Overall score
Port Macquarie
57.6/100
Craigieburn
75.2/100
Port Macquarie vs Craigieburn suburb comparison (NSW vs VIC)
Port Macquarie for schools; Craigieburn for retirees and families.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
Port MacquarieCraigieburn
Crime rate
Port Macquarie
86.7 / 1k
Craigieburn
58.9 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Port Macquarie
139
Craigieburn
918
Population
Port Macquarie
47,693
Craigieburn
65,178
Metric leadPort Macquarie 1Craigieburn 91 tiedacross 11 compared metrics
Livability profile
Desirability pillars scored 0–100 vs comparable suburbs
Quick verdicts
Clearer edge on lifestyle fit (score gap ≥ 3)
- Best for retireesCraigieburn
- Best for familiesCraigieburn
- Best for investmentCraigieburn
- Best for best valueCraigieburn
- Best for best schoolsPort Macquarie
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 | Port Macquarie | Craigieburn |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 57.6/100 | 75.2/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 60.2/100 | 81.2/100 |
| Crime rate | 86.7 / 1k | 58.9 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 6 | 7 |
| Parks & reserves | 37 | 73 |
| Public transport stops | 653 | 231 |
| Walkability | 53.0/100 | 100.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 139 | 918 |
| Planning activity | 238 | 190 |
| Population | 47,693 | 65,178 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 4/10 | 4/10 |
Comparison summary
Port Macquarie (NSW) is a regional larger suburb with local services and a more relaxed pace, while Craigieburn (VIC) is an energetic metro larger suburb where cafés and local life overlap. Port Macquarie sits more regionally self-contained, whereas Craigieburn is in a middle-ring position.
Port Macquarie pulls ahead on public transport access and a calmer planning outlook, whereas Craigieburn is the better pick for housing affordability and a quieter safety profile. Port Macquarie generally means more sought-after housing, while Craigieburn leans toward more mid-market housing value.
Port Macquarie suits households prioritising schools more clearly, whereas Craigieburn is the stronger match for retirees and families.