Median house price
$1.3M
+16% change
NSW · Ballina Council
Lennox Head, 2478
Est. population · Jun 2025
8,551
Growth (1 yr)
+2.9%
Growth (5 yr)
+14.0%
Median age
42
Median income
$2,081/wk
Employment rate
64.4%
Median house price · October to December 2025
$1,300,000
Languages at home
5.9%non-English
Most common: German, Portuguese, French
2021 Census · usual residence
Desirability score
- Coastal
- High desirability
- Green suburb
- Excellent transport
- Café precinct
Suburb profile
Well away from Sydney, Lennox Head is a coastal mid-sized suburb built around sand, sea and space. The area suits established families and long-term locals, with plenty of young families in the mix. Fitness and outdoor sport options are a real part of local life, not just a distant club trip away.
Parks and open space are a real strength relative to many coastal suburbs, easy for walks, sport and weekend downtime. Everyday errands are walkable, and buses keep the wider city within easy reach. Housing is expensive relative to much of the state.
Reported crime has been rising recently. Construction and infill projects are noticeably reshaping parts of the area.
Among similar coastal suburbs, the suburb earns a good desirability read, with community and employment, plus growth momentum the standout strengths.
At a glance
Lennox Head snapshot
A quick read of housing, growth, livability, and risk
Median rent
$755/wk
Houses $850 · Units $595
Population (ERP)
8,551
+2.9% annual growth
Dwelling vacancy
9.7%
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
#13
among Coastal & beach · Established
Safety
65th
percentile in state (higher = safer)
Pop. growth
94th
percentile in NSW
Advantage (IRSAD)
10/10
national SEIFA decile
School ICSEA
73rd
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
- 62.3/100 — Good
- State standing
- Top 10% of New South Wales' suburbs
- National rank
- 788th in Australia
- State rank
- 213th in NSW
- Peer rank
- #13 among Coastal & beach · Established suburbs
- Cohort rank
- #27 among Coastal & beach suburbs
- Data confidence
- 100%
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
8,551(June 2025)
+2.9% annual · +14.0% over 5 years · 94th percentile in NSW
Growth figures & methodology
- Annual growth
- +2.9%
- 5-year growth
- +14.0%
- Change in 1 year
- +238
- Change in 5 years
- +1,051
- Growth rank in NSW
- 94th 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 (~9,500), extrapolated at +2.1% average annual growth since 2011. It is illustrative only — not an official ABS forecast.
2021 Census figures
2021 Census
- Population
- 7,687
- Median age
- 42
- Median household income / week
- $2,081
- Dwelling vacancy
- 9.7%
- Unoccupied private dwellings
- 294 of 3,034
- Median monthly mortgage
- $2,192
- Employment rate
- 64.4%
- Dwelling mix (houses / semi / flats)
- 2,014 / 586 / 119 (+ 13 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)
- 768
- Against the person
- 146
- Against property
- 411
- Rate per 1,000 residents
- 89.8
- Person-crime prevalence
- About 1 in 53 residents
- State safety percentile
- 64.7th (lower crime is better)
- Increase (daily rate)
- +12.9%
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
Schools & preschools
- Schools within 2 km
- 1
- Median school ICSEA
- 1,064
- Median ICSEA percentile
- 73th
School list
- Lennox Head Public SchoolPrimary · Government · ICSEA 1064 · 73th percentile · LBOTE 15% · 424 students · Top SEA quarter 27% · 1.1 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
4 childcare services from OpenStreetMap
- Goodstart Early LearningNorth Creek Roadchildcare
- Harmony Early EducationOutrigger Roadchildcare
- kindergartenkindergarten
- kindergartenkindergarten
Contributes to desirability score · Education (15%)
Childcare centre count
Data sources & freshness
- Childcare services — OpenStreetMap · current · Updated
