Paterson
NSW 2421 · Dungog
960 (2021) → 1,017 est. (2025) · Moderate Growth
Part of the Dungog local government area (est. 10,124 residents)
Based on transport, liveability & education. Safety is scored separately below.
Paterson is a moderate growth suburb in Dungog, NSW 2421, about 147km from Sydney CBD. Its median house price of $879K is more affordable than the NSW average. The suburb has 1 school, a transport score of 84/100, and is about 33km inland. Paterson has an overall score of 54/100, based on transport, liveability and education, plus a separate residential safety score of 100/100.
Demographics
Age distribution
ATO 2023-24, postcode 2421 area — postcode-level, not suburb-specific.
Top countries of birth: England (1.67%), New Zealand (1.15%), Germany (0.62%), Malaysia (0.52%), Fiji (0.31%)
Top languages: French (0.31%), Hindi (0.31%)
Source: ABS Census 2021
Property
Median price history
Source: NSW Valuer General · Updated Q1 2026
Residential Safety
Small population (under 3,000) — crime rates may be volatile due to low sample size.
Recorded residential incidents (latest year), with rate per 100,000 residents:
Includes street and public-place assaults — supplementary context, not part of the safety score.
Residential incidents over time
Sum of the five residential categories above — not all recorded crime.
Area crime context
An independent score — crime data quality varies by state, so safety is shown separately and is not part of the overall score.
Source: BOCSAR · Updated March 2026
Schools
Limited school choices
Below average for school access — fewer schools nearby, and families may need to travel for preferred options.
Average ICSEA of schools within 10km 996 (below the national average of 1000).
In suburb
- Paterson Public SchoolPrimary · GovernmentICSEA 1027
Nearby (within 10km)
- Martins Creek Public SchoolPrimary · Government · 3.3km
- Vacy Public SchoolPrimary · Government · 5.9kmICSEA 946
- Iona Public SchoolPrimary · Government · 8.3kmICSEA 992
Source: ACARA MySchool · Updated 2025
Transport
Source: TfNSW GTFS
Employment & Economy
Top local industries
Source: DEWR SALM / ABS Census 2021 · Updated SALM Mar 2026 / 2021 Census
Liveability
Amenities within 2–3km
Counted within a short distance of the suburb centre (so nearby facilities count), with the in-boundary count shown beneath.
In this suburb
Source: Bureau of Meteorology · OpenStreetMap · Healthdirect NHSD (via Geoscience Australia)
Fitness
Limited facilities
Below average — fewer fitness options nearby, so you may need to travel to a gym or pool.
Facilities within 3km of the suburb centre. The Fitness Score is a national percentile of these counts per resident.
Source: OpenStreetMap
Outdoors
Limited outdoor options
Below average — fewer parks and green spaces close by.
Within 3km of the suburb centre. The Outdoor Score is a national percentile led by parks and green space.
Source: OpenStreetMap
Culture
Rich cultural scene
Well above average — a strong mix of cultural venues nearby.
Within 3km of the suburb centre. The Culture Score is a national percentile weighting theatres, museums, galleries, libraries and arts centres most heavily.
Source: OpenStreetMap
Entertainment Scene
Entertainment paradise
A seriously impressive licensed venue scene — top 20% nationally for density of pubs, bars, clubs and dining.
View nearby venues on the Entertainment Map →
Source: Liquor & Gaming NSW · Updated June 2024
Childcare
Outstanding childcare access
Top 20% nationally for childcare service density and quality — an excellent suburb for families with young children.
View childcare centres on the map →
Source: ACECQA National Quality Framework Register · Updated July 2026
Places of Worship
Mapped places of worship within 3km of the suburb centre, grouped by religion where recorded. Community mapping may not capture every congregation.
Source: OpenStreetMap
Population & Growth
Moderate GrowthSource: ABS ERP & NSW DPHI
Nearby suburbs in Dungog
Compare Paterson with another suburb
Compare two suburbs
Frequently asked questions about Paterson
Is Paterson safe?
Paterson has a residential safety score of 100/100, based on residential crime (break-ins, theft from dwellings, vehicle theft, domestic assault and robbery) per resident relative to the NSW median. Its total recorded incident rate is 3,021 per 100,000 across all categories.
What are property prices in Paterson?
In Paterson, the median house price is $879K. Median weekly house rent is $620.
How far is Paterson from Sydney CBD?
Paterson is about 147.3 km from Sydney CBD.
What schools are in Paterson?
Paterson has 1 school, with an average ICSEA of 1027 (the national average is 1000). Schools are listed factually, not ranked.
What is public transport like in Paterson?
Paterson has a transport score of 84/100, including 2 train stations and 10 bus stops.