Median house price
$675k
-5.6% change
NSW · Nambucca Valley Council
Nambucca Heads, 2448
Est. population · Jun 2025
6,995
Growth (1 yr)
+0.9%
Growth (5 yr)
+3.2%
Median age
57
Median income
$839/wk
Employment rate
33.6%
Median house price · October to December 2025
$675,000
Languages at home
3.8%non-English
Most common: Australian Indigenous languages, Malayalam, Mandarin
2021 Census · usual residence
Desirability score
- Green suburb
- Excellent transport
- High desirability
- National parks
- Education hub
Suburb profile
Away from the major hubs, Nambucca Heads is a mid-sized suburb in Nambucca Valley Council with its own quieter rhythm. A mature community gives the area a calm, settled social fabric, with families and grandchildren still a visible part of community life. The town centre holds its own, with enough local flavour to make staying close to home appealing.
Parks and open space are a real strength relative to many regional towns, easy for walks, sport and weekend downtime. Daily life works well on foot, with buses also serving the suburb. Purchase and rent costs sit on the more affordable side of the local range.
Crime trends have improved of late compared with the previous period. Active development is adding new homes and refreshed pockets throughout the suburb.
Desirability rates good overall, led by growth momentum, plus schools and education, while community and employment land closer to the middle of the pack for similar regional towns.
At a glance
Nambucca Heads snapshot
A quick read of housing, growth, livability, and risk
Median rent
$530/wk
Houses $593 · Units $365
Population (ERP)
6,995
+0.9% annual growth
Dwelling vacancy
10.0%
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
#20
among Country & regional · Mature
Safety
61st
percentile in state (higher = safer)
Pop. growth
64th
percentile in NSW
Advantage (IRSAD)
1/10
national SEIFA decile
School ICSEA
9th
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
- 58.7/100 — Good
- State standing
- Top 16% of New South Wales' suburbs
- National rank
- 1156th in Australia
- State rank
- 339th in NSW
- Peer rank
- #20 among Country & regional · Mature suburbs
- Cohort rank
- #52 among Country & regional suburbs
- Data confidence
- 93%
Data sources & freshness
- Suburb Guide desirability index — Suburb Guide (derived) · current · Updated
Housing
- Flats / units (January to March 2026)
- $365
- Houses (January to March 2026)
- $593
- All types (January to March 2026)
- $530
- Rental bonds lodged (January to March 2026)
- 78
- Median house price (October to December 2025)
- $675,000
- Median price change
- -5.6%
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
6,995(June 2025)
+0.9% annual · +3.2% over 5 years · 64th percentile in NSW
Growth figures & methodology
- Annual growth
- +0.9%
- 5-year growth
- +3.2%
- Change in 1 year
- +64
- Change in 5 years
- +214
- Growth rank in NSW
- 64th 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 (~7,150), extrapolated at +0.4% average annual growth since 2011. It is illustrative only — not an official ABS forecast.
2021 Census figures
2021 Census
- Population
- 6,675
- Median age
- 57
- Median household income / week
- $839
- Dwelling vacancy
- 10%
- Unoccupied private dwellings
- 328 of 3,281
- Median monthly mortgage
- $1,300
- Employment rate
- 33.6%
- Dwelling mix (houses / semi / flats)
- 2,132 / 380 / 328 (+ 75 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 decreased compared with the previous period.
