Overall score
Dondingalong
28.7/100
South Kempsey
35.5/100
Dondingalong vs South Kempsey, NSW suburb comparison
South Kempsey for families and schools.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
DondingalongSouth Kempsey
Crime rate
Dondingalong
164.3 / 1k
South Kempsey
164.3 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Dondingalong
0
South Kempsey
0
Population
Dondingalong
712
South Kempsey
2,604
Metric leadDondingalong 3South Kempsey 33 tiedacross 9 compared metrics
Livability profile
Desirability pillars scored 0–100 vs comparable suburbs
Quick verdicts
Clearer edge on lifestyle fit (score gap ≥ 3)
- Best for familiesSouth Kempsey
- Best for best schoolsSouth Kempsey
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 | Dondingalong | South Kempsey |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 28.7/100 | 35.5/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 80.3/100 | 78.4/100 |
| Crime rate | 164.3 / 1k | 164.3 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | — | 1 |
| Parks & reserves | — | 3 |
| Public transport stops | 28 | 79 |
| Walkability | 30.0/100 | 30.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 0 | 0 |
| Planning activity | 11 | 20 |
| Population | 712 | 2,604 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 2/10 | 1/10 |
Comparison summary
Put side by side, Dondingalong is a slower-paced smaller community with open surrounds, and South Kempsey is a slower-paced mid-sized suburb with open surrounds.
Dondingalong pulls ahead on housing affordability and a quieter safety profile, whereas South Kempsey is the better pick for public transport access and overall desirability.
On balance, families and households prioritising schools are more likely to prefer South Kempsey, while Dondingalong remains a solid alternative depending on what matters most day to day.