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This analysis uses Suburbs and Localities (SAL) boundaries, which can materially differ from Statistical Areas (SA2) even when sharing the same name.
SAL boundaries are defined by Australia Post and the Australian Bureau of Statistics to represent commonly-known suburb names used in postal addresses.
Statistical Areas (SA2) are designed for census data collection and may combine multiple suburbs or use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
est. as @ -- *
2021 Census | -- people
The median house price in Valla Beach is $838k. House values have moved 4.0% a year compounded over five years.
Curious about local property values? Filter the chart to assess the volume and appreciation (including resales) trends and regional comparisons, or scroll to the map below view this information at an individual property level.
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Valla Beach has an estimated 1,543 residents, up from 1,455 at the 2021 Census — a change of 88 people, or 6.0%. Growth has averaged 1.2% a year over five years. Interstate and internal migration accounts for 55.0% of that increase. That puts 459 residents on each square kilometre. Population is estimated from ABS Estimated Resident Population releases and GNAF address data, re-based from the 2021 Census and updated annually.
Detail
Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the Census Valla Beach's population is estimated at around 1,543 as of May 2026. This reflects an increase of 88 people (6.0%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,455 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 1,523, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2025) and an additional 14 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 459 persons per square kilometer, providing significant space per person and potential room for further development.
Valla Beach's 6.0% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area (4.3%), along with the Rest of NSW, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration that contributed approximately 55.00000000000001% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including natural growth and overseas migration were positive factors. AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch is utilising the NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, as released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are also applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Moving forward with demographic trends, an above median population growth of Australian non-metropolitan areas is projected, with the area expected to grow by 273 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting recording a gain of 16.4% in total over the 16 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
Detail
Valla Beach experiences very limited development activity averaging 2 approvals per year (totalling 14 across the past five years). These low development levels reflect the rural nature of the area, where development is typically driven by specific local housing needs rather than broad market demand. Note; given the small number of approvals, individual development projects can significantly impact annual growth and relativity statistics. Valla Beach naturally has much lower development activity compared to Rest of NSW. The development pattern is also well below national averages. Meanwhile, new construction has been completely comprised of detached houses, reflecting the area's rural character where larger properties and space are typical.
The estimated count of 756 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment. Looking ahead, Valla Beach is expected to grow by 253 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially heightening buyer competition and supporting price increases.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Valla Beach
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| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
|---|
SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks 43 current infrastructure and development projects close to Valla Beach, worth an estimated $4.25 billion. 17 are already under construction and 14 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans residential development, sports & recreation and communities, precincts & urban renewal. Records are compiled from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, council planning portals and public announcements, reviewed and updated daily, then ranked by proximity, construction stage, completion horizon and project scale.
Detail
Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects and planning initiatives. In total 0 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Pacific Highway Upgrade: Hexham To Brisbane, Low and Mid-Rise Housing Policy, Queensland New South Wales Interconnector, and Corridor Preservation For East Coast High Speed Rail, with the below list detailing those likely to be of most relevance.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
Denotes AI-based impression for illustrative purposes only, not to be taken as definitive under any circumstances. Please follow links and conduct other investigations from the project's source for actual imagery. Developers and project owners wishing us to use original imagery please Contact Us and we will do so.
Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Valla Urban Growth Area
The Valla Urban Growth Area is a long-planned mixed-use precinct near the Pacific Highway at Valla, intended to address residential and industrial land shortages on the NSW Mid North Coast. Stage One is under construction and will deliver 14 fully serviced industrial lots, with 13 lots expected to be released from mid to late 2026. Current works include the first internal road, water, sewer, stormwater, electrical, lighting and communications infrastructure. Future stages are planned to include about 700 homes, a town centre, further industrial land, schools, open space and public amenities.Council expects the completed precinct to support up to 2800 jobs and add about AUD 380 million per year to the local economy.
Vista Apartments
Five three-bedroom luxury apartments offering breathtaking views of the Nambucca River and coastline, with high-end finishes, spacious open-plan layouts, secure access, internal lift to all levels, and two undercover parking spaces per apartment.
Nambucca River Foreshore Walk and Cultural Way
Improvements to the foreshore walk from the Visitor Information Centre to the V-Wall, including boardwalk replacement, signage, and art installations to promote cultural, historical, and environmental awareness of the Nambucca River. The project includes the addition of public art elements as part of ongoing enhancements.
Main Beach Protective Seawall and Bleachers
Construction of a 180-metre coastal protection wall including 40 metres of bleacher steps, new pedestrian footpath, beach stairs, ramps, shower, and viewing platform at Main Beach, Nambucca Heads, to protect against coastal erosion and enhance public amenities.
