Median house price
$1.02M
+4.6% change
NSW · Coffs Harbour Council
Emerald Beach, 2456
Est. population · Jun 2025
2,874
Growth (1 yr)
+1.4%
Growth (5 yr)
+9.0%
Median age
41
Median income
$1,813/wk
Employment rate
61.4%
Median house price · October to December 2025
$1,020,000
Languages at home
4.2%non-English
Most common: French, Spanish, Punjabi
2021 Census · usual residence
Desirability score
- Coastal
- Excellent transport
- Green suburb
- High desirability
Suburb profile
Well away from Sydney, Emerald Beach is a coastal mid-sized suburb built around sand, sea and space. Families and commuters make up much of the community, with a strong presence of young families throughout. With limited local amenities, residents regularly travel to a neighbouring town for shops, appointments and a wider choice.
Local parks and tree cover add a welcome outdoor dimension to suburban life. Buses are a genuine asset, linking residents to work, study and nearby neighbourhoods. Housing is expensive relative to much of the state.
Reported crime has been rising recently. Infill and new builds are slowly updating the area without overwhelming its existing character.
Desirability lands below average here: softer local dining and lifestyle amenities weighing on the result versus similar coastal suburbs, even with community and employment holding up better. Limited access to some essential local services also trimmed the result.
At a glance
Emerald Beach snapshot
A quick read of housing, growth, livability, and risk
Median rent
$665/wk
Houses $700 · Units $545
Population (ERP)
2,874
+1.4% annual growth
Dwelling vacancy
7.7%
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
#28
among Coastal & beach · Emerging
Safety
47th
percentile in state (higher = safer)
Pop. growth
77th
percentile in NSW
Advantage (IRSAD)
7/10
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
- 36.1/100 — Below average
- National rank
- 4444th in Australia
- State rank
- 1408th in NSW
- Peer rank
- #28 among Coastal & beach · Emerging suburbs
- Cohort rank
- #142 among Coastal & beach suburbs
- Data confidence
- 81%
Data sources & freshness
- Suburb Guide desirability index — Suburb Guide (derived) · current · Updated
Housing
- Flats / units (January to March 2026)
- $545
- Houses (January to March 2026)
- $700
- All types (January to March 2026)
- $665
- Rental bonds lodged (January to March 2026)
- 124
- Median house price (October to December 2025)
- $1,020,000
- Median price change
- +4.6%
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
2,874(June 2025)
+1.4% annual · +9.0% over 5 years · 77th percentile in NSW
Growth figures & methodology
- Annual growth
- +1.4%
- 5-year growth
- +9.0%
- Change in 1 year
- +39
- Change in 5 years
- +238
- Growth rank in NSW
- 77th 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 (~3,200), extrapolated at +2.3% average annual growth since 2011. It is illustrative only — not an official ABS forecast.
2021 Census figures
2021 Census
- Population
- 2,677
- Median age
- 41
- Median household income / week
- $1,813
- Dwelling vacancy
- 7.7%
- Unoccupied private dwellings
- 78 of 1,007
- Median monthly mortgage
- $1,950
- Employment rate
- 61.4%
- Dwelling mix (houses / semi / flats)
- 874 / 36 / 14 (+ 7 other)
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)
- 186
- Against the person
- 50
- Against property
- 73
- Rate per 1,000 residents
- 64.7
- Person-crime prevalence
- About 1 in 54 residents
- State safety percentile
- 46.9th (lower crime is better)
- Increase (daily rate)
- +13.7%
Most common offence types
- Breach Apprehended Violence Order88
- Breach Bail Conditions76
- Domestic Violence Related Assault88
- Intimidation, Stalking And Harassment113
- Malicious Damage To Property102
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
63 public transport stops in this suburb
- Fiddaman Rd Opp Flagstaff Av
- Ocean View Cr At Semaphore St
- Poynten Dr At Pont Cl
- Poynten Dr Before Pont Cl
- Poynten Dr Opp Gwen Cl
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
Parks & reserves
