Median house price
$989k
+16% change
NSW · Coffs Harbour Council
Upper Orara, 2450
Est. population · Jun 2025
885
Growth (1 yr)
+1.5%
Growth (5 yr)
+4.7%
Median age
45
Median income
$1,739/wk
Employment rate
56.2%
Median house price · October to December 2025
$989,000
Languages at home
8.8%non-English
Most common: German, Spanish
2021 Census · usual residence
Desirability score
- Excellent transport
- Education hub
- High desirability
Suburb profile
Upper Orara is a quieter smaller community in Coffs Harbour Council, where peace, space and a country-town pace still dominate. Distance from Sydney is unmistakable: this is well outside the capital's everyday orbit. The area suits established families and long-term locals, with family life visible on every street.
Life here is grounded in local routine rather than big-city choice. Everyday basics may be close by, but bigger shopping and services typically require a trip to a nearby centre. Strong connections via buses keep the wider area accessible.
Homes cost more here than in most comparable suburbs. This is a mature, settled pocket where the existing streetscape still defines the local character.
Against similar regional towns, the suburb sits below average overall, mainly because parks and green space, plus schools and education lag behind, despite relative strength in growth momentum. Limited access to some essential local services also trimmed the result.
At a glance
Upper Orara snapshot
A quick read of housing, growth, livability, and risk
Median rent
$620/wk
Houses $680 · Units $500
Population (ERP)
885
+1.5% annual growth
Dwelling vacancy
6.8%
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
#255
among Country & regional · Mature
Safety
89th
percentile in state (higher = safer)
Pop. growth
79th
percentile in NSW
Advantage (IRSAD)
7/10
national SEIFA decile
School ICSEA
21st
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
- 35.8/100 — Below average
- National rank
- 4514th in Australia
- State rank
- 1435th in NSW
- Peer rank
- #255 among Country & regional · Mature suburbs
- Cohort rank
- #536 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)
- $680
- All types (January to March 2026)
- $620
- Rental bonds lodged (January to March 2026)
- 433
- Median house price (October to December 2025)
- $989,000
- Median price change
- +15.7%
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
885(June 2025)
+1.5% annual · +4.7% over 5 years · 79th percentile in NSW
Growth figures & methodology
- Annual growth
- +1.5%
- 5-year growth
- +4.7%
- Change in 1 year
- +13
- Change in 5 years
- +40
- Growth rank in NSW
- 79th 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 (~900), extrapolated at +0.8% average annual growth since 2011. It is illustrative only — not an official ABS forecast.
2021 Census figures
2021 Census
- Population
- 863
- Median age
- 45
- Median household income / week
- $1,739
- Dwelling vacancy
- 6.8%
- Unoccupied private dwellings
- 20 of 292
- Median monthly mortgage
- $1,800
- Employment rate
- 56.2%
- Dwelling mix (houses / semi / flats)
- 266 / 3 / 0 (+ 5 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)
- 113
- Against the person
- 29
- Against property
- 41
- Rate per 1,000 residents
- 127.7
- Person-crime prevalence
- About 1 in 30 residents
- State safety percentile
- 88.7th (lower crime is better)
- Decrease (daily rate)
- -11.5%
Most common offence types
- Breach Apprehended Violence Order390
- Breach Bail Conditions817
- Domestic Violence Related Assault416
- Intimidation, Stalking And Harassment572
- Malicious Damage To Property460
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
- 940
- Median ICSEA percentile
- 21th
School list