Public transport
96 public transport stops in this suburb
- Gibbon St Before Ian Av
- Lennox Head Holiday Park, Ross St
- North Creek Rd After Blue Seas Pde
- North Creek Rd Before Amber Dr
- North Creek Rd Opp Montwood 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
256 nearby amenities within ~1.5 km
9 restaurants · 3 cafes · 1 pubs · 1 bars · 1 supermarkets · 1 pharmacies · 1 fast food · 1 bakeries
Local character & venue list
Local character
- Highly walkable for everyday errands
- Great for outdoor family life — 24 parks mapped in suburb, 3 playgrounds nearby
- Well connected by public transport — 96 public transport stops
- Strong local sport and recreation — 118 sport and outdoor facilities nearby
- Walkability proxy
- 100/100
- Cafés per 1,000 residents
- 0.39
- Food & drink per 1,000 residents
- 2.08
- Parks per 1,000 residents
- 3.12
Food & drink(16)
- Lennox Head BakeryBakery
- Slicker than averageBar
- Lennox Gelato & Coffee Co.Cafe
- LimeCafe
- The Point CaféCafe
- Fishy FishyFast food
- The Lennox HotelPub
- Beef & BeachRestaurant
- Chido CantinaRestaurant
62 Ballina Street, Lennox Head
- CoastRestaurant
Ballina Street
- Lennox PizzaRestaurant
- Lex Thai GardenRestaurant
- Mi ThaiRestaurant
- Quattro ClassicRestaurant
- ShelterRestaurant
- Williams St. Kitchen & BarRestaurant
Shopping(4)
- Lennox Head Butchery & DeliButcher
- SeagrassConvenience store
- IGASupermarket
Community(3)
- Lennox Head Cultural & Community CentreCommunity centre
Mackney Lane, Lennox Head
- Lennox Head Public LibraryLibrary
- Lennox Head Public SchoolSchool
25 Byron Street, Lennox Head
Health & services(5)
- Lennox Head Medical CentreClinic
- Dental at LennoxDentist
- Lennox Head Medical CentreMedical clinic
- Lennox Head PhamacyPharmacy
- Lennox Head Veterinary ClinicVeterinary
Sport & outdoors(127)
- Surfit 24/7 GymGym
Unit 9 90-92 Ballina Street, Lennox Head
- Lakefield Avenue ReservePark
- Lennox ParkPark
- Park (5)
- Ross ParkPark
- Williams ReservePark
- Playground (3)
- Lennox Head Bowls ClubSports centre
- Lennox Head Bowls ClubSports field
- Sports field
- Williams Reserve Skate ParkSports field
- Swimming pool (110)
Transport(12)
12 bus stops
Other(36)
- CellarbrationsAlcohol
- Super CellarsAlcohol
- Apartment (2)
- Lennox Head Beachfront ApartmentsApartment
- Lennox Point Holiday ApartmentsApartment
- Lenlux BeautyBeauty salon
- Bench (4)
- Bicycle Parking (10)
- Lennox BookmarkBooks
- Reflections Lennox Head - Holiday ParkCamp Site
- Le Chelle BoutiqueClothes
- Town CollectiveClothes
- Drinking water
- Garden
- The Station GrocerGeneral
44-48 Byron Street, Lennox Head
- Barefoot & BreezyGift
- Lennox HairHairdresser
- MulletHairdresser
- Nixon Bulk FoodsHealth Food
- Wash House LaundromatLaundry
- Parking (23)
- ShellPetrol station
- Picnic Table (3)
- Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's WitnessesPlace of worship
10 Cooper Close, Lennox Head
- Australia PostPost office
- Lennox Head LPOPost office
- Family BathroomPublic toilets
- Public toilets
- Recycling (7)
- Lennox Beach ResortResort
7 Park Lane, Lennox Head
- Shelter (4)
- Shower
- Slipway
- Lennox Head Surf ShopSports
- Telephone
- Waste Basket (9)
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
7 parks and public open space in this suburb
- Lakefield Avenue ReservePark
- Lennox ParkPark
- Ocean Breeze ReservePark
- Pat Morton LookoutPark
- Ross ParkPark
- Victor Place ReservePark
- Williams ReservePark
Data sources & freshness
- Parks & reserves — State government + ABS LGA boundaries · current · Updated
Green cover
- Parks & woodland (OSM)
- 87
- Parks (OSM)
- 24
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
Places of worship
1 places of worship within ~1.5 km
- Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses
10 Cooper Close, Lennox Head
From OpenStreetMap within ~1.5 km of the suburb centre.
