Overall score
Crescent Head
26.6/100
South Kempsey
35.5/100
Crescent Head vs South Kempsey, NSW suburb comparison
Crescent Head for retirees and families; South Kempsey for investment and value.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
Crescent HeadSouth Kempsey
Crime rate
Crescent Head
164.2 / 1k
South Kempsey
164.3 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Crescent Head
0
South Kempsey
0
Population
Crescent Head
1,633
South Kempsey
2,604
Metric leadCrescent Head 2South Kempsey 72 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 retireesCrescent Head
- Best for familiesCrescent Head
- Best for beach lifestyleCrescent Head
- Best for investmentSouth Kempsey
- Best for best valueSouth Kempsey
- Best for best schoolsCrescent Head
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 | Crescent Head | South Kempsey |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 26.6/100 | 35.5/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 70.6/100 | 78.4/100 |
| Crime rate | 164.2 / 1k | 164.3 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 1 | 1 |
| Parks & reserves | 2 | 3 |
| Public transport stops | 15 | 79 |
| Walkability | 22.5/100 | 30.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 0 | 0 |
| Planning activity | 24 | 20 |
| Population | 1,633 | 2,604 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 5/10 | 1/10 |
Comparison summary
Crescent Head reads as a coastal smaller community shaped by beach life and outdoor living; South Kempsey is a slower-paced mid-sized suburb with open surrounds. Crescent Head leans into coastal living, while South Kempsey feels more inland and suburban in character.
On the data, Crescent Head is stronger for a quieter safety profile and stronger socioeconomic advantage; South Kempsey answers with housing affordability and parks and reserves. Crescent Head generally means more mid-market housing value, while South Kempsey leans toward more approachable housing costs.
Crescent Head suits retirees and families more clearly, whereas South Kempsey is the stronger match for investors and value-focused buyers.