NSW · Clarence Valley Council
South Grafton, 2460
Current weather
17.9°CMainly clear
79% humidity · 14.6 km/h wind · 21.7° / 13.1° today · 0.5 mm rain
Updated
Desirability score
- Green suburb
- Excellent transport
- National parks
- High desirability
Suburb profile
South Grafton is a quieter mid-sized suburb in Clarence Valley, where peace, space and a country-town pace still dominate. 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. The pace is unhurried, with local businesses and community spots doing the heavy lifting. 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. Homes are relatively affordable, which helps families and first-time residents put down roots.
On the desirability index, the suburb sits around average overall, mainly because community and employment and local dining and lifestyle amenities lag similar regional towns, despite relative strength in parks and green space and growth momentum. Limited access to some essential local services also trimmed the result.
Population
- Population
- 6,288
- Median age
- 40
- Median household income / week
- $975
- Dwelling vacancy
- 9%
- Unoccupied private dwellings
- 234 of 2,598
- Median monthly mortgage
- $1,144
- Employment rate
- 40.7%
- Dwelling mix (houses / semi / flats)
- 238 / 87 / 78
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)
- $450
- Houses (January to March 2026)
- $530
- All types (January to March 2026)
- $486
- Rental bonds lodged (January to March 2026)
- 170
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)
- 886
- Against the person
- 212
- Against property
- 356
- Rate per 1,000 residents
- 140.9
- Person-crime prevalence
- About 1 in 30 residents
- State safety percentile
- 88.8th (lower crime is better)
- Increase (daily rate)
- +6.5%
Reported offences increased compared with the previous period.
Reported offences by period
Most common offence types
- Breach Apprehended Violence Order298
- Breach Bail Conditions527
- Domestic Violence Related Assault274
- Intimidation, Stalking And Harassment387
- Malicious Damage To Property339
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
- 5
- Median school ICSEA (5 schools)
- 875
- Gillwinga Public SchoolPrimary
- Induna SchoolSpecial
- South Grafton High SchoolSecondary
- South Grafton 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
139 public transport stops in this suburb
- Grafton Aged Care Home, Bent St
- Grafton Station
- Spring St Opp Zuber Lane
- Through St At Wharf St
- Through St Opp Skinner St
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).
243 planning-related records
2026· 20 proposals
June 2026
- Industrial development; Erection of a new structure; General industry26 INDUNA STREET SOUTH GRAFTON 2460Additional Information Requested
May 2026
- Erection of a new structure; Carport31 PEPPERMINT PLACE SOUTH GRAFTON 2460Determined
- Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure; Garage, carport or carparking space20 ROBERTS DRIVE SOUTH GRAFTON 2460Under Assessment
- Erection of a new structure; Dual occupancy (attached)4 MOORHEAD DRIVE SOUTH GRAFTON 2460Determined
April 2026
- Subdivision289 ARMIDALE ROAD SOUTH GRAFTON 2460Under Assessment
- Secondary dwelling; Erection of a new structure14 HAIGH STREET SOUTH GRAFTON 2460Determined
March 2026
- Signage; Advertising and signage; Advertising structure39 BENT STREET SOUTH GRAFTON 2460Withdrawn
- Pub; Business premises; Commercial development; Subdivision; Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure; Retail Premise; Neighbourhood shop65 ARMIDALE STREET SOUTH GRAFTON 2460Determined
- Erection of a new structure; Carport18 MACKAY STREET SOUTH GRAFTON 2460Determined
- Erection of a new structure; Carport399 BENT STREET SOUTH GRAFTON 2460Determined
- Shed; Erection of a new structure18 FITZGERALD STREET SOUTH GRAFTON 2460Determined
February 2026
- Shed; Erection of a new structure26 BELLEVUE STREET SOUTH GRAFTON 2460Determined
- Shed; Erection of a new structure535 RUSHFORTH ROAD SOUTH GRAFTON 2460Determined
- Erection of a new structure; Carport410 BENT STREET SOUTH GRAFTON 2460Determined
- Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure; Recreation facility (indoor)69 WHARF STREET SOUTH GRAFTON 2460Determined
- Secondary dwelling; Erection of a new structure56 CAMBRIDGE STREET SOUTH GRAFTON 2460Withdrawn
January 2026
- Erection of a new structure; Carport4-6 WINWOOD LANE SOUTH GRAFTON 2460Determined
- Shed; Erection of a new structure139 CAMBRIDGE STREET SOUTH GRAFTON 2460Determined
- Change of use of land or a building or the classification of a building under the Building Code of Australia; Vehicle repair station43 LILYPOOL ROAD SOUTH GRAFTON 2460Determined