- Orara Upper Public SchoolPrimary · Government · ICSEA 940 · 21th percentile · LBOTE 6% · 33 students · Top SEA quarter 1%View 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
147 public transport stops in this suburb
- 201 Dairyville Rd
- 221 Dairyville Rd
- 251 Dairyville Rd
- 553 Upper Orara Rd
- Upper Orara Rd Opp Watkin 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
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 insights — Suburb Guide (derived) · current · Updated
- OpenStreetMap amenities — OpenStreetMap contributors · current · Updated
Parks & reserves
1 parks and public open space in this suburb
- Upper Orara Recreation ReservePark
Data sources & freshness
- Parks & reserves — State government + ABS LGA boundaries · current · Updated
Green cover
- Parks & woodland (OSM)
- 1
- Parks (OSM)
- 1
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
- Coffs Harbour Health Campus (10.8 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)
- 24
- Participants per 1,000 residents
- 27.1
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
- 26° / 19°
- Rainfall
- 504 mm · ~63 rainy days
Autumn (Mar–May)
- Usual max / min
- 23° / 15°
- Rainfall
- 522 mm · ~65 rainy days
Winter (Jun–Aug)
- Usual max / min
- 18° / 8°
- Rainfall
- 199 mm · ~25 rainy days
Spring (Sep–Nov)
- Usual max / min
- 23° / 13°
- Rainfall
- 270 mm · ~34 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· 6 proposals
July 2026
- Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure; Driveways and hard stand spaces26A JABOH CLOSE UPPER ORARA 2450Determined
- Subdivision529 DAIRYVILLE ROAD UPPER ORARA 2450Under Assessment
- Shed; Erection of a new structure266 NORTH ISLAND LOOP ROAD UPPER ORARA 2450Determined
June 2026
- Erection of a new structure; Fences276 SOUTH ISLAND LOOP ROAD UPPER ORARA 2450Additional Information Requested
May 2026
- Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure; Swimming pool651 DAIRYVILLE ROAD UPPER ORARA 2450Determined
- Shed; Erection of a new structure425F UPPER ORARA ROAD UPPER ORARA 2450Determined
2025· 9 proposals
December 2025
- Shed; Erection of a new structure128E FRIDAYS CREEK ROAD UPPER ORARA 2450Determined
November 2025
- Home occupation; Hours of operation and trading128 FRIDAYS CREEK ROAD UPPER ORARA 2450Determined
October 2025
- Shed; Erection of a new structure111 NORTH ISLAND LOOP ROAD UPPER ORARA 2450Determined
September 2025
- Erection of a new structure; Carport; Minor building alterations (external)128 FRIDAYS CREEK ROAD UPPER ORARA 2450Determined
August 2025
- Shed; Erection of a new structure251 DAIRYVILLE ROAD UPPER ORARA 2450Determined
June 2025
- Shed; Erection of a new structure366a Dairyville Road, Upper Orara NSW 2450Determined
May 2025
- Dual occupancy; Change of use of land or a building or the classification of a building under the Building Code of Australia; Dual occupancy (detached)417 FRIDAYS CREEK ROAD UPPER ORARA 2450Determined
January 2025
- Dwelling house; Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure40 WALTERS ROAD UPPER ORARA 2450Determined
- Demolition; Farm buildings; Shed; Erection of a new structure128 FRIDAYS CREEK ROAD UPPER ORARA 2450Determined
2024· 5 proposals
October 2024
- Place of public worship; Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure; Other Infrastructure; Infrastructure115 WAYPER CREEK ROAD UPPER ORARA 2450Determined
September 2024
- Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure; Residential Accommodation812A UPPER ORARA ROAD UPPER ORARA 2450Determined
July 2024
- Shed; Erection of a new structure375A UPPER ORARA ROAD UPPER ORARA 2450Determined
June 2024
- Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure; Residential Accommodation211 DAIRYVILLE ROAD UPPER ORARA 2450Determined
