Median house price
$745k
+13% change
NSW · Cessnock Council
Bellbird, 2325
Est. population · Jun 2025
2,473
Growth (1 yr)
+1.9%
Growth (5 yr)
+4.8%
Median age
34
Median income
$1,427/wk
Employment rate
55%
Median house price · October to December 2025
$745,000
Languages at home
2.4%non-English
Most common: Thai
2021 Census · usual residence
Desirability score
- Excellent transport
- Green suburb
- Education hub
- National parks
- High desirability
Suburb profile
Bellbird sits in Cessnock Council as a regional smaller community that feels self-contained and a long way from big-city bustle. Regional towns and local services do more of the everyday heavy lifting than the city. Residents are mostly families and working professionals, with family life visible on every street.
Weekends tend to revolve around local favourites: a café, a market run, a walk through town. There is enough green space nearby for walks, picnics and after-school play. Buses are a genuine asset, linking residents to work, study and nearby neighbourhoods.
Homes cost more here than in most comparable suburbs. Steady development is bringing new homes and gradual renewal to parts of the suburb.
Desirability lands below average here: softer safety weighing on the result versus similar regional towns, even with growth momentum holding up better. Limited access to some essential local services also trimmed the result.
At a glance
Bellbird snapshot
A quick read of housing, growth, livability, and risk
Median rent
$550/wk
Houses $570 · Units $463
Population (ERP)
2,473
+1.9% annual growth
Dwelling vacancy
5.9%
Census unoccupied dwellings
Livability profile
Desirability pillars vs the peer median (50th percentile)
How it compares
Relative standing using percentiles, ranks, and national deciles
Desirability
#33
among Country & regional · Growth area
Safety
70th
percentile in state (higher = safer)
Pop. growth
86th
percentile in NSW
Advantage (IRSAD)
1/10
national SEIFA decile
School ICSEA
12th
percentile among schools with ICSEA
Population growth
Recent ERP change over 1 and 5 years
Housing mix
Dwelling types from the 2021 Census
Risks & flags
Quick scan — open a section below for full context
Living here
Desirability
Ranks & confidence
- Desirability score
- 39.6/100 — Below average
- National rank
- 3825th in Australia
- State rank
- 1165th in NSW
- Peer rank
- #33 among Country & regional · Growth area suburbs
- Cohort rank
- #361 among Country & regional suburbs
- Data confidence
- 96%
Data sources & freshness
- Suburb Guide desirability index — Suburb Guide (derived) · current · Updated
Housing
- Flats / units (January to March 2026)
- $463
- Houses (January to March 2026)
- $570
- All types (January to March 2026)
- $550
- Rental bonds lodged (January to March 2026)
- 271
- Median house price (October to December 2025)
- $745,000
- Median price change
- +12.5%
Median weekly rent from NSW DCJ rent tables. Figures can be unreliable where few bonds were lodged in the quarter.
Contributes to desirability score · Housing (15%) · Future Growth (7%)
Median price, rental yield and vacancy Recent price momentum
Data sources & freshness
- DCJ rent and sales tables — NSW Department of Communities and Justice · January to March 2026; October to December 2025 · Updated · Quarterly releases
Population
Estimated resident population
2,473(June 2025)
+1.9% annual · +4.8% over 5 years · 86th percentile in NSW
Growth figures & methodology
- Annual growth
- +1.9%
- 5-year growth
- +4.8%
- Change in 1 year
- +46
- Change in 5 years
- +113
- Growth rank in NSW
- 86th percentile
ABS Estimated Resident Population allocated to this suburb from SA2-level data. Not an official ABS suburb count.
Methodology
Figures are allocated from ABS Estimated Resident Population at Statistical Area Level 2 (SA2), using 2021 Census share within overlapping SA2 regions. Where Census data is unavailable, area overlap is used instead.
The dashed chart line is a simple growth-trend estimate to June 2030 (~2,650), extrapolated at +1.2% average annual growth since 2011. It is illustrative only — not an official ABS forecast.
