Overall score
Kensington
45.4/100
Payneham
37.2/100
Kensington vs Payneham, SA suburb comparison
Kensington for retirees; Payneham for schools.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
KensingtonPayneham
Crime rate
Kensington
31.6 / 1k
Payneham
35.3 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Kensington
79
Payneham
76
Population
Kensington
1,808
Payneham
2,438
Metric leadKensington 6Payneham 21 tiedacross 9 compared metrics
Livability profile
Desirability pillars scored 0–100 vs comparable suburbs
Quick verdicts
Clearer edge on lifestyle fit (score gap ≥ 3)
- Best for retireesKensington
- Best for best schoolsPayneham
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 | Kensington | Payneham |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 45.4/100 | 37.2/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 21.4/100 | 24.6/100 |
| Crime rate | 31.6 / 1k | 35.3 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 2 | — |
| Public transport stops | 8 | 7 |
| Walkability | 20.0/100 | 10.5/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 79 | 76 |
| Planning activity | 18 | 27 |
| Population | 1,808 | 2,438 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 7/10 | 7/10 |
Comparison summary
Kensington reads as a lively metro smaller community with dining and everyday convenience close by; Payneham is an energetic metro smaller community where cafés and local life overlap.
Kensington pulls ahead on a quieter safety profile and public transport access, whereas Payneham is the better pick for housing affordability and a larger local community.
Retirees may find Kensington the better fit, while households prioritising schools are more likely to prefer Payneham.