Median house price
$888k
+6.3% change
NSW · Mid-Coast Council
Smiths Lake, 2428
Est. population · Jun 2025
1,432
Growth (1 yr)
+2.2%
Growth (5 yr)
+9.0%
Median age
49
Median income
$1,210/wk
Employment rate
47.5%
Median house price · October to December 2025
$888,000
Languages at home
3.7%non-English
Most common: French, German, Greek
2021 Census · usual residence
Desirability score
- Excellent transport
- Green suburb
- National parks
- High desirability
Suburb profile
Smiths Lake sits in Mid-Coast Council as a regional smaller community that feels self-contained and a long way from big-city bustle. Regional towns and local services do more of the everyday heavy lifting than the city. A mature community gives the area a calm, settled social fabric, with multiple generations sharing the same neighbourhood.
Local shops, markets and community spots keep everyday life grounded in the town itself. Green space punches above what many regional towns offer, with parks and playgrounds woven through the suburb. Reasonably walkable — many errands reachable on foot or by bus, with buses linking the suburb to surrounding areas.
Homes cost more here than in most comparable suburbs. A trickle of new development is refreshing selected pockets without changing the overall feel.
The desirability picture is around average, weighed down by softer local dining and lifestyle amenities, plus community and employment relative to similar regional towns.
At a glance
Smiths Lake snapshot
A quick read of housing, growth, livability, and risk
Median rent
$550/wk
Houses $650 · Units $460
Population (ERP)
1,432
+2.2% annual growth
Dwelling vacancy
35.8%
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
#102
among Country & regional · Mature
Safety
63rd
percentile in state (higher = safer)
Pop. growth
89th
percentile in NSW
Advantage (IRSAD)
4/10
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
- 43.1/100 — Average
- State standing
- Top 46% of New South Wales' suburbs
- National rank
- 3229th in Australia
- State rank
- 985th in NSW
- Peer rank
- #102 among Country & regional · Mature suburbs
- Cohort rank
- #254 among Country & regional suburbs
- Data confidence
- 81%
Data sources & freshness
- Suburb Guide desirability index — Suburb Guide (derived) · current · Updated
Housing
- Flats / units (January to March 2026)
- $460
- Houses (January to March 2026)
- $650
- All types (January to March 2026)
- $550
- Rental bonds lodged (January to March 2026)
- 207
- Median house price (October to December 2025)
- $888,000
- Median price change
- +6.3%
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
1,432(June 2025)
+2.2% annual · +9.0% over 5 years · 89th percentile in NSW
Growth figures & methodology
- Annual growth
- +2.2%
- 5-year growth
- +9.0%
- Change in 1 year
- +31
- Change in 5 years
- +118
- Growth rank in NSW
- 89th 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 (~1,550), extrapolated at +1.7% average annual growth since 2011. It is illustrative only — not an official ABS forecast.
2021 Census figures
2021 Census
- Population
- 1,332
- Median age
- 49
- Median household income / week
- $1,210
- Dwelling vacancy
- 35.8%
- Unoccupied private dwellings
- 289 of 807
- Median monthly mortgage
- $1,473
- Employment rate
- 47.5%
- Dwelling mix (houses / semi / flats)
- 514 / 6 / 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 decreased compared with the previous period.
