Bathurst vs Kelso
The verdict
Bathurst is more affordable, with a median house price of $671K versus $768K in Kelso. Bathurst rates higher for liveability (94 vs 60). Kelso is closer to the coast (141.7 km vs 145.9 km). On the separate residential safety score, Kelso rates higher (30 vs 21/100 in Bathurst).
Scores
| Bathurst | Kelso | |
|---|---|---|
| Overall | 78 | 57 |
| Transport | 83 | 64 |
| Education | 55 | 44 |
| Liveability | 94 | 60 |
Overall is based on transport, liveability & education — the metrics available at consistent quality nationwide. Residential safety is compared separately below.
Demographics
| Bathurst | Kelso | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 7,001 | 10,039 |
| Median age | 41 | 36 |
| Median household income (wk) | $1,209 | $1,737 |
| Bachelor degree or higher | 40.3% | 26.8% |
| Born in Australia | 77.5% | 86.3% |
| Avg household size | 1.9 | 2.7 |
Growth: Bathurst Stable · Kelso High Growth
Property
| Bathurst | Kelso | |
|---|---|---|
| Median house price | $671K | $768K |
| Median unit price | $465K | $458K |
| House price YoY | -5.2% | 6.7% |
| Median rent — house (wk) | $570 | $570 |
| Rental yield (house) | 4.7% | 3.7% |
| Days on market (house) | 45 | 41 |
Median price history
Safety
| Bathurst | Kelso | |
|---|---|---|
| Residential safety score | 21 | 30 |
| Break & enter dwelling /100k | 457 | 329 |
| Motor vehicle theft /100k | 343 | 299 |
| Domestic assault /100k | 1,000 | 1,195 |
| Total incidents /100k (all) | 19,812 | 10,459 |
Total incidents over time
Schools
| Bathurst | Kelso | |
|---|---|---|
| Total schools | 7 | 3 |
| Government | 3 | 2 |
| Independent | 2 | 0 |
| Average ICSEA | 998 | 941 |
Transport
| Bathurst | Kelso | |
|---|---|---|
| Transport score | 83 | 64 |
| Train stations | 2 | 1 |
| Bus stops | 0 | 0 |
| Light rail stops | 0 | 0 |
| Ferry wharves | 0 | 0 |
| CBD commute (min) | Data not available | Data not available |
| Nearest train station (km) | 860 m | 1.5 km |
Liveability
| Bathurst | Kelso | |
|---|---|---|
| Summer max temp | 28.0°C | 28.0°C |
| Winter max temp | 11.5°C | 11.5°C |
| Annual rainfall (mm) | 620 | 620 |
| Supermarkets | 6 | 2 |
| Cafes & restaurants | 41 | 3 |
| Parks | 16 | 28 |
| Playgrounds | 7 | 5 |
| Swimming pools | 8 | 7 |
| Medical GPs | 8 | 2 |
| Distance to coast (km) | 145.9 km | 141.7 km |
| Distance to CBD (km) | 159.1 km | 155.1 km |
| Nearest beach (km) | Data not available | Data not available |
| Nearest hospital (km) | 1.5 km | 4.9 km |
Population & growth
| Bathurst | Kelso | |
|---|---|---|
| Population (2021) | 7,001 | 10,039 |
| Estimated 2025 | 6,792 | 11,018 |
| Projected 2041 | 7,593 | 13,779 |
| Annual growth rate | -0.75% | 2.35% |
Common questions
Which is safer, Bathurst or Kelso?
Kelso has the higher residential safety score (Bathurst 21/100 vs Kelso 30/100).
Which is more affordable, Bathurst or Kelso?
Bathurst is more affordable, with a median house price of $671K versus $768K.
Which has better schools, Bathurst or Kelso?
Bathurst has a higher average school ICSEA (Bathurst 998 vs Kelso 941; national average 1000).
Which has better public transport, Bathurst or Kelso?
Bathurst has the higher transport score (Bathurst 83/100 vs Kelso 64/100).
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