NSW · Lismore Council
Goonellabah, 2480
Current weather
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84% humidity · 9.1 km/h wind · 21.6° / 13.7° today · 0.5 mm rain
Updated
Desirability score
- Green suburb
- High desirability
- Excellent transport
- Dog friendly
- National parks
Suburb profile
As a regional hub in Lismore, Goonellabah combines local convenience with the appeal of a established suburb that feels genuinely its own. The community is self-contained in the best sense. Local life comes first, with the region opening up beyond. Leafy streets and shaded corners make the suburb feel greener and more established than many nearby.
Residents are mostly families and working professionals, with family life visible on every street. Weekends tend to revolve around local favourites: a café, a market run, a walk through town. Outdoor life is easy here, with generous parks and room for kids, dogs and weekend strolls.
Strong public transport connections keep the wider area accessible. The area offers approachable housing costs alongside a lifestyle that still feels complete.
On the desirability index, the suburb rates good overall, led by parks and green space and growth momentum, while community and employment and local dining and lifestyle amenities sit closer to the middle of the pack for similar regional towns.
Population
- Population
- 13,351
- Median age
- 41
- Median household income / week
- $1,318
- Dwelling vacancy
- 5.2%
- Unoccupied private dwellings
- 291 of 5,564
- Median monthly mortgage
- $1,560
- Employment rate
- 54.5%
- Dwelling mix (houses / semi / flats)
- 411 / 949 / 219
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 · Period: 2021 · Updated on site · 2021 Census release
The 2026 Census runs in August 2026; suburb-level updates are expected from mid-2027.
Housing
- Flats / units (January to March 2026)
- $425
- Houses (January to March 2026)
- $620
- All types (January to March 2026)
- $550
- Rental bonds lodged (January to March 2026)
- 252
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 tables — NSW Department of Communities and Justice · Period: January to March 2026 · Updated on site · Quarterly releases
Crime & safety
- Total offences (Jan 2025 to Dec 2025)
- 1,344
- Against the person
- 360
- Against property
- 510
- Rate per 1,000 residents
- 100.7
- Person-crime prevalence
- About 1 in 37 residents
- State safety percentile
- 70.7th (lower crime is better)
- Decrease (daily rate)
- -7.4%
Reported offences decreased compared with the previous period.
Reported offences by period
Most common offence types
- Breach Bail Conditions513
- Fraud284
- Intimidation, Stalking And Harassment361
- Malicious Damage To Property360
- Non-Domestic Violence Related Assault312
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 · Period: Jan 2024 to Dec 2024 → Jan 2025 to Dec 2025; Jan 2025 to Dec 2025 · Updated on site · Rolling 12-month windows
Schools & preschools
- Schools & preschools
- 4
- Median school ICSEA (4 schools)
- 941.5
- Blue Hills CollegeCombined
- Goonellabah Public SchoolPrimary
- Summerland Christian CollegeCombined
- The Rivers Secondary College, Kadina High CampusSecondary
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 · Period: 2025 · Updated on site · Annual ACARA release
- School ICSEA scores — Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority · Period: 2025 · Updated on site · Annual ACARA release
Public transport
599 public transport stops in this suburb
- Ballina Rd After McDermott Av
- Goonellabah Coach Stop
- Goonellabah Village, Simeoni Dr
- Rous Rd Before Oliver Av
- Rous Rd Opp North Pl
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 · Period: current · Updated on site · GTFS static feed (updated nightly)
Planning & development
Development applications from NSW Planning Portal (lodged 2020–2026).
