Kempsey
Kempsey ranks =102nd of 128 overall in NSW, with community services the area most needing attention.
"Macleay Valley — Slim Dusty country, river heritage, and mid-north coast living"
See where Kempsey ranks: Best Councils in New South Wales 2026
New South Wales · regional council · Pop. 31,718
Data last updated: 2023-24 · Data confidence: high
Overall Score
43 out of 100
#63 of 79 regional councils in NSW
#102 in New South Wales
Score Breakdown
| Category | Score |
|---|---|
| Sustainability | 45/100 |
| Community Services | 34/100 |
| Lifestyle & Amenity | 57/100 |
| Core Operations | 35/100 |
What This Means For You
Among regional councils, Kempsey performs strongest in Lifestyle & Amenity (scoring 57 out of 100 against peers), with room to improve in Community Services (currently 34 out of 100).
What Makes This Place Unique
Macleay Valley — Slim Dusty country, river heritage, and mid-north coast living
Kempsey is the service centre for the Macleay Valley, birthplace of Slim Dusty, with significant Aboriginal community.
Known For
- Slim Dusty Centre — country music heritage
- Macleay River valley
- Significant Aboriginal community and culture
- Mid-north coast access — Crescent Head, Hat Head
Living Here
Kempsey offers affordable mid-north coast living. The nearby beaches (Crescent Head, Hat Head) are exceptional.
Hidden Gem
Hat Head National Park — pristine beaches and heath-covered headlands, one of NSW's most underrated coastal walks.