Median house price
$845k
+9.4% change
NSW · Singleton Council
Lower Belford, 2335
Est. population · Jun 2025
522
Growth (1 yr)
+6.8%
Growth (5 yr)
+33.9%
Median age
46
Median income
$2,374/wk
Employment rate
73.9%
Median house price · October to December 2025
$845,000
Languages at home
1.3%non-English
Mostly English at home
2021 Census · usual residence
Desirability score
- Excellent transport
- Education hub
- High desirability
Suburb profile
Lower Belford offers a slower smaller community life in Singleton Council, with open surrounds and a close-knit community feel. The area suits established families and long-term locals, with plenty of young families in the mix. Everyday life leans local, with a handful of trusted shops, a familiar main street and neighbours who know your name.
Local green pockets are modest, with bigger outdoor outings usually found in neighbouring areas. Day-to-day life is more car-oriented here, with buses covering longer trips across the wider area. Housing is expensive relative to much of the state.
Crime reports are up on the previous period. This is a mature, settled pocket where the existing streetscape still defines the local character.
Desirability lands below average here: softer local dining and lifestyle amenities, plus parks and green space weighing on the result versus similar regional towns, even with community and employment, plus growth momentum holding up better. Limited access to some essential local services also trimmed the result.
At a glance
Lower Belford snapshot
A quick read of housing, growth, livability, and risk
Median rent
$700/wk
Houses $710 · Units $500
Population (ERP)
522
+6.8% annual growth
Dwelling vacancy
8.9%
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
#495
among Country & regional · Mature
Safety
41st
percentile in state (higher = safer)
Pop. growth
99th
percentile in NSW
Advantage (IRSAD)
8/10
national SEIFA decile
School ICSEA
17th
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
- 27.1/100 — Below average
- National rank
- 5990th in Australia
- State rank
- 1937th in NSW
- Peer rank
- #495 among Country & regional · Mature suburbs
- Cohort rank
- #897 among Country & regional suburbs
- Data confidence
- 89%
Data sources & freshness
- Suburb Guide desirability index — Suburb Guide (derived) · current · Updated
Housing
- Flats / units (January to March 2026)
- $500
- Houses (January to March 2026)
- $710
- All types (January to March 2026)
- $700
- Rental bonds lodged (January to March 2026)
- 131
- Median house price (October to December 2025)
- $845,000
- Median price change
- +9.4%
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
522(June 2025)
+6.8% annual · +33.9% over 5 years · 99th percentile in NSW
Growth figures & methodology
- Annual growth
- +6.8%
- 5-year growth
- +33.9%
- Change in 1 year
- +33
- Change in 5 years
- +132
- Growth rank in NSW
- 99th 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 (~650), extrapolated at +3.9% average annual growth since 2011. It is illustrative only — not an official ABS forecast.
2021 Census figures
2021 Census
- Population
- 407
- Median age
- 46
- Median household income / week
- $2,374
- Dwelling vacancy
- 8.9%
- Unoccupied private dwellings
- 13 of 146
- Median monthly mortgage
- $2,188
- Employment rate
- 73.9%
- Dwelling mix (houses / semi / flats)
- 136 / 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)
- 31
- Against the person
- 9
- Against property
- 15
- Rate per 1,000 residents
- 59.4
- Person-crime prevalence
- About 1 in 45 residents
- State safety percentile
- 41.1th (lower crime is better)
- Increase (daily rate)
- +24.3%
Most common offence types
- Domestic Violence Related Assault62
- Intimidation, Stalking And Harassment48
- Malicious Damage To Property73
- Motor Vehicle Theft43
- Steal From Retail Store38
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
- 926
- Median ICSEA percentile
- 17th
School list
- Kirkton Public SchoolPrimary · Government · ICSEA 926 · 17th percentile · LBOTE 15% · 45 students · Top SEA quarter 1% · 1.5 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
Public transport
5 public transport stops in this suburb
- Kirkton Public School, Standen Dr
- Kirkton Public School, Standen Dr
- Standen Dr At New England Hwy (Hail And Ride)
- Standen Dr At New England Hwy (Hail And Ride)
- Standen Dr Opp Kirkton Public School
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
3 nearby amenities within ~1.5 km
Local character & venue list
Local character
- Limited walkable amenities nearby
- Walkability proxy
- 8/100
- Cafés per 1,000 residents
- 0
- Food & drink per 1,000 residents
- 0
- Parks per 1,000 residents
- 0
Community(1)
- Kirkton Public SchoolSchool
797 Standen Drive
Sport & outdoors(1)
- Sports field
Other(1)
- DashvilleCamp Site
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)
- 3
- Parks (OSM)
- 0
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
- Singleton Hospital (12.2 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)
- 18
- Participants per 1,000 residents
- 34.5
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
- 27° / 16°
- Rainfall
- 308 mm · ~38 rainy days
Autumn (Mar–May)
- Usual max / min
- 22° / 12°
- Rainfall
- 258 mm · ~32 rainy days
Winter (Jun–Aug)
- Usual max / min
- 16° / 6°
- Rainfall
- 150 mm · ~19 rainy days
Spring (Sep–Nov)
- Usual max / min
- 22° / 11°
- Rainfall
- 203 mm · ~25 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· 7 proposals
June 2026
