Overall score
Kempsey
38.9/100
Verges Creek
26.9/100
Kempsey for families and schools; Verges Creek for retirees and investment.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Overall score
Kempsey
38.9/100
Verges Creek
26.9/100
Crime rate
Kempsey
164.2 / 1k
Verges Creek
165.1 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Kempsey
34
Verges Creek
0
Population
Kempsey
483
Verges Creek
298
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 | Verges Creek |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 38.9/100 | 26.9/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 69.2/100 | 82.1/100 |
| Crime rate | 164.2 / 1k | 165.1 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 5 | — |
| Parks & reserves | 2 | 1 |
| Public transport stops | 27 | 12 |
| Walkability | 36.0/100 | 18.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 34 | 0 |
| Planning activity | 4 | 5 |
| Population | 483 | 298 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 1/10 | 5/10 |
Kempsey reads as a regional hub with its own identity and everyday convenience; Verges Creek is a quieter smaller community with space and a country-town pace.
On the data, Kempsey is stronger for parks and reserves and public transport access; Verges Creek answers with housing affordability and a quieter safety profile. On housing, Kempsey sits in a affordable band, compared with a well priced feel in Verges Creek.
Choose Kempsey if you are weighing families and households prioritising schools; lean toward Verges Creek for retirees and investors.