Overall score
Clarenza
42.3/100
Grafton
62.0/100
Clarenza for retirees and families; Grafton for value.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Overall score
Clarenza
42.3/100
Grafton
62.0/100
Crime rate
Clarenza
112.9 / 1k
Grafton
112.2 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Clarenza
0
Grafton
149
Population
Clarenza
602
Grafton
10,563
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 | Clarenza | Grafton |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 42.3/100 | 62.0/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 88.3/100 | 82.5/100 |
| Crime rate | 112.9 / 1k | 112.2 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 2 | 4 |
| Parks & reserves | — | 14 |
| Public transport stops | 44 | 148 |
| Walkability | 30.0/100 | 79.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 0 | 149 |
| Planning activity | 5 | 42 |
| Population | 602 | 10,563 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 6/10 | 2/10 |
Put side by side, Clarenza is a slower-paced smaller community with open surrounds, and Grafton is a regional established suburb that feels self-contained without feeling remote.
Clarenza pulls ahead on housing affordability and a calmer planning outlook, whereas Grafton is the better pick for a quieter safety profile and schools and education options. Clarenza generally means more mid-market housing value, while Grafton leans toward more approachable housing costs.
Retirees may find Clarenza the better fit, while value-focused buyers are more likely to prefer Grafton.