Offence counts & rates
- Total offences (Jan 2025 to Dec 2025)
- 124
- Against the person
- 33
- Against property
- 50
- Rate per 1,000 residents
- 86.6
- Person-crime prevalence
- About 1 in 40 residents
- State safety percentile
- 62.7th (lower crime is better)
- Decrease (daily rate)
- -6.5%
Most common offence types
- Breach Apprehended Violence Order133
- Breach Bail Conditions216
- Domestic Violence Related Assault185
- Intimidation, Stalking And Harassment205
- Malicious Damage To Property170
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
59 public transport stops in this suburb
- 113 Patsys Flat Rd
- Macwood Rd Before Harcourt Cres
- Patsys Flat Rd At Macwood Rd
- The Lakes Way Opp Macwood Rd
- Third Ridge Rd Before Macwood 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
43 nearby amenities within ~1.5 km
1 cafes · 1 supermarkets · 1 playgrounds
Local character & venue list
Local character
- Reasonably walkable — many errands reachable on foot or by bus
- Great for outdoor family life — 4 parks mapped in suburb, 1 playgrounds nearby
- Well connected by public transport — 59 public transport stops
- Walkability proxy
- 57/100
- Cafés per 1,000 residents
- 0.75
- Food & drink per 1,000 residents
- 0.75
- Parks per 1,000 residents
- 3
Food & drink(1)
- Frothy Coffee BoatshedCafe
Shopping(1)
- Friendly Grocer Smith's LakeSupermarket
Sport & outdoors(5)
- Coates ReservePark
- Debert ReservePark
- Playground
- Pacific Palms Bowling ClubSports field
- Sports field
Transport(14)
14 bus stops
Other(15)
- Smith's Lake CellarsAlcohol
- Bbq
- Bench (7)
- Frothy Coffee BoatshedBoat Rental
- Drinking water
- Pacific Palms Real EstateEstate Agent
- Pacific Palms Rural Fire BrigadeFire station
- Elvy Hair ArtistryHairdresser
- The Good Food StoreHealth Food
- Parking
- Picnic Table (2)
- Post Box
- Public toilets
- Slipway
- Telephone
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
4 parks and public open space in this suburb
- Coates ReservePark
- Debert ReservePark
- Veropa ParkPark
Data sources & freshness
- Parks & reserves — State government + ABS LGA boundaries · current · Updated
Green cover
- Parks & woodland (OSM)
- 4
- Parks (OSM)
- 4
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
- Forster Private Hospital (21.6 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)
- 34
- Participants per 1,000 residents
- 23.7
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° / 16°
- Rainfall
- 372 mm · ~46 rainy days
Autumn (Mar–May)
- Usual max / min
- 23° / 12°
- Rainfall
- 329 mm · ~41 rainy days
Winter (Jun–Aug)
- Usual max / min
- 17° / 6°
- Rainfall
- 148 mm · ~18 rainy days
Spring (Sep–Nov)
- Usual max / min
- 23° / 11°
- Rainfall
- 218 mm · ~27 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· 10 proposals
August 2026
- Dwelling house; Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure85 MACWOOD ROAD SMITHS LAKE 2428Under Assessment
May 2026
- Dwelling house; Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure3 ANSETT AVENUE SMITHS LAKE 2428Determined
April 2026
- Dwelling house; Erection of a new structure26 PATSYS FLAT ROAD SMITHS LAKE 2428Determined
- Dwelling house; Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure35 TROPIC GARDENS DRIVE SMITHS LAKE 2428Determined
March 2026
- Dwelling house; Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure; Balcony, deck, patio, terrace or verandah; Swimming pool87 MACWOOD ROAD SMITHS LAKE 2428Determined
February 2026
- Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure; Erection of a new structure; Minor building alterations (external); Swimming pool59 AMAROO DRIVE SMITHS LAKE 2428Determined
January 2026
- Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure; Balcony, deck, patio, terrace or verandah; Tennis courts; Swimming pool; Residential Accommodation28 PARADISE DRIVE SMITHS LAKE 2428Determined
- Dwelling house; Erection of a new structure19 FOURTH RIDGE ROAD SMITHS LAKE 2428Determined
- Dwelling house; Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure; Balcony, deck, patio, terrace or verandah; Swimming pool87 MACWOOD ROAD SMITHS LAKE 2428Determined
- Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure; Erection of a new structure; Earthworks, retaining walls and structural support42 AMAROO DRIVE SMITHS LAKE 2428Determined
2025· 31 proposals
December 2025
- Erection of a new structure; Swimming pool3379 THE LAKES WAY SMITHS LAKE 2428Determined
- Dwelling house; Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure102 PATSYS FLAT ROAD SMITHS LAKE 2428Determined
November 2025
- Dwelling house; Erection of a new structure11 SKI COVE STREET SMITHS LAKE 2428Determined
- Dwelling house; Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure3 GORDON CRESCENT SMITHS LAKE 2428Determined
