Overall score
Cessnock
55.6/100
Kearsley
34.8/100
Cessnock vs Kearsley, NSW suburb comparison
Cessnock for families and schools; Kearsley for investment.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
CessnockKearsley
Crime rate
Cessnock
96.9 / 1k
Kearsley
97.1 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Cessnock
157
Kearsley
21
Population
Cessnock
16,300
Kearsley
838
Metric leadCessnock 8Kearsley 3across 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 | Cessnock | Kearsley |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 55.6/100 | 34.8/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 56.2/100 | 82.5/100 |
| Crime rate | 96.9 / 1k | 97.1 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 5 | 1 |
| Parks & reserves | 19 | 1 |
| Public transport stops | 280 | 31 |
| Walkability | 79.0/100 | 30.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 157 | 21 |
| Planning activity | 62 | 3 |
| Population | 16,300 | 838 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 1/10 | 2/10 |
Comparison summary
Cessnock reads as a lively metro established suburb with dining and everyday convenience close by; Kearsley is a regional hub with its own identity and everyday convenience. Cessnock sits in a middle-ring position, whereas Kearsley is more regionally self-contained.
Cessnock pulls ahead on a quieter safety profile and schools and education options, whereas Kearsley is the better pick for housing affordability and a calmer planning outlook.
Choose Cessnock if you are weighing families and households prioritising schools; lean toward Kearsley for investors.