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Meerschaum Vale

NSW 2477 • New South Wales

372
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Personal Income
36.89 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
RuralNorthern RiversQuietAffordableSemi-Rural
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About Meerschaum Vale

Meerschaum Vale is a small rural locality in the Northern Rivers region of New South Wales, situated approximately 15 kilometres south-east of Ballina in the Richmond federal electorate. Covering around 37 square kilometres of low-lying agricultural land near the Richmond River floodplains, the locality recorded a population of 372 at the 2021 Census across around 135 dwellings. With a median household income of approximately $41,400, the community reflects the modest rural character typical of the broader Lismore and Ballina hinterland.

Meerschaum Vale sits within a subtropical landscape of cane farms, grazing land, and native bushland that typifies the Northern Rivers region. Residents rely on Ballina — roughly 15 minutes by car — for shopping centres, health services, and schooling, while the regional city of Lismore is accessible within about 30 kilometres via the Bruxner Highway. The locality appeals to those seeking an affordable, quiet country lifestyle within easy reach of the Northern Rivers coast, with Ballina Byron Gateway Airport providing interstate connections just to the north.

Meerschaum Vale falls under postcode 2477 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 Lismore electorate.

📍 Location

State
New South Wales
Postcode
2477
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
Ballina
Federal Electorate
Richmond
State Electorate
Lismore
Type
Locality
Timezone
Sydney (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-28.91°, 153.43°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
36.89 km²
Population Density
10 /km²
Elevation
0m

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💰 Income

ATO taxable income Postcode 2477

Median taxable income for individual taxpayers in postcode 2477, comparing the 2019–20 and 2023–24 financial years.

Median 2019–20
$41,399
Median 2023–24
$51,310
▲ 23.9% increase
Average taxable income (2023–24)
$63,911

Source: ATO Taxation Statistics 2023–24, Individuals Table 8 (median & average taxable income by postcode). Covers all individuals who lodged a return in postcode 2477; postcodes with fewer than 200 lodgments are suppressed by the ATO.

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Limited rural services — Ballina Approx 20 min

Commute to Sydney CBD

Distance
780 km
By Train
No direct train service; Sydney is approximately 780km south via Pacific Highway
By Car (Peak)
Approx 8–9 hrs to Sydney CBD
By Car (Off-Peak)
Approx 8 hrs to Sydney CBD

🛣️ Practical daily hub is Ballina (~15km, 15 min drive). Ballina Byron Gateway Airport provides interstate connections.

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

A car is essential in Meerschaum Vale — there are no shops or services within the locality, with all amenities located in Ballina or Lismore.

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
372
▲ 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 Meerschaum 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)

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Meerschaum Vale known for? +

Meerschaum Vale is a quiet rural locality in the Northern Rivers region, known for its agricultural landscape of sugarcane farms and grazing land set near the Richmond River floodplains. It offers an affordable semi-rural lifestyle within easy reach of Ballina and the Northern Rivers coast.

How far is Meerschaum Vale from Ballina? +

Meerschaum Vale is approximately 15 kilometres south-east of Ballina, about a 15-minute drive via local roads. Ballina is the nearest major centre for shopping, health services, and schooling.

Does Meerschaum Vale have public transport? +

Public transport in Meerschaum Vale is very limited. There is no rail service to the area, and bus services are infrequent rural routes. A private vehicle is essential for day-to-day travel.

What is the population of Meerschaum Vale? +

According to the 2021 Census, Meerschaum Vale has a population of 372 residents across approximately 135 dwellings, making it a small, tightly-knit rural community.

Is Meerschaum Vale a good place to live? +

Meerschaum Vale suits those who value a quiet, affordable country lifestyle in the Northern Rivers region without straying far from coastal amenities. The proximity to Ballina and its airport, along with the subtropical landscape, makes it an attractive option for rural lifestyle seekers.

What is the postcode for Meerschaum Vale? +

The postcode for Meerschaum Vale is 2477, shared with Ballina and surrounding localities in the Northern Rivers region of NSW.

Is Meerschaum Vale a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Meerschaum 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.