March 2024
- Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure; Residential Accommodation350 SOUTH ISLAND LOOP ROAD UPPER ORARA 2450Determined
2023· 6 proposals
October 2023
- Erection of a new structure; Swimming pool79-79A WALTERS ROAD UPPER ORARA 2450Determined
September 2023
- Dual occupancy420 SOUTH ISLAND LOOP ROAD UPPER ORARA 2450Determined
July 2023
- Alterations and additions to residential development425 UPPER ORARA ROAD UPPER ORARA 2450Determined
May 2023
- Dwelling284 DAIRYVILLE ROAD UPPER ORARA 2450Determined
- Alterations and additions to residential development40A WALTERS ROAD UPPER ORARA 2450Determined
March 2023
- Farm buildings128F FRIDAYS CREEK ROAD UPPER ORARA 2450Determined
2022· 9 proposals
November 2022
- Dual occupancy366 DAIRYVILLE ROAD UPPER ORARA 2450Determined
September 2022
- Alterations and additions to residential development158A NORTH ISLAND LOOP ROAD UPPER ORARA 2450Determined
August 2022
- Dwelling; Dual occupancy; Pools / decks / fencing352 NORTH ISLAND LOOP ROAD UPPER ORARA 2450Determined
May 2022
- Alterations and additions to residential development158A NORTH ISLAND LOOP ROAD UPPER ORARA 2450Determined
- Dwelling26C JABOH CLOSE UPPER ORARA 2450Determined
March 2022
- Dwelling352 NORTH ISLAND LOOP ROAD UPPER ORARA 2450Determined
- Subdivision of land51 FRIDAYS CREEK ROAD UPPER ORARA 2450Determined
- Secondary dwelling; Garages, carports and car parking spaces721 DAIRYVILLE ROAD UPPER ORARA 2450Withdrawn
January 2022
- Development Application529 DAIRYVILLE ROAD UPPER ORARA 2450Determined
2021· 8 proposals
December 2021
- Pools / decks / fencing157 NORTH ISLAND LOOP ROAD UPPER ORARA 2450Determined
- Secondary dwelling420 SOUTH ISLAND LOOP ROAD UPPER ORARA 2450Determined
November 2021
- DwellingLot 2 DP260041 - Upper Orara Road, Upper OraraDetermined
- Dwelling111 NORTH ISLAND LOOP ROAD UPPER ORARA 2450Determined
October 2021
- Dwelling352 NORTH ISLAND LOOP ROAD UPPER ORARA 2450Determined
- Dwelling425A UPPER ORARA ROAD UPPER ORARA 2450Withdrawn
- Secondary dwelling24B JABOH CLOSE UPPER ORARA 2450Withdrawn
September 2021
- Shed128F FRIDAYS CREEK ROAD UPPER ORARA 2450Determined
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)
Roadworks & transport
1 active roadworks / incidents
- Exercise caution. Check signage. Use an alternative route. Culvert replacement works (Walgarah Creek) on Upper Orara Road, located approx. 500m south of Upper Orara Hall. Works from 3 August 2026 for approx 10 weeks. Traffic controllers will be on site to direct motorists.Upper Orara Road15 Jul 2026 – 16 Oct 2026
Data sources & freshness
- Road incidents & closures — State road authority open-data feeds · current · Updated
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 12.1 km away).
Coalition 52.7%Labor 47.3%
6.4 percentage points more Labor-leaning than the electorate
Estimated swing since 2022: +2.2 pp toward Labor
Nearest polling places
- Upper OraraLabor 48.5% · Coalition 51.5% TPP (2025)2.1 km away
- BoambeeLabor 38.5% · Coalition 61.5% TPP (2025)9.9 km away
- Coffs Harbour SouthLabor 42.6% · Coalition 57.4% TPP (2025)10.7 km away
- Coffs Harbour WestLabor 46.2% · Coalition 53.8% TPP (2025)11.4 km away
- BonvilleLabor 36.7% · Coalition 63.3% TPP (2025)11.5 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)
- 7/10
- 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
Compare with
Similar suburbs to weigh up side by side — scores, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
More in Coffs Harbour Council
Other suburbs in the same local government area.
Comparable suburbs
Similar population and socio-economic profile in other parts of New South Wales.