Overall score
Grafton
62.0/100
Rushforth
31.2/100
Grafton for families and investment; Rushforth for retirees.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Overall score
Grafton
62.0/100
Rushforth
31.2/100
Crime rate
Grafton
112.2 / 1k
Rushforth
112.6 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Grafton
149
Rushforth
0
Population
Grafton
10,563
Rushforth
285
Desirability pillars scored 0–100 vs comparable suburbs
Clearer edge on lifestyle fit (score gap ≥ 3)
Who each suburb suits — composite scores out of 100
Side-by-side scores for every compared metric.
Exact figures for every metric — winner highlighted in bold.
| Category | Grafton | Rushforth |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 62.0/100 | 31.2/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 82.5/100 | 88.3/100 |
| Crime rate | 112.2 / 1k | 112.6 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 4 | — |
| Parks & reserves | 14 | — |
| Public transport stops | 148 | 14 |
| Walkability | 79.0/100 | 21.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 149 | 0 |
| Planning activity | 43 | 1 |
| Population | 10,563 | 285 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 2/10 | 4/10 |
Put side by side, Grafton is a regional established suburb that feels self-contained without feeling remote, and Rushforth is a quieter smaller community with space and a country-town pace.
Grafton pulls ahead on public transport access and walkability, whereas Rushforth is the better pick for housing affordability and a quieter safety profile. Grafton generally means more approachable housing costs, while Rushforth leans toward more mid-market housing value.
Choose Grafton if you are weighing families and investors; lean toward Rushforth for retirees.