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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 $760k. House values have moved 2.0% 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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Sales Detail
Valla Beach has an estimated 1,555 residents, up from 1,455 at the 2021 Census — a change of 100 people, or 6.9%. Growth has averaged 1.2% a year over five years. Interstate and internal migration accounts for 55.0% of that increase. That puts 463 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
According to ABS demographic updates for the surrounding region alongside new addresses verified by AreaSearch since the Census, the population of the suburb of Valla Beach is assessed at approximately 1,555 as of Aug 2026. This represents an addition of 100 people (6.9%) compared to the 2021 Census tally of 1,455 people. The adjustment derives from an estimated resident population of 1,526 identified by AreaSearch following the ABS ERP release of June 2025, combined with 12 validated new addresses recorded post-Census. With this population count, the suburb of Valla Beach exhibits a population density of 462 persons per square kilometer, offering ample room per resident and capacity for upcoming expansion.
The 6.9% expansion in the suburb of Valla Beach since the 2021 census outpaced both the SA3 area (4.5%) and the Rest of NSW, establishing it as a regional growth frontrunner. Net gains were predominantly underpinned by interstate migration, which accounted for approximately 55.00000000000001% of recent population additions, while overseas migration and natural growth also provided positive contributions. Projections from ABS/Geoscience Australia released in 2024 using 2022 as a base year are applied by AreaSearch across SA2 divisions, supplemented by 2022 NSW State Government SA2 projections based on 2021 where coverage is lacking. In addition, age-specific growth trajectories from these sources are integrated across all localities for the period spanning 2032 to 2041. Looking ahead, the suburb of Valla Beach is forecast to experience population expansion tracking above the non-metropolitan Australian median, expanding by 279 persons by 2041 under consolidated SA2 figures, corresponding to an overall 16.1% gain across the 16 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
Detail
Residential building activity in Valla Beach is notably subdued, recording 2 dwelling approvals per year (amounting to 11 dwellings across the five-year period). This constrained construction volume aligns with the locality's rural character, in which residential development responds primarily to distinct local requirements instead of broad commercial demand. Because the overall figure is so low, single residential projects can exert a major effect on yearly rates and relative metrics. Construction numbers in Valla Beach are substantially lower than those across the Rest of NSW, tracking well below national benchmarks. Recent residential building has consisted entirely of detached houses, emphasizing family living suited to buyers pursuing rural environments and spacious surrounds.
The ratio of 378 people per dwelling approval highlights a subdued, low-volume residential building sector. Longer-term forecasts indicate that Valla Beach will gain 250 residents by 2041 according to the most recent AreaSearch quarterly release. If residential building activity continues at current rates, the delivery of new homes may fall behind population gains, potentially heightening competition among purchasers and supporting upward price movement.
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 $4.24 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
Local capital works, major projects, and regional planning policies play an essential role in shaping an area's trajectory. Currently, no major projects have been recorded by AreaSearch as having a direct local influence. Key regional developments include the 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 following overview highlighting the most pertinent initiatives.
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.
631 residents of Valla Beach are employed, from a labour force of 654. Unemployment sits at 3.5%, with participation at 49.5%. 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 1,249, about 80% 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
Local residents in Valla Beach form a highly educated labour pool with solid representation across essential services, alongside an unemployment rate of 3.5% according to aggregated statistical district figures compiled by AreaSearch. In March 2026, employed locals numbered 631 while the unemployment rate sat 0.6% under the 4.1% recorded for Regional NSW, though the participation rate of 49.5% trailed well behind Regional NSW's 60.6%. Census findings showed a moderate share of 18.9% working from home, though pandemic-related movement restrictions should be taken into account. The primary employment sectors among local workers consist of health care & social assistance, education & training, and construction.
Health care & social assistance shows particular local concentration, maintaining an employment concentration 1.3 times the regional average. Conversely, mining accounts for no local workers, trailing the 2.5% seen across Regional NSW. Evaluating Census working population counts against resident counts suggests local employment opportunities remain limited. Aggregated SALM and ABS data analyzed by AreaSearch shows that during the 12 months leading to March 2026, the local workforce shrank by 3.4% as employment fell by 3.8%, lifting the unemployment rate by 0.4 percentage points. Across Regional NSW over the same timeframe, jobs contracted by 0.9%, the labour supply dropped by 0.4%, and unemployment climbed by 0.5 percentage points. Broader national projections from Jobs and Skills Australia as of Mar-26 provide additional context on future labour demand for Valla Beach over five and ten-year horizons when aligned with local industry representation. Nationally, employment is projected to rise by 6.6% across five years and 13.7% across ten years, with performance varying widely across sectors. Applying these industry rates to the local employment base suggests job numbers could grow by 7.0% across five years and 14.5% across ten years, though this weighted extrapolation is purely illustrative and excludes local demographic forecasts.
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
Taxpayer income in the suburb of Valla Beach sits below national norms based on ATO data for financial year 2023 compiled by AreaSearch. The median taxable income in the suburb of Valla Beach is $39,820 while the average reaches $51,674, compared to Regional NSW benchmarks of $52,390 and $65,215 respectively. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since financial year 2023, updated figures reach approximately $43,929 (median) and $57,007 (average) as of March 2026. Data from the 2021 Census places local personal, family, and household earnings between the 6th and 11th percentiles nationally.
