Overall score
Kempsey
38.9/100
Port Macquarie
57.6/100
Kempsey vs Port Macquarie, NSW suburb comparison
Port Macquarie for retirees and families.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
KempseyPort Macquarie
Crime rate
Kempsey
164.2 / 1k
Port Macquarie
86.7 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Kempsey
34
Port Macquarie
139
Population
Kempsey
483
Port Macquarie
47,693
Metric leadKempsey 2Port Macquarie 9across 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 retireesPort Macquarie
- 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 | Kempsey | Port Macquarie |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 38.9/100 | 57.6/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 69.2/100 | 60.2/100 |
| Crime rate | 164.2 / 1k | 86.7 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 5 | 6 |
| Parks & reserves | 2 | 37 |
| Public transport stops | 27 | 653 |
| Walkability | 36.0/100 | 53.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 34 | 139 |
| Planning activity | 4 | 238 |
| Population | 483 | 47,693 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 1/10 | 4/10 |
Comparison summary
Put side by side, Kempsey is a regional hub with its own identity and everyday convenience, and Port Macquarie is a regional larger suburb with local services and a more relaxed pace.
On the data, Kempsey is stronger for housing affordability and a calmer planning outlook; Port Macquarie answers with a quieter safety profile and schools and education options. On housing, Kempsey sits in a affordable band, compared with a expensive feel in Port Macquarie.
On balance, retirees and families are more likely to prefer Port Macquarie, while Kempsey remains a solid alternative depending on what matters most day to day.