Data sources & freshness
- OpenStreetMap amenities — OpenStreetMap contributors · current · Updated
Health access
- Hospitals & GP clinics in suburb
- 4
- Nearest hospital
- Ballina District Hospital (8.5 km)
- Nearest hospital type
- Hospital
- Nearest hospital emergency
- Emergency department
- Emergency department in suburb
- Not in suburb
- Dental at LennoxDentist
- Lennox Head Medical CentreClinic
- Lennox Head Medical CentreDoctor
- Lennox Head PhamacyPharmacy
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)
- 169
- Participants per 1,000 residents
- 19.8
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· 60 proposals
August 2026
- Dwelling house; Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure31 AMBER DRIVE LENNOX HEAD 2478Under Assessment
- Erection of a new structure; Earthworks, retaining walls and structural support; Swimming pool12 SEASWELL CRESCENT LENNOX HEAD 2478Under Assessment
July 2026
- Dwelling house; Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure; Minor building alterations (internal); Minor building alterations (external)57A PACIFIC PARADE LENNOX HEAD 2478Under Assessment
- Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure; Swimming pool24 OUTRIGGER ROAD LENNOX HEAD 2478Under Assessment
- Shed; Erection of a new structure221 HUTLEY DRIVE LENNOX HEAD 2478Under Assessment
- Demolition; Dwelling house; Subdivision; Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure; Dual occupancy (attached); Driveways and hard stand spaces; Earthworks, retaining walls and structural support44 DRESS CIRCLE DRIVE LENNOX HEAD 2478Determined
- Dwelling house; Subdivision; Erection of a new structure21 HABITAT WAY LENNOX HEAD 2478Determined
- Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure; Earthworks, retaining walls and structural support67 MONTWOOD DRIVE LENNOX HEAD 2478Under Assessment
- Dual occupancy; Subdivision; Erection of a new structure; Dual occupancy (detached)2 ANCHORAGE AVENUE LENNOX HEAD 2478Under Assessment
- Dwelling house; Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure66A FIG TREE HILL DRIVE LENNOX HEAD 2478Under Assessment
- Secondary dwelling; Erection of a new structure; Residential Accommodation47 BERYL PLACE LENNOX HEAD 2478Under Assessment
- Demolition; Dwelling house; Erection of a new structure; Residential Accommodation11 STEWART STREET LENNOX HEAD 2478Under Assessment
- Dwelling house; Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure; Residential Accommodation9 KELLIE-ANN CRESCENT LENNOX HEAD 2478Determined
- Erection of a new structure; Swimming pool12-16 FIG TREE HILL DRIVE LENNOX HEAD 2478Determined
June 2026
- Dwelling house; Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure5 LAKEFIELD AVENUE LENNOX HEAD 2478Under Assessment
- Commercial development; Erection of a new structure5 SNAPPER DRIVE LENNOX HEAD 2478Under Assessment
- Erection of a new structure; Dual occupancy (detached); Earthworks, retaining walls and structural support21A SUNRAY CRESCENT LENNOX HEAD 2478Under Assessment
- Erection of a new structure; Earthworks, retaining walls and structural support; Fences; Swimming pool31 DAINTREE DRIVE LENNOX HEAD 2478Determined
- Demolition; Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure; Balcony, deck, patio, terrace or verandah; Earthworks, retaining walls and structural support; Fences; Swimming pool; Supporting Development1/75 Daintree Drive Lennox Head NSW 2478Additional Information Requested
- Subdivision8 BYRON BAY ROAD LENNOX HEAD 2478Determined
- Secondary dwelling; Dwelling house; Erection of a new structure; Earthworks, retaining walls and structural support; Fences; Swimming pool23 STONEYHURST DRIVE LENNOX HEAD 2478Under Assessment
