🔍

South West Rocks

NSW 2431 • Rest of NSW

5,058
Population (2021)
$50,960
Median Household Income
13.68 km²
Area
$323/wk
Median Rent
CoastalRetirement HavenFishing VillageHistoricBeach Lifestyle

About South West Rocks

South West Rocks is a picturesque coastal town on the Mid North Coast of NSW, approximately 450km north of Sydney in the Kempsey Shire. With a population just over 5,000, this relaxed seaside community has become a popular retirement destination, with a median age of 60+. The town sits at the mouth of the Macleay River and is renowned for its stunning beaches, including Trial Bay and Horseshoe Bay.

Life in South West Rocks centres around beach culture, fishing, and a laid-back coastal lifestyle. The town offers essential amenities including local shops, cafes, and medical services, while Kempsey (30 minutes away) provides larger shopping and hospital facilities. Trial Bay Gaol, a historic 19th-century prison, is a major tourist attraction. The area appeals to retirees seeking affordable coastal living and families wanting an escape from city bustle.

South West Rocks falls under postcode 2431 and is governed by Kempsey Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Oxley electorate.

📍 Location

State
New South Wales
Postcode
2431
Urban Area
South West Rocks
LGA / Council
Kempsey
Federal Electorate
Cowper
State Electorate
Oxley
Type
Urban
Timezone
Sydney (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-30.90°, 153.04°
Statistical Area
Rest of NSW
Area
13.68 km²
Elevation
15m

🏷️ Property Prices 2025

Median sale prices in South West Rocks for 2025. Based on every residential settlement recorded by the NSW Valuer General in 2025.

🏡House
$745K
119 sales · ▲ 2.8% vs 2024
🏢Unit / Apartment
$552K
44 sales · ▲ 4.2% 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)
$323
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,517
Avg Household Size
2.1 people
Median Age
58 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
1.3%

10 state housing + 19 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • 350 — Kempsey via Frederickton & Smithtown 33-40 min

Commute to Kempsey

Distance
30 km
By Bus
40 min
By Car (Peak)
30 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
25 min

🛣️ No train services. Bus to Kempsey connects to NSW TrainLink coaches to Sydney (5+ hours).

Walkability Car-Dependent

Most errands require a car. Town centre walkable for basic shopping.

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

🏛️ Heritage-Listed Places

There are 4 heritage-listed places in or near South West Rocks, listed on the NSW State Heritage Register.

Smoky Cape Lighthouse Group
South West Rocks 10km east of Kempsey • SHR #01007
South West Rocks Pilot Station Complex
5 Ocean Drive South West Rocks • SHR #01788
Kinchela Aboriginal Boys' Training Home
2054 South West Rocks Road Kinchela • SHR #01875
Trial Bay Gaol, Breakwater and Environs
Cardwell Street, Arakoon • SHR #01825

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

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

Break & enter (dwelling)
781.9 / 100k
2yr Down 26.6% 10yr Stable
Motor vehicle theft
539.1 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Up 8.2%
Non-DV assault
687.3 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Up 3.5%
Robbery (unarmed)
12.6 / 100k
2yr — 10yr —
Steal from vehicle
353.1 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Stable
View all 62 offence types for Kempsey →

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

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
4,603
Census 2021
5,058
▲ 9.9% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Personal Income 2016
$24,752
Personal Income 2021
$27,716
▲ 12.0% 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
$27,716 / yr
$533/wk
Household
$50,960 / yr
$980/wk
Family
$63,960 / yr
$1230/wk

Personal Income Comparison (2016 vs 2021)

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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 4,221
Born Overseas 488

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 154
  • 2. New Zealand 47
  • 3. Germany 37
  • 4. Philippines 34
  • 5. Scotland 23
  • 6. Netherlands 19
  • 7. South Africa 13
  • 8. Thailand 12
  • 9. United States 12
  • 10. Canada 9

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 2,345
Australian 2,043
Irish 676
Scottish 545
Australian Aboriginal 311
German 218
Italian 77
Dutch 58
Filipino 42
Polish 27

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

3,664
Both parents born in Australia
566
Both parents born overseas
457
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

Christianity
52.6%
No Religion
38.2%
Buddhism
0.6%
Hinduism
0.3%
Judaism
0.1%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
213 (4.2%)
5-14 years
440 (8.7%)
15-19 years
197 (3.9%)
20-24 years
157 (3.1%)
25-34 years
397 (7.8%)
35-44 years
403 (8.0%)
45-54 years
485 (9.6%)
55-64 years
804 (15.9%)
65-74 years
1,112 (22.0%)
75-84 years
638 (12.6%)
85+ years
212 (4.2%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is South West Rocks known for? +

South West Rocks is a picturesque coastal town on the Mid North Coast of NSW, approximately 450km north of Sydney in the Kempsey Shire. With a population just over 5,000, this relaxed seaside community has become a popular retirement destination, with a median age of 60+.

How far is South West Rocks from Kempsey? +

South West Rocks is approximately 30 kilometres from Kempsey. The drive takes around 30 min during peak hour and 25 min off-peak.

Does South West Rocks have public transport? +

South West Rocks is served by bus routes (350) connecting to Kempsey via Frederickton & Smithtown with a travel time of approximately 33-40 min. There is no train or metro station in the suburb.

What is the population of South West Rocks? +

According to the 2021 Census, South West Rocks has a population of approximately 5,058 residents.

Is South West Rocks a good place to live? +

South West Rocks 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 South West Rocks? +

The postcode for South West Rocks in NSW is 2431.

What is the average income in South West Rocks? +

Based on the 2021 Census, the median personal income in South West Rocks is about $533 per week (around $27,700 per year). The median household income is $980 per week and the median family income is $1,230 per week.

What is the median house price in South West Rocks? +

As of 2025, the median house price is $745,000, up 2.8% on the previous year, and the median unit/apartment price is $552,000, up 4.2% on the previous year. Figures are based on NSW Valuer General — Property Sales Information.

What is the age profile of South West Rocks? +

The median age in South West Rocks is 58. The largest age group is 65–74 (1,112 residents, around 22%). Around 17% of residents are under 20 and about 39% are aged 65 or older. (2021 Census)

Is South West Rocks a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. South West Rocks is part of the Kempsey 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.

How much is rent in South West Rocks? +

In South West Rocks, the median weekly rent is $323, and the median monthly mortgage repayment is $1,517 (2021 Census).