Overall score
Airlie Beach
49.9/100
Bowen
39.4/100
Airlie Beach vs Bowen, QLD suburb comparison
Airlie Beach for retirees and beach lifestyle; Bowen for investment and schools.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
Airlie BeachBowen
Crime rate
Airlie Beach
79.2 / 1k
Bowen
57.3 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Airlie Beach
223
Bowen
5
Population
Airlie Beach
1,312
Bowen
11,205
Metric leadAirlie Beach 4Bowen 51 tiedacross 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 retireesAirlie Beach
- Best for beach lifestyleAirlie Beach
- Best for investmentBowen
- Best for best schoolsBowen
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 | 49.9/100 | 39