- Erection of a new structure; Fences42 SALT AIR CIRCUIT LENNOX HEAD 2478Determined
May 2026
- Secondary dwelling; Erection of a new structure21 SUNRISE CRESCENT LENNOX HEAD 2478Withdrawn
- Subdivision78 HUTLEY DRIVE LENNOX HEAD 2478Under Assessment
- Demolition; Dwelling house; Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure; Driveways and hard stand spaces; Earthworks, retaining walls and structural support; Fences3 STONEHENGE PLACE LENNOX HEAD 2478Determined
- Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure; Balcony, deck, patio, terrace or verandah; Earthworks, retaining walls and structural support; Fences; Swimming pool58 HABITAT WAY LENNOX HEAD 2478Determined
- Shed; Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure; Erection of a new structure; Balcony, deck, patio, terrace or verandah; Garage, carport or carparking space; Minor building alterations (internal); Minor building alterations (external)44 PACIFIC PARADE LENNOX HEAD 2478Determined
- Dual occupancy; Erection of a new structure; Dual occupancy (attached); Swimming pool; Residential Accommodation103 STONEYHURST DRIVE LENNOX HEAD 2478Determined
- Dwelling house; Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure; Residential Accommodation26 TARA DOWNS LENNOX HEAD 2478Determined
April 2026
- Dual occupancy; Subdivision; Erection of a new structure; Dual occupancy (detached)2 ANCHORAGE AVENUE LENNOX HEAD 2478Determined
- Dwelling house; Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure33 BLUE SEAS PARADE LENNOX HEAD 2478Determined
- Erection of a new structure; Swimming pool99B HUTLEY DRIVE LENNOX HEAD 2478Determined
- Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure; Balcony, deck, patio, terrace or verandah; Minor building alterations (internal); Minor building alterations (external); Stairway11 RUTHERFORD STREET LENNOX HEAD 2478Determined
- Dwelling house; Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure; Residential Accommodation54 AMBER DRIVE LENNOX HEAD 2478Determined
- Dwelling house; Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure12 COOPER CLOSE LENNOX HEAD 2478Determined
- Secondary dwelling; Dwelling house; Erection of a new structure; Driveways and hard stand spaces; Earthworks, retaining walls and structural support; Swimming pool35 STONEYHURST DRIVE LENNOX HEAD 2478Determined
- Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure; Balcony, deck, patio, terrace or verandah (screened enclosures)2 33 PACIFIC PARADE LENNOX HEAD 2478Determined
- Dwelling house; Erection of a new structure27 STONEYHURST DRIVE LENNOX HEAD 2478Determined
- Shed; Erection of a new structure; Supporting Development34 FIG TREE HILL DRIVE LENNOX HEAD 2478Withdrawn
- Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure; Balcony, deck, patio, terrace or verandah; Minor building alterations (internal); Minor building alterations (external); Stairway11 RUTHERFORD STREET LENNOX HEAD 2478Withdrawn
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
- 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
- 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 8.5 km away).
Coalition 33.1%Labor 66.9%
6.9 percentage points more Labor-leaning than the electorate
Estimated swing since 2022: +2.2 pp toward Labor
Nearest polling places
- Lennox HeadLabor 67.7% · Coalition 32.4% TPP (2025)1.1 km away
- Skennars HeadLabor 68.7% · Coalition 31.3% TPP (2025)4.6 km away
- Ballina EastLabor 62.3% · Coalition 37.7% TPP (2025)6.6 km away
- Ballina NorthLabor 59.0% · Coalition 41.0% TPP (2025)7.1 km away
- TintenbarLabor 55.0% · Coalition 45.0% TPP (2025)7.8 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)
- 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.