Overall score
Forster
43.1/100
Port Macquarie
57.6/100
Forster vs Port Macquarie, NSW suburb comparison
Port Macquarie for families and investment.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
ForsterPort Macquarie
Crime rate
Forster
86.9 / 1k
Port Macquarie
86.7 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Forster
46
Port Macquarie
139
Population
Forster
14,187
Port Macquarie
47,693
Metric leadForster 1Port Macquarie 10across 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 familiesPort Macquarie
- Best for investmentPort Macquarie
- Best for best valuePort Macquarie
- 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 | Forster | Port Macquarie |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 43.1/100 | 57.6/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 39.8/100 | 60.2/100 |
| Crime rate | 86.9 / 1k | 86.7 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 1 | 6 |
| Parks & reserves | 18 | 37 |
| Public transport stops | 412 | 653 |
| Walkability | 30.0/100 | 53.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 46 | 139 |
| Planning activity | 93 | 238 |
| Population | 14,187 | 47,693 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 2/10 | 4/10 |
Comparison summary
Put side by side, Forster is a regional established suburb that feels self-contained without feeling remote, and Port Macquarie is a regional larger suburb with local services and a more relaxed pace.
On the data, Forster is stronger for a quieter safety profile and a calmer planning outlook; Port Macquarie answers with housing affordability and schools and education options. Forster generally means more approachable housing costs, while Port Macquarie leans toward more sought-after housing.
Choose Forster if you are weighing retirees; lean toward Port Macquarie for investors and value-focused buyers.