Median house price
$550k
-8.3% change
NSW · Kempsey Council
Dondingalong, 2440
Est. population · Jun 2025
694
Growth (1 yr)
+0.6%
Growth (5 yr)
+2.7%
Median age
51
Median income
$1,164/wk
Employment rate
49.4%
Median house price · October to December 2025
$550,000
Languages at home
2.8%non-English
Mostly English at home
2021 Census · usual residence
Desirability score
- National parks
- Excellent transport
- Heritage area
- High desirability
Suburb profile
Dondingalong offers a slower smaller community life in Kempsey Council, with open surrounds and a close-knit community feel. A mature community gives the area a calm, settled social fabric, 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.
With limited local amenities, residents regularly travel to a neighbouring town for shops, appointments and a wider choice. Open space is thinner than in many regional towns, so residents often travel a little further for a longer park day. Strong connections via buses keep the wider area accessible.
Purchase and rent costs sit on the more affordable side of the local range. A trickle of new development is refreshing selected pockets without changing the overall feel.
The desirability picture is below average, weighed down by softer local dining and lifestyle amenities, plus safety relative to similar regional towns. Limited access to some essential local services also trimmed the result.
At a glance
Dondingalong snapshot
A quick read of housing, growth, livability, and risk
Median rent
$480/wk
Houses $490 · Units $380
Population (ERP)
694
+0.6% annual growth
Dwelling vacancy
7.4%
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
#464
among Country & regional · Mature
Safety
95th
percentile in state (higher = safer)
Pop. growth
52nd
percentile in NSW
Advantage (IRSAD)
2/10
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
- 28.7/100 — Below average
- National rank
- 5785th in Australia
- State rank
- 1869th in NSW
- Peer rank
- #464 among Country & regional · Mature suburbs
- Cohort rank
- #847 among Country & regional suburbs
- Data confidence
- 71%
Data sources & freshness
- Suburb Guide desirability index — Suburb Guide (derived) · current · Updated
Housing
- Flats / units (January to March 2026)
- $380
- Houses (January to March 2026)
- $490
- All types (January to March 2026)
- $480
- Rental bonds lodged (January to March 2026)
- 112
- Median house price (October to December 2025)
- $550,000
- Median price change
- -8.3%
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
694(June 2025)
+0.6% annual · +2.7% over 5 years · 52th percentile in NSW
Growth figures & methodology
- Annual growth
- +0.6%
- 5-year growth
- +2.7%
- Change in 1 year
- +4
- Change in 5 years
- +18
- Growth rank in NSW
- 52th 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 (~700), extrapolated at +0.4% average annual growth since 2011. It is illustrative only — not an official ABS forecast.
2021 Census figures
2021 Census
- Population
- 712
- Median age
- 51
- Median household income / week
- $1,164
- Dwelling vacancy
- 7.4%
- Unoccupied private dwellings
- 21 of 284
- Median monthly mortgage
- $1,225
- Employment rate
- 49.4%
- Dwelling mix (houses / semi / flats)
- 260 / 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 increased compared with the previous period.
Offence counts & rates
- Total offences (Jan 2025 to Dec 2025)
- 114
- Against the person
- 30
- Against property
- 44
- Rate per 1,000 residents
- 164.3
- Person-crime prevalence
- About 1 in 24 residents
- State safety percentile
- 94.5th (lower crime is better)
- Increase (daily rate)
- +4.9%
Most common offence types
- Breach Apprehended Violence Order264
- Breach Bail Conditions556
- Domestic Violence Related Assault317
- Intimidation, Stalking And Harassment411
- Malicious Damage To Property362
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
28 public transport stops in this suburb
- Church Davy Lane
- Dondingalong Rd At Gowings Hill Rd
- Mary's Bay / Gowings Hill
- Marys Bay Rd At Gowings Hill Rd
- Pipers Creek Rd Opp Ballengara Rd
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
- Kempsey District Hospital (10.9 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)
- 29
- Participants per 1,000 residents
- 41.8
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
- 27° / 19°
- Rainfall
- 439 mm · ~55 rainy days
Autumn (Mar–May)
- Usual max / min
- 24° / 16°
- Rainfall
- 494 mm · ~62 rainy days
Winter (Jun–Aug)
- Usual max / min
- 19° / 10°
- Rainfall
- 252 mm · ~32 rainy days
Spring (Sep–Nov)
- Usual max / min
- 23° / 14°
- Rainfall
- 279 mm · ~35 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· 11 proposals
July 2026
- Dwelling house; Erection of a new structure1 BOTTLE TREE LANE DONDINGALONG 2440Under Assessment
May 2026
- Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure; Balcony, deck, patio, terrace or verandah; Minor building alterations (internal)103 WIRRANG DRIVE DONDINGALONG 2440Determined
- Shed; Erection of a new structure459 GOWINGS HILL ROAD DONDINGALONG 2440Determined
March 2026
- Shed; Erection of a new structure11 FRASER CLOSE DONDINGALONG 2440Determined
February 2026
- Erection of a new structure; Swimming pool21 MASSIE PLACE DONDINGALONG 2440Determined
- Dwelling house; Erection of a new structure61 MASSIE PLACE DONDINGALONG 2440Determined
