Overall score
Bathurst
68.0/100
Kelso
64.9/100
Bathurst vs Kelso, NSW suburb comparison
Bathurst for schools; Kelso for retirees and investment.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
BathurstKelso
Crime rate
Bathurst
94.6 / 1k
Kelso
94.6 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Bathurst
584
Kelso
167
Population
Bathurst
7,001
Kelso
10,039
Metric leadBathurst 5Kelso 42 tiedacross 11 compared metrics
Livability profile
Desirability pillars scored 0–100 vs comparable suburbs
Quick verdicts
Clearer edge on lifestyle fit (score gap ≥ 3)
Audience fit
Who each suburb suits — composite scores out of 100
All metrics
Side-by-side scores for every compared metric.
Full comparison table
Exact figures for every metric — winner highlighted in bold.
| Category | Bathurst | Kelso |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 68.0/100 | 64.9/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 63.7/100 | 88.3/100 |
| Crime rate | 94.6 / 1k | 94.6 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 9 | 3 |
| Parks & reserves | 13 | 10 |
| Public transport stops | 250 | 283 |
| Walkability | 100.0/100 | 71.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 584 | 167 |
| Planning activity | 48 | 41 |
| Population | 7,001 | 10,039 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 3/10 | 3/10 |
Comparison summary
Put side by side, Bathurst is a regional mid-sized suburb that feels self-contained without feeling remote, and Kelso is a regional established suburb with local services and a more relaxed pace.
On the data, Bathurst is stronger for schools and education options and parks and reserves; Kelso answers with housing affordability and a quieter safety profile.
Households prioritising schools may find Bathurst the better fit, while retirees and investors are more likely to prefer Kelso.