Auburn vs Port Macquarie
The verdict
Port Macquarie is more affordable, with a median house price of $925K versus $1.59M in Auburn. Auburn rates higher for transport (96 vs 74). Port Macquarie rates higher for liveability (100 vs 90). Port Macquarie is closer to the coast (3.4 km vs 16.6 km). On the separate residential safety score, Auburn rates higher (65 vs 44/100 in Port Macquarie).
Scores
| Auburn | Port Macquarie | |
|---|---|---|
| Overall | 85 | 76 |
| Transport | 96 | 74 |
| Education | 67 | 51 |
| Liveability | 90 | 100 |
Overall is based on transport, liveability & education — the metrics available at consistent quality nationwide. Residential safety is compared separately below.
Demographics
| Auburn | Port Macquarie | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 39,333 | 47,693 |
| Median age | 31 | 48 |
| Median household income (wk) | $1,533 | $1,282 |
| Bachelor degree or higher | 45.4% | 31.3% |
| Born in Australia | 28.0% | 80.9% |
| Avg household size | 3.3 | 2.2 |
Growth: Auburn High Growth · Port Macquarie Stable
Property
| Auburn | Port Macquarie | |
|---|---|---|
| Median house price | $1.59M | $925K |
| Median unit price | $607K | $623K |
| House price YoY | 14.2% | 7.4% |
| Median rent — house (wk) | $700 | $660 |
| Rental yield (house) | 2.3% | 3.6% |
| Days on market (house) | 54 | 42 |
Median price history
Safety
| Auburn | Port Macquarie | |
|---|---|---|
| Residential safety score | 65 | 44 |
| Break & enter dwelling /100k | 125 | 298 |
| Motor vehicle theft /100k | 236 | 180 |
| Domestic assault /100k | 427 | 625 |
| Total incidents /100k (all) | 4,970 | 7,668 |
Total incidents over time
Schools
| Auburn | Port Macquarie | |
|---|---|---|
| Total schools | 16 | 20 |
| Government | 4 | 7 |
| Independent | 9 | 8 |
| Average ICSEA | 1,013 | 1,002 |
See the full school list on each profile: Auburn · Port Macquarie
Transport
| Auburn | Port Macquarie | |
|---|---|---|
| Transport score | 96 | 74 |
| Train stations | 1 | 1 |
| Bus stops | 166 | 0 |
| Light rail stops | 0 | 0 |
| Ferry wharves | 0 | 0 |
| CBD commute (min) | 42 | Data not available |
| Nearest train station (km) | 860 m | 2.7 km |
Liveability
| Auburn | Port Macquarie | |
|---|---|---|
| Summer max temp | 29.0°C | 27.0°C |
| Winter max temp | 18.0°C | 19.0°C |
| Annual rainfall (mm) | 950 | 1,500 |
| Supermarkets | 6 | 10 |
| Cafes & restaurants | 19 | 91 |
| Parks | 26 | 51 |
| Playgrounds | 23 | 24 |
| Swimming pools | 2 | 29 |
| Medical GPs | 5 | 14 |
| Distance to coast (km) | 16.6 km | 3.4 km |
| Distance to CBD (km) | 16.8 km | 311.8 km |
| Nearest beach (km) | Data not available | 3.4 km |
| Nearest hospital (km) | 890 m | 1.4 km |
Population & growth
| Auburn | Port Macquarie | |
|---|---|---|
| Population (2021) | 39,333 | 47,693 |
| Estimated 2025 | 43,406 | 48,371 |
| Projected 2041 | 53,289 | 50,813 |
| Annual growth rate | 2.49% | 0.35% |
Common questions
Which is safer, Auburn or Port Macquarie?
Auburn has the higher residential safety score (Auburn 65/100 vs Port Macquarie 44/100).
Which is more affordable, Auburn or Port Macquarie?
Port Macquarie is more affordable, with a median house price of $925K versus $1.59M.
Which has better schools, Auburn or Port Macquarie?
Auburn has a higher average school ICSEA (Auburn 1013 vs Port Macquarie 1002; national average 1000).
Which has better public transport, Auburn or Port Macquarie?
Auburn has the higher transport score (Auburn 96/100 vs Port Macquarie 74/100).
Try another comparison
Compare two suburbs