Offence counts & rates
- Total offences (Jan 2025 to Dec 2025)
- 586
- Against the person
- 184
- Against property
- 226
- Rate per 1,000 residents
- 83.8
- Person-crime prevalence
- About 1 in 36 residents
- State safety percentile
- 61th (lower crime is better)
- Decrease (daily rate)
- -14.6%
Most common offence types
- Breach Apprehended Violence Order52
- Domestic Violence Related Assault78
- Intimidation, Stalking And Harassment89
- Malicious Damage To Property90
- Non-Domestic Violence Related Assault55
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
- 3
- Median school ICSEA (3 schools)
- 890
- Median ICSEA percentile
- 9th
School list
- Frank Partridge VC Public SchoolPrimary · Government · ICSEA 886 · 8th percentile · LBOTE 18% · 217 students · Top SEA quarter 5% · 0.6 km awayView on My School →
- Nambucca Heads High SchoolSecondary · Government · ICSEA 890 · 9th percentile · LBOTE 9% · 314 students · Top SEA quarter 4% · 0.6 km awayView on My School →
- Nambucca Valley Christian Community SchoolCombined · Independent · ICSEA 1042 · 65th percentile · LBOTE 8% · 555 students · Top SEA quarter 24% · 0.8 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
72 public transport stops in this suburb
- Alexandra Dr Turnaround - Roundabout
- Bowra St At Wellington Dr
- Frank Partridge VC Public School, Centenary Pde
- Marshall Way Opp Summer Pl
- Mumbler St At Bellwood 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
121 nearby amenities within ~1.5 km
2 restaurants · 2 cafes · 2 supermarkets · 1 pharmacies · 1 fast food · 1 bakeries · 2 places of worship · 3 playgrounds
Local character & venue list
Local character
- Highly walkable for everyday errands
- Great for outdoor family life — 14 parks mapped in suburb, 3 playgrounds nearby
- Well connected by public transport — 72 public transport stops
- Strong local sport and recreation — 9 sport and outdoor facilities nearby
- Walkability proxy
- 82/100
- Cafés per 1,000 residents
- 0.3
- Food & drink per 1,000 residents
- 0.9
- Parks per 1,000 residents
- 2.1
Food & drink(6)
- Nambucca Plaza BakeryBakery
- Bellwood CafeCafe
- Cafe EighteenCafe
- Magic NoodleFast food
- HemmingwaysRestaurant
- Pizza HutRestaurant
Shopping(5)
- Nambucca ButcheryButcher
- EG AustraliaConvenience store
- Panacea WholefoodsSupermarket
- Ritchies IGASupermarket
Community(4)
- Frank Partridge VC Public SchoolSchool
Nambucca Heads
- Nambucca Heads High SchoolSchool
Nambucca Heads
- Nambucca Heads Pre-school PlaycentreSchool
1 Bank Street, Nambucca Heads
- Nambucca Valley Christian Community SchoolSchool
Health & services(4)
- Dental Design Studio 32Dentist
- Bawrunga Medical ServiceMedical clinic
1 Marshall Way, Nambucca Heads
- Evolve Medicla CentreMedical clinic
- Nambucca Plaza PharmacyPharmacy
Sport & outdoors(16)
- Nambucca Heads Island Golf ClubGolf course
- Time 2 MoveGym
- Bellwood ParkPark
- Brook ParkPark
- Brotherhood ParkPark
- McMorrine ParkPark
- Park
- Richardson ParkPark
- The Cubana ResortPark
56-58 Riverside Drive
- Playground (3)
- Farringdon Playing FieldsSports field
- Sports field
- Swimming pool (2)
Entertainment(1)
- Majestic CinemasCinema
Transport(11)
11 bus stops
Other(37)
- Ritchies IGA and LiquorAlcohol
- ATM
- Bbq
- Bench (4)
- Bicycle Parking
- RepcoCar Parts
50-54
- East Coast MechanicCar repair
- Aukaka Caravan ParkCaravan Site
- Foreshore Caravan ParkCaravan Site
- Lifeline ShopCharity
- Drinking water
- Nambucca Heads Fire StationFire station
8 Ken Howard Crescent, Nambucca Heads
- Fountain
- Beatties Quality FurnitureFurniture
- Garden (4)
- Information (2)
- Nambucca Valley Visitor Information CentreInformation
- Plaza LaundryLaundry
- Illawong VillageNursing Home
- Nambucca Heads Island Golf ClubParking
- Parking (9)
- TAFE Nambucca HeadsParking
- EG AmpolPetrol station
115 Mann Street, Nambucca Heads
- ShellPetrol station
- Picnic Table (17)
- Place of worship (2)
- Australia PostPost Box
- Nambucca Valley Visitor Information CentrePublic toilets
- Public toilets
- Shelter (2)
