🔍

Empire Vale

NSW 2478 • New South Wales

185
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Personal Income
14.27 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
RuralRiversidePeacefulCoastal Proximity
Advertisement

About Empire Vale

Empire Vale is a small rural locality in New South Wales' Northern Rivers region, situated within Ballina Shire on the banks of the Richmond River. As of the 2021 Census, the locality had a population of 185, with a median age of 48 years. Originally known as German Creek, it was renamed Empire Vale in 1915 and retains a quiet pastoral character along the riverine plains north of Ballina.

The locality is bounded by River Drive, which follows the Richmond River and provides access to nearby Ballina and the broader Northern Rivers area. Residents are within easy reach of Patches Beach, South Wall surfing beach, and the coastal amenities of Ballina, approximately 15 to 20 minutes away. Empire Vale Public School serves the local community, and the rural setting makes it appealing to those seeking a tranquil lifestyle close to the Northern Rivers coast.

Empire Vale falls under postcode 2478 and is governed by the Ballina Council (Local Government Area). For federal elections, residents vote in the electorate of Richmond, while state elections fall under the Ballina electorate.

📍 Location

State
New South Wales
Postcode
2478
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
Ballina
Federal Electorate
Richmond
State Electorate
Ballina
Type
Locality
Timezone
Sydney (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-28.87°, 153.53°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
14.27 km²
Population Density
13 /km²
Elevation
0m

📣 Ad

🏷️ Property Prices 2025

Median sale prices in Empire Vale for 2025. Based on every residential settlement recorded by the NSW Valuer General in 2025.

🏡House
$845K
5 sales · vs 2024 n/a

Source: NSW Valuer General — Property Sales Information. Strata-titled sales are counted as units; all others as houses. Suburbs with fewer than 5 sales in a category are omitted.

💰 Income

ATO taxable income Postcode 2478

Median taxable income for individual taxpayers in postcode 2478, comparing the 2019–20 and 2023–24 financial years.

Median 2019–20
$41,678
Median 2023–24
$52,815
▲ 26.7% increase
Average taxable income (2023–24)
$68,396

Source: ATO Taxation Statistics 2023–24, Individuals Table 8 (median & average taxable income by postcode). Covers all individuals who lodged a return in postcode 2478; postcodes with fewer than 200 lodgments are suppressed by the ATO.

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Limited local services — Ballina 20-30 min

Commute to Sydney CBD

Distance
700 km
By Train
No direct train service; nearest V/Line from Grafton
By Car (Peak)
8 hours (via Pacific Highway)
By Car (Off-Peak)
7.5 hours

🛣️ Ballina Byron Gateway Airport (~20 km) offers flights to Sydney and Brisbane

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

Rural locality with no footpaths or local shops; a car is essential

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
185
▲ 0% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

These are the latest 2025 rates for the Ballina Local Government Area, which contains Empire Vale. Rates are per 100,000 residents; trends compare 2 and 10 year periods ending Dec 2025.

Break & enter (dwelling)
367.2 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Stable
Motor vehicle theft
237.8 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Up 12.3%
Non-DV assault
369.3 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Stable
Robbery (unarmed)
8.3 / 100k
2yr — 10yr —
Steal from vehicle
381.8 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Down 1.9%
View all 62 offence types for Ballina →

Source: NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR)

📣 Ad

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Empire Vale known for? +

Empire Vale is known for its peaceful setting along the Richmond River in NSW's Northern Rivers, with rural properties and proximity to Ballina's beaches and coastal attractions.

How far is Empire Vale from Ballina? +

Empire Vale is approximately 15 to 20 kilometres from Ballina, a short drive via River Drive or local roads.

Does Empire Vale have public transport? +

Public transport in Empire Vale is limited. There is no rail service, and bus connections to Ballina are infrequent. A car is the most practical way to get around.

What is the population of Empire Vale? +

According to the 2021 Census, Empire Vale has a population of 185 residents, with a median age of 48 years, in a rural locality of approximately 14.3 square kilometres.

Is Empire Vale a good place to live? +

Empire Vale suits those looking for a quiet rural lifestyle within easy reach of Northern Rivers beaches and the services of Ballina. It appeals to retirees and families who value space and natural surroundings.

What is the postcode for Empire Vale? +

The postcode for Empire Vale, NSW is 2478.

What is the median house price in Empire Vale? +

As of 2025, the median house price is $845,000. Figures are based on NSW Valuer General — Property Sales Information.

Is Empire Vale a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Empire Vale is part of the Ballina LGA — see the Crime Statistics section on this page for the latest recorded offence rates per 100,000 residents, along with 2-year and 10-year trends.