Like the small island off the coast of this area, the suburb was named after Henry Trigg, who was appointed Superintendent of Public Works for the Swan River Colony in 1842. Land at Trigg remained largely vacant until 1877. By 1919 there were only three buildings in the locality, and holiday and fishing shacks did not begin to appear until the 1920's. Trigg eventually started to be formally developed in the late 1940's when 1888 lots were subdivided and sold. Many of the streets in the area were named after former residents and pioneers, as well as local personalities. Residential development in Trigg is largely dominated by single detached dwellings on individual lots. The style and form of housing in the area varies considerably, ranging from older holiday shacks and workers' dwellings to large modern housing developments. There are a small number of duplex developments in Trigg, while many of the homes along the coast have been built in elegant Mediterranean styles.

Retail facilities are provided by the Lynn Street Shops, located on the north eastern boundary of the suburb. There is also some retail development within the Trigg Lifesaving Club on the ocean foreshore. Trigg has a large quantity of public open space, the most significant area being the Trigg Bushland Reserve which runs through the centre of the suburb. There are also several smaller parks, and the beaches provide a well-utilised recreation area. Trigg Beach is particularly well known for its good surfing conditions.