- Illawong VillageSocial Facility
- Riverside GardensSocial Facility
- TelstraTelephone
- BridgestoneTyres
- The Reject ShopVariety Store
- Waste Basket (6)
- Nambucca's Little ShoppeYes
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
11 parks and public open space in this suburb
- Bellwood ParkPark
- Brook ParkPark
- Brotherhood ParkPark
- Coronation ParkPark
- Gordon ParkPark
- Lions ParkPark
- McClung ParkPark
- McMorrine ParkPark
- Richardson ParkPark
- The Cubana ResortPark
Data sources & freshness
- Parks & reserves — State government + ABS LGA boundaries · current · Updated
Green cover
- Parks & woodland (OSM)
- 22
- Parks (OSM)
- 14
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
2 places of worship within ~1.5 km
- Place of worship (2)
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
- 7
- Nearest hospital
- Macksville Hospital (6.5 km)
- Nearest hospital type
- Hospital
- Nearest hospital emergency
- Emergency department
- Emergency department in suburb
- Not in suburb
- Bawrunga Medical ServiceMarshall WayDoctor
- Blooms The ChemistPharmacy
- Dental Design Studio 32Dentist
- Evolve Medicla CentreDoctor
- Nambucca Plaza PharmacyPharmacy
- Peachtree Dental SurgeryDentist
- TerryWhite ChemmartPharmacy
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)
- 267
- Participants per 1,000 residents
- 38.2
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· 47 proposals
August 2026
- Erection of a new structure; Carport3 LOWER PALMER STREET NAMBUCCA HEADS 2448Under Assessment
- Dwelling house; Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure; Residential Accommodation14 RIVERSIDE DRIVE NAMBUCCA HEADS 2448Under Assessment
- Dwelling house; Erection of a new structure27 JANGGAL JANGGAL ROAD NAMBUCCA HEADS 2448Under Assessment
July 2026
- Dwelling house; Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure; Erection of a new structure24 PILOT STREET NAMBUCCA HEADS 2448Under Assessment
- Dwelling house; Erection of a new structure28 JANGGAL JANGGAL ROAD NAMBUCCA HEADS 2448Under Assessment
- Dwelling house; Erection of a new structure32 JANGGAL JANGGAL ROAD NAMBUCCA HEADS 2448Under Assessment
- Subdivision11 GLEN SHEATHER DRIVE NAMBUCCA HEADS 2448Determined
- Shed; Erection of a new structure; Earthworks, retaining walls and structural support3 BANGALOW DRIVE NAMBUCCA HEADS 2448Additional Information Requested
- Dwelling house; Erection of a new structure1850 GIINAGAY WAY NAMBUCCA HEADS 2448Determined
- Dwelling house; Erection of a new structure; Residential Accommodation34 JANGGAL JANGGAL ROAD NAMBUCCA HEADS 2448Under Assessment
- Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure; Residential Accommodation3 BANGALOW DRIVE NAMBUCCA HEADS 2448Under Assessment
- Dwelling house; Erection of a new structure27 CHARLES PLACE NAMBUCCA HEADS 2448Determined
- Dwelling house; Erection of a new structure; Earthworks, retaining walls and structural support40 GLEN SHEATHER DRIVE NAMBUCCA HEADS 2448Determined
- Dwelling house; Erection of a new structure9C WARATAH COURT NAMBUCCA HEADS 2448Determined
June 2026
- Subdivision12 PILOT STREET NAMBUCCA HEADS 2448Determined
- Dwelling house; Erection of a new structure4 JANGGAL JANGGAL ROAD NAMBUCCA HEADS 2448Determined
- Erection of a new structure; Garage, carport or carparking space10 ROYAL TAR CRESCENT NAMBUCCA HEADS 2448Operational consent issued
- Secondary dwelling; Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure46 WEST STREET NAMBUCCA HEADS 2448Deferred Commencement
- Secondary dwelling; Erection of a new structure; Moveable dwelling51 PALMER STREET NAMBUCCA HEADS 2448Determined
May 2026
- Dwelling house; Erection of a new structure; Earthworks, retaining walls and structural support; Fences; Residential Accommodation; Supporting Development20 JANGGAL JANGGAL RD, NAMBUCCA HEADS NSW 2448Determined
- Dwelling house; Erection of a new structure; Fences; Residential Accommodation; Supporting Development36 JANGGAL JANGGAL RD, NAMBUCCA HEADS NSW 2448Determined
