NSW · Nambucca Valley Council
Nambucca Heads, 2448
Current weather
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Updated
Desirability score
- Green suburb
- High desirability
- Excellent transport
- Cycling
- National parks
Suburb profile
As a regional hub in Nambucca Valley, Nambucca Heads combines local convenience with the appeal of a mid-sized suburb that feels genuinely its own. A strong local centre anchors daily routines, while the surrounding region adds variety for weekends away. Generous greenery runs through the area, from street trees to tucked-away reserves.
A mature community gives the area a calm, settled social fabric, with families and grandchildren still a visible part of community life. The town centre holds its own, with enough local flavour to make staying close to home appealing. Parks, reserves and open space make it genuinely outdoor-friendly for walks, sport and weekend downtime.
Public transport is a genuine asset, linking residents to work, study and nearby neighbourhoods. 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 schools and education sit closer to the middle of the pack for similar regional towns.
Population
- Population
- 6,675
- Median age
- 57
- Median household income / week
- $839
- Dwelling vacancy
- 10%
- Unoccupied private dwellings
- 328 of 3,281
- Median monthly mortgage
- $1,300
- Employment rate
- 33.6%
- Dwelling mix (houses / semi / flats)
- 244 / 380 / 328
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)
- $365
- Houses (January to March 2026)
- $593
- All types (January to March 2026)
- $530
- Rental bonds lodged (January to March 2026)
- 78
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)
- 584
- Against the person
- 183
- Against property
- 225
- Rate per 1,000 residents
- 87.5
- Person-crime prevalence
- About 1 in 36 residents
- State safety percentile
- 61.3th (lower crime is better)
- Decrease (daily rate)
- -14.5%
Reported offences decreased compared with the previous period.
Reported offences by period
Most common offence types
- Breach Apprehended Violence Order52
- Domestic Violence Related Assault78
- Intimidation, Stalking And Harassment89
- Malicious Damage To Property90
- Non-Domestic Violence Related Assault55
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)
- 897
- Frank Partridge VC Public SchoolPrimary
- Nambucca Heads High SchoolSecondary
- Nambucca Heads Public SchoolPrimary
- Nambucca Valley Christian Community SchoolCombined
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
72 public transport stops in this suburb
- Alexandra Dr Turnaround - Roundabout
- Bowra St At Wellington Dr
- Frank Partridge VC Public School, Centenary Pde
- Marshall Way Opp Summer Pl
- Mumbler St At Bellwood 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 · Period: current · Updated on site · GTFS static feed (updated nightly)
Roadworks & transport
1 active roadworks / incidents
- Reduced speed limit. Follow directions on site. Check signage. <em>Remediation works at Riverside Drive Nambucca Heads</em><em> </em><em>Council wishes to advise, landslip remediation works are commencing along Riverside Drive from Monday 29th June for 4 weeks, weather permitting. Temporary traffic control will be in place with minor delays expected in both directions whilst works are carried out. Council appreciates your co-operation to deliver these works and to exercise caution whilst travelling through the work zones.</em>Riverside Drive, Seaview Street12 Jun 2026 – 27 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).
486 planning-related records
2026· 33 proposals
June 2026
- Subdivision12 PILOT STREET NAMBUCCA HEADS 2448Under Assessment
- Dwelling house; Erection of a new structure4 JANGGAL JANGGAL ROAD NAMBUCCA HEADS 2448Under Assessment
- Erection of a new structure; Garage, carport or carparking space10 ROYAL TAR CRESCENT NAMBUCCA HEADS 2448Under Assessment
- Secondary dwelling; Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure46 WEST STREET NAMBUCCA HEADS 2448Under Assessment
- Secondary dwelling; Erection of a new structure; Moveable dwelling51 PALMER STREET NAMBUCCA HEADS 2448Determined
May 2026
- Dwelling house; Erection of a new structure; Earthworks, retaining walls and structural support; Fences; Residential Accommodation; Supporting Development20 JANGGAL JANGGAL RD, NAMBUCCA HEADS NSW 2448Determined
- Dwelling house; Erection of a new structure; Fences; Residential Accommodation; Supporting Development36 JANGGAL JANGGAL RD, NAMBUCCA HEADS NSW 2448Determined
- Restaurant or cafe; Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure; Food and drink premise1 38 RIDGE STREET NAMBUCCA HEADS 2448Determined
- Shed; Erection of a new structure; Driveways and hard stand spaces3 GALAH GROVE NAMBUCCA HEADS 2448Determined
- Dwelling house; Erection of a new structure; Fences; Residential Accommodation; Supporting Development22 JANGGAL JANGGAL RD, NAMBUCCA HEADS NSW 2448Determined
- Erection of a new structure; Swimming pool9 ROSEDALE STREET NAMBUCCA HEADS 2448Additional Information Requested
- Office Premise; Erection of a new structure24 BANK STREET NAMBUCCA HEADS 2448Determined
- Dwelling house; Erection of a new structure84 JANGGAL JANGGAL ROAD NAMBUCCA HEADS 2448Determined
