Terrigal (NSW)

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According to census and local data analysis, the suburb of Terrigal has an estimated residency of 13,414 people in May 2026. This represents a growth of 684 individuals, or 5.4%, relative to the 2021 Census count of 12,730. This current figure builds on a mid-2025 resident base of 13,401 determined from ABS records, combined with 44 validated new addresses added subsequently. The area exhibits a density of 1,480 persons per square kilometer, outstripping national averages. This 5.4% expansion rate outpaced both the broader SA3 (2.6%) and SA4 regions, positioning the suburb of Terrigal as a demographic frontrunner. The growth was heavily underpinned by international migration, which was responsible for 78.0% of the overall increase.

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A highly qualified workforce characterizes this locality, which is dominated by essential services and shows an unemployment rate of 1.3% alongside an annual job growth rate of 3.5%. As of March 2026, working residents numbered 7,249. This unemployment rate sits 2.8% lower than the Greater Sydney average of 4.1%, while local participation rate is slightly softer at 65.5% compared to the metropolitan level of 69.1%. Census responses showed that 39.6% of local workers worked from their residences, though this was likely affected by pandemic restrictions.

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Tax office data for the financial year 2023 indicates that local incomes are exceptionally high by national standards, with a median of $53,369 and an average of $80,829. These figures compare to a median of $60,817 and average of $83,003 in Greater Sydney. Adjusted for a 10.32% rise in the Wage Price Index since financial year 2023, current equivalent values would be roughly $58,877 for the median and $89,171 for the average as of March 2026. According to the 2021 Census, local earnings place the area around the 68th percentile nationally. The most common income bracket contains 28.2% of the local population (3,782 people) who earn between $1,500 and $2,999, similar to the 30.9% share in Greater Sydney. A strong earn in excess of per week, indicating affluent cohorts that support local businesses. High accommodation costs absorb of earnings, yet net disposable income remains in the th percentile, and the area ranks in the th decile for SEIFA income.

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Residential architecture at the time of the latest census was characterized by 71.1% standalone houses and 28.8% other dwelling types, representing a higher proportion of houses than the Sydney metropolitan breakdown of 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings. Home ownership stands high at 39.9%, with 35.7% of properties mortgaged and 24.4% rented. The median monthly home loan payment was $2,492, which is higher than the Sydney metro average of $2,427. Similarly, median weekly rents were $520, compared to $470 across the metro area. Nationally, these mortgage payments are well above the Australian median of $1,863, and rents exceed the national benchmark of $375.

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Families make up 74.6% of local households, consisting of couples with children at 32.7%, couples without children at 30.5%, and single parents at 10.8%. The remaining 25.4% are non-family households, with single-person households representing 22.3% and group households making up 3.2%. The median occupancy stands at 2.6 residents per home, slightly below the metropolitan average of 2.7.

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The proportion of residents with higher education is well above regional figures, with 32.4% of citizens aged 15+ holding a university degree, compared to 20.8% in the SA4 region and 25.7% in the SA3 area. This educational profile positions the suburb well for professional industries. Undergraduates represent 22.9% of this cohort, with postgraduate degrees at 6.8% and graduate diplomas at 2.7%. Vocational qualifications are also common, with 36.1% of residents aged 15+ holding trade credentials, consisting of advanced diplomas at 13.8% and certificates at 22.3%.

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Public transport options include 84 active stops, primarily bus services. These facilities accommodate 45 different routes, offering a total of 648 weekly passenger trips. Transport links are accessible, with residents living an average of 185 meters from their nearest stop. Given the residential nature of the area, most workers commute out of the suburb, with 93% using private vehicles. Household car ownership averages 1.6 vehicles, which is higher than the regional benchmark. Additionally, 39.6% of workers worked from home during the 2021 Census, which was likely influenced by temporary restrictions.

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Health indicators show favorable outcomes, marked by low rates of mortality and chronic illnesses across all age cohorts. Additionally, the proportion of residents with private health insurance is high, encompassing 59% of the population (7,892 people).

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Cultural diversity matches regional norms, with 77.8% of the community born within Australia, 88.8% holding citizenship, and 91.9% speaking only English at home. Adherents of Christianity account for 55.1% of residents. The most notable religious variance is in Judaism, which represents 0.2% of the local population compared to 0.8% across the metropolitan area.

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The median age of 43 years is older than the Greater Sydney median of 37 and the national average of 38. Residents aged 65 to 74 form a large cohort at 12.4%, while young adults aged 25 to 34 are less represented at 8.9% compared to the wider metro area. Since 2021, the 75 to 84 cohort grew from 7.1% to 8.9%, and the 15 to 24 group increased from 11.4% to 12.8%. Conversely, the 55 to 64 group decreased from 13.0% to 11.9%. Projections to 2041 indicate that the cohort aged and over will experience high growth, rising by people () from to . The broader and over demographic will account for of the total growth, while the youngest cohort aged to is expected to contract by individuals.

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Terrigal currently has an estimated 563 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 342 children aged 0-2 and 228 children aged 3-4. This cohort declined by an estimated 10% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future decline, with an anticipated decrease of 3% by 2041 (to approximately 544 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 1,382. Birth rates in the area have averaged 7.3 per 1,000 residents over the latest two-year period, a low rate (among the bottom 20% of areas assessed nationally). This rate has slowed down slightly in recent years however.