🔍

Nambucca Heads

NSW 2448 • Rest of NSW

6,675
Population (2021)
$43,628
Median Household Income
30.92 km²
Area
$280/wk
Median Rent
CoastalRetiree-FriendlyBeach TownAffordableRiver Lifestyle

About Nambucca Heads

Nambucca Heads is a relaxed seaside town on the NSW Mid North Coast, situated at the mouth of the meandering Nambucca River. With approximately 6,700 residents, this coastal gem lies 440 kilometres north of Sydney in the Nambucca Valley region. The town features a mix of retirees and families drawn to its uncrowded beaches, dolphin-filled estuary, and affordable coastal living.

Life in Nambucca Heads centres on water and nature. Residents enjoy pristine beaches perfect for beginner surfers, foreshore boardwalks, and a strong community atmosphere. The town offers essential amenities including a Woolworths, local clubs and pubs, plus easy access to Coffs Harbour for major shopping. It attracts retirees, sea changers, and families seeking an authentic, quiet coastal lifestyle without the crowds of larger beach towns.

Nambucca Heads falls under postcode 2448 and is governed by Nambucca Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Oxley electorate.

📍 Location

State
New South Wales
Postcode
2448
Urban Area
Nambucca Heads
LGA / Council
Nambucca
Federal Electorate
Cowper
State Electorate
Oxley
Type
Urban
Timezone
Sydney (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-30.64°, 152.98°
Statistical Area
Rest of NSW
Area
30.92 km²
Elevation
9m

🏷️ Property Prices 2025

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

🏡House
$710K
168 sales · ▲ 7.7% vs 2024
🏢Unit / Apartment
$500K
30 sales · ▲ 23.2% vs 2024

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.

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$280
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,300
Avg Household Size
2 people
Median Age
57 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
7.8%

80 state housing + 149 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)

🚌 Transport & Commute

Nearest Train Stations

Nambucca Heads Station
0.5 km
6 min

Bus Services

  • 360 — Coffs Harbour via Urunga 50-60 min
  • Express Peak — Coffs Harbour 40 min
  • 360 — Macksville 15 min

Commute to Sydney CBD

Distance
440 km
By Train
6-7 hours (XPT)
By Bus
N/A (regional)
By Car (Peak)
5-6 hours
By Car (Off-Peak)
5 hours

🛣️ Regional coastal town; Coffs Harbour (30km) is the nearest major centre

Walkability Somewhat Walkable

Town centre and beaches walkable; car needed for surrounding areas

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

  • Woolworths
    Cnr Fraser And Back Streets Nambucca Heads 2448 NSW

🎓 Schools

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
6,327
Census 2021
6,675
▲ 5.5% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Personal Income 2016
$23,192
Personal Income 2021
$25,948
▲ 11.9% increase

2021 Census income breakdown

Personal = median for one earner. Household = all members of a dwelling pooled. Family = related members only. Annual = weekly × 52.

Personal
$25,948 / yr
$499/wk
Household
$43,628 / yr
$839/wk
Family
$64,220 / yr
$1235/wk

Personal Income Comparison (2016 vs 2021)

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021
💰 Income: ABS Census 2021

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 5,226
Born Overseas 755

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 262
  • 2. New Zealand 86
  • 3. Scotland 36
  • 4. Germany 33
  • 5. Philippines 32
  • 6. India 30
  • 7. Netherlands 26
  • 8. South Africa 20
  • 9. United States 20
  • 10. Italy 16

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 2,784
Australian 2,659
Irish 776
Scottish 728
Australian Aboriginal 620
German 280
Italian 113
Dutch 56
Filipino 44
New Zealander 40

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

4,521
Both parents born in Australia
893
Both parents born overseas
629
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

Christianity
48.4%
No Religion
39.2%
Buddhism
0.9%
Hinduism
0.4%
Islam
0.1%
Judaism
0.1%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
285 (4.3%)
5-14 years
624 (9.3%)
15-19 years
302 (4.5%)
20-24 years
223 (3.3%)
25-34 years
493 (7.4%)
35-44 years
543 (8.1%)
45-54 years
661 (9.9%)
55-64 years
1,039 (15.6%)
65-74 years
1,235 (18.5%)
75-84 years
880 (13.2%)
85+ years
376 (5.6%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Nambucca Heads known for? +

Nambucca Heads is a relaxed seaside town on the NSW Mid North Coast, situated at the mouth of the meandering Nambucca River. With approximately 6,700 residents, this coastal gem lies 440 kilometres north of Sydney in the Nambucca Valley region.

How far is Nambucca Heads from Sydney CBD? +

Nambucca Heads is approximately 440 kilometres from Sydney CBD. The drive takes around 5-6 hours during peak hour and 5 hours off-peak. By train, the journey takes approximately 6-7 hours (XPT).

Does Nambucca Heads have public transport? +

Nambucca Heads is served by Nambucca Heads Station station (0.5 km, approximately 6 min walk) on the NSW TrainLink XPT (Sydney-Brisbane). Local bus services including 360 also connect residents to Coffs Harbour via Urunga.

What is the population of Nambucca Heads? +

According to the 2021 Census, Nambucca Heads has a population of approximately 6,675 residents.

Is Nambucca Heads a good place to live? +

Nambucca Heads is well-regarded for its coastal lifestyle, offering natural beauty, outdoor recreation, and a relaxed community feel. It suits those who prioritise beach access and a quieter pace of life over proximity to a major city.

What is the postcode for Nambucca Heads? +

The postcode for Nambucca Heads in NSW is 2448.

What is the average income in Nambucca Heads? +

Based on the 2021 Census, the median personal income in Nambucca Heads is about $499 per week (around $25,900 per year). The median household income is $839 per week and the median family income is $1,235 per week.

What is the median house price in Nambucca Heads? +

As of 2025, the median house price is $710,000, up 7.7% on the previous year, and the median unit/apartment price is $500,000, up 23.2% on the previous year. Figures are based on NSW Valuer General — Property Sales Information.

What is the age profile of Nambucca Heads? +

The median age in Nambucca Heads is 57. The largest age group is 65–74 (1,235 residents, around 19%). Around 18% of residents are under 20 and about 37% are aged 65 or older. (2021 Census)

How much is rent in Nambucca Heads? +

In Nambucca Heads, the median weekly rent is $280, and the median monthly mortgage repayment is $1,300 (2021 Census).