At the time of the 2021 Australian census, South Grafton had a population of 6288 people, about one-third of Grafton's total population.

[1] This was in turn merged with other local government areas in 2004 to form the current Clarence Valley Council.

However, it was not until the opening of the Grafton Bridge in 1932 that a direct road connection was established between the two settlements – previously residents had relied upon a ferry service to cross the Clarence River.

[2] This was in turn merged with other local government areas in 2004 to form the current Clarence Valley Council.

South Grafton has a number of heritage-listed sites, including: Earle Page, Prime Minister of Australia from 7 April 1939 to 26 April 1939, lived in South Grafton from 1904 to 1920, where he ran a private hospital.