NSW · Port Macquarie-Hastings Council

North Shore, 2444

Est. population · Jun 2025

365

Growth (1 yr)

+0.6%

Growth (5 yr)

+0.3%

Median age

48

Median income

$1,478/wk

Employment rate

56.1%

Median house price · October to December 2025

$915,000

Languages at home

2.9%non-English

Most common: Greek

2021 Census · usual residence

Desirability score

32.6/100
Below average

1650th in NSW

Verified 73% confidence

How this score is calculated
  • Coastal
  • Green suburb
  • National parks
  • High desirability
What North Shore is known for: Coastal, Green suburb, National parks, High desirability

Suburb profile

Life in North Shore revolves around the coast at a genuine remove from Sydney. Day-to-day life leans on nearby towns and local hubs rather than the metro area. Retirees and empty-nesters are well represented here, with families and grandchildren still a visible part of community life.

Local shops are sparse, so a fuller set of amenities usually means travelling to a neighbouring town or regional hub. Outdoor life is easy here, with generous parks and room for kids, dogs and weekend strolls. Day-to-day life is more car-oriented here than in denser, more walkable pockets.

Housing is expensive relative to much of the state. The streetscape feels settled and established, with older homes giving the area a familiar, lived-in look.

Desirability sits below average overall, with local dining and lifestyle amenities, plus safety the main drag compared with similar coastal suburbs. Limited access to some essential local services also trimmed the result.

At a glance

North Shore snapshot

A quick read of housing, growth, livability, and risk

Median house price

$915k

+5.2% change

Median rent

$600/wk

Houses $660 · Units $490

Population (ERP)

365

+0.6% annual growth

Dwelling vacancy

10.6%

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

#96

among Coastal & beach · Mature

Safety

64th

percentile in state (higher = safer)

Pop. growth

51st

percentile in NSW

Advantage (IRSAD)

5/10

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
32.6/100 — Below average
National rank
5129th in Australia
State rank
1650th in NSW
Peer rank
#96 among Coastal & beach · Mature suburbs
Cohort rank
#167 among Coastal & beach suburbs
Data confidence
73%

Data sources & freshness

  • Suburb Guide desirability indexSuburb Guide (derived) · current · Updated

Housing

Flats / units (January to March 2026)
$490
Houses (January to March 2026)
$660
All types (January to March 2026)
$600
Rental bonds lodged (January to March 2026)
551
Median house price (October to December 2025)
$915,000
Median price change
+5.2%

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

Population

Estimated resident population

365(June 2025)

+0.6% annual · +0.3% over 5 years · 51th percentile in NSW

Growth figures & methodology
Annual growth
+0.6%
5-year growth
+0.3%
Change in 1 year
+2
Change in 5 years
+1
Growth rank in NSW
51th 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 (~350), extrapolated at +0.2% average annual growth since 2011. It is illustrative only — not an official ABS forecast.

2021 Census figures

2021 Census

Population
371
Median age
48
Median household income / week
$1,478
Dwelling vacancy
10.6%
Unoccupied private dwellings
17 of 161
Median monthly mortgage
$1,517
Employment rate
56.1%
Dwelling mix (houses / semi / flats)
133 / 0 / 0

Contributes to desirability score · Community (5%)

Employment, household income and age diversity (2021 Census)

Data sources & freshness

  • 2021 Census — General Community ProfileAustralian Bureau of Statistics · Updated

    The 2026 Census runs in August 2026; suburb-level updates are expected from mid-2027.

