Overall score
Kempsey
38.9/100
South Kempsey
35.5/100
Kempsey for retirees and families; South Kempsey for investment.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Overall score
Kempsey
38.9/100
South Kempsey
35.5/100
Crime rate
Kempsey
164.2 / 1k
South Kempsey
164.3 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Kempsey
34
South Kempsey
0
Population
Kempsey
483
South Kempsey
2,604
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 | Kempsey | South Kempsey |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 38.9/100 | 35.5/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 69.2/100 | 78.4/100 |
| Crime rate | 164.2 / 1k | 164.3 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 5 | 1 |
| Parks & reserves | 2 | 3 |
| Public transport stops | 27 | 79 |
| Walkability | 36.0/100 | 30.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 34 | 0 |
| Planning activity | 4 | 20 |
| Population | 483 | 2,604 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 1/10 | 1/10 |
Put side by side, Kempsey is a regional hub with its own identity and everyday convenience, and South Kempsey is a slower-paced mid-sized suburb with open surrounds.
Kempsey tends to lead on schools and education options and walkability, while South Kempsey stands out for housing affordability and a quieter safety profile.
Choose Kempsey if you are weighing retirees and families; lean toward South Kempsey for investors.