2021 Census figures
2021 Census
- Population
- 2,338
- Median age
- 34
- Median household income / week
- $1,427
- Dwelling vacancy
- 5.9%
- Unoccupied private dwellings
- 51 of 867
- Median monthly mortgage
- $1,600
- Employment rate
- 55%
- Dwelling mix (houses / semi / flats)
- 748 / 63 / 3
Contributes to desirability score · Community (5%)
Employment, household income and age diversity (2021 Census)
Data sources & freshness
- 2021 Census — General Community Profile — Australian Bureau of Statistics · Updated
The 2026 Census runs in August 2026; suburb-level updates are expected from mid-2027.
- Estimated Resident Population — Australian Bureau of Statistics · 2025 · Updated · SA2 ERP allocated to suburb boundaries
Community & culture
No 2021 Census cultural diversity data for this suburb yet.
Data sources & freshness
- 2021 Census — General Community Profile — Australian Bureau of Statistics · Updated
The 2026 Census runs in August 2026; suburb-level updates are expected from mid-2027.
Crime & safety
Reported offences increased compared with the previous period.
Offence counts & rates
- Total offences (Jan 2025 to Dec 2025)
- 240
- Against the person
- 75
- Against property
- 95
- Rate per 1,000 residents
- 97
- Person-crime prevalence
- About 1 in 31 residents
- State safety percentile
- 70.4th (lower crime is better)
- Increase (daily rate)
- +2.4%
Most common offence types
- Breach Apprehended Violence Order198
- Breach Bail Conditions379
- Domestic Violence Related Assault299
- Intimidation, Stalking And Harassment371
- Malicious Damage To Property332
Contributes to desirability score · Safety (18%)
Crime rate and year-on-year trend
Data sources & freshness
- BOCSAR postcode crime statistics — NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research · Jan 2024 to Dec 2024 → Jan 2025 to Dec 2025; Jan 2025 to Dec 2025 · Updated · Rolling 12-month windows
Family & Lifestyle
Schools & preschools
- Schools within 2 km
- 1
- Median school ICSEA
- 907
- Median ICSEA percentile
- 12th
School list
- Bellbird Public SchoolPrimary · Government · ICSEA 907 · 12th percentile · LBOTE 5% · 355 students · Top SEA quarter 3% · 0.6 km awayView on My School →
Contributes to desirability score · Education (15%)
School and preschool counts, median school ICSEA
Data sources & freshness
- ACARA school locations — Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority · 2025 · Updated · Annual release
- School ICSEA scores — Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority · 2025 · Updated · Annual release
Childcare
1 childcare service from OpenStreetMap
- Bellbird Pre Schoolkindergarten
Contributes to desirability score · Education (15%)
Childcare centre count
Data sources & freshness
- Childcare services — OpenStreetMap · current · Updated
Public transport
63 public transport stops in this suburb
- Edden St At Charlton St
- Edden St Before Mary St
- Mary St At Edden St
- Wollombi Rd After George St
- Wollombi Rd Opp Bellbird Hotel
Contributes to desirability score · Accessibility (15%)
Public transport stop coverage
Data sources & freshness
- Timetables Complete GTFS stops (© Transport for NSW, CC BY 4.0) — Transport for NSW — Open Data Hub · current · Updated · Nightly GTFS feed
Amenities
38 nearby amenities within ~1.5 km
1 pubs · 2 playgrounds
Local character & venue list
Local character
- A car helps for daily errands
- Decent local green space — 2 parks in suburb, 2 playgrounds nearby
- Well connected by public transport — 63 public transport stops
- Walkability proxy
- 32/100
- Cafés per 1,000 residents
- 0
- Food & drink per 1,000 residents
- 0.43
- Parks per 1,000 residents
- 0.86
Food & drink(1)
- Bellbird HotelPub
Community(2)
- Bellbird Pre SchoolKindergarten
- Bellbird Public SchoolSchool
Bellbird
Sport & outdoors(5)
- Bellbird Miners Memorial ParkPark
- Park
- Bellbird HotelPlayground
- Playground
- Sports field
Transport(25)
25 bus stops
Other(4)
- Bellbird Fire StationFire station
- Parking
- Shelter (2)
- Waste Basket
Names and addresses from OpenStreetMap. Unnamed venues show as their type (e.g. Cafe). Transport stops are summarised by type rather than listed individually.