- Shed; Erection of a new structure; Supporting Development3379 THE LAKES WAY SMITHS LAKE 2428Determined
- Demolition; Dwelling house; Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure; Earthworks, retaining walls and structural support; Garage, carport or carparking space7 SECOND RIDGE ROAD SMITHS LAKE 2428Determined
October 2025
- Demolition; Dwelling house; Residential Accommodation31 NEW FORSTER ROAD SMITHS LAKE 2428Determined
September 2025
- Erection of a new structure; Balcony, deck, patio, terrace or verandah; Swimming pool69 PATSYS FLAT ROAD SMITHS LAKE 2428Determined
- Dwelling house; Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure4 TROPIC GARDENS DRIVE SMITHS LAKE 2428Determined
- Demolition; Dwelling house; Erection of a new structure; Driveways and hard stand spaces115 AMAROO DRIVE SMITHS LAKE 2428Determined
- Secondary dwelling; Erection of a new structure65 MACWOOD ROAD SMITHS LAKE 2428Determined
- Secondary dwelling; Erection of a new structure6 PALM CLOSE SMITHS LAKE 2428Withdrawn
- Secondary dwelling; Change of use of land or a building or the classification of a building under the Building Code of Australia105 MACWOOD ROAD SMITHS LAKE 2428Determined
- Erection of a new structure; Swimming pool90 PATSYS FLAT ROAD SMITHS LAKE 2428Determined
August 2025
- Erection of a new structure; Eco-tourist facility28 PARADISE DRIVE SMITHS LAKE 2428Determined
- Demolition110 PATSYS FLAT ROAD SMITHS LAKE 2428Determined
- Dwelling house; Erection of a new structure6 THE JACK SMITHS LAKE 2428Determined
- Dwelling house; Erection of a new structure66 FIRST RIDGE ROAD SMITHS LAKE 2428Determined
- Dwelling house; Erection of a new structure; Garage, carport or carparking space40 SECOND RIDGE ROAD SMITHS LAKE 2428Determined
July 2025
- Dwelling house; Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure19 THIRD RIDGE ROAD SMITHS LAKE 2428Determined
- Dwelling house; Erection of a new structure2 FIRST RIDGE ROAD SMITHS LAKE 2428Determined
- Dwelling house; Erection of a new structure5 KEITH CRESCENT SMITHS LAKE 2428Withdrawn
- Shed; Erection of a new structure30 FOURTH RIDGE ROAD SMITHS LAKE 2428Determined
May 2025
- Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure; Balcony, deck, patio, terrace or verandah; Tennis courts; Swimming pool; Residential Accommodation28 PARADISE DRIVE SMITHS LAKE 2428Determined
- Dwelling house; Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure52 PARADISE DRIVE SMITHS LAKE 2428Determined
- Erection of a new structure; Eco-tourist facility28 PARADISE DRIVE SMITHS LAKE 2428Determined
- Temporary building, structure or use; Earthworks, retaining walls and structural support52 PARADISE DRIVE SMITHS LAKE 2428Determined
April 2025
- Erection of a new structure; Dual occupancy (detached)9 TROPIC GARDENS DRIVE SMITHS LAKE 2428Determined
March 2025
- Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure; Driveways and hard stand spaces8 PARADISE DRIVE SMITHS LAKE 2428Determined
- Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure; Balcony, deck, patio, terrace or verandah; Tennis courts; Swimming pool; Residential Accommodation28 PARADISE DRIVE SMITHS LAKE 2428Determined
- Dwelling house; Erection of a new structure21 FOURTH RIDGE ROAD SMITHS LAKE 2428Determined
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
- No overlay at centroid
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
- Lyne
- Member of Parliament
- Alison PENFOLD (The Nationals)
- Results from
- 2025 federal election
- Electorate enrolment (2025)
- 129,584
- Turnout (2025)
- 92.9%
- Swing since 2022 (2025)
- +4.0 pp toward Labor
Two-party preferred (2025)
Coalition 59.8%Labor 40.2%
Estimated suburb voting profile
Estimated from 8 nearby ordinary polling places (up to 24.0 km away).
Coalition 48.2%Labor 51.8%
11.6 percentage points more Labor-leaning than the electorate
Estimated swing since 2022: +2.1 pp toward Labor
Nearest polling places
- BungwahlLabor 51.8% · Coalition 48.2% TPP (2025)4.5 km away
- Pacific PalmsLabor 55.1% · Coalition 44.9% TPP (2025)6.0 km away
- Coomba ParkLabor 49.6% · Coalition 50.4% TPP (2025)15.5 km away
- Forster KeysLabor 42.4% · Coalition 57.6% TPP (2025)18.4 km away
- Forster SouthLabor 45.0% · Coalition 55.0% TPP (2025)19.9 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
- Federal election results — Australian Electoral Commission · Updated · 2025 election with by-election overlays
Socio-economic
- IRSAD decile (2021)
- 4/10
- IRSD decile (2021)
- 4/10
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 Mid-Coast Council
Other suburbs in the same local government area.
Comparable suburbs
Similar population and socio-economic profile in other parts of New South Wales.