470 planning-related records
2026· 40 proposals
June 2026
- Erection of a new structure; Manufactured home5A SPRING AVENUE GOONELLABAH 2480Under Assessment
- Dwelling house; Erection of a new structure126 INVERCAULD ROAD GOONELLABAH 2480Under Assessment
- Dwelling house; Subdivision; Erection of a new structure; Driveways and hard stand spaces; Earthworks, retaining walls and structural support24 SCHURR DRIVE GOONELLABAH 2480Under Assessment
- Dwelling house; Erection of a new structure; Balcony, deck, patio, terrace or verandah; Driveways and hard stand spaces; Earthworks, retaining walls and structural support67 HILLCREST AVENUE GOONELLABAH 2480Additional Information Requested
- Erection of a new structure; Dual occupancy (detached); Earthworks, retaining walls and structural support33 ACACIA AVENUE GOONELLABAH 2480Determined
- Dwelling house; Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure; Residential Accommodation36 CALLUNE TERRACE GOONELLABAH 2480Determined
May 2026
- Dwelling house; Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure; Residential Accommodation20 PINECREST DRIVE GOONELLABAH 2480Determined
- Subdivision; Erection of a new structure; Multi-dwelling housing (terraces)30 HILLTOP CLOSE GOONELLABAH 2480Under Assessment
- Dwelling house; Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure46 JUST STREET GOONELLABAH 2480Determined
- Dwelling house; Erection of a new structure; Balcony, deck, patio, terrace or verandah; Driveways and hard stand spaces; Earthworks, retaining walls and structural support; Manufactured home67 HILLCREST AVENUE GOONELLABAH 2480Determined
- Dwelling house; Erection of a new structure50 MAHOGANY PARADE GOONELLABAH 2480Determined
- Dwelling house; Erection of a new structure118 INVERCAULD ROAD GOONELLABAH 2480Determined
- Erection of a new structure; Balcony, deck, patio, terrace or verandah7 KINGFISHER PLACE GOONELLABAH 2480Determined
- Shed; Erection of a new structure19 HIGHFIELD TERRACE GOONELLABAH 2480Determined
- Erection of a new structure; Dual occupancy (detached); Residential Accommodation7 tulipwood ave Goonellabah, NSWUnder Assessment
April 2026
- Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure; Residential Accommodation29 JOY STREET GOONELLABAH 2480Determined
- Erection of a new structure; Carport13 IDA PLACE GOONELLABAH 2480Determined
- Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure; Swimming pool66 JUST STREET GOONELLABAH 2480Determined
- Erection of a new structure; Centre-based child care13 SIMEONI DRIVE GOONELLABAH 2480Determined
- Subdivision; Erection of a new structure; Dual occupancy (detached); Driveways and hard stand spaces; Earthworks, retaining walls and structural support35 ACACIA AVENUE GOONELLABAH 2480Under Assessment
- Erection of a new structure; Carport; Supporting Development5 JOEL PLACE GOONELLABAH 2480Determined
- Multi-dwelling housing; Subdivision; Erection of a new structure; Driveways and hard stand spaces; Earthworks, retaining walls and structural support5 CAMILLA PLACE GOONELLABAH 2480Determined
- Secondary dwelling; Erection of a new structure18 D A OLLEY DRIVE GOONELLABAH 2480Determined
- Demolition2 CAMPBELL CRESCENT GOONELLABAH 2480Determined
March 2026
- Subdivision15 MISTY VALLEY VIEW GOONELLABAH 2480Under Assessment
- Demolition; Shed; Erection of a new structure; Supporting Development15 SOMERSET SQUARE GOONELLABAH 2480Determined
- Erection of a new structure; Driveways and hard stand spaces; Supporting Development562 BALLINA ROAD GOONELLABAH 2480Determined
- Dwelling house; Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure22 PIGNAT PLACE GOONELLABAH 2480Determined
- Erection of a new structure; Centre-based child care13 SIMEONI DRIVE GOONELLABAH 2480Determined
- Erection of a new structure; Centre-based child care13 SIMEONI DRIVE GOONELLABAH 2480Determined
- Pub; Temporary building, structure or use; Outdoor dining - general747 BALLINA ROAD GOONELLABAH 2480Determined
- Subdivision5 WEDGETAIL COURT GOONELLABAH 2480Determined
- Erection of a new structure; Balcony, deck, patio, terrace or verandah; Swimming pool16 PINECREST DRIVE GOONELLABAH 2480Determined
- Subdivision459 SKYLINE ROAD GOONELLABAH 2480Withdrawn
- Subdivision15 WEDGETAIL COURT GOONELLABAH 2480Determined
- Erection of a new structure; Residential Accommodation63 JUST STREET GOONELLABAH 2480Determined
- Dwelling house; Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure; Residential Accommodation55 HILLCREST AVENUE GOONELLABAH 2480Determined
- Shed; Erection of a new structure; Earthworks, retaining walls and structural support38 SAWYERS AVENUE GOONELLABAH 2480Determined
- Dwelling house; Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure32 JOY STREET GOONELLABAH 2480Determined
- Shed; Erection of a new structure; Balcony, deck, patio, terrace or verandah; Fences; Swimming pool; Supporting Development23 CAVENDISH ROAD GOONELLABAH 2480Determined
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 · Period: 2020–2026 · Updated on site · Daily open-data feed (applications from Oct 2018)
Amenities
93 nearby amenities within ~1.5 km
- Bench (15)
- Ballina Rd after Deegan DrBus stop
- Ballina Rd before Deegan DrBus stop
- Ballina Rd opp Goonellabah TavernBus stop
- Ballina Rd opp Goonellbah Public SchoolBus stop
- Ballina Rd opp Rous RdBus stop
- Bruxner Hwy at Canterbury ChBus stop
- Bruxner Hwy opp Canterbury ChBus stop
- Bus stop
- Cambridge Dr at Dean ClBus stop
Names and addresses from OpenStreetMap. Unnamed venues show as their type (e.g. Cafe).