Contributes to desirability score · Lifestyle (15%)
Food, shopping, recreation and sport (OpenStreetMap)
Data sources & freshness
- Local amenity insights — Suburb Guide (derived) · current · Updated
- OpenStreetMap amenities — OpenStreetMap contributors · current · Updated
Parks & reserves
1 parks and public open space in this suburb
- Bellbird Miners Memorial ParkPark
Data sources & freshness
- Parks & reserves — State government + ABS LGA boundaries · current · Updated
Green cover
- Parks & woodland (OSM)
- 6
- Parks (OSM)
- 2
OpenStreetMap parks and natural woodland features mapped within the suburb boundary.
Contributes to desirability score · Environment (10%)
Parks and green cover (OpenStreetMap)
Data sources & freshness
- OpenStreetMap green cover — OpenStreetMap contributors · current · Updated
Health access
- Nearest hospital
- Cessnock Hospital (4.1 km)
- Nearest hospital type
- Hospital
- Nearest hospital emergency
- Emergency department
Contributes to desirability score · Accessibility (15%)
Hospitals and GP clinics
Data sources & freshness
- Hospitals & clinics — OpenStreetMap + state health datasets · current · Updated
NDIS participation
- NDIS participants (31 March 2026)
- 129
- Participants per 1,000 residents
- 52.2
Active NDIS participants allocated from NDIA Statistical Area Level 2 (SA2, ASGS 2016) counts to this suburb boundary. Not an official suburb-level NDIS figure · as at 31 March 2026.
For NDIS spend and service-demand exploration by SA2 or postcode, see the Care Sector Demand Map.
Data sources & freshness
- NDIS participants by SA2 — National Disability Insurance Agency · 2026-Q1 · Updated · Quarterly SA2 counts allocated to suburb boundaries
Weather
Typical conditions by season for suburbs in the same ~44 km climate area. Rainfall totals are summed from monthly WorldClim layers; rainy-day counts are approximate.
Summer (Dec–Feb)
- Usual max / min
- 27° / 16°
- Rainfall
- 308 mm · ~38 rainy days
Autumn (Mar–May)
- Usual max / min
- 22° / 12°
- Rainfall
- 258 mm · ~32 rainy days
Winter (Jun–Aug)
- Usual max / min
- 16° / 6°
- Rainfall
- 150 mm · ~19 rainy days
Spring (Sep–Nov)
- Usual max / min
- 22° / 11°
- Rainfall
- 203 mm · ~25 rainy days
Contributes to desirability score · Lifestyle (15%)
Temperature and humidity comfort
Data sources & freshness
- Seasonal climate normals — WorldClim 2.1 · Updated
Future & Planning
Planning & development
Development applications from NSW Planning Portal.
