Overall score
Port Macquarie
57.6/100
Mount Gambier
69.1/100
Port Macquarie vs Mount Gambier suburb comparison (NSW vs SA)
Port Macquarie for schools; Mount Gambier for retirees and value.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
Port MacquarieMount Gambier
Crime rate
Port Macquarie
86.7 / 1k
Mount Gambier
58.7 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Port Macquarie
139
Mount Gambier
554
Population
Port Macquarie
47,693
Mount Gambier
25,591
Metric leadPort Macquarie 4Mount Gambier 6across 10 compared metrics
Livability profile
Desirability pillars scored 0–100 vs comparable suburbs
Quick verdicts
Clearer edge on lifestyle fit (score gap ≥ 3)
- Best for retireesMount Gambier
- Best for best valueMount Gambier
- 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 | Mount Gambier |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 57.6/100 | 69.1/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 60.2/100 | 55.7/100 |
| Crime rate | 86.7 / 1k | 58.7 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 6 | 20 |
| Parks & reserves | 37 | — |
| Public transport stops | 653 | 121 |
| Walkability | 53.0/100 | 100.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 139 | 554 |
| Planning activity | 238 | 201 |
| Population | 47,693 | 25,591 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 4/10 | 1/10 |
Comparison summary
Across states, Port Macquarie is a regional larger suburb with local services and a more relaxed pace, whereas Mount Gambier is a leafier hillside larger suburb with elevated outlooks. Mount Gambier sits among greener hillside streets, while Port Macquarie keeps a flatter suburban layout.
Port Macquarie tends to lead on housing affordability and public transport access, while Mount Gambier stands out for a quieter safety profile and schools and education options. On housing, Port Macquarie sits in a expensive band, compared with a affordable feel in Mount Gambier.
Choose Port Macquarie if you are weighing households prioritising schools; lean toward Mount Gambier for investors and value-focused buyers.