Overall score
Bathurst
68.0/100
Dubbo
55.5/100
Bathurst for schools; Dubbo for retirees and investment.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Overall score
Bathurst
68.0/100
Dubbo
55.5/100
Crime rate
Bathurst
94.6 / 1k
Dubbo
153.5 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Bathurst
584
Dubbo
38
Population
Bathurst
7,001
Dubbo
43,516
Desirability pillars scored 0–100 vs comparable suburbs
Clearer edge on lifestyle fit (score gap ≥ 3)
Who each suburb suits — composite scores out of 100
Side-by-side scores for every compared metric.
Exact figures for every metric — winner highlighted in bold.
| Category | Bathurst | Dubbo |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 68.0/100 | 55.5/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 63.7/100 | 83.2/100 |
| Crime rate | 94.6 / 1k | 153.5 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 9 | 2 |
| Parks & reserves | 13 | 58 |
| Public transport stops | 250 | 1,884 |
| Walkability | 100.0/100 | 32.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 584 | 38 |
| Planning activity | 47 | 350 |
| Population | 7,001 | 43,516 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 3/10 | 4/10 |
Bathurst reads as a regional mid-sized suburb that feels self-contained without feeling remote; Dubbo is a regional larger suburb that feels self-contained without feeling remote.
Bathurst pulls ahead on a quieter safety profile and walkability, whereas Dubbo is the better pick for housing affordability and schools and education options. Bathurst generally means more approachable housing costs, while Dubbo leans toward more sought-after housing.
On balance, retirees and families are more likely to prefer Dubbo, while Bathurst remains a solid alternative depending on what matters most day to day.