2026· 33 proposals
August 2026
- Erection of a new structure; Garage, carport or carparking space8 EDDEN STREET BELLBIRD 2325Additional Information Requested
- Shed; Erection of a new structure13 ATKINSON STREET BELLBIRD 2325Additional Information Requested
July 2026
- Erection of a new structure; Swimming pool60 RUBY STREET BELLBIRD 2325Under Assessment
- Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure; Residential Accommodation60 RUBY STREET BELLBIRD 2325Determined
- Subdivision; Erection of a new structure; Dual occupancy (attached)72 ABBOTSFORD STREET BELLBIRD 2325Under Assessment
- Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure; Fences23 HARMONY CLOSE BELLBIRD 2325Determined
June 2026
- Shed; Erection of a new structure23 HARMONY CLOSE BELLBIRD 2325Determined
- Dwelling house; Erection of a new structure; Residential Accommodation79 TENNANT STREET BELLBIRD 2325Determined
- Secondary dwelling; Erection of a new structure48 Atkinson Street, Bellbird, NSW 2325Additional Information Requested
- Shed; Erection of a new structure70 EDDEN STREET BELLBIRD 2325Determined
May 2026
- Dual occupancy; Subdivision; Erection of a new structure; Dual occupancy (attached)26 MOUNTAIN RIDGE BELLBIRD 2325Determined
- Shed; Erection of a new structure351 WOLLOMBI ROAD BELLBIRD 2325Determined
- Demolition; Subdivision; Residential Accommodation48 KENDALL STREET BELLBIRD 2325Under Assessment
- Subdivision; Erection of a new structure; Dual occupancy (attached)73 ABBOTSFORD STREET BELLBIRD 2325Determined
- Demolition; Subdivision2 CHARLTON STREET BELLBIRD 2325Determined
- Shed; Erection of a new structure8 KENDALL STREET BELLBIRD 2325Determined
April 2026
- SubdivisionBALANGARA WAY BELLBIRD 2325Determined
- Dual occupancy; Subdivision; Erection of a new structure; Dual occupancy (attached); Residential Accommodation21 BRANDY WAY BELLBIRD 2325Under Assessment
- Change of use of land or a building or the classification of a building under the Building Code of Australia; Exhibition home7 WILDFLOWER CIRCUIT BELLBIRD 2325Determined
- Change of use of land or a building or the classification of a building under the Building Code of Australia; Exhibition home9 WILDFLOWER CIRCUIT BELLBIRD 2325Determined
- SubdivisionBALANGARA WAY BELLBIRD 2325Withdrawn
- Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure; Residential Accommodation60 RUBY STREET BELLBIRD 2325Determined
March 2026
- Subdivision; Erection of a new structure; Dual occupancy (attached)111 PILLAR STREET BELLBIRD 2325Determined
- Demolition; Subdivision580 WOLLOMBI ROAD BELLBIRD 2325Determined
- Subdivision42 KALINGO STREET BELLBIRD 2325Determined
- Dual occupancy; Subdivision; Erection of a new structure; Dual occupancy (attached)74 ABBOTSFORD STREET BELLBIRD 2325Determined
- Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure; Balcony, deck, patio, terrace or verandah24 KEARSLEY STREET BELLBIRD 2325Determined
February 2026
- Change of use of land or a building or the classification of a building under the Building Code of Australia; Exhibition home4 MAJESTY STREET BELLBIRD 2325Determined
- Erection of a new structure; Garage, carport or carparking space10 KENDALL STREET BELLBIRD 2325Determined
- Secondary dwelling; Dwelling house; Erection of a new structure44 BOUQUET DRIVE BELLBIRD 2325Determined
January 2026
- Attached dwelling; Dwelling house; Erection of a new structure112 PILLAR STREET BELLBIRD 2325Determined
- Change of use of land or a building or the classification of a building under the Building Code of Australia; Exhibition home6 MAJESTY STREET BELLBIRD 2325Determined
- Dwelling house; Erection of a new structure; Residential Accommodation13 PILLAR STREET BELLBIRD 2325Determined
2025· 13 proposals
December 2025
- Erection of a new structure; CarportBIMBADEEN ROAD BELLBIRD 2325Determined
November 2025
- Dwelling house; Erection of a new structure12 FLOURISH WAY BELLBIRD 2325Determined
- SubdivisionBALANGARA WAY BELLBIRD 2325Determined
October 2025
- Secondary dwelling; Dwelling house; Erection of a new structure32 CROSSING STREET BELLBIRD 2325Determined
- Shed; Erection of a new structure7 PILLAR STREET BELLBIRD 2325Determined
- Subdivision50 TENNANT STREET BELLBIRD 2325Determined
- Shed; Erection of a new structure30 KALINGO STREET BELLBIRD 2325Determined
- Shed; Erection of a new structure22 BIRMINGHAM CIRCUIT BELLBIRD 2325Determined
- Shed; Erection of a new structure31 BEAUFORT AVENUE BELLBIRD 2325Determined
September 2025
- SubdivisionBALANGARA WAY BELLBIRD 2325Determined
- Dwelling house; Erection of a new structure25 BRANDY WAY BELLBIRD 2325Determined
August 2025
- Change of use of land or a building or the classification of a building under the Building Code of Australia; Exhibition home10 MAJESTY STREET BELLBIRD 2325Withdrawn
- Change of use of land or a building or the classification of a building under the Building Code of Australia; Exhibition home8 MAJESTY STREET BELLBIRD 2325Withdrawn
Contributes to desirability score · Future Growth (7%)
Development and planning activity
Data sources & freshness
- Online DA development application register — NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure · 2026 · Updated · Daily feed (from Oct 2018)
Roadworks & transport
1 active roadworks / incidents
- Reduced speed limit. Allow extra travel time. Follow directions on site. Reduced speed limitDoyle Street, Cambage Street12 Jul 2026 – 07 Sep 2026
Data sources & freshness
- Road incidents & closures — State road authority open-data feeds · current · Updated
Hazards
- Bushfire planning zone
- Overlay applies
Bushfire overlay checked at suburb centroid via NSW bush fire prone land mapping.