- Entertainment facility; Temporary building, structure or use; Outdoor dining - general; Entertainment associated with existing premises; Temporary structure; Recreation/Tourist Premise103 KIRKTON ROAD LOWER BELFORD 2335Under Assessment
- Shed; Erection of a new structure4 BLUEBELL CRESCENT LOWER BELFORD 2335Determined
May 2026
- Shed; Erection of a new structure11 HAWK CRESCENT LOWER BELFORD 2335Determined
April 2026
- Erection of a new structure; Awnings, blinds and canopies478 STANDEN DRIVE LOWER BELFORD 2335Determined
- Dwelling house; Erection of a new structure11 HAWK CRESCENT LOWER BELFORD 2335Determined
- Demolition; Dwelling house; Erection of a new structure101 KIRKTON ROAD LOWER BELFORD 2335Determined
January 2026
- Shed; Erection of a new structure25 HAWK CRESCENT LOWER BELFORD 2335Determined
2025· 17 proposals
December 2025
- Dwelling house; Erection of a new structure9 HAWK CRESCENT LOWER BELFORD 2335Determined
- Dwelling house; Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure357C STANDEN DRIVE LOWER BELFORD 2335Determined
- Erection of a new structure; Swimming pool22 HAWK CRESCENT LOWER BELFORD 2335Determined
October 2025
- Dwelling house; Erection of a new structure25 HAWK CRESCENT LOWER BELFORD 2335Determined
September 2025
- Dwelling house; Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure158 KIRKTON ROAD LOWER BELFORD 2335Determined
- Dwelling house; Erection of a new structure13 HAWK CRESCENT LOWER BELFORD 2335Determined
- Erection of a new structure; Swimming poolU 1 261 STANDEN DRIVE LOWER BELFORD 2335Determined
August 2025
- Dwelling house; Erection of a new structure4 BLUEBELL CRESCENT LOWER BELFORD 2335Determined
July 2025
- Erection of a new structure; Residential Accommodation18 HAWK CRESCENT LOWER BELFORD 2335Determined
June 2025
- Shed; Erection of a new structure12 HAWK CRESCENT LOWER BELFORD 2335Determined
- Dwelling house; Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure292 BELL ROAD LOWER BELFORD 2335Determined
May 2025
- Erection of a new structure; Swimming pool299 BELL ROAD LOWER BELFORD 2335Determined
April 2025
- Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure; Manufactured home139 KIRKTON ROAD LOWER BELFORD 2335Determined
March 2025
- Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure; Swimming pool249 STANDEN DRIVE LOWER BELFORD 2335Determined
- Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure; Balcony, deck, patio, terrace or verandah (screened enclosures)16 HAWK CRESCENT LOWER BELFORD 2335Determined
February 2025
- Dwelling house; Erection of a new structure4 HAWK CRESCENT LOWER BELFORD 2335Determined
- Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure; Manufactured home139 KIRKTON ROAD LOWER BELFORD 2335Determined
2024· 9 proposals
November 2024
- Dwelling house; Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure; Residential AccommodationU 1 261 STANDEN DRIVE LOWER BELFORD 2335Determined
- Dwelling house; Erection of a new structure12 HAWK CRESCENT LOWER BELFORD 2335Determined
October 2024
- Shed; Erection of a new structure270 BELL ROAD LOWER BELFORD 2335Determined
August 2024
- Shed; Erection of a new structure; Earthworks, retaining walls and structural support29 HAWK CRESCENT LOWER BELFORD 2335Determined
July 2024
- Dwelling house; Erection of a new structure6 BLUEBELL CRESCENT LOWER BELFORD 2335Determined
- Shed; Erection of a new structure270 BELL ROAD LOWER BELFORD 2335Determined
- Shed; Erection of a new structure6 BLUEBELL CRESCENT LOWER BELFORD 2335Determined
May 2024
- Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure; Home occupation511 STANDEN DRIVE LOWER BELFORD 2335Determined
February 2024
- Farm buildings; Erection of a new structure663 STANDEN DRIVE LOWER BELFORD 2335Determined
2023· 7 proposals
November 2023
- Erection of a new structure; Portable swimming pools and spas and child-resistant barriers149 STANDEN DRIVE LOWER BELFORD NSW 2335Determined
- Dwelling house; Erection of a new structure8 BLUEBELL CRESCENT LOWER BELFORD 2335Determined
October 2023
- Dwelling house; Erection of a new structure81D CORINDA DRIVE LOWER BELFORD 2335Determined
August 2023
- Dwelling22 HAWK CRESCENT LOWER BELFORD 2335Determined
- Other732 STANDEN DRIVE LOWER BELFORD 2335Determined
- Shed3 BLUEBELL CRESCENT LOWER BELFORD 2335Determined
June 2023
- Dwelling10 HAWK CRESCENT LOWER BELFORD 2335Determined
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
- Hunter
- Member of Parliament
- Dan REPACHOLI (Australian Labor Party)
- Results from
- 2025 federal election
- Electorate enrolment (2025)
- 132,184
- Turnout (2025)
- 91.9%
- Swing since 2022 (2025)
- +4.7 pp toward Labor
Two-party preferred (2025)
Coalition 40.5%Labor 59.5%
Estimated suburb voting profile
Estimated from 8 nearby ordinary polling places (up to 13.1 km away).
Coalition 47.8%Labor 52.2%
7.3 percentage points more Coalition-leaning than the electorate
Estimated swing since 2022: +3.8 pp toward Labor
Nearest polling places
- Lower BelfordLabor 53.6% · Coalition 46.4% TPP (2025)1.3 km away
- GlendonLabor 37.2% · Coalition 62.8% TPP (2025)4.1 km away
- ElderslieLabor 46.5% · Coalition 53.5% TPP (2025)4.5 km away
- BranxtonLabor 58.2% · Coalition 41.8% TPP (2025)6.6 km away
- North RothburyLabor 60.6% · Coalition 39.4% TPP (2025)8.2 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)
- 8/10
- 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
More in Singleton Council
Other suburbs in the same local government area.
Comparable suburbs
Similar population and socio-economic profile in other parts of New South Wales.