April 2026
- Dwelling house; Erection of a new structure88 JANGGAL JANGGAL ROAD NAMBUCCA HEADS 2448Determined
- Erection of a new structure; Carport15 JOHN AVENUE NAMBUCCA HEADS 2448Determined
- Erection of a new structure; Landscaping structures97 JANGGAL JANGGAL ROAD NAMBUCCA HEADS 2448Determined
- Subdivision25 PALMER STREET NAMBUCCA HEADS 2448Determined
- Dwelling house; Erection of a new structure85 JANGGAL JANGGAL ROAD NAMBUCCA HEADS 2448Determined
March 2026
- Dwelling house; Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure; Erection of a new structure45-47 LEE STREET NAMBUCCA HEADS 2448Determined
- Dwelling house; Erection of a new structure; Residential Accommodation32 PARKES STREET NAMBUCCA HEADS 2448Determined
- Dwelling house; Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure; Balcony, deck, patio, terrace or verandah37 LEE STREET NAMBUCCA HEADS 2448Determined
- Dwelling house; Erection of a new structure; Residential Accommodation8 EICHMANN STREET NAMBUCCA HEADS 2448Determined
- Erection of a new structure; Shade structures of canvas, fabric, mesh or the like12-18 NELSON STREET NAMBUCCA HEADS 2448Determined
- Dwelling house; Erection of a new structure; Residential Accommodation56 JANGGAL JANGGAL ROAD NAMBUCCA HEADS 2448Determined
February 2026
- Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure; Balcony, deck, patio, terrace or verandah31 PELICAN CRESCENT NAMBUCCA HEADS 2448Determined
- Dwelling house; Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure; Residential Accommodation9 HIGH STREET NAMBUCCA HEADS 2448Determined
- Dwelling house; Erection of a new structure8 DOYLE LANE NAMBUCCA HEADS 2448Determined
- Multi-dwelling housing; Erection of a new structure3 LISTON STREET NAMBUCCA HEADS 2448Additional Information Requested
- Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure; General industry10 KEN HOWARD CRESCENT NAMBUCCA HEADS 2448Determined
- Dwelling house; Erection of a new structure104 JANGGAL JANGGAL ROAD NAMBUCCA HEADS 2448Determined
- Dwelling house; Erection of a new structure94 JANGGAL JANGGAL ROAD NAMBUCCA HEADS 2448Determined
- Dwelling house; Erection of a new structure; Residential Accommodation86 JANGGAL JANGGAL ROAD NAMBUCCA HEADS 2448Determined
January 2026
- Dwelling house; Erection of a new structure; Earthworks, retaining walls and structural supportFLORENCE WILMONT DRIVE NAMBUCCA HEADS 2448Determined
2025· 7 proposals
December 2025
- Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure; Residential Accommodation67 SEAVIEW STREET NAMBUCCA HEADS 2448Determined
- Dwelling house; Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure; Residential Accommodation12 HIGH STREET NAMBUCCA HEADS 2448Determined
- Dwelling house; Erection of a new structure102 JANGGAL JANGGAL ROAD NAMBUCCA HEADS 2448Determined
- Residential flat building; Erection of a new structure1 NELSON STREET NAMBUCCA HEADS 2448Withdrawn
- Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure; Balcony, deck, patio, terrace or verandah19 BELLWOOD DRIVE NAMBUCCA HEADS 2448Determined
- Dwelling house; Erection of a new structure21 WARRGUNY STREET NAMBUCCA HEADS 2448Determined
- Subdivision8A WOODBELL STREET NAMBUCCA HEADS 2448Determined
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
84 nearby amenities within ~1.5 km
- Ritchies IGA and LiquorAlcohol
- ATM
- Nambucca Plaza BakeryBakery
- Bbq
- Bench (4)
- Bicycle Parking
- Bus stop
- Centenary Pde at McDonald DrBus stop
- Giinagay Way opp Nambucca Heads PlazaBus stop
- Mann St at Centenary PdeBus 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
11 parks and public open space in this suburb
- Bellwood ParkPark
- Brook ParkPark
- Brotherhood ParkPark
- Coronation ParkPark
- Gordon ParkPark
- Lions ParkPark
- McClung ParkPark
- McMorrine ParkPark
- Richardson ParkPark
- The Cubana ResortPark
Data sources & freshness
- Parks & reserves — State government + ABS LGA boundaries · Period: current · Updated on site
Health access
- Hospitals & GP clinics
- 7
- Emergency department
- Not in suburb
- Bawrunga Medical ServiceMarshall Waydoctor
- Blooms The Chemistpharmacy
- Dental Design Studio 32dentist
- Evolve Medicla Centredoctor
- Nambucca Plaza Pharmacypharmacy
- Peachtree Dental Surgerydentist
- TerryWhite Chemmartpharmacy
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)
- 1/10
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)
- 22
- Parks (OSM)
- 14
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
- 60.2/100 — Good
- State standing
- Top 14% of New South Wales' suburbs
- National rank
- 835th in Australia
- State rank
- 289th in NSW
- Peer rank
- #13 among Country & regional · Mature suburbs
- Cohort rank
- #45 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
- ATMamenitiesatm
- Australia Postamenitiespost_box
- Bbqamenitiesbbq
- Beatties Quality Furnitureamenitiesfurniture
- Bellwood Cafeamenitiescafe
- Benchamenitiesbench
- Benchamenitiesbench
- Benchamenitiesbench
- Benchamenitiesbench
- Bicycle Parkingamenitiesbicycle_parking
Data sources & freshness
- OpenStreetMap amenities — OpenStreetMap contributors · Updated on site · Weekly refresh
More in Nambucca 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.