Overall score
Bellbird
39.6/100
Cessnock
55.6/100
Bellbird for investment and value; Cessnock for retirees and families.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Overall score
Bellbird
39.6/100
Cessnock
55.6/100
Crime rate
Bellbird
97.0 / 1k
Cessnock
96.9 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Bellbird
38
Cessnock
157
Population
Bellbird
2,338
Cessnock
16,300
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 | Bellbird | Cessnock |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 39.6/100 | 55.6/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 88.3/100 | 56.2/100 |
| Crime rate | 97.0 / 1k | 96.9 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 1 | 5 |
| Parks & reserves | 1 | 19 |
| Public transport stops | 63 | 280 |
| Walkability | 32.0/100 | 79.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 38 | 157 |
| Planning activity | 34 | 62 |
| Population | 2,338 | 16,300 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 1/10 | 1/10 |
Bellbird reads as a regional smaller community that feels self-contained without feeling remote; Cessnock is a lively metro established suburb with dining and everyday convenience close by. Bellbird sits more regionally self-contained, whereas Cessnock is in a middle-ring position.
Bellbird tends to lead on housing affordability and a quieter safety profile, while Cessnock stands out for schools and education options and parks and reserves.
Investors and value-focused buyers may find Bellbird the better fit, while retirees and families are more likely to prefer Cessnock.