NSW · Clarence Valley Council
Maclean, 2463
Current weather
18°CPartly cloudy
82% humidity · 9.6 km/h wind · 20.7° / 13.8° today · 0.1 mm rain
Updated
Desirability score
- Green suburb
- National parks
- Excellent transport
- River access
- Education hub
Suburb profile
In Clarence Valley, Maclean keeps a rural calm, a mid-sized suburb with room to breathe and a strong local rhythm. The community is self-contained in the best sense. Local life comes first, with the region opening up beyond. Generous greenery runs through the area, from street trees to tucked-away reserves.
Retirees and empty-nesters are well represented here, with multiple generations sharing the same neighbourhood. Life here is grounded in local routine rather than big-city choice, and that is part of the charm. Green space is a real strength, with parks and playgrounds woven through the suburb.
Buses and nearby services make commuting and cross-suburb trips straightforward. The area offers approachable housing costs alongside a lifestyle that still feels complete.
The desirability score is around average, weighed down by weaker community and employment and local dining and lifestyle amenities against similar regional towns, even with growth momentum and parks and green space holding up better. Limited access to some essential local services also trimmed the result.
Population
- Population
- 2,778
- Median age
- 56
- Median household income / week
- $965
- Dwelling vacancy
- 9%
- Unoccupied private dwellings
- 111 of 1,239
- Median monthly mortgage
- $1,387
- Employment rate
- 36.9%
- Dwelling mix (houses / semi / flats)
- 107 / 77 / 46
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
- Houses (January to March 2026)
- $580
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)
- 166
- Against the person
- 56
- Against property
- 63
- Rate per 1,000 residents
- 59.8
- Person-crime prevalence
- About 1 in 50 residents
- State safety percentile
- 37.2th (lower crime is better)
- Decrease (daily rate)
- -2.1%
Reported offences decreased compared with the previous period.
Reported offences by period
Most common offence types
- Breach Apprehended Violence Order30
- Domestic Violence Related Assault32
- Intimidation, Stalking And Harassment63
- Malicious Damage To Property41
- Non-Domestic Violence Related Assault38
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
- 3
- Median school ICSEA (3 schools)
- 959
- Maclean High SchoolSecondary
- Maclean Public SchoolPrimary
- St Joseph's Primary SchoolPrimary
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
37 public transport stops in this suburb
- Cameron St Opp Maclean Cemetery
- Maclean District Hospital, Union St
- River St After John St
- River St At Taloumbi Lane
- Yamba Rd At Pacific Hwy Bridge
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)
Roadworks & transport
1 active roadworks / incidents
- Check signage. Use an alternative route. Use diversions. Alexander Street in Maclean is currently closed between Short Street and the Maclean Olympic Pool, detours are in place.Alexander Street, Short St16 Apr 2026 – 31 Jul 2026
Data sources & freshness
- Road incidents & closures — State road authority open-data feeds · Period: current · Updated on site · Hourly refresh where supported
Planning & development
Development applications from NSW Planning Portal (lodged 2020–2026).
198 planning-related records
2026· 16 proposals
June 2026
- Shed; Dwelling house; Erection of a new structure; Carport7 GLENBROOK COURT MACLEAN 2463Under Assessment
- Change of use of land or a building or the classification of a building under the Building Code of Australia; Early Education and Care Facility18-20 CLYDE STREET MACLEAN 2463Additional Information Requested
May 2026
- Erection of a new structure; Carport2B HOWARD STREET MACLEAN 2463Additional Information Requested
- Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure; Residential Accommodation15 CAMERON STREET MACLEAN 2463Determined
- Dwelling house; Erection of a new structure7 KERRY STREET MACLEAN 2463Under Assessment
- Dwelling house; Erection of a new structure27 RANNOCH AVENUE MACLEAN 2463Determined
April 2026
- Dwelling house; Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure28 UNION STREET MACLEAN 2463Additional Information Requested
- Dwelling house; Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure; Change of use of land or a building or the classification of a building under the Building Code of Australia40 CHURCH STREET MACLEAN 2463Determined
- Dwelling house; Erection of a new structure8 YAMBA ROAD MACLEAN 2463Determined
- Erection of a new structure; Carport16 GRAFTON STREET MACLEAN 2463Under Assessment
February 2026
- Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure; Erection of a new structure; Balcony, deck, patio, terrace or verandah; Carport10 CAMERON STREET MACLEAN 2463Determined
January 2026
- Erection of a new structure; Balcony, deck, patio, terrace or verandah; Swimming pool11 RIVER STREET MACLEAN 2463Determined
- Restaurant or cafe; Commercial development; Erection of a new structure; Health consulting room; Medical centre; Food and drink premise; Health Infrastructure193 RIVER STREET MACLEAN 2463Determined
- Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure; Recreation/Tourist Premise; Tourist and visitor accommodation115 River Street MacleanAdditional Information Requested
- Dwelling house; Erection of a new structure105 WHARF STREET MACLEAN 2463Determined
- Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure; Balcony, deck, patio, terrace or verandah99 RIVER STREET MACLEAN 2463Determined
2025· 20 proposals
December 2025
- Commercial development; Advertising and signage; Office Premise; Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure20 RIVER STREET MACLEAN 2463Determined
November 2025
- Erection of a new structure; Swimming pool19 HARWOOD STREET MACLEAN 2463Determined
- Secondary dwelling; Dwelling house; Erection of a new structure; Residential Accommodation32 TALOUMBI STREET MACLEAN 2463Determined
October 2025
- Dwelling house; Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure14 CLARENCE STREET MACLEAN 2463Determined
- Secondary dwelling; Dwelling house; Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure37 TALOUMBI STREET MACLEAN 2463Determined
September 2025
- Secondary dwelling; Erection of a new structure; Earthworks, retaining walls and structural support9 CHURCH STREET MACLEAN 2463Determined
August 2025
- Temporary building, structure or use; MarketWherrett Park, Central Avenue, Maclean, 2463Determined
- Dwelling house; Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure25 CLARENCE STREET MACLEAN 2463Determined
- Shed; Erection of a new structure; Carport23 TALOUMBI STREET MACLEAN 2463Determined
- Dwelling house; Erection of a new structure4A THE GLEN MACLEAN 2463Determined
July 2025
- Dwelling house; Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure; Balcony, deck, patio, terrace or verandah14 CLARENCE STREET MACLEAN 2463Determined
- Secondary dwelling; Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure13 THE GLEN MACLEAN 2463Withdrawn
- Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure; Residential Accommodation2 HARWOOD STREET MACLEAN 2463Determined
June 2025
- Dwelling house; Erection of a new structure1 CHATSWORTH STREET MACLEAN 2463Determined
March 2025
- Entertainment facility; Erection of a new structure48 RIVER STREET MACLEAN 2463Determined
- Dual occupancy; Demolition; Subdivision; Erection of a new structure; Dual occupancy (detached)43 GRAFTON STREET MACLEAN 2463Determined
February 2025
- Temporary building, structure or use; Market12 CAMERON STREET MACLEAN 2463Withdrawn
- Demolition44 RODERICK STREET MACLEAN 2463Determined
- Subdivision23 KERRY STREET MACLEAN 2463Determined
January 2025
- Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure; Neighbourhood supermarket4 RIVER STREET MACLEAN 2463Determined
2024· 4 proposals
December 2024
- Shed; Dwelling house; Erection of a new structure16 THE GLEN MACLEAN 2463Determined
November 2024
- Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure; Residential Accommodation35A RIVER STREET MACLEAN 2463Determined
- Erection of a new structure; Balcony, deck, patio, terrace or verandah; Earthworks, retaining walls and structural support; Swimming pool3 RIVERWOOD TERRACE MACLEAN 2463Determined
- Dwelling house; Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure; Residential Accommodation2A CAMERON STREET MACLEAN 2463Determined
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
14 nearby amenities within ~1.5 km
- Wildbean CafeCafe
- EV charging
- Riverview FuneralsFuneral Directors
- Parking
- BPPetrol station
111-117 River Street, Maclean
- LibertyPetrol station
- Playground
- Public toilets
- Clarence River Fishermens Co-OpSeafood
- Shelter
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
6 parks and public open space in this suburb
- Cameron ParkPark
- Lions ParkPark
- Maclean LookoutNature reserve
- Rainforest ReserveNature reserve
- Rotary ParkPark
- Ryan ParkPark
Data sources & freshness
- Parks & reserves — State government + ABS LGA boundaries · Period: current · Updated on site
Health access
- Hospitals & GP clinics
- 8
- Emergency department
- On site
- Advantage Pharmacy Macleanpharmacy
- Clarence Medical CentreCentenary Driveclinic
- Happy Smiles MacleanUnion Streetdentist
- Maclean Dental Caredentist
- Maclean District Hospitalhospital
- McLennan Deece Optometristsoptometrist
- Nursing_Homenursing_home
- Stanfords Pharmacypharmacy
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)
- 1/10
- IRSD decile (2021)
- 2/10
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
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 · Period: current · Updated on site
Green cover
- Parks & woodland (OSM)
- 8
- Parks (OSM)
- 8
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
- 45.7/100 — Average
- State standing
- Top 34% of New South Wales' suburbs
- National rank
- 2321st in Australia
- State rank
- 730th in NSW
- Peer rank
- #71 among Country & regional · Mature suburbs
- Cohort rank
- #178 among Country & regional suburbs
- Data confidence
- 82%
Data sources & freshness
- Suburb Guide desirability index — Suburb Guide (derived score) · Period: current · Updated on site · Derived from source metrics
Recent changes
- BPamenities111-117 River Street, Macleanfuel
- Clarence River Fishermens Co-Opamenitiesseafood
- EV chargingamenitiescharging_station
- Libertyamenitiesfuel
- Maclean Skate Parkamenitiespitch
- Parkingamenitiesparking
- Playgroundamenitiesplayground
- Public toiletsamenitiestoilets
- Riverview Funeralsamenitiesfuneral_directors
- Shelteramenitiesshelter
Data sources & freshness
- OpenStreetMap amenities — OpenStreetMap contributors · Updated on site · Weekly refresh
More in Clarence 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.