Dubbo vs Port Macquarie
The verdict
Dubbo is more affordable, with a median house price of $620K versus $890K in Port Macquarie. Port Macquarie rates higher for liveability (100 vs 75). Port Macquarie is closer to the coast (3.4 km vs 273.6 km). On the separate residential safety score, Port Macquarie rates higher (44 vs 17/100 in Dubbo).
Scores
| Dubbo | Port Macquarie | |
|---|---|---|
| Overall | 63 | 76 |
| Transport | 71 | 74 |
| Education | 39 | 51 |
| Liveability | 75 | 100 |
Overall is based on transport, liveability & education — the metrics available at consistent quality nationwide. Residential safety is compared separately below.
Demographics
| Dubbo | Port Macquarie | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 43,516 | 47,693 |
| Median age | 35 | 48 |
| Median household income (wk) | $1,690 | $1,282 |
| Bachelor degree or higher | 30.7% | 31.3% |
| Born in Australia | 81.2% | 80.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.5 | 2.2 |
Growth: Dubbo High Growth · Port Macquarie Stable
Property
| Dubbo | Port Macquarie | |
|---|---|---|
| Median house price | $620K | $890K |
| Median unit price | $324K | $594K |
| House price YoY | 8.9% | 2.3% |
| Median rent — house (wk) | $550 | $680 |
| Rental yield (house) | 4.5% | 4.0% |
| Days on market (house) | 32 | 31 |
Median price history
Safety
| Dubbo | Port Macquarie | |
|---|---|---|
| Residential safety score | 17 | 44 |
| Break & enter dwelling /100k | 524 | 298 |
| Motor vehicle theft /100k | 299 | 182 |
| Domestic assault /100k | 1,321 | 625 |
| Total incidents /100k (all) | 16,872 | 9,396 |
Total incidents over time
Schools
| Dubbo | Port Macquarie | |
|---|---|---|
| Total schools | 24 | 20 |
| Government | 13 | 7 |
| Independent | 6 | 8 |
| Average ICSEA | 929 | 1,005 |
See the full school list on each profile: Dubbo · Port Macquarie
Transport
| Dubbo | Port Macquarie | |
|---|---|---|
| Transport score | 71 | 74 |
| 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) | 3.9 km | 2.7 km |
Liveability
| Dubbo | Port Macquarie | |
|---|---|---|
| Summer max temp | 32.5°C | 27.0°C |
| Winter max temp | 16.0°C | 19.0°C |
| Annual rainfall (mm) | 580 | 1,500 |
| Supermarkets | 6 | 10 |
| Cafes & restaurants | 22 | 91 |
| Parks | 133 | 51 |
| Playgrounds | 21 | 24 |
| Swimming pools | 6 | 29 |
| Medical GPs | 3 | 14 |
| Distance to coast (km) | 273.6 km | 3.4 km |
| Distance to CBD (km) | 300.5 km | 311.8 km |
| Nearest beach (km) | Data not available | 3.4 km |
| Nearest hospital (km) | 4.8 km | 1.4 km |
Population & growth
| Dubbo | Port Macquarie | |
|---|---|---|
| Population (2021) | 43,516 | 47,693 |
| Estimated 2025 | 45,797 | 48,371 |
| Projected 2041 | 62,810 | 50,813 |
| Annual growth rate | 1.29% | 0.35% |
Common questions
Which is safer, Dubbo or Port Macquarie?
Port Macquarie has the higher residential safety score (Dubbo 17/100 vs Port Macquarie 44/100).
Which is more affordable, Dubbo or Port Macquarie?
Dubbo is more affordable, with a median house price of $620K versus $890K.
Which has better schools, Dubbo or Port Macquarie?
Port Macquarie has a higher average school ICSEA (Dubbo 929 vs Port Macquarie 1005; national average 1000).
Which has better public transport, Dubbo or Port Macquarie?
Port Macquarie has the higher transport score (Dubbo 71/100 vs Port Macquarie 74/100).
Try another comparison
Compare two suburbs