Median house price
$2.35M
+30% change
NSW · Ballina Council
Brooklet, 2479
Est. population · Jun 2025
267
Growth (1 yr)
+1.5%
Growth (5 yr)
+7.2%
Median age
51
Median income
$2,083/wk
Employment rate
60.7%
Median house price · October to December 2025
$2,350,000
Languages at home
1.3%non-English
Most common: French
2021 Census · usual residence
Desirability score
- Excellent transport
- High desirability
Suburb profile
Brooklet offers a slower smaller community life in Ballina Council, with open surrounds and a close-knit community feel. An older demographic makes it especially popular with retirees, with families and grandchildren still a visible part of community life. The pace is unhurried, with local businesses and community spots doing the heavy lifting.
Open space is thinner than in many regional towns, so residents often travel a little further for a longer park day. Day-to-day life is more car-oriented here, with buses covering longer trips across the wider area. Homes cost more here than in most comparable suburbs.
Crime trends have improved of late compared with the previous period. Tree-lined streets and established homes set the tone, with little pressure to reinvent the neighbourhood.
The overall desirability read is below average, pulled by softer local dining and lifestyle amenities compared with similar regional towns, though community and employment remain brighter spots. Limited access to some essential local services also trimmed the result.
At a glance
Brooklet snapshot
A quick read of housing, growth, livability, and risk
Median rent
$950/wk
Population (ERP)
267
+1.5% annual growth
Dwelling vacancy
8.8%
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
#267
among Country & regional · Mature
Safety
4th
percentile in state (higher = safer)
Pop. growth
79th
percentile in NSW
Advantage (IRSAD)
10/10
national SEIFA decile
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
- 35.5/100 — Below average
- National rank
- 4571st in Australia
- State rank
- 1456th in NSW
- Peer rank
- #267 among Country & regional · Mature suburbs
- Cohort rank
- #550 among Country & regional suburbs
- Data confidence
- 71%
Data sources & freshness
- Suburb Guide desirability index — Suburb Guide (derived) · current · Updated
Housing
- Houses (January to March 2026)
- $1,060
- Rental bonds lodged (January to March 2026)
- 37
- Median house price (October to December 2025)
- $2,350,000
- Median price change
- +30.4%
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
267(June 2025)
+1.5% annual · +7.2% over 5 years · 79th percentile in NSW
Growth figures & methodology
- Annual growth
- +1.5%
- 5-year growth
- +7.2%
- Change in 1 year
- +4
- Change in 5 years
- +18
- Growth rank in NSW
- 79th 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 (~300), extrapolated at +1.3% average annual growth since 2011. It is illustrative only — not an official ABS forecast.
2021 Census figures
2021 Census
- Population
- 253
- Median age
- 51
- Median household income / week
- $2,083
- Dwelling vacancy
- 8.8%
- Unoccupied private dwellings
- 9 of 102
- Median monthly mortgage
- $2,221
- Employment rate
- 60.7%
- Dwelling mix (houses / semi / flats)
- 88 / 0 / 0
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 decreased compared with the previous period.
Offence counts & rates
- Total offences (Jan 2025 to Dec 2025)
- 6
- Against the person
- 2
- Against property
- 3
- Rate per 1,000 residents
- 22.5
- Person-crime prevalence
- About 1 in 126 residents
- State safety percentile
- 4th (lower crime is better)
- Decrease (daily rate)
- -14.1%
Most common offence types
- Break And Enter Dwelling10
- Domestic Violence Related Assault15
- Intimidation, Stalking And Harassment13
- Malicious Damage To Property11
- Steal From Motor Vehicle14
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
Public transport
9 public transport stops in this suburb
- Brooklet Turnaround, Friday Hut Rd
- Fernleigh Rd At Rishworths Lane
- Fernleigh Rd Opp 947
- Fernleigh Rd Opp Rishworths Lane
- Friday Hut Rd At Emigrant Crossing
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
No OpenStreetMap amenities mapped for this suburb yet.