- Seniors housing; Independent living units; Erection of a new structure; Driveways and hard stand spaces; Earthworks, retaining walls and structural support; Manufactured home; Non-standard Housing95 ARMIDALE STREET SOUTH GRAFTON 2460Determined
2025· 20 proposals
December 2025
- Erection of a new structure; Centre-based child care; Recreation facility (indoor); Specialised Retail Premises; Take away food and drink21 Through Street South GraftonDetermined
- Industrial development; Erection of a new structure; General industry301 ARMIDALE ROAD SOUTH GRAFTON 2460Under Assessment
- Shed; Erection of a new structure135 BENT STREET SOUTH GRAFTON 2460Determined
November 2025
- Demolition; Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure; Registered club2 WHARF STREET SOUTH GRAFTON 2460Determined
- Shed; Erection of a new structure68 Heber street South Grafton 2460Determined
- Shed; Erection of a new structure30 WILLIAM STREET SOUTH GRAFTON 2460Determined
October 2025
- Medium Density Housing; Erection of a new structure40 BENT STREET SOUTH GRAFTON 2460Determined
- Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure; Animal shelters; Animal care premises16 INDUNA STREET SOUTH GRAFTON 2460Determined
- Shed; Erection of a new structure61 CAMBRIDGE STREET SOUTH GRAFTON 2460Determined
September 2025
- Demolition; Industrial development; Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure33 HYDE STREET SOUTH GRAFTON 2460Determined
- Demolition; Dwelling house; Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure26 BENT STREET SOUTH GRAFTON 2460Determined
- Dwelling house; Erection of a new structure; Residential Accommodation360 BENT STREET SOUTH GRAFTON 2460Determined
August 2025
- Change of use of land or a building or the classification of a building under the Building Code of Australia; General industry42 HYDE STREET SOUTH GRAFTON 2460Determined
- Erection of a new structure; Earthworks, retaining walls and structural support26 INDUNA STREET SOUTH GRAFTON 2460Determined
July 2025
- Pub; Commercial development; Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure; Food and drink premise27 WHARF STREET SOUTH GRAFTON 2460Determined
- Subdivision365 OLD LILYPOOL ROAD SOUTH GRAFTON 2460Determined
- Dwelling house; Erection of a new structure42 MAXWELL AVENUE SOUTH GRAFTON 2460Determined
- Shed; Erection of a new structure6 CARLTON STREET SOUTH GRAFTON 2460Determined
June 2025
- Erection of a new structure; Service station; Food and drink premise1 SPRING STREET SOUTH GRAFTON 2460Determined
- Erection of a new structure; Air transport facilityRUSHFORTH ROAD SOUTH GRAFTON 2460Determined
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
7 nearby amenities within ~1.5 km
- Bus stop
- Grafton Seventh-day Adventist ChurchPlace of worship
400 Bent Street
- Playground (2)
- Hotel 5Pub
- Induna SchoolSchool
South Grafton
- Sports field
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
12 parks and public open space in this suburb
- Alex Bell ParkPark
- Beresford ParkPark
- Bob Liddiard ParkPark
- Cedar ParkPark
- Derek Palmer PlacePark
- Durrington ParkPark
- Earl Page Memorial ParkPark
- Elsie Crisp ParkPark
- Lawrence FieldsPark
- Meillon ParkPark
Data sources & freshness
- Parks & reserves — State government + ABS LGA boundaries · Period: current · Updated on site
Health access
- Hospitals & GP clinics
- 4
- Emergency department
- Not in suburb
- Bulgarr Ngaru Medical Aboriginal Corporationdoctor;dentist
- Clarence Valley Cardiologydoctor
- David Carmont Chiropractic Clinicalternative
- Masen's 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)
- 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
Heritage
1 state heritage place
- Grafton City Railway Station groupNorth Coast railway, South GraftonSHR
Data sources & freshness
- State heritage register — State heritage authority · 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)
- 19
- Parks (OSM)
- 16
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
- 47.5/100 — Average
- State standing
- Top 33% of New South Wales' suburbs
- National rank
- 2239th in Australia
- State rank
- 702nd in NSW
- Peer rank
- #66 among Country & regional · Established suburbs
- Cohort rank
- #157 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
- Bus stopamenitiesbus_stop
- Grafton Seventh-day Adventist Churchamenities400 Bent Streetplace_of_worship
- Hotel 5amenitiespub
- Induna SchoolamenitiesSouth Graftonschool
- Playgroundamenitiesplayground
- Playgroundamenitiesplayground
- Sports fieldamenitiespitch
- Breach Apprehended Violence Ordercrime298
- Breach Bail Conditionscrime527
- Domestic Violence Related Assaultcrime274
Data sources & freshness
- BOCSAR postcode crime statistics — NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research · Updated on site · Rolling 12-month windows
- 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.