Overall score
Lawrence
36.0/100
Maclean
49.5/100
Lawrence vs Maclean, NSW suburb comparison
Maclean for retirees and families.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
LawrenceMaclean
Crime rate
Lawrence
112.3 / 1k
Maclean
53.1 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Lawrence
0
Maclean
31
Population
Lawrence
1,159
Maclean
2,778
Metric leadLawrence 4Maclean 7across 11 compared metrics
Livability profile
Desirability pillars scored 0–100 vs comparable suburbs
Quick verdicts
Clearer edge on lifestyle fit (score gap ≥ 3)
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 | Lawrence | Maclean |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 36.0/100 | 49.5/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 81.2/100 | 69.2/100 |
| Crime rate | 112.3 / 1k | 53.1 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 1 | 4 |
| Parks & reserves | 1 | 6 |
| Public transport stops | 109 | 37 |
| Walkability | 30.0/100 | 32.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 0 | 31 |
| Planning activity | 11 | 22 |
| Population | 1,159 | 2,778 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 2/10 | 1/10 |
Comparison summary
Put side by side, Lawrence is a quieter smaller community with space and a country-town pace, and Maclean is a regional mid-sized suburb that feels self-contained without feeling remote.
Lawrence pulls ahead on housing affordability and public transport access, whereas Maclean is the better pick for a quieter safety profile and schools and education options.
On balance, retirees and families are more likely to prefer Maclean, while Lawrence remains a solid alternative depending on what matters most day to day.