Overall score
Kotara
69.5/100
New Lambton
72.7/100
Kotara for investment; New Lambton for families.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Overall score
Kotara
69.5/100
New Lambton
72.7/100
Crime rate
Kotara
86.9 / 1k
New Lambton
46.2 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Kotara
295
New Lambton
285
Population
Kotara
3,980
New Lambton
10,651
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 | Kotara | New Lambton |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 69.5/100 | 72.7/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 57.7/100 | 49.7/100 |
| Crime rate | 86.9 / 1k | 46.2 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 8 | 11 |
| Parks & reserves | 9 | 13 |
| Public transport stops | 98 | 199 |
| Walkability | 100.0/100 | 100.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 295 | 285 |
| Planning activity | 19 | 48 |
| Population | 3,980 | 10,651 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 9/10 | 8/10 |
Kotara reads as a well-serviced metro mid-sized suburb with plenty happening nearby; New Lambton is a well-serviced metro established suburb with plenty happening nearby.
Kotara tends to lead on housing affordability and nearby cafés and amenities, while New Lambton stands out for a quieter safety profile and schools and education options.
Choose Kotara if you are weighing investors; lean toward New Lambton for families and households prioritising schools.