Median house price
$1.3M
+16% change
NSW · Ballina Council
Cumbalum, 2478
Est. population · Jun 2025
2,330
Growth (1 yr)
+1.3%
Growth (5 yr)
+6.9%
Median age
37
Median income
$2,170/wk
Employment rate
68.3%
Median house price · October to December 2025
$1,300,000
Languages at home
7%non-English
Most common: Filipino, German, Hindi
2021 Census · usual residence
Desirability score
- Green suburb
- Excellent transport
- National parks
- High desirability
Suburb profile
In Ballina Council, Cumbalum keeps a rural calm, a smaller community with room to breathe and a strong local rhythm. Working households and growing families are the backbone of local life, with family life visible on every street. Weekends tend to revolve around local favourites: a café, a market run, a walk through town.
Pocket parks and green corners give residents room to get outside without leaving the neighbourhood. Day-to-day life is more car-oriented here, with buses covering longer trips across the wider area. Property sits in a premium price band and is harder to enter for many buyers.
Reported crime has been rising recently. A trickle of new development is refreshing selected pockets without changing the overall feel.
The overall desirability read is below average, pulled by softer compared with similar regional towns, though community and employment, plus growth momentum remain brighter spots. Limited access to some essential local services also trimmed the result.
At a glance
Cumbalum snapshot
A quick read of housing, growth, livability, and risk
Median rent
$755/wk
Houses $850 · Units $595
Population (ERP)
2,330
+1.3% annual growth
Dwelling vacancy
3.5%
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
#37
among Country & regional · Growth area
Safety
65th
percentile in state (higher = safer)
Pop. growth
74th
percentile in NSW
Advantage (IRSAD)
9/10
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
- 37.0/100 — Below average
- National rank
- 4291st in Australia
- State rank
- 1349th in NSW
- Peer rank
- #37 among Country & regional · Growth area suburbs
- Cohort rank
- #483 among Country & regional suburbs
- Data confidence
- 81%
Data sources & freshness
- Suburb Guide desirability index — Suburb Guide (derived) · current · Updated
Housing
- Flats / units (January to March 2026)
- $595
- Houses (January to March 2026)
- $850
- All types (January to March 2026)
- $755
- Rental bonds lodged (January to March 2026)
- 236
- Median house price (October to December 2025)
- $1,300,000
- Median price change
- +16.1%
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
2,330(June 2025)
+1.3% annual · +6.9% over 5 years · 74th percentile in NSW
Growth figures & methodology
- Annual growth
- +1.3%
- 5-year growth
- +6.9%
- Change in 1 year
- +29
- Change in 5 years
- +151
- Growth rank in NSW
- 74th 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 (~2,500), extrapolated at +1.3% average annual growth since 2011. It is illustrative only — not an official ABS forecast.
2021 Census figures
2021 Census
- Population
- 2,211
- Median age
- 37
- Median household income / week
- $2,170
- Dwelling vacancy
- 3.5%
- Unoccupied private dwellings
- 26 of 743
- Median monthly mortgage
- $2,167
- Employment rate
- 68.3%
- Dwelling mix (houses / semi / flats)
- 670 / 40 / 5
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)
- 209
- Against the person
- 40
- Against property
- 112
- Rate per 1,000 residents
- 89.7
- Person-crime prevalence
- About 1 in 55 residents
- State safety percentile
- 64.6th (lower crime is better)
- Increase (daily rate)
- +12.7%
Most common offence types
- Breach Bail Conditions342
- Fraud335
- Intimidation, Stalking And Harassment155
- Malicious Damage To Property240
- Steal From Retail Store305
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
16 public transport stops in this suburb
- Cumbalum Rd At Koellner Rd
- Deadmans Creek Rd After Kirby Pl
- Deadmans Creek Rd After The Ridgeway
- Tamarind Dr Opp Albert Sheather Lane
- Unara Parkway After Ballina Heights Dr
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
15 nearby amenities within ~1.5 km
1 sports centres
Local character & venue list
Local character
- Limited walkable amenities nearby
- Decent local green space — 4 parks in suburb
- Reasonable bus and transport access — 16 public transport stops
- Walkability proxy
- 24/100
- Cafés per 1,000 residents
- 0
- Food & drink per 1,000 residents
- 0
- Parks per 1,000 residents
- 1.81
Sport & outdoors(5)
- Park (4)
- Tintenbar-East Ballina Soccer ClubSports centre
Entertainment(1)
- Viewpoint
Transport(6)
6 bus stops
Other(3)
- Parking
- Public toilets
- Shelter
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
Green cover
- Parks & woodland (OSM)
- 11
- Parks (OSM)
- 4
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
- Ballina District Hospital (5.7 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)
- 88
- Participants per 1,000 residents
- 37.8
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· 14 proposals
August 2026
- Demolition; Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure; Erection of a new structure; Earthworks, retaining walls and structural support6 LINDSAY AVENUE CUMBALUM 2478Under Assessment
- Subdivision52 ALBERT SHEATHER LANE CUMBALUM 2478Under Assessment
- Erection of a new structure; Dual occupancy (detached); Earthworks, retaining walls and structural support2 FAGAN PLACE CUMBALUM 2478Under Assessment
June 2026
- Erection of a new structure; Dual occupancy (detached); Earthworks, retaining walls and structural support15 DARCEY AVENUE CUMBALUM 2478Under Assessment
May 2026
- Dwelling house; Erection of a new structure; Earthworks, retaining walls and structural support35 FARRELLY AVENUE CUMBALUM 2478Additional Information Requested
