The report lists the top five regions in NSW, with the Ulladulla region taking first place with 57.9 per cent, Forster-Tuncurry region second place with 53.9 per cent, and the Taree region coming in third with 50.8 per cent.

In contrast, the Bourke-Brewarrina, Wagga Wagga - North and Moree regions took out the top three spots for the private renters poverty rate with 7.2 per cent, 9.1 per cent and 9.8 per cent, respectively.

The report reveals the Taree and Forster-Tuncurry regions are two of four private rental poverty hotspots on the coast of NSW.

"As well as the growing popularity of these areas for those seeking a 'sea change', it is also likely that the growing short term rentals market is exacerbating affordability pressures," the report states.

It points to "significant disadvantage" for renters in regional areas and its 'maps of significant economic disadvantage in NSW' paint a shocking portrait of poverty in the regions. Its analysis of poverty is based on the Australian Council of Social Service (ACOSS) household income adequacy measure, which is people who fall below one half of the median household disposable income after taking account of housing costs.

Around 17,800 people or 22.2 per cent of people in the Taree area are living in economic disadvantage. Around 9500 or 14 per cent of people in Old Bar, Manning Point and Red Head, and around 5200 people or 20 per cent in Forster-Tuncurry are living in economic disadvantage.

Deeper analysis shows that of all people living in economic disadvantage in Taree:

and in the Forster-Tuncurry region:

NCOSS chief executive officer, Joanna Quilty says the "landmark research and maps bring into stark view the significant economic and social disadvantage throughout NSW.

"It paints a sobering picture of the reality for too many people," Ms Quilty said.

"In all communities, economic disadvantage is a confronting, daily reality for some people and we need to be doing more to remove the structural barriers that work to entrench this disadvantage.

"The pressures range from housing costs and unemployment, to healthcare access and support payments and all levels of government have a role to play to turn this around."

NSW Council of Social Service (NCOSS) commissioned the study which was undertaken by the National Centre for Social and Economic Modelling (NATSEM), the Institute for Governance and Policy Analysis at the University of Canberra.

Manning River Times' journalist, Ainslee Dennis is writing a series of stories on homelessness, housing affordability, private rental access and social housing. Below are links to the stories.

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