🔍

Wollongbar

NSW 2477 • Rest of NSW

3,261
Population (2021)
$85,228
Median Household Income
17.63 km²
Area
$420/wk
Median Rent
Family-FriendlyGrowth SuburbTree-ChangeRegionalSubtropical

About Wollongbar

Wollongbar is a growing town in the Northern Rivers region of New South Wales, located on the Bruxner Highway between Lismore and Alstonville at an elevation of 166 metres. The 2021 census recorded a population of 2,988, reflecting significant growth of over 40% since 2016, driven by internal migration from larger cities seeking a quieter lifestyle in the Northern Rivers hinterland. The town enjoys a warm subtropical climate with lush green surrounds and views across the fertile Richmond River valley.

Wollongbar appeals strongly to families, young professionals, and tree-changers who value green space, community, and relatively affordable housing compared to nearby Byron Bay and Ballina. Wollongbar Public School is a cornerstone of community life, and local sporting clubs and community gardens add to the village-like feel. The town relies primarily on car transport, with Lismore (10 km) and Ballina (30 km) providing hospital, major shopping, and airport access.

Wollongbar falls under postcode 2477 and is governed by Ballina Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Ballina electorate.

📍 Location

State
New South Wales
Postcode
2477
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
Ballina
Federal Electorate
Page
State Electorate
Ballina
Type
Rural
Timezone
Sydney (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-28.82°, 153.41°
Statistical Area
Rest of NSW
Area
17.63 km²
Elevation
165m

🏷️ Property Prices 2025

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

🏡House
$850K
65 sales · ▼ 8.1% vs 2024
🏢Unit / Apartment
$725K
25 sales · ▲ 16.6% 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)
$420
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,842
Avg Household Size
2.6 people
Median Age
40 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
0.6%

7 state housing + 0 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • 640,645 — Lismore CBD 15–20 min
  • 650 — Alstonville / Ballina 15–25 min

Commute to Lismore CBD

Distance
10 km
By Bus
15–20 min
By Car (Peak)
12–15 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
10–12 min

🛣️ No rail service in the area; Lismore is the regional centre; Ballina Byron Gateway Airport is ~35 km away

Walkability Car-Dependent

Very limited walkable infrastructure; a car is essential for most daily activities

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

These are the latest 2025 rates for the Ballina Local Government Area, which contains Wollongbar. 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)

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
2,828
Census 2021
3,261
▲ 15.3% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Personal Income 2016
$33,644
Personal Income 2021
$41,184
▲ 22.4% 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
$41,184 / yr
$792/wk
Household
$85,228 / yr
$1639/wk
Family
$100,204 / yr
$1927/wk

Personal Income Comparison (2016 vs 2021)

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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 2,804
Born Overseas 355

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 96
  • 2. New Zealand 42
  • 3. South Africa 27
  • 4. Chile 13
  • 5. Malaysia 12
  • 6. Germany 10
  • 7. India 10
  • 8. Zimbabwe 10
  • 9. Philippines 9
  • 10. Wales 9

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 1,498
Australian 1,360
Irish 431
Scottish 424
German 172
Australian Aboriginal 154
Italian 138
Dutch 49
Chinese 34
Welsh 26

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

2,356
Both parents born in Australia
443
Both parents born overseas
363
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

Christianity
51.6%
No Religion
42.3%
Buddhism
0.9%
Hinduism
0.2%
Islam
0.2%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
179 (5.5%)
5-14 years
470 (14.4%)
15-19 years
223 (6.8%)
20-24 years
169 (5.2%)
25-34 years
345 (10.6%)
35-44 years
400 (12.3%)
45-54 years
424 (13.0%)
55-64 years
393 (12.1%)
65-74 years
373 (11.4%)
75-84 years
226 (6.9%)
85+ years
61 (1.9%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Wollongbar known for? +

Wollongbar is known as a growing family town with a strong community character in the Northern Rivers region. The town has good primary school facilities, local parks, and a relaxed subtropical lifestyle that attracts tree-changers from Sydney and Melbourne.

How far is Wollongbar from Lismore? +

Wollongbar is approximately 12 kilometres north of Lismore, the regional capital of the Northern Rivers, with a drive time of around 15 minutes via the Bruxner Highway.

Does Wollongbar have public transport? +

Wollongbar has limited bus services connecting to Lismore and Ballina. The nearest major transport hub is Lismore, which provides regional coach services. A car is the most practical transport option for everyday errands.

What is the population of Wollongbar? +

According to the 2021 Census, Wollongbar has a population of approximately 3,261 residents within the Ballina Shire Council local government area.

Is Wollongbar a good place to live? +

Wollongbar is an appealing option for families and tree-changers who want a growing community with affordable housing in the Northern Rivers, close to Lismore's full range of services and Ballina's beaches. The subtropical climate and relaxed lifestyle are major drawcards.

What is the postcode for Wollongbar? +

The postcode for Wollongbar is 2477.

What is the average income in Wollongbar? +

Based on the 2021 Census, the median personal income in Wollongbar is about $792 per week (around $41,200 per year). The median household income is $1,639 per week and the median family income is $1,927 per week.

What is the median house price in Wollongbar? +

As of 2025, the median house price is $850,000, down 8.1% on the previous year, and the median unit/apartment price is $725,000, up 16.6% on the previous year. Figures are based on NSW Valuer General — Property Sales Information.

What is the age profile of Wollongbar? +

The median age in Wollongbar is 40. The largest age group is 5–14 (470 residents, around 14%). Around 27% of residents are under 20 and about 20% are aged 65 or older. (2021 Census)

Is Wollongbar a safe area? +

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

How much is rent in Wollongbar? +

In Wollongbar, the median weekly rent is $420, and the median monthly mortgage repayment is $1,842 (2021 Census).