Contributes to desirability score · Safety (18%)
Bushfire hazard overlays
Data sources & freshness
- Hazard planning overlays — State government hazard layers · current · Updated
Politics & representation
- Federal electorate
- Hunter
- Member of Parliament
- Dan REPACHOLI (Australian Labor Party)
- Results from
- 2025 federal election
- Electorate enrolment (2025)
- 132,184
- Turnout (2025)
- 91.9%
- Swing since 2022 (2025)
- +4.7 pp toward Labor
Two-party preferred (2025)
Coalition 40.5%Labor 59.5%
Estimated suburb voting profile
Estimated from 8 nearby ordinary polling places (up to 6.7 km away).
Coalition 37.5%Labor 62.5%
3.0 percentage points more Labor-leaning than the electorate
Estimated swing since 2022: +2.2 pp toward Labor
Nearest polling places
- BellbirdLabor 62.4% · Coalition 37.6% TPP (2025)0.5 km away
- Cessnock WestLabor 63.6% · Coalition 36.4% TPP (2025)3.1 km away
- AberdareLabor 65.0% · Coalition 35.0% TPP (2025)4.5 km away
- Cessnock NorthLabor 66.1% · Coalition 33.9% TPP (2025)4.8 km away
- KitchenerLabor 63.5% · Coalition 36.5% TPP (2025)5.4 km away
Federal electorate from AEC federal division boundaries (2025 redistribution). Division-level results are official AEC figures from the latest general election, with by-election updates where applicable. The estimated suburb profile blends up to eight nearest ordinary polling booths in the same electorate using inverse-distance weighting from the suburb centroid — an approximation, not official AEC data. Nearest polling places are shown for reference.
Data sources & freshness
- Federal election results — Australian Electoral Commission · Updated · 2025 election with by-election overlays
Socio-economic
- IRSAD decile (2021)
- 1/10
- IRSD decile (2021)
- 2/10
ABS Socio-Economic Indexes for Areas (SEIFA), 2021 release — the latest available, derived from the 2021 Census. Deciles rank suburbs nationally from 1 (lowest) to 10 (highest).
What do IRSAD and IRSD measure?
IRSAD — Index of Relative Socio-economic Advantage and Disadvantage. Combines indicators of advantage (e.g. high income, skilled occupations) and disadvantage. Higher decile = more advantaged relative to other Australian areas.
IRSD — Index of Relative Socio-economic Disadvantage. Focuses on disadvantage only (e.g. low income, unemployment, limited education). Higher decile = less disadvantage nationally.
A new SEIFA edition typically follows each census; the ABS has not announced a release date beyond 2021.
Contributes to desirability score · Community (5%)
Socio-economic advantage (IRSAD decile)
Data sources & freshness
- SEIFA 2021 (IRSAD / IRSD) — Australian Bureau of Statistics · Updated
Compare with
Similar suburbs to weigh up side by side — scores, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
More in Cessnock Council
Other suburbs in the same local government area.
Comparable suburbs
Similar population and socio-economic profile in other parts of New South Wales.