Nambucca Heads Lifestyle Estate
Over 50s land lease community by Lincoln Place with no entry, exit or deferred management fees. Amenities include community hall, BBQ area and access to medical services and supermarkets. Ongoing home releases; new homes coming soon with enquiries handled by the on-site team.
TAFE NSW Nambucca Heads Connected Learning Centre
State-of-the-art facility providing greater access to skills training and employment outcomes through a mix of online, face-to-face, and blended learning options. The CLC offers digital technologies like simulations and virtual learning experiences, and a range of courses including education support, business, visitor information services, and hospitality. Features include collaboration pods, computer hub, connected learning classrooms, maker space, media lounge, mobile training units, print shop, tech bar, virtual learner support space, workbooth, free parking, bike racks, digital library services, guest Wi-Fi, student kitchenette, vending machines, student lounge, laptop borrowing, and an outdoor learning area.
Black Wattle Estate - Urunga
Black Wattle Estate is a six stage master planned residential land subdivision within the South Urunga Development Precinct, delivering about 320 housing lots from roughly 600 sqm up to 1,450 sqm. Stage 1 civil works and registration are complete with most lots sold, while later stages will add local parks, walking and cycle paths and bushland buffers. The estate is promoted as an environmentally and socially sustainable coastal community close to Urunga township, beaches, the Kalang River and regional centres such as Coffs Harbour and Bellingen.
Sewering Coastal Villages Project
A major $38 million sewerage infrastructure project expanding the network to Mylestom, Repton, and Raleigh. The project involves a completed upgrade to the Urunga Sewerage Treatment Plant (STP), doubling its capacity to 10,000 equivalent persons. Current works focus on installing sewer reticulation mains and 228 low-pressure sewer units at individual properties, and constructing new pump stations to replace failing septic systems and protect the Bellinger and Kalang Rivers.
623 residents of Valla Beach are employed, from a labour force of 643. Unemployment sits at 3.1%, with participation at 49.1%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 7.0% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth. The working-day population is estimated at 1,242, about 81% of the resident population, so more people leave the area for work than travel in. Unemployment and labour force come from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, updated quarterly; the industry and occupation profile is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Valla Beach has a well-educated workforce, with essential services sectors well represented, and an unemployment rate of only 3.1%, based on AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data. As of March 2026623 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 1.0% below Regional NSW's rate of 4.1%, and workforce participation lags significantly (49.1% compared to Regional NSW's 60.6%). Based on Census responses, a moderate 18.9% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Leading employment industries among residents comprise health care & social assistance, education & training, and construction.
The area demonstrates particularly notable concentration in health care & social assistance, with employment levels at 1.3 times the regional average. Meanwhile, mining has limited presence with 0.0% employment compared to 2.5% regionally. The area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population. Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, aggregated from broader statistical areas, the 12-month period saw labour force decreasing by 3.7% combined with employment decreasing by 3.9%, resulting in the unemployment rate rise by 0.1 percentage points. This contrasts with Regional NSW, where employment contracted by 0.9%, the labour force fell by 0.4%, and unemployment rose 0.5 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Valla Beach. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Valla Beach's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.0% over five years and 14.5% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Valla Beach is $1,084 a week (about $56,000 a year), with median personal income at $597 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $39,820 a year against an average of $51,674. Household income is from the 2021 Census; taxable income is from ATO Taxation Statistics for the latest financial year available, indexed forward using the ABS Wage Price Index.
Detail
AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 reveals that income in the suburb of Valla Beach is below the national average, with the median assessed at $39,820 while the average income stands at $51,674. This contrasts to Regional NSW's figures of a median income of $52,390 and an average income of $65,215. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $43,929 (median) and $57,007 (average) as of March 2026. From the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes in Valla Beach all fall between the 6th and 11th percentiles nationally.
Income brackets indicate 30.6% of the population (472 individuals) fall within the $400 - 799 income range, unlike trends the surrounding region where 29.9% fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 range. After housing, 85.2% of income remains, though this ranks at only the 9th percentile nationally and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 4th decile.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Valla Beach had 635 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 93% detached houses and 1% apartments. 26% are owned with a mortgage, 17% rented and 58% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $400 a week and the median mortgage repayment $1,600 a month. Rent absorbs 36.9% of household income here and mortgage repayments 34.1%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
Dwelling structure within Valla Beach, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 92.6% houses and 7.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Regional NSW's 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Valla Beach was well beyond that of Regional NSW, at 57.8%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (25.5%) or rented (16.7%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was below the Regional NSW average at $1,600, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $400, compared to Regional NSW's $1,733 and $330.