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
Health access
- Nearest hospital
- Byron Central Hospital (12.7 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)
- 10
- Participants per 1,000 residents
- 37.5
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
- 28° / 19°
- Rainfall
- 569 mm · ~71 rainy days
Autumn (Mar–May)
- Usual max / min
- 25° / 16°
- Rainfall
- 612 mm · ~76 rainy days
Winter (Jun–Aug)
- Usual max / min
- 20° / 10°
- Rainfall
- 289 mm · ~36 rainy days
Spring (Sep–Nov)
- Usual max / min
- 25° / 14°
- Rainfall
- 300 mm · ~38 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· 4 proposals
July 2026
- Erection of a new structure; Earthworks, retaining walls and structural support; Supporting Development709 FERNLEIGH ROAD BROOKLET 2479Additional Information Requested
- Dwelling house; Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure99 RISHWORTHS LANE BROOKLET 2479Determined
June 2026
- Change of use of land or a building or the classification of a building under the Building Code of Australia; Earthworks, retaining walls and structural support; Landscaping structures; Tennis courts; Supporting Development709 FERNLEIGH ROAD BROOKLET 2479Under Assessment
March 2026
- Demolition; Shed; Supporting Development709 FERNLEIGH ROAD BROOKLET 2479Determined
2025· 13 proposals
November 2025
- Subdivision769 FERNLEIGH ROAD BROOKLET 2479Determined
October 2025
- Erection of a new structure; Tourist and visitor accommodation933 FERNLEIGH ROAD BROOKLET 2479Additional Information Requested
September 2025
- Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure; Tennis courts; Recreation facility (outdoor)826 FRIDAY HUT ROAD BROOKLET 2479Determined
August 2025
- Erection of a new structure; Dual occupancy (detached)771 FERNLEIGH ROAD BROOKLET 2479Determined
- Demolition; Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure; Dual occupancy (detached)565 FRIDAY HUT ROAD BROOKLET 2479Determined
July 2025
- Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure; Erection of a new structure; Dual occupancy (detached); Swimming pool783 FERNLEIGH ROAD BROOKLET 2479Determined
May 2025
- Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure; Tennis courts; Recreation facility (outdoor)826 FRIDAY HUT ROAD BROOKLET 2479Determined
April 2025
- Dual occupancy; Erection of a new structure; Dual occupancy (detached); Swimming pool; Residential Accommodation35 TALGARNO LANE BROOKLET 2479Determined
- Dwelling house; Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure; Residential Accommodation789 FRIDAY HUT ROAD BROOKLET 2479Determined
- Demolition; Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure; Dual occupancy (detached)565 FRIDAY HUT ROAD BROOKLET 2479Determined
- Dwelling house; Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure765 FERNLEIGH ROAD BROOKLET 2479Determined
February 2025
- Erection of a new structure; Cabanas, cubby houses, ferneries, garden sheds, gazebos and greenhouses; Carport; Earthworks, retaining walls and structural support; Swimming pool719 FRIDAY HUT ROAD BROOKLET 2479Determined
- Dual occupancy; Dwelling house; Erection of a new structure; Temporary building, structure or use; Dual occupancy (detached)866 FRIDAY HUT ROAD BROOKLET 2479Determined
2024· 4 proposals
December 2024
- Shed; Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure; Erection of a new structure; Dual occupancy (detached); Tennis courts; Recreation facility (outdoor); Tourist and visitor accommodation; Swimming pool826 FRIDAY HUT ROAD BROOKLET 2479Determined
November 2024
- Erection of a new structure; Garage, carport or carparking space709 FERNLEIGH ROAD BROOKLET 2479Determined