- Dwelling house; Erection of a new structureOAKLAND ROAD DONDINGALONG 2440Determined
January 2026
- Erection of a new structure; Balcony, deck, patio, terrace or verandah59 SEAM MILL PLACE DONDINGALONG 2440Determined
- Erection of a new structure; Earthworks, retaining walls and structural support; Garage, carport or carparking space17 MASSIE PLACE DONDINGALONG 2440Determined
- Shed; Erection of a new structure; Earthworks, retaining walls and structural support; Garage, carport or carparking space40 MASSIE PLACE DONDINGALONG 2440Determined
- Dwelling house; Erection of a new structure; Residential Accommodation40 MASSIE PLACE DONDINGALONG 2440Determined
2025· 8 proposals
November 2025
- Erection of a new structure; Swimming pool11 MEREWETHER LANE DONDINGALONG 2440Determined
- Shed; Erection of a new structure408 MARYS BAY ROAD DONDINGALONG 2440Determined
October 2025
- Dwelling house; Erection of a new structure42 MASSIE PLACE DONDINGALONG 2440Determined
July 2025
- Dwelling house; Erection of a new structure31 MASSIE PLACE DONDINGALONG 2440Determined
- Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure; Balcony, deck, patio, terrace or verandah59 SEAM MILL PLACE DONDINGALONG 2440Determined
March 2025
- Dwelling house; Erection of a new structure; Residential Accommodation63 SEAM MILL PLACE DONDINGALONG 2440Determined
February 2025
- Dwelling house; Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure152 DONDINGALONG ROAD DONDINGALONG 2440Determined
January 2025
- Shed; Erection of a new structure75 SEAM MILL PLACE DONDINGALONG 2440Determined
2024· 18 proposals
December 2024
- Dwelling house; Erection of a new structure11 MEREWETHER LANE DONDINGALONG 2440Determined
- Dwelling house; Erection of a new structure459 GOWINGS HILL ROAD DONDINGALONG 2440Determined
- Dwelling house; Erection of a new structure17 MASSIE PLACE DONDINGALONG 2440Determined
October 2024
- Dwelling house; Erection of a new structure50 MASSIE PLACE DONDINGALONG 2440Determined
- Dwelling house; Erection of a new structure; Residential Accommodation86 SEAM MILL PLACE DONDINGALONG 2440Determined
August 2024
- Dwelling house; Erection of a new structure58 SPRING HILL ROAD DONDINGALONG 2440Determined
July 2024
- Dwelling house; Erection of a new structure62 MASSIE PLACE DONDINGALONG 2440Determined
April 2024
- Erection of a new structure; Dual occupancy (detached)690 GOWINGS HILL ROAD DONDINGALONG 2440Determined
- Erection of a new structure; Garage, carport or carparking space90 SEAM MILL PLACE DONDINGALONG 2440Determined
- Dwelling house; Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure126 DONDINGALONG ROAD DONDINGALONG 2440Determined
February 2024
- Shed; Erection of a new structure14 MASSIE PLACE DONDINGALONG 2440Withdrawn
- Dwelling house; Erection of a new structure; Residential Accommodation21 MASSIE PLACE DONDINGALONG 2440Determined
- Dwelling house; Erection of a new structure50 MASSIE PLACE DONDINGALONG 2440Determined
- Erection of a new structure; Dual occupancy (detached)63 OAKLAND ROAD DONDINGALONG 2440Determined
- Dwelling house; Erection of a new structure398 GOWINGS HILL ROAD DONDINGALONG 2440Determined
- Shed; Erection of a new structure44 OLD PIPERS CREEK ROAD DONDINGALONG 2440Determined
January 2024
- Erection of a new structure; Dual occupancy (detached)212 DONDINGALONG ROAD DONDINGALONG 2440Deferred Commencement
- Shed; Erection of a new structure94 SEAM MILL PLACE DONDINGALONG 2440Determined
2023· 4 proposals
December 2023
- Erection of a new structure; Residential Accommodation56 MASSIE PLACE DONDINGALONG 2440Determined
- Shed; Erection of a new structure400 GOWINGS HILL ROAD DONDINGALONG 2440Determined
- Dual occupancy; Dwelling house; Change of use of land or a building or the classification of a building under the Building Code of Australia1026 GOWINGS HILL ROAD DONDINGALONG 2440Deferred Commencement
- Dwelling house; Erection of a new structure8 MASSIE PLACE DONDINGALONG 2440Determined
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)
Heritage
1 heritage place
- Pipers Creek Lime KilnsKumbatine National Park Bonnie Corner Road DondingalongSHR
Data sources & freshness
- State heritage register — State heritage authority · 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
- Cowper
- Member of Parliament
- Pat CONAGHAN (The Nationals)
- Results from
- 2025 federal election
- Electorate enrolment (2025)
- 131,639
- Turnout (2025)
- 90.8%
- Swing since 2022 (2025)
- +0.5 pp toward Labor
Two-party preferred (2025)
Coalition 59.1%Labor 40.9%
Estimated suburb voting profile
Estimated from 8 nearby ordinary polling places (up to 20.8 km away).
Coalition 63.3%Labor 36.7%
4.3 percentage points more Coalition-leaning than the electorate
Estimated swing since 2022: -1.1 pp toward Coalition
Nearest polling places
- Kempsey SouthLabor 40.4% · Coalition 59.6% TPP (2025)10.8 km away
- KundabungLabor 38.8% · Coalition 61.2% TPP (2025)11.1 km away
- AldavillaLabor 32.0% · Coalition 68.0% TPP (2025)11.5 km away
- Kempsey HeightsLabor 37.1% · Coalition 62.9% TPP (2025)12.0 km away
- KempseyLabor 41.6% · Coalition 58.4% TPP (2025)12.3 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)
- 2/10
- 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 Kempsey Council
Other suburbs in the same local government area.
Comparable suburbs
Similar population and socio-economic profile in other parts of New South Wales.