Nationally, Valla Beach's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are exceeding the national figure of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Valla Beach counted 635 households at the 2021 Census, an estimated 673 today, averaging 2.1 people each. 18% are couples with children, fewer than in 90% of areas nationally, against 37% couples without children. 32% of households are people living alone, and families average 1.8 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Family households dominate at 64.4% of all households, comprising 18.4% couples with children, 36.7% couples without children, and 9.4% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 35.6%, with lone person households at 32.0% and group households comprising 3.1% of the total. The median household size of 2.1 people is smaller than the Regional NSW average of 2.4.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
28.9% of adults in Valla Beach hold a university qualification, including 20.1% with a bachelor degree and 5.2% with postgraduate qualifications, higher than 92% of areas nationally. A further 26.2% hold a vocational qualification. Qualifications come from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Educational attainment in Valla Beach significantly surpasses broader benchmarks, with 28.9% of residents aged 15+ holding university qualifications compared to 14.8% in SA3 area and 16.9% in SA4 region. This substantial educational advantage positions the area strongly for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees lead at 20.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.2%) and graduate diplomas (3.6%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 38.1% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (11.9%) and certificates (26.2%). A substantial 23.0% of the population actively pursues formal education. This includes 7.8% in primary education, 6.9% in secondary education, and 2.7% pursuing tertiary education.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Public transport in Valla Beach reaches 6 stops on 13 routes, timetabled for about 270 services a week. The typical home sits about 430 m from its nearest stop. Households keep an average of 1.2 vehicles. Stop and service counts are built from operators' published GTFS timetables and refresh with each timetable release; vehicle ownership is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Public transport analysis reveals 6 active transport stops operating within Valla Beach comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 13 individual routes, collectively providing 273 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as moderate, with residents typically located 432 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward - car remains the dominant mode at 96%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.2 per dwelling, below the regional average. Some 18.9% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions). Service frequency averages 39 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 45 weekly trips per individual stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
60.7% of residents in Valla Beach report no long-term health condition. 6.0% need daily assistance with core activities, and 47.4% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 3.2 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
Valla Beach demonstrates above-average health outcomes, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions , and the rate of private health cover found to be very low at approximately 47% of the total population (~731 people). This compares to 51.9% across Regional NSW. The national average is 55.7%. The most common medical conditions in the area were found to be arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 12.7 and 7.8% of residents, respectively, while 60.7% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 63.3% across Regional NSW.
Working-age residents show above average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 37.4% of residents aged 65 and over (577 people), which is higher than the 23.4% in Regional NSW. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Valla Beach is largely Australian-born, at 85.6% of residents, with 4.1% speaking a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are English (35.4%) and Australian (25.4%). Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Valla Beach was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 85.6% of its population born in Australia, 91.9% being citizens, and 95.9% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Valla Beach was found to be Christianity, which makes up 44.8% of people in Valla Beach. However, the most apparent overrepresentation was in Judaism, which comprises 0.2% of the population, compared to 0.1% across Regional NSW. In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Valla Beach are English, comprising 35.4% of the population, Australian, comprising 25.4% of the population, and Irish, comprising 11.8% of the population.
Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Welsh is notably overrepresented at 1.2% of Valla Beach (vs 0.5% regionally), Russian at 0.6% (vs 0.2%) and Scottish at 9.4% (vs 8.0%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Valla Beach is 55, older than 97% of areas nationally. 15.1% of residents are aged 15 to 34. Age cohorts are not raw Census counts: the Census split is re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections.
Detail
At 55 years, Valla Beach's median age is considerably higher than the Regional NSW average of 43 and is considerably older than the national norm of 38. The age profile shows 65 - 74 year-olds are particularly prominent (21.2%), while the 15 - 24 group is comparatively smaller (7.0%) than in Regional NSW. This 65 - 74 concentration is well above the national 9.4%. In the period since 2021, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 11.2% to 13.7% of the population. Conversely, the 55 to 64 cohort has declined from 16.4% to 13.7%.
Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections reveal significant shifts in Valla Beach's age structure. The 75 to 84 age cohort is projected to increase solidly, expanding by 69 people (33%) from 211 to 281. On the other hand, the 15 to 24 cohort is projected to decline by 2 people.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Valla Beach
9 of 14 data sections on this page were updated within the last 12 months — the newest current to Aug 2026.
Everything is aggregated to the Suburb (SAL) boundary shown above, on a 2021 Census baseline. Only 3 sections — housing, households and cultural diversity — still wait on the 2026 Census.
