Crescent Head

NSW 2440 • Rest of NSW

1,633
Population (2021)
$35,048
Median Income
181.87 km²
Area
$320/wk
Median Rent
CoastalSurfingRetirementSea-ChangeHistoric

About Crescent Head

Crescent Head is a laid-back coastal town on the Mid North Coast of New South Wales, 340 kilometres north of Sydney in the Kempsey Shire. With a population of around 1,633 (2021 census) and a median age of 50, this is a mature seaside community with deep roots dating back to 1894. The town sits on a dramatic headland overlooking crescent-shaped beaches that give it its name.

Famous as a world-class longboard surfing destination since the 1960s, Crescent Head hosts the annual Malibu Classic and attracts surfers from across Australia. The relaxed village features a country club, tavern, holiday parks, and a scenic 6-hole golf course overlooking the sea. Tourism and fishing are the primary industries, and the town draws retirees, sea-changers, and surf enthusiasts who value the uncrowded beaches, national park surrounds, and tight-knit community atmosphere.

Crescent Head falls under postcode 2440 and is governed by Kempsey Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Oxley electorate.

📍 Location

Postcode
2440
Urban Area
Kempsey - Surrounds
LGA / Council
Federal Electorate
State Electorate
Type
Urban
Timezone
Sydney (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-31.21°, 152.93°
Statistical Area
Rest of NSW
Area
181.87 km²
Elevation
1m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Nearest Train Stations

Kempsey
22 km
N/A (drive)

Bus Services

  • 345 — Kempsey via Belgrave Street 25 min

Commute to Kempsey

Distance
22 km
By Bus
25 min (Route 345, runs 4 times daily)
By Car (Peak)
20 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
18 min

🛣️ Bus 345 connects to Kempsey for coach services to Sydney and Coffs Harbour. No direct train—nearest rail is Kempsey coach stop.

Walkability Car-Dependent

Village centre and beach walkable; car essential for shopping in Kempsey and all major services

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

🏛️ Heritage-Listed Places

There is 1 heritage-listed place in or near Crescent Head, listed on the NSW State Heritage Register.

Beranghi Road, Crescent Head • SHR #02070

🔍 Crime Statistics

NSW crime data is provided by the Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR). Use the interactive tool below to explore recorded crime incidents in Crescent Head by offence type, year and trend.

📊 View Crescent Head Crime Statistics on BOCSAR ↗

Data source: NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research · Search for "Crescent Head" under Suburb

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$320
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,591
Avg Household Size
2.2 people
Median Age
50 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
0.6%

0 state housing + 4 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
1,531
Census 2021
1,633
6.7% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Income 2016
$28,340
Income 2021
$35,048
23.7% increase

Income Comparison

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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 1,330
Born Overseas 180

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 54
  • 2. New Zealand 19
  • 3. United States 19
  • 4. Philippines 13
  • 5. Germany 11
  • 6. South Africa 10
  • 7. Brazil 6
  • 8. Netherlands 6
  • 9. Pakistan 6
  • 10. Thailand 6

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 756
Australian 655
Irish 211
Scottish 167
Australian Aboriginal 127
German 72
Italian 29
Dutch 21
French 17
New Zealander 16

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

1,092
Both parents born in Australia
213
Both parents born overseas
204
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

No Religion
48.3%
Christianity
41.9%
Buddhism
1.2%
Islam
0.2%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
78 (4.8%)
5-14 years
170 (10.4%)
15-19 years
71 (4.3%)
20-24 years
55 (3.4%)
25-34 years
147 (9.0%)
35-44 years
165 (10.1%)
45-54 years
211 (12.9%)
55-64 years
305 (18.7%)
65-74 years
286 (17.5%)
75-84 years
106 (6.5%)
85+ years
26 (1.6%)

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