- Dwelling house; Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure38 UNARA PARKWAY CUMBALUM 2478Determined
- Dwelling house; Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure; Residential Accommodation10 McEvoy Street CumbalumDetermined
- Shed; Erection of a new structure; Dual occupancy (detached)55 KOELLNER ROAD CUMBALUM 2478Under Assessment
- Erection of a new structure; Dual occupancy (detached); Earthworks, retaining walls and structural support23 HARTIGAN STREET CUMBALUM 2478Under Assessment
April 2026
- Erection of a new structure; Swimming pool38 UNARA PARKWAY CUMBALUM 2478Determined
February 2026
- Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure; Dual occupancy (detached)9 DARCEY AVENUE CUMBALUM 2478Determined
- Erection of a new structure; Dual occupancy (detached); Earthworks, retaining walls and structural support29 HIGHFIELD TERRACE CUMBALUM 2478Determined
- Advertising and signage; Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure; Erection of a new structure; Resource recovery facility; Waste or resource management facility167 SOUTHERN CROSS DRIVE CUMBALUM 2478Determined
January 2026
- Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure; Swimming pool6 DARCEY AVENUE CUMBALUM 2478Determined
2025· 28 proposals
December 2025
- Dwelling house; Erection of a new structure; Dual occupancy (detached); Swimming pool195 CUMBALUM ROAD CUMBALUM 2478Determined
- SubdivisionBALLINA HEIGHTS DRIVE CUMBALUM 2478Under Assessment
- Erection of a new structure; Fences; Swimming pool22 FALLOW DRIVE CUMBALUM 2478Determined
November 2025
- Subdivision24 CHILCOTT CIRCUIT CUMBALUM 2478Determined
- Subdivision10 MCEVOY STREET CUMBALUM 2478Determined
October 2025
- Erection of a new structure; Dual occupancy (detached); Balcony, deck, patio, terrace or verandah; Driveways and hard stand spaces; Earthworks, retaining walls and structural support; Fences1 FAGAN PLACE CUMBALUM 2478Determined
September 2025
- Dwelling house; Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure; Residential Accommodation31 LINDSAY AVENUE CUMBALUM 2478Determined
- Dwelling house; Erection of a new structure; Earthworks, retaining walls and structural support15 WINDROW AVENUE CUMBALUM 2478Determined
- Erection of a new structure; Barbecues and other outdoor cooking structures; Carport27 ACREAGE STREET CUMBALUM 2478Determined
- Dwelling house; Erection of a new structure; Dual occupancy (detached); Residential Accommodation59 PACIFIC HEIGHTS DRIVE CUMBALUM 2478Determined
- Erection of a new structure; Change of use of land or a building or the classification of a building under the Building Code of Australia; Dual occupancy (detached); Residential Accommodation35 KOELLNER ROAD CUMBALUM 2478Determined
August 2025
- Erection of a new structure; Fences5 UNARA PARKWAY CUMBALUM 2478Determined
- Subdivision40A LIFFEY AVENUE CUMBALUM 2478Determined
- Secondary dwelling; Dwelling house; Erection of a new structure; Swimming pool26 WINDROW AVENUE CUMBALUM 2478Determined
July 2025
- Subdivision; Erection of a new structure; Dual occupancy (attached)42 PRESENTATION CRESCENT CUMBALUM 2478Determined
June 2025
- Dwelling house; Erection of a new structure; Dual occupancy (detached); Swimming pool195 CUMBALUM ROAD CUMBALUM 2478Determined
- Erection of a new structure; Balcony, deck, patio, terrace or verandah12 PERKINS CLOSE CUMBALUM 2478Determined
- Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure; Balcony, deck, patio, terrace or verandah (screened enclosures); Earthworks, retaining walls and structural support; Minor building alterations (external)20 HIGHFIELD TERRACE CUMBALUM 2478Determined
May 2025
- Subdivision; Residential Accommodation24 PASTURES STREET CUMBALUM 2478Determined
- Dwelling house; Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure192 BALLINA HEIGHTS DRIVE CUMBALUM 2478Withdrawn
- Erection of a new structure; Dual occupancy (detached); Residential Accommodation35 KOELLNER ROAD CUMBALUM 2478Withdrawn
- Dwelling house; Erection of a new structure; Fences; Swimming pool2 THE RIDGEWAY CUMBALUM 2478Determined
- Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure; Earthworks, retaining walls and structural support24 UNARA PARKWAY CUMBALUM 2478Determined
April 2025
- Erection of a new structure; Dual occupancy (detached); Earthworks, retaining walls and structural support5 MCEVOY STREET CUMBALUM 2478Determined
March 2025
- Subdivision6 O'BYRNE PLACE CUMBALUM 2478Determined
February 2025
- Dwelling house; Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure; Earthworks, retaining walls and structural support; Business identification sign; Exhibition home4 WINDROW AVENUE CUMBALUM 2478Determined
- Subdivision6 RYAN STREET CUMBALUM 2478Determined
January 2025
- Subdivision8 HARTIGAN STREET CUMBALUM 2478Determined
2024· 1 proposal
December 2024
- Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure; Dual occupancy (detached)9 DARCEY AVENUE CUMBALUM 2478Determined
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 6.7 km away).
Coalition 39.8%Labor 60.2%
0.2 percentage points more Labor-leaning than the electorate
Estimated swing since 2022: +0.5 pp toward Labor
Nearest polling places
- Ballina NorthLabor 59.0% · Coalition 41.0% TPP (2025)3.4 km away
- TintenbarLabor 55.0% · Coalition 45.0% TPP (2025)4.1 km away
- Ballina WestLabor 54.7% · Coalition 45.3% TPP (2025)5.0 km away
- Ballina (Richmond)Labor 65.0% · Coalition 35.0% TPP (2025)6.2 km away
- Lennox HeadLabor 67.7% · Coalition 32.4% TPP (2025)6.3 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)
- 9/10
- IRSD decile (2021)
- 9/10
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.