  • Estimated Resident PopulationAustralian 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 ProfileAustralian 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)
32
Against the person
9
Against property
13
Rate per 1,000 residents
87.7
Person-crime prevalence
About 1 in 41 residents
State safety percentile
63.7th (lower crime is better)
Increase (daily rate)
+3.5%

Most common offence types

  • Breach Bail Conditions379
  • Fraud335
  • Intimidation, Stalking And Harassment422
  • Malicious Damage To Property387
  • Non-Domestic Violence Related Assault342

Contributes to desirability score · Safety (18%)

Crime rate and year-on-year trend

Data sources & freshness

  • BOCSAR postcode crime statisticsNSW 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

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 insightsSuburb Guide (derived) · current · Updated
  • OpenStreetMap amenitiesOpenStreetMap contributors · current · Updated

Parks & reserves

6 parks and public open space in this suburb

  • Coal Wharf ReservePark
  • Ferry ReservePark
  • Inlet ReserveNature reserve
  • Kangaroo ParkPark
  • Riverfront ReservePark

Data sources & freshness

Green cover

Parks & woodland (OSM)
20
Parks (OSM)
5

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

Health access

Nearest hospital
Port Macquarie Private Hospital (6.6 km)
Nearest hospital type
Hospital
Nearest hospital emergency
Emergency department

Contributes to desirability score · Accessibility (15%)

Hospitals and GP clinics

Data sources & freshness

NDIS participation

NDIS participants (31 March 2026)
13
Participants per 1,000 residents
35.6

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

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 normalsWorldClim 2.1 · Updated

Future & Planning

Planning & development

Development applications from NSW Planning Portal.

2026· 4 proposals
  • July 2026

  • Dwelling house; Erection of a new structure
    316 PLOMER ROAD NORTH SHORE 2444Under Assessment
  • May 2026

  • Demolition; Dwelling house; Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure
    54 NORTH SHORE DRIVE NORTH SHORE 2444Determined
  • March 2026

  • Demolition; Dwelling house; Erection of a new structure
    30 NORTH SHORE DRIVE NORTH SHORE 2444Under Assessment
  • January 2026

  • Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure; Erection of a new structure; Garage, carport or carparking space; Jetty; Mooring
    24 NORTH SHORE DRIVE NORTH SHORE 2444Determined
2025· 6 proposals
  • October 2025

  • Subdivision; Rural industry; Agricultural produce industry
    1C SHORELINE DRIVE NORTH SHORE 2444Withdrawn
  • August 2025

  • Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure; Residential Accommodation
    3 PIPI COURT NORTH SHORE 2444Withdrawn
  • July 2025

  • Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure; Swimming pool
    2 SHORELINE DRIVE NORTH SHORE 2444Determined
  • May 2025

  • Dwelling house; Erection of a new structure
    334 PLOMER ROAD NORTH SHORE 2444Determined
  • February 2025

  • Erection of a new structure; Balcony, deck, patio, terrace or verandah; Swimming pool
    7 SEAGULL STREET NORTH SHORE 2444Withdrawn
  • January 2025

  • Dwelling house; Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure
    4 WOMBAT CLOSE NORTH SHORE 2444Determined
2024· 8 proposals
  • November 2024

  • Dwelling house; Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure; Balcony, deck, patio, terrace or verandah
    34 NORTH SHORE DRIVE NORTH SHORE 2444Determined
  • September 2024

  • Dwelling house; Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure
    4 SHORELINE DRIVE NORTH SHORE 2444Withdrawn
  • August 2024

  • Dwelling house; Erection of a new structure
    17 NORTH SHORE DRIVE NORTH SHORE 2444Determined
  • Dwelling house; Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure
    320 PLOMER ROAD NORTH SHORE 2444Determined
  • June 2024

  • Dwelling house; Erection of a new structure
    6 SEAGULL STREET NORTH SHORE 2444Determined
  • April 2024

  • Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure; Balcony, deck, patio, terrace or verandah
    24 SHORELINE DRIVE NORTH SHORE 2444Determined
  • March 2024

  • Dwelling house; Erection of a new structure
    318 PLOMER ROAD NORTH SHORE 2444Determined
  • February 2024

  • Erection of a new structure; Balcony, deck, patio, terrace or verandah
    20 NORTH SHORE DRIVE NORTH SHORE 2444Determined
2023· 11 proposals
  • December 2023

  • Dwelling house; Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure
    305 PLOMER ROAD NORTH SHORE 2444Determined
  • November 2023