Contributes to desirability score · Lifestyle (15%)
Food, shopping, recreation and sport (OpenStreetMap)
Data sources & freshness
- OpenStreetMap amenities — OpenStreetMap contributors · Period: current · Updated on site · Weekly refresh
Parks & reserves
16 parks and public open space in this suburb
- Andrews ParkPark
- Birdwing Butterfly GullyPark
- Bottom OvalPark
- Caruana ParkPark
- Elders Memorial ParkPark
- greenhills parkPark
- Hepburn ParkPark
- Holmes ParkPark
- John Brooker ParkPark
- Kadina ParkPark
Data sources & freshness
- Parks & reserves — State government + ABS LGA boundaries · Period: current · Updated on site
Health access
- Hospitals & GP clinics
- 8
- Emergency department
- Not in suburb
- Chemist WarehouseBallina Roadpharmacy
- Dentistdentist
- Discount Drug StoresRous Roadpharmacy
- Goonellabah Dental PracticeRous Roaddentist
- Goonellabah Medical CentreBallina Roadclinic
- Goonellabah Pharmacypharmacy
- Goonellabah Physiotherapyphysiotherapist
- Northcoast Radiologyyes
Contributes to desirability score · Accessibility (15%)
Hospitals and GP clinics
Data sources & freshness
- Hospitals & clinics — OpenStreetMap + state health datasets · Period: current · Updated on site
Socio-economic (SEIFA)
- IRSAD decile (2021)
- 3/10
- IRSD decile (2021)
- 3/10
SEIFA indexes from ABS 2021. Decile 10 = most advantaged / least disadvantaged in Australia.
Contributes to desirability score · Community (5%)
Socio-economic advantage (IRSAD decile)
Data sources & freshness
- SEIFA 2021 (IRSAD / IRSD) — Australian Bureau of Statistics · Period: 2021 · Updated on site · 2021 SEIFA release
Heritage
1 state heritage place
- Tulloona562 Ballina Road GoonellabahSHR
Data sources & freshness
- State heritage register — State heritage authority · Period: current · Updated on site
Childcare
1 childcare service from OpenStreetMap
- Jarjumchildcare
Contributes to desirability score · Education (15%)
Childcare centre count
Data sources & freshness
- Childcare services — OpenStreetMap · Period: current · Updated on site
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 · Period: current · Updated on site
Green cover
- Parks & woodland (OSM)
- 27
- Parks (OSM)
- 17
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 features — OpenStreetMap contributors · Period: current · Updated on site · Weekly refresh
Desirability Index
- Desirability score
- 69.0/100 — Good
- State standing
- Top 5% of New South Wales' suburbs
- National rank
- 246th in Australia
- State rank
- 99th in NSW
- Peer rank
- #5 among Country & regional · Established suburbs
- Cohort rank
- #11 among Country & regional suburbs
- Data confidence
- 89%
Data sources & freshness
- Suburb Guide desirability index — Suburb Guide (derived score) · Period: current · Updated on site · Derived from source metrics
Recent changes
- B Block Quadamenitiesplayground
- Ballina Rd after Deegan Dramenitiesbus_stop
- Ballina Rd before Deegan Dramenitiesbus_stop
- Ballina Rd opp Goonellabah Tavernamenitiesbus_stop
- Ballina Rd opp Goonellbah Public Schoolamenitiesbus_stop
- Ballina Rd opp Rous Rdamenitiesbus_stop
- Benchamenitiesbench
- Benchamenitiesbench
- Benchamenitiesbench
- Benchamenitiesbench
Data sources & freshness
- OpenStreetMap amenities — OpenStreetMap contributors · Updated on site · Weekly refresh
More in Lismore Council
Other suburbs in the same local government area.
Comparable suburbs
Similar population and socio-economic profile in other parts of New South Wales.