Clarence Valley
Clarence Valley ranks =89th of 128 overall in NSW, with community services the area most needing attention.
"Clarence River country — Grafton's jacaranda fame and Yamba's coastal cool"
See where Clarence Valley ranks: Best Councils in New South Wales 2026
New South Wales · regional council · Pop. 56,037
Data last updated: 2023-24 · Data confidence: high
Overall Score
46 out of 100
#52 of 79 regional councils in NSW
#89 in New South Wales
Score Breakdown
| Category | Score |
|---|---|
| Sustainability | 40/100 |
| Community Services | 38/100 |
| Lifestyle & Amenity | 59/100 |
| Core Operations | 46/100 |
What This Means For You
Among regional councils, Clarence Valley performs strongest in Lifestyle & Amenity (scoring 59 out of 100 against peers), with room to improve in Community Services (currently 38 out of 100).
What Makes This Place Unique
Clarence River country — Grafton's jacaranda fame and Yamba's coastal cool
Clarence Valley covers Grafton, Yamba, Maclean, and the magnificent Clarence River system.
Known For
- Grafton Jacaranda Festival — streets of purple blooms
- Yamba — one of Australia's best coastal towns
- Clarence River — NSW's largest river system
- Maclean — 'Scottish Town in Australia'
Living Here
Clarence Valley offers incredible value: Yamba's beach lifestyle and Grafton's heritage at regional prices. Flood risk in Grafton is important context.
Hidden Gem
Yamba — consistently voted one of Australia's best towns, with outstanding surf, seafood, and a community that's kept it real.