1 parks and public open space in this suburb
- Emerald Beach ParkPark
Data sources & freshness
- Parks & reserves — State government + ABS LGA boundaries · current · Updated
Green cover
- Parks & woodland (OSM)
- 3
- Parks (OSM)
- 3
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
- Baringa Private Hospital (13.8 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)
- 59
- Participants per 1,000 residents
- 20.5
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
- 26° / 19°
- Rainfall
- 504 mm · ~63 rainy days
Autumn (Mar–May)
- Usual max / min
- 23° / 15°
- Rainfall
- 522 mm · ~65 rainy days
Winter (Jun–Aug)
- Usual max / min
- 18° / 8°
- Rainfall
- 199 mm · ~25 rainy days
Spring (Sep–Nov)
- Usual max / min
- 23° / 13°
- Rainfall
- 270 mm · ~34 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· 23 proposals
August 2026
- Advertising and signage; Advertising structure67 LAKE BREEZE LANE EMERALD BEACH 2456Under Assessment
- Dwelling house; Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure27 FIDDAMAN ROAD EMERALD BEACH 2456Under Assessment
- Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure; Swimming pool22 HAMMOND ROAD EMERALD BEACH 2456Determined
July 2026
- Subdivision18 SUNSHINE CIRCUIT EMERALD BEACH 2456Determined
- Subdivision160 SMITHS ROAD EMERALD BEACH 2456Under Assessment
- Dwelling house; Erection of a new structure; Swimming pool13 Lighthouse Crescent, Emerald Beach NSW 2456Under Assessment
June 2026
- Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure; Caravan park73 FISHERMANS DRIVE EMERALD BEACH 2456Additional Information Requested
May 2026
- Erection of a new structure; Balcony, deck, patio, terrace or verandah (screened enclosures)37 BLUFF ROAD EMERALD BEACH 2456Under Assessment
- Shed; Erection of a new structure17 POynten Drive, Emerald Beach NSW 2456Determined
- Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure; Erection of a new structure; Balcony, deck, patio, terrace or verandah; Swimming pool25 COMO AVENUE EMERALD BEACH 2456Determined
April 2026
- Dwelling house; Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure21 DAMMEREL CRESCENT EMERALD BEACH 2456Determined
- Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure; Residential Accommodation78 FIDDAMAN ROAD EMERALD BEACH 2456Determined
- Erection of a new structure; Portable offices78A PINEHYRST DRIVE EMERALD BEACH 2456Under Assessment
- Dwelling house; Erection of a new structure68 BLUFF ROAD EMERALD BEACH 2456Determined
- Subdivision8 SKINNER CLOSE EMERALD BEACH 2456Under Assessment
- Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure; Carport; Swimming pool37 FIDDAMAN ROAD EMERALD BEACH 2456Determined
March 2026
- Dwelling house; Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure1 SEMAPHORE STREET EMERALD BEACH 2456Withdrawn
- Dwelling house; Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure; Balcony, deck, patio, terrace or verandah37 FIDDAMAN ROAD EMERALD BEACH 2456Determined
- Secondary dwelling; Erection of a new structure40A HAMMOND ROAD EMERALD BEACH 2456Determined
February 2026
- Dwelling house; Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure31 FISHERMANS DRIVE EMERALD BEACH 2456Determined
- Erection of a new structure; Dual occupancy (detached)67 LAKE BREEZE LANE EMERALD BEACH 2456Determined
January 2026
- Subdivision82 SMITHS ROAD EMERALD BEACH 2456Under Assessment
- Erection of a new structure; Earthworks, retaining walls and structural support; Swimming pool10 BLUFF ROAD EMERALD BEACH 2456Determined
2025· 23 proposals
December 2025
- Secondary dwelling; Dwelling house; Erection of a new structure; Manufactured home; Residential Accommodation1 PONT CLOSE EMERALD BEACH 2456Determined
- Dwelling house; Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure; Balcony, deck, patio, terrace or verandah; Earthworks, retaining walls and structural support; Stairway; Swimming pool10 SIGNAL STREET EMERALD BEACH 2456Determined
- Subdivision35 SKINNER CLOSE EMERALD BEACH 2456Under Assessment
November 2025
- Dwelling house; Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure55 BLUFF ROAD EMERALD BEACH 2456Determined