  • Demolition; Dwelling house; Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure; Balcony, deck, patio, terrace or verandah
    54 NORTH SHORE DRIVE NORTH SHORE 2444Determined
  • October 2023

  • Dwelling house; Erection of a new structure
    10 SHORELINE DRIVE NORTH SHORE 2444Determined
  • September 2023

  • Dwelling house; Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure
    16 SHORELINE DRIVE NORTH SHORE 2444Determined
  • Dwelling house; Erection of a new structure
    50 NORTH SHORE DRIVE NORTH SHORE 2444Determined
  • Dwelling house; Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure
    42 NORTH SHORE DRIVE NORTH SHORE 2444Determined
  • July 2023

  • Port, wharf, boating facilities
    6 NORTH SHORE DRIVE NORTH SHORE 2444Determined
  • Dwelling; Demolition
    46 NORTH SHORE DRIVE NORTH SHORE 2444Determined
  • June 2023

  • Other
    42 NORTH SHORE DRIVE NORTH SHORE 2444Determined
  • Alterations and additions to residential development
    320 PLOMER ROAD NORTH SHORE 2444Determined
  • February 2023

  • Balconies, decks, patios, terraces or verandahs; Alterations and additions to residential development; Garages, carports and car parking spaces
    52 NORTH SHORE DRIVE NORTH SHORE 2444Determined
2022· 6 proposals
  • November 2022

  • Shed
    3 SEAGULL STREET NORTH SHORE 2444Determined
  • July 2022

  • Pools / decks / fencing
    3 KINGFISHER COURT NORTH SHORE 2444Determined
  • June 2022

  • Pools / decks / fencing
    3 WOMBAT CLOSE NORTH SHORE 2444Determined
  • Pools / decks / fencing
    47 SHORELINE DRIVE NORTH SHORE 2444Determined
  • March 2022

  • Dwelling
    42 NORTH SHORE DRIVE NORTH SHORE 2444Determined
  • February 2022

  • Port, wharf, boating facilities
    24 NORTH SHORE DRIVE NORTH SHORE 2444Determined
2021· 6 proposals
  • December 2021

  • Pools / decks / fencing; Alterations and additions to residential development
    320 PLOMER ROAD NORTH SHORE 2444Determined
  • Balconies, decks, patios, terraces or verandahs; Alterations and additions to residential development; Garages, carports and car parking spaces
    52 NORTH SHORE DRIVE NORTH SHORE 2444Determined
  • Dwelling
    7 KINGFISHER COURT NORTH SHORE 2444Determined
  • November 2021

  • Dwelling; Pools / decks / fencing; Garages, carports and car parking spaces
    50 NORTH SHORE DRIVE NORTH SHORE 2444Determined
  • Other
    50 NORTH SHORE DRIVE NORTH SHORE 2444Determined
  • Alterations and additions to residential development
    330 PLOMER ROAD NORTH SHORE 2444Determined

Contributes to desirability score · Future Growth (7%)

Development and planning activity

Data sources & freshness

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 overlaysState 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 7.1 km away).

Coalition 56.1%Labor 43.9%

2.9 percentage points more Labor-leaning than the electorate

Estimated swing since 2022: +3.8 pp toward Labor

Nearest polling places

  • RiversideLabor 46.5% · Coalition 53.5% TPP (2025)3.2 km away
  • Port Macquarie Town BeachLabor 46.0% · Coalition 54.0% TPP (2025)4.5 km away
  • Settlement ShoresLabor 43.9% · Coalition 56.1% TPP (2025)4.5 km away
  • HibbardLabor 38.3% · Coalition 61.7% TPP (2025)4.7 km away
  • Port Macquarie EastLabor 48.2% · Coalition 51.8% TPP (2025)4.9 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

Socio-economic

IRSAD decile (2021)
5/10
IRSD decile (2021)
6/10

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

More in Port Macquarie-Hastings Council

Other suburbs in the same local government area.

Comparable suburbs

Similar population and socio-economic profile in other parts of New South Wales.