tenterfield all rank between the 1st and 4th percentiles across the nation. The largest earnings cohort consists of 33.6% of residents (1,445 people) within the $400 - weekly range, differing from metropolitan areas where the - range represents the largest group at . With of residents earning under weekly, the area experiences notable financial limitations that impact local retail activity. Although housing expenses are low, leaving residents with of their earnings, total disposable income falls in the th percentile nationally.

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Residential structures in the suburb of Tenterfield at the time of the latest Census consisted of 94.1% standalone houses and 5.9% alternative dwellings (including semi-detached properties, apartments, and other housing types), compared to 82.6% houses and 17.4% alternative dwellings in Regional NSW. Home ownership levels in the suburb of Tenterfield were notably higher than the state regional average, reaching 55.1%, while the remaining housing stock was split between mortgaged properties (22.1%) and rental homes (22.9%). The median monthly mortgage payment of $1,192 was considerably below the Regional NSW median, while the weekly rental median was recorded at $250, compared to Regional NSW figures of $1,733 and $330. On a national level, mortgage costs in the suburb of Tenterfield are lower than the Australian median of $1,863, and rent prices sit below the national average of $375.

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Family units constitute the majority of households at 62.1%, which includes 16.0% couples with children, 35.3% couples without children, and 10.4% single parent families. Non-family living arrangements account for the remaining 37.9%, with single-person households representing 35.3% and shared households comprising 2.3% of the total. The median household occupancy of 2.1 people is lower than the Regional NSW average of 2.4.

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The locality displays low rates of higher education, with university qualification levels (15.0%) falling significantly below the NSW state average of 32.2%. This scenario presents a challenge as well as a opening for focused educational programs. Bachelor degrees represent the largest tertiary cohort at 11.2%, followed by postgraduate degrees (2.0%) and graduate diplomas (1.8%). Vocational and technical training is prominent, with 39.1% of residents aged 15+ holding trade credentials, consisting of advanced diplomas (9.4%) and certificates (29.7%).

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Analysis of transit options indicates 163 public transport stops operating in the suburb of Tenterfield, consisting of bus services. These stops are connected to 16 separate routes, which provide a total of 169 passenger trips each week. Transport access is rated highly, with residents living an average of 145 meters from the nearest stop. Due to the residential character of the area, most workers commute out of the suburb, with private vehicles remaining the primary mode of travel at 90%, while 7% of commuters walk. Average vehicle ownership stands at 1.4 per household. Approximately 14.3% of workers operated from home, according to the 2021 Census, which may reflect the influence of pandemic restrictions.

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Health metrics indicate notable challenges for the suburb of Tenterfield, based on Districts' evaluation of mortality data and the prevalence of chronic illnesses across both younger and older demographics, while the proportion of residents with private health insurance is low at roughly 45% of the population (~1,922 people). This compares to a rate of 51.9% in Regional NSW and a national benchmark of 55.7%.

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The suburb of Tenterfield exhibits lower levels of cultural diversity relative to broader averages, with citizenship at 90.7%, Australian-born residents at 91.4%, and 97.2% of the population speaking only English at home. Christianity is the primary religious affiliation, accounting for 63.3% of residents, compared to 55.9% across Regional NSW.

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At 55 years, the median age in the suburb of Tenterfield is higher than the Regional NSW average of 43 and exceeds the national median of 38. The age distribution shows a high concentration of residents aged 65 - 74 (19.6%), whereas the 25 - 34 cohort is smaller (6.7%) than in Regional NSW. The proportion of 65 - 74 year-olds exceeds the national average of 9.4%. Since 2021, the 75 to 84 age bracket has risen from 10.9% to 13.1% of the population, and the 0 to 4 group grew from 4.4% to 5.5%, while the 55 to group decreased from to . Looking forward to demographic projections indicate shifts in the age profile, with the + cohort expected to expand by people () from to . Aging trends persist as residents aged and older account for all projected growth, while contractions are forecast for the to and to cohorts.

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Tenterfield currently has an estimated 236 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 128 children aged 0-2 and 86 children aged 3-4. This cohort grew by an estimated 33% since the previous census. though population forecasts indicate future decline, with an anticipated decrease of 8% by 2041 (to approximately 217 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 342. While growth has been positive birth rates observed in the area have been low, with approximately 8.2 births per 1,000 residents recorded over the latest two-year period analysed which ranks the area among the bottom 30% of areas assessed nationally. This rate has slowed down slightly in recent years however.