Overall score
Airlie Beach
46.4/100
Bowen
29.2/100
Airlie Beach vs Bowen, QLD Suburb Comparison
Airlie Beach for retirees and families.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
Airlie BeachBowen
Crime rate
Airlie Beach
127.4 / 1k
Bowen
89.7 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Airlie Beach
248
Bowen
37
Population
Airlie Beach
1,312
Bowen
11,205
Metric leadAirlie Beach 7Bowen 41 tiedacross 12 compared metrics
Livability profile
Desirability pillars scored 0–100 vs comparable suburbs
Quick verdicts
Clearer edge on lifestyle fit (score gap ≥ 3)
- Best for retireesAirlie Beach
- Best for familiesAirlie Beach
- Best for beach lifestyleAirlie Beach
- Best for best schoolsAirlie Beach
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 | Airlie Beach | Bowen |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 46.4/100 | 29.2/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 49.9/100 | 46.5/100 |
| Crime rate | 127.4 / 1k | 89.7 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 1 | 5 |
| Weather (desirability) | 26.4/100 | 8.0/100 |
| Parks & reserves | 1 | 16 |
| Walkability | 88.0/100 | 0.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 248 | 37 |
| Planning activity | 1 | 1 |
| Green cover | 11.8% | 1.2% |
| Population | 1,312 | 11,205 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 6/10 | 2/10 |
Comparison summary
Airlie Beach is a beachside smaller community where the coast sets the tone, while Bowen is a regional established suburb that feels self-contained without feeling remote. Where Airlie Beach is shaped by the coast, Bowen offers a more landlocked suburban rhythm.
Airlie Beach pulls ahead on walkability, nearby cafés and amenities, and overall desirability, whereas Bowen is the better pick for housing affordability, a quieter safety profile, and schools and education options. Airlie Beach generally means more sought-after housing, while Bowen leans toward more approachable housing costs.
Airlie Beach suits retirees and people chasing a beach lifestyle more clearly, whereas Bowen is the stronger match for investors and households prioritising schools.
Generated from the official metrics on this page. It can omit nuance or contain errors — check the tables and source notes before relying on it.