Townsend suburb profile
Townsend is a tranquil suburb situated in the Northern Rivers region of New South Wales, offering a peaceful rural lifestyle with a close-knit community feel. Located near the Clarence River, it provides residents with picturesque natural surroundings and a relaxed pace of life. The suburb is in proximity to the larger town of Maclean, which offers additional amenities and services. Townsend is ideal for those seeking a serene environment away from the hustle and bustle, yet within reach of essential facilities and the scenic beauty of the Northern Rivers area.
Townsend property market performance
Townsend's property market has shown minimal change over the past 12 months, with median house values increasing slightly by 0.7% and no change in unit values. The suburb saw 7 houses sold, but no unit sales recorded, indicating limited activity in the unit sector.
Houses are taking a median of 48 days to sell, as there have been no units on the market recently. The rental market for houses has been more dynamic, with average rents rising by 15.3% over the past year, reaching $588 per week, while unit rents remain unchanged due to a lack of activity.
| Houses | Units | |
|---|---|---|
Median price Past 3 months | N/A | N/A |
Change in value Past 12 months | 0.7% | N/A |
Sold Past 3 months | 7 | N/A |
Median days on market Past 12 months | 48 | N/A |
Average rent Past 12 months | $588 | N/A |
Change in rent Past 12 months | 15.3% | N/A |
5 year median price trend for houses and units
Townsend demographics
Townsend, located in the Northern Rivers region of New South Wales, is a small and tranquil suburb that offers a peaceful lifestyle away from the hustle and bustle of larger cities. With a population of just 991, Townsend is characterized by its close-knit community and serene environment, making it an ideal place for families and retirees seeking a quieter pace of life. The median age of 42 suggests a mature population, with many residents enjoying the suburb's relaxed atmosphere and natural surroundings.
The suburb's housing landscape is diverse, with a significant portion of properties owned outright (41.5%), reflecting a stable community with long-term residents. Additionally, 30.5% of homes are owned with a mortgage, indicating a mix of established homeowners and newer families entering the area. Renting is less common, with 27.9% of properties being rented, which may appeal to those looking for more permanent living arrangements.
Family dynamics in Townsend are varied, with couple families with children making up 38.6% of the population, closely followed by couple families without children at 37.2%. One-parent families account for 21.1%, highlighting the suburb's family-friendly nature. The median total household income of $1044 per week reflects the area's affordability, making it an attractive option for those seeking a cost-effective lifestyle without sacrificing quality of life. Overall, Townsend offers a harmonious blend of community spirit, affordability, and natural beauty, making it a desirable location for those looking to settle in a peaceful and supportive environment.
Townsend infrastructure, key developments and investment opportunities
Townsend sits within the growing Maclean urban area, with ongoing residential subdivision and new housing supply gradually expanding the suburb’s footprint and supporting buyer demand.[6][7] The suburb benefits from easy access to nearby services in Maclean, while local amenities such as Townsend Park and the small retail hub around the general store provide family-friendly open space and basic shopping that enhance day-to-day livability.[3][4] Incremental improvements to parks and community facilities by the local council, along with steady population growth across the wider 2463 postcode, are likely to underpin long-term demand for both owner-occupied and investment properties.[4][6]
There are currently no major new transport corridors, large-scale commercial precincts, or announced school redevelopments specific to Townsend that would significantly alter the property market in the short term.[6] Instead, the area’s appeal is being driven by its quiet residential character, proximity to employment and services in Maclean, and relatively affordable house prices compared with larger coastal centres, which together support stable interest from families and retirees.[6][7]
Townsend rental market trends
The rental market in Townsend has seen house rents increase 15.3% over the past year to $588 per week. With no change in unit rents, which remain non-existent, the suburb offers opportunities in housing, driven by a steady rise in demand. Townsend is positioning itself as a desirable locale for families and investors focusing on house properties.
Suburbs near Townsend
Some popular suburbs near Townsend include:
How does Townsend compare to nearby suburbs?
- Median house prices: Townsend’s median house price is 6.3% higher than Maclean’s.
- House price growth: Over the past 12 months, house prices in Townsend have grown 1.3% higher than in Gulmarrad.
- Selling speed for houses: Properties in Townsend are selling 36.0% faster than in Maclean.