April 2024
- Dwelling house; Erection of a new structure; Garage, carport or carparking space; Residential Accommodation2 FRIDAY HUT ROAD BROOKLET 2479Determined
March 2024
- Subdivision; Agriculture877 FRIDAY HUT ROAD BROOKLET 2479Determined
2023· 8 proposals
November 2023
- Erection of a new structure; Earthworks, retaining walls and structural support; Swimming pool709 FERNLEIGH ROAD BROOKLET 2479Determined
October 2023
- Dual occupancy; Erection of a new structure; Dual occupancy (attached)467 FRIDAY HUT ROAD BROOKLET 2479Determined
- Balconies, decks, patios, terraces or verandahs; Demolition; Garages, carports and car parking spaces709 FERNLEIGH ROAD BROOKLET 2479Determined
September 2023
- Erection of a new structure; Farm building736 FERNLEIGH ROAD BROOKLET 2479Determined
- Pools / decks / fencing957 FERNLEIGH ROAD BROOKLET 2479Determined
August 2023
- Pools / decks / fencing; Earthworks / change in levels; Retaining walls, protection of trees; Shed914 Fernleigh Road, BROOKLET / 1/1036645Determined
May 2023
- Dwelling; Pools / decks / fencing; Garages, carports and car parking spaces828 FERNLEIGH ROAD BROOKLET 2479Determined
January 2023
- Pools / decks / fencing; Earthworks / change in levels; Retaining walls, protection of trees709 FERNLEIGH ROAD BROOKLET 2479Determined
2022· 3 proposals
December 2022
- Alterations and additions to residential development; Earthworks / change in levels; Garages, carports and car parking spaces517 FRIDAY HUT ROAD BROOKLET 2479Determined
April 2022
- Pools / decks / fencing525 FRIDAY HUT ROAD BROOKLET 2479Determined
January 2022
- Dual occupancy; Alterations and additions to residential development; Earthworks / change in levels; Retaining walls, protection of trees866 FRIDAY HUT ROAD BROOKLET 2479Determined
2021· 6 proposals
November 2021
- Dwelling; Demolition57 JORGENSENS LANE BROOKLET 2479Determined
- Subdivision of land467 FRIDAY HUT ROAD BROOKLET 2479Determined
October 2021
- Dual occupancy847 FRIDAY HUT ROAD BROOKLET 2479Determined
September 2021
- Subdivision of land877 FRIDAY HUT ROAD BROOKLET 2479Determined
- Dwelling; Change of use778 Friday Hut Road, BrookletDetermined
- Dwelling; Pools / decks / fencing; Garages, carports and car parking spaces; Shed828 FERNLEIGH ROAD BROOKLET 2479Determined
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)
Hazards
- Bushfire planning zone
- No overlay at centroid
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
- Richmond
- Member of Parliament
- Justine ELLIOT (Australian Labor Party)
- Results from
- 2025 federal election
- Electorate enrolment (2025)
- 126,814
- Turnout (2025)
- 89.5%
- Swing since 2022 (2025)
- +1.8 pp toward Labor
Two-party preferred (2025)
Coalition 40.0%Labor 60.0%
Estimated suburb voting profile
Estimated from 8 nearby ordinary polling places (up to 11.7 km away).
Coalition 36.3%Labor 63.7%
3.7 percentage points more Labor-leaning than the electorate
Estimated swing since 2022: -0.3 pp toward Coalition
Nearest polling places
- FernleighLabor 64.4% · Coalition 35.6% TPP (2025)2.5 km away
- NewrybarLabor 60.2% · Coalition 39.8% TPP (2025)3.5 km away
- TintenbarLabor 55.0% · Coalition 45.0% TPP (2025)5.5 km away
- BangalowLabor 77.8% · Coalition 22.2% TPP (2025)7.0 km away
- EurekaLabor 73.7% · Coalition 26.3% TPP (2025)9.4 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)
- 10/10
- IRSD decile (2021)
- 10/10
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 Ballina Council
Other suburbs in the same local government area.
Comparable suburbs
Similar population and socio-economic profile in other parts of New South Wales.