Overall score
Coffs Harbour
70.3/100
Port Macquarie
57.6/100
Coffs Harbour vs Port Macquarie, NSW suburb comparison
Coffs Harbour for retirees and investment; Port Macquarie for schools.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
Coffs HarbourPort Macquarie
Crime rate
Coffs Harbour
127.4 / 1k
Port Macquarie
86.7 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Coffs Harbour
535
Port Macquarie
139
Population
Coffs Harbour
27,089
Port Macquarie
47,693
Metric leadCoffs Harbour 6Port Macquarie 41 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 investmentCoffs Harbour
- Best for best valueCoffs Harbour
- Best for best schoolsPort Macquarie
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 | Port Macquarie |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 70.3/100 | 57.6/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 61.7/100 | 60.2/100 |
| Crime rate | 127.4 / 1k | 86.7 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 7 | 6 |
| Parks & reserves | 37 | 37 |
| Public transport stops | 421 | 653 |
| Walkability | 100.0/100 | 53.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 535 | 139 |
| Planning activity | 134 | 238 |
| Population | 27,089 | 47,693 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 2/10 | 4/10 |
Comparison summary
Coffs Harbour reads as a regional larger suburb with local services and a more relaxed pace; Port Macquarie is a regional larger suburb with local services and a more relaxed pace.
On the data, Coffs Harbour is stronger for housing affordability and walkability; Port Macquarie answers with a quieter safety profile and schools and education options. On housing, Coffs Harbour sits in a affordable band, compared with a expensive feel in Port Macquarie.
Choose Coffs Harbour if you are weighing retirees and families; lean toward Port Macquarie for households prioritising schools.