Overall score
Coffs Harbour
70.3/100
Grafton
62.0/100
Coffs Harbour vs Grafton, NSW suburb comparison
Coffs Harbour for retirees and families; Grafton for value.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
Coffs HarbourGrafton
Crime rate
Coffs Harbour
127.4 / 1k
Grafton
112.2 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Coffs Harbour
535
Grafton
149
Population
Coffs Harbour
27,089
Grafton
10,563
Metric leadCoffs Harbour 7Grafton 31 tiedacross 11 compared metrics
Livability profile
Desirability pillars scored 0–100 vs comparable suburbs
Quick verdicts
Clearer edge on lifestyle fit (score gap ≥ 3)
- Best for retireesCoffs Harbour
- Best for familiesCoffs Harbour
- Best for best valueGrafton
- Best for best schoolsCoffs Harbour
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 | Coffs Harbour | Grafton |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 70.3/100 | 62.0/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 61.7/100 | 82.5/100 |
| Crime rate | 127.4 / 1k | 112.2 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 7 | 4 |
| Parks & reserves | 37 | 14 |
| Public transport stops | 421 | 148 |
| Walkability | 100.0/100 | 79.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 535 | 149 |
| Planning activity | 134 | 43 |
| Population | 27,089 | 10,563 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 2/10 | 2/10 |
Comparison summary
Coffs Harbour is a regional larger suburb with local services and a more relaxed pace, while Grafton is a regional established suburb that feels self-contained without feeling remote.
On the data, Coffs Harbour is stronger for a quieter safety profile and schools and education options; Grafton answers with housing affordability and a calmer planning outlook.
Coffs Harbour suits retirees and families more clearly, whereas Grafton is the stronger match for value-focused buyers.