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Patchs Beach

NSW 2478 • New South Wales

45
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Personal Income
2.56 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
CoastalBeachsideRural
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About Patchs Beach

Patchs Beach is a tiny coastal locality on the far north coast of New South Wales, situated within the Richmond Valley area near Ballina and Byron Bay. With just 45 residents recorded in the 2021 Census and an area of approximately 2.6 square kilometres, it is one of the smallest coastal communities in the region. The locality sits along the postcode 2478 corridor, which includes the broader Ballina and Richmond River area, and falls within the federal electorate of Richmond. Its name reflects local heritage along the coastal foreshore.

Patchs Beach offers a secluded beachside lifestyle with access to the natural beauty of the NSW far north coast, including surf beaches, river estuaries, and subtropical rainforest. The broader Byron Bay and Ballina area is renowned for its laid-back lifestyle, wellness culture, and strong community character, which residents of Patchs Beach can enjoy in their immediate surroundings. Everyday amenities, schools, and services are found in nearby Ballina or Byron Bay, both within a short drive. The area attracts those seeking quiet coastal living away from tourist crowds.

Patchs Beach 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
2.56 km²
Population Density
18 /km²
Elevation
0m

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💰 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

  • Regional Coaches — Ballina / Byron Bay 20-30 min

Commute to Ballina CBD

Distance
10 km
By Train
No train station; nearest rail is Casino (~50 km inland)
By Car (Peak)
15-20 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
12-15 min

🛣️ Car is primary transport; Ballina Byron Gateway Airport is nearby for regional flights

Walkability Car-Dependent

Small coastal locality; limited footpaths; vehicle needed for shops and services

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
45
▲ 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 Patchs Beach. 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

Where is Patchs Beach NSW? +

Patchs Beach is a small coastal locality on the far north coast of New South Wales, near Ballina and Byron Bay in the postcode 2478 area.

What is the population of Patchs Beach? +

According to the 2021 Census, Patchs Beach has a population of approximately 45 people.

Is Patchs Beach close to Byron Bay? +

Yes, Patchs Beach is located within the broader Byron Bay and Ballina coastal region of northern NSW, within approximately 20-30 kilometres of Byron Bay.

Are there schools near Patchs Beach? +

The nearest schools are in Ballina or the surrounding Richmond Valley area, accessible by a short drive from Patchs Beach.

Is Patchs Beach a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Patchs Beach 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.