South Arm (Clarence Valley - NSW)

NSW 2449 • New South Wales

196
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Personal Income
17.72 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
RuralHinterlandCar-DependentAffordablePeaceful
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About South Arm (Clarence Valley - NSW)

South Arm is a small rural locality on the Mid North Coast of New South Wales, situated within the Nambucca Valley Council area approximately 20 kilometres north of Macksville and around 500 kilometres north of Sydney. With a population of around 196 residents and an area of approximately 17.7 square kilometres, it is a quiet agricultural locality set among the green hilly terrain of the lower Nambucca Valley hinterland. The median household income is below the national average, reflecting its predominantly rural and farming character.

Life in South Arm is defined by its peaceful rural surroundings, with residents relying on Macksville and Nambucca Heads for everyday services, schools, and shopping. The locality is set within a picturesque landscape of rolling hills, farms, and native bush typical of the NSW Mid North Coast hinterland. There is no public transport in the area, and a private vehicle is essential; however, the nearby coast provides easy access to beaches, fishing, and the natural beauty of the Nambucca region.

South Arm (Clarence Valley - NSW) falls under postcode 2449 and is governed by the Nambucca Valley Council (Local Government Area). For federal elections, residents vote in the electorate of Cowper, while state elections fall under the Oxley electorate.

📍 Location

Postcode
2449
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
Federal Electorate
State Electorate
Type
Locality
Timezone
Sydney (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-30.63°, 152.74°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
17.72 km²
Population Density
11 /km²
Elevation
0m

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💰 Income

ATO taxable income Postcode 2449

Median taxable income for individual taxpayers in postcode 2449, comparing the 2019–20 and 2023–24 financial years.

Median 2019–20
$32,334
Median 2023–24
$38,241
18.3% increase
Average taxable income (2023–24)
$47,789

Source: ATO Taxation Statistics 2023–24, Individuals Table 8 (median & average taxable income by postcode). Covers all individuals who lodged a return in postcode 2449; postcodes with fewer than 200 lodgments are suppressed by the ATO.

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • No regular local service — Macksville and Nambucca Heads for connections N/A

Commute to Sydney CBD

Distance
500 km
By Train
No practical rail option; drive to Kempsey or Coffs Harbour for NSW TrainLink services
By Car (Peak)
5 hr 30 min - 6 hr
By Car (Off-Peak)
5 hr - 5 hr 30 min

🛣️ Accessed via Pacific Highway; Macksville is the closest service town

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

Entirely rural — no local shops or services; a car is essential for all daily needs

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
196
0% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

These are the latest 2025 rates for the Nambucca Valley Local Government Area, which contains South Arm (Clarence Valley - NSW). Rates are per 100,000 residents; trends compare 2 and 10 year periods ending Dec 2025.

Break & enter (dwelling)
266.8 / 100k
Motor vehicle theft
314.5 / 100k
Non-DV assault
538.5 / 100k
Robbery (unarmed)
4.8 / 100k
Steal from vehicle
490.8 / 100k

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

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Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is South Arm known for? +

South Arm is known as a quiet rural locality in the Nambucca Valley hinterland, featuring rolling farmland and native bush typical of the NSW Mid North Coast, within easy reach of the beaches and estuaries around Nambucca Heads.

How far is South Arm from Sydney CBD? +

South Arm is approximately 500 kilometres north of Sydney CBD, a drive of around 5.5 to 6 hours via the Pacific Highway.

Does South Arm have public transport? +

South Arm has no public transport. Residents rely on private vehicles for all travel, with Macksville and Nambucca Heads providing the closest services and transport connections.

What is the population of South Arm? +

South Arm has a population of approximately 196 residents according to the 2021 Census, making it a small and sparsely settled rural locality.

Is South Arm a good place to live? +

South Arm appeals to those seeking a quiet rural lifestyle with affordable land, set in the scenic Nambucca Valley hinterland with beaches, fishing, and nature within easy driving distance.

What is the postcode for South Arm? +

The postcode for South Arm (Clarence Valley - NSW) is 2449, shared with Macksville and other localities in the Nambucca Valley area of the NSW Mid North Coast.

Is South Arm a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. South Arm is part of the Nambucca Valley 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.