Looking at income distribution, the $400 - 799 bracket accounts for 30.6% of residents (475 individuals), in contrast to the broader region where the $1,500 - 2,999 band is largest at 29.9%. Residents retain 85.2% of income after housing expenses, representing the 9th percentile across the country, while the SEIFA income measure places the locality 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
At the time of the latest Census, the housing landscape in Valla Beach was dominated by separate houses at 92.6%, with remaining formats (apartments, semi-detached properties, and 'other' dwellings) representing 7.3%, compared to Regional NSW where houses comprised 82.6% and other formats formed 17.4%. Outright home ownership reached 57.8%, substantially exceeding Regional NSW levels, while 25.5% of homes were held with a mortgage and 16.7% were rented. The median monthly mortgage payment of $1,600 sat beneath the Regional NSW figure of $1,733, whereas the median weekly rental cost of $400 surpassed the regional rate of $330.
In a nationwide context, mortgage commitments in Valla Beach sit well below the Australian median of $1,863, while local rents exceed the national benchmark of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Valla Beach counted 635 households at the 2021 Census, an estimated 679 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 units constitute the predominant living arrangement, representing 64.4% of households, consisting of couples without children (36.7%), couples with children (18.4%), and single parent families (9.4%). Non-family setups make up the remaining 35.6%, comprising lone person dwellings at 32.0% and group households at 3.1%. Average occupancy sits at 2.1 people per household, below the Regional NSW benchmark 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
Qualification levels among residents in Valla Beach exceed regional comparators, with 28.9% of persons aged 15+ possessing tertiary degrees, compared to 14.8% in the SA3 area and 16.9% in the SA4 region, positioning the local workforce well for knowledge-intensive sectors. Bachelor degrees represent 20.1%, postgraduate credentials account for 5.2%, and graduate diplomas comprise 3.6%. Vocational education is also widespread, with 38.1% of residents aged 15+ holding technical qualifications, consisting of advanced diplomas (11.9%) and certificates (26.2%). An active student population is present, with 23.0% of residents engaged in formal education.
This proportion comprises 7.8% attending primary school, 6.9% enrolled in secondary school, and 2.7% pursuing tertiary studies.
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
An assessment of public transit shows 6 active transport stops within Valla Beach, consisting of bus services. A total of 13 separate routes connect to these stops, providing a combined 273 weekly passenger trips. Transit access is rated as moderate, with an average distance of 432 meters from residences to the nearest stop. Given the area's residential profile, outward commuting is standard, with private vehicles serving as the primary choice at 96%. Vehicle ownership stands at 1.2 per household, trailing the regional figure, while 18.9% of workers operated from home at the 2021 Census, potentially influenced by COVID-19 settings.
Across all routes, service frequency averages 39 trips per day, which translates to approximately 45 weekly trips for each 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
Based on AreaSearch reviews of chronic disease prevalence and mortality metrics, health conditions in Valla Beach compare favorably with broader standards across both older and younger age brackets, alongside a low rate of private health insurance covering approximately 47% of residents (~737 people). This compares against 51.9% in Regional NSW and a nationwide benchmark of 55.7%. Arthritis and mental health conditions are the most prevalent reported illnesses locally, affecting 12.7 and 7.8% of the population respectively, while 60.7% of residents reported having no medical ailments, compared with 63.3% across Regional NSW.
Chronic conditions among working-age individuals track above average. Seniors aged 65 and over make up 38.3% of the community (595 people), higher than the 23.3% share in Regional NSW, with senior health metrics tracking above average and aligning broadly with nationwide benchmarks.
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
Cultural diversity measures in Valla Beach track below national averages, with 85.6% of residents born in Australia, 91.9% holding Australian citizenship, and 95.9% speaking only English at home. Christianity is the primary religion, followed by 44.8% of the community. Judaism shows the clearest relative overrepresentation, accounting for 0.2% of residents compared to 0.1% across Regional NSW. Regarding ancestral origins (country of birth of parents), the leading backgrounds in Valla Beach are English (35.4%), Australian (25.4%), and Irish (11.8%). Other notable variations include Welsh ancestry at 1.2% (against 0.5% regionally), Russian at 0.6% (against 0.2%), and Scottish at 9.4% (against 8.0%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Valla Beach is 55, older than 97% of areas nationally. 14.9% 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
The demographic profile of Valla Beach is notably mature relative to the surrounding region. Senior and retiree cohorts aged 65+ comprise 38.3% of residents as at August 2026, compared to 23.3% in Regional NSW, whereas youth and young adults aged 0 - 24 represent 21.4% against 29.3% regionally. The estimated median age stands at 55 as at August 2026, matching the 2021 Census level and sitting 12 years higher than the Regional NSW median of 43 at that Census, as well as exceeding the national median of 38 at the same Census.
Since that Census, the proportion of residents aged 65+ has increased from 33.9% to an estimated 38.3%. Growth through to 2041 will be led by older demographics, with retiree cohorts projected to expand by 121 residents (20%) to reach 717.
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 Sep 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) | Aug 2026 last month 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 Aug 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | Aug 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to Aug 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Aug 2026 last month headline measures · Jul 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Sep 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 Sep 2026. | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, Local governments Daily | May 2026 4 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 6 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) | Aug 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 2 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Jul 2026 2 months ago 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 — 12 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for Aug 2026, not a 2021 count (1,455 at the 2021 Census → 1,555 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 Aug 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.