- Restaurant or cafe; Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure; Food and drink premise1 38 RIDGE STREET NAMBUCCA HEADS 2448Determined
- Shed; Erection of a new structure; Driveways and hard stand spaces3 GALAH GROVE NAMBUCCA HEADS 2448Determined
- Dwelling house; Erection of a new structure; Fences; Residential Accommodation; Supporting Development22 JANGGAL JANGGAL RD, NAMBUCCA HEADS NSW 2448Determined
- Erection of a new structure; Swimming pool9 ROSEDALE STREET NAMBUCCA HEADS 2448Determined
- Office Premise; Erection of a new structure24 BANK STREET NAMBUCCA HEADS 2448Determined
- Dwelling house; Erection of a new structure84 JANGGAL JANGGAL ROAD NAMBUCCA HEADS 2448Determined
April 2026
- Dwelling house; Erection of a new structure88 JANGGAL JANGGAL ROAD NAMBUCCA HEADS 2448Determined
- Erection of a new structure; Carport15 JOHN AVENUE NAMBUCCA HEADS 2448Determined
- Erection of a new structure; Landscaping structures97 JANGGAL JANGGAL ROAD NAMBUCCA HEADS 2448Determined
- Subdivision25 PALMER STREET NAMBUCCA HEADS 2448Determined
- Dwelling house; Erection of a new structure85 JANGGAL JANGGAL ROAD NAMBUCCA HEADS 2448Determined
March 2026
- Dwelling house; Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure; Erection of a new structure45-47 LEE STREET NAMBUCCA HEADS 2448Determined
- Dwelling house; Erection of a new structure; Residential Accommodation32 PARKES STREET NAMBUCCA HEADS 2448Determined
- Dwelling house; Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure; Balcony, deck, patio, terrace or verandah37 LEE STREET NAMBUCCA HEADS 2448Determined
- Dwelling house; Erection of a new structure; Residential Accommodation8 EICHMANN STREET NAMBUCCA HEADS 2448Determined
- Erection of a new structure; Shade structures of canvas, fabric, mesh or the like12-18 NELSON STREET NAMBUCCA HEADS 2448Determined
- Dwelling house; Erection of a new structure; Residential Accommodation56 JANGGAL JANGGAL ROAD NAMBUCCA HEADS 2448Determined
February 2026
- Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure; Balcony, deck, patio, terrace or verandah31 PELICAN CRESCENT NAMBUCCA HEADS 2448Determined
- Dwelling house; Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure; Residential Accommodation9 HIGH STREET NAMBUCCA HEADS 2448Determined
2025· 7 proposals
December 2025
- Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure; Residential Accommodation67 SEAVIEW STREET NAMBUCCA HEADS 2448Determined
- Dwelling house; Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure; Residential Accommodation12 HIGH STREET NAMBUCCA HEADS 2448Determined
- Dwelling house; Erection of a new structure102 JANGGAL JANGGAL ROAD NAMBUCCA HEADS 2448Determined
- Residential flat building; Erection of a new structure1 NELSON STREET NAMBUCCA HEADS 2448Withdrawn
- Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure; Balcony, deck, patio, terrace or verandah19 BELLWOOD DRIVE NAMBUCCA HEADS 2448Determined
- Dwelling house; Erection of a new structure21 WARRGUNY STREET NAMBUCCA HEADS 2448Determined
- Subdivision8A WOODBELL STREET NAMBUCCA HEADS 2448Determined
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
- 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 16.5 km away).
Coalition 57.0%Labor 43.0%
2.1 percentage points more Labor-leaning than the electorate
Estimated swing since 2022: -2.5 pp toward Coalition
Nearest polling places
- Nambucca Heads WestLabor 42.5% · Coalition 57.5% TPP (2025)0.4 km away
- Nambucca HeadsLabor 47.9% · Coalition 52.1% TPP (2025)1.5 km away
- Valla BeachLabor 52.2% · Coalition 47.8% TPP (2025)5.7 km away
- MacksvilleLabor 34.8% · Coalition 65.2% TPP (2025)10.2 km away
- Scotts HeadLabor 55.0% · Coalition 45.0% TPP (2025)12.0 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)
- 1/10
- IRSD decile (2021)
- 1/10
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 Nambucca Valley Council
Other suburbs in the same local government area.
Comparable suburbs
Similar population and socio-economic profile in other parts of New South Wales.