The ledger — source, cycle and currency by section
| Section | Source & update cycle | Currency |
|---|---|---|
| Updated within the last 12 months 9 sections | ||
| Population | ABS, GNAF, Geoscience Australia Annual (ABS ERP) | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release) and updated with new dwellings from GNAF address data. Current to May 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to May 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Jun 2026 2 months ago headline measures · May 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Aug 2026 this month all 21 measures |
| Sales from the state Valuer General register, refreshed weekly, and rents from quarterly rental bond lodgements. Both are read live each time this page loads, current to Aug 2026. | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, Local governments Daily | May 2026 3 months ago all 2 projects tracked here |
| Project pipeline maintained continuously from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, local government and public announcements. Records are added and revised daily; this area was last updated May 2026. | ||
| Employment | ABS, DEWR, JSA Quarterly (ABS SALM) | Mar 2026 5 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Unemployment and labour force from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, current to Mar 2026. The growth outlook applies Department of Employment (now Jobs and Skills Australia) forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to the local industry mix, so it measures sector composition rather than local expansion and makes no allowance for population growth. Job demand comes from the same agency via its Internet Vacancy Index; industry and occupation structure from the 2021 Census. | ||
| Education | ABS, ACARA Annual (ACARA) | Jul 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Jul 2026 last month all 14 measures |
| Annual and financial-year sources 2 sections | ||
| Income | ABS, ATO Annual (ATO) | FY 2023 3 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| ATO taxable income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index. Census household income provides the distribution detail. | ||
| Health | ABS, ATO Annual | 2024 2 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Census-measured — next update: 2026 Census 3 sections No more current small-area source exists for these, so they are labelled as Census-measured rather than implied to be current. | ||
| Housing | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 30 measures |
| Households | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 18 measures |
| Cultural diversity | ABS, Geoscience Australia 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 44 measures |
"Currency" is the most recent release feeding that section. Where the Census supplies the structural baseline underneath a current headline figure, the row says so.
How the numbers are built
Population
The Census provides the small-area baseline, aggregated from mesh blocks to this boundary. It is then re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release), and new dwellings built since Census night are counted from address data — 14 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for May 2026, not a 2021 count (1,455 at the 2021 Census → 1,543 now). Annual growth rates are compound (CAGR), not simple averages.
Age profile
Cohort shares are not raw Census counts. Every cohort is held as a pair — the Census baseline and a current estimate — and the split is re-based using ERP and state population projections, current to May 2026. Median age is the Census median plus modelled change since. Charts that show both are labelled "2021 Census vs Current Estimate".
Property sales
Sourced from the state valuation authority's sales register — current, not Census, and refreshed weekly. Medians are calculated from settled transactions in the period shown; periods with very low transaction counts are flagged or suppressed, because a handful of sales can move a median substantially.
Rents
Derived from state rental bond lodgement data, by dwelling type and bedroom count. Bonds are lodged at the start of a new tenancy, so this reflects new lettings, not the whole rented stock.
Development & infrastructure
Building approvals come from current ABS releases; development applications are collected from council and state planning portals; the infrastructure pipeline is compiled from Infrastructure Australia and local government sources. Applications are matched to this boundary by address or coordinates, so very recent lodgements may not yet appear.
Employment & income
Industry and occupation structure comes from the Census, but the headline labour-market indicators do not. Unemployment and labour force are derived from ABS Small Area Labour Markets (quarterly). The employment outlook applies Department of Employment forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to this area's own industry mix (the agency is now Jobs and Skills Australia), as does the Internet Vacancy Index used for job demand. Because it is weighted on industry composition alone, that outlook carries no allowance for local population growth — in fast-growing areas the real rise in local jobs will typically be higher. Income combines Census household income with ATO taxable-income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index.
Education, transport & amenities
School enrolments, ICSEA and performance come from ACARA's current release, not the Census. Public transport stops and service frequency are derived from GTFS timetable feeds published by state transport departments. Services and amenities are proximity and count scores built from provider directories, refreshed on their own cycle. The Census contributes only the travel-to-work and qualification measures.
Rankings and benchmarks. Where we rank this area, the comparison set is every area of the same boundary type — suburbs against suburbs, SA2s against SA2s. Benchmarks compare this area against its greater capital city region and the national figure for the same measure and period.
Limits worth knowing. Small areas carry larger error margins, and the ABS introduces small random adjustments to Census counts to protect confidentiality — so totals may not sum exactly. Estimates re-based from regional data describe the area's expected trajectory, not a direct count of it. Figures are indicative for research and are not financial, planning or valuation advice.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (SAL14086). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.