Overall score
Kahibah
45.7/100
Kotara South
43.6/100
Kahibah for schools; Kotara South for retirees.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Overall score
Kahibah
45.7/100
Kotara South
43.6/100
Crime rate
Kahibah
66.3 / 1k
Kotara South
87.0 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Kahibah
23
Kotara South
16
Population
Kahibah
2,603
Kotara South
1,267
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 | Kahibah | Kotara South |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 45.7/100 | 43.6/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 59.1/100 | 57.7/100 |
| Crime rate | 66.3 / 1k | 87.0 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 8 | 11 |
| Parks & reserves | 2 | 1 |
| Public transport stops | 38 | 30 |
| Walkability | 32.0/100 | 30.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 23 | 16 |
| Planning activity | 19 | 5 |
| Population | 2,603 | 1,267 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 8/10 | 9/10 |
Put side by side, Kahibah is a well-connected metro mid-sized suburb with a familiar suburban feel, and Kotara South is a settled metro smaller community that balances access with everyday calm.
On the data, Kahibah is stronger for housing affordability and a quieter safety profile; Kotara South answers with a calmer planning outlook and stronger socioeconomic advantage.
On balance, retirees and families are more likely to prefer Kotara South, while Kahibah remains a solid alternative depending on what matters most day to day.