- Home business; Change of use of land or a building or the classification of a building under the Building Code of Australia5 SURF STREET EMERALD BEACH 2456Determined
October 2025
- Dwelling house; Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure48 DAMMEREL CRESCENT EMERALD BEACH 2456Determined
- Dwelling house; Erection of a new structure18 SUNSHINE CIRCUIT EMERALD BEACH 2456Determined
September 2025
- Erection of a new structure; Swimming pool27 FISHERMANS DRIVE EMERALD BEACH 2456Determined
- Shed; Erection of a new structure36 GOONAROO PLACE EMERALD BEACH 2456Determined
- Dwelling house; Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure22 SMITHS ROAD EMERALD BEACH 2456Determined
August 2025
- Erection of a new structure; Swimming pool22 SMITHS ROAD EMERALD BEACH 2456Determined
- Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure; Erection of a new structure; Balcony, deck, patio, terrace or verandah; Carport; Garage, carport or carparking space18 EMERALD HEIGHTS DRIVE EMERALD BEACH 2456Determined
- Residential flat building; Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure4/107 FIDDAMAN ROAD EMERALD BEACH NSW 2456Determined
- Secondary dwelling; Erection of a new structure2 AZURE AVENUE EMERALD BEACH 2456Determined
July 2025
- Demolition; Dwelling house; Erection of a new structure; Residential Accommodation4 SURF STREET EMERALD BEACH 2456Determined
- Dwelling house; Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure11 TRADEWINDS AVENUE EMERALD BEACH 2456Determined
- Dwelling house; Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure1 FISHERMANS DRIVE EMERALD BEACH 2456Determined
- Shed; Erection of a new structure81 EMERALD HEIGHTS DRIVE EMERALD BEACH 2456Determined
- Dwelling house; Erection of a new structure; Moveable dwelling; Residential Accommodation1 PONT CLOSE EMERALD BEACH 2456Determined
- Shed; Erection of a new structure25 LAKE RUSSELL DRIVE EMERALD BEACH 2456Determined
- Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure; Swimming pool65 EMERALD HEIGHTS DRIVE EMERALD BEACH 2456Determined
- Erection of a new structure; Swimming pool; Supporting Development55 FISHERMANS DRIVE EMERALD BEACH 2456Determined
- Dwelling house; Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure31 FISHERMANS DRIVE EMERALD BEACH 2456Determined
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
- Exercise caution. Check signage. Emerald Beach Reserve Upgrade Works – 6 July 2026 to 30 November 2026. Fiddaman Road along the foreshore will be temporarily closed. One-way traffic conditions will apply on Flagstaff Avenue, with no parking permitted. Access to the playground and public amenities will be maintained. Traffic controllers will be on site to direct motorists. Signs will be in place.Fiddaman Road28 Jun 2026 – 30 Nov 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
- Page
- Member of Parliament
- Kevin HOGAN (The Nationals)
- Results from
- 2025 federal election
- Electorate enrolment (2025)
- 129,373
- Turnout (2025)
- 91.8%
- Swing since 2022 (2025)
- +1.4 pp toward Labor
Two-party preferred (2025)
Coalition 59.3%Labor 40.7%
Estimated suburb voting profile
Estimated from 8 nearby ordinary polling places (up to 16.0 km away).
Coalition 49.5%Labor 50.5%
9.8 percentage points more Labor-leaning than the electorate
Estimated swing since 2022: +3.8 pp toward Labor
Nearest polling places
- Sandy BeachLabor 52.6% · Coalition 47.4% TPP (2025)2.4 km away
- WoolgoolgaLabor 44.0% · Coalition 56.0% TPP (2025)6.3 km away
- Woolgoolga CentralLabor 47.1% · Coalition 52.9% TPP (2025)7.1 km away
- MullawayLabor 49.3% · Coalition 50.7% TPP (2025)9.7 km away
- KororaLabor 46.6% · Coalition 53.4% TPP (2025)10.6 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)
- 7/10
- IRSD decile (2021)
- 7/10
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 Coffs Harbour Council
Other suburbs in the same local government area.
Comparable suburbs
Similar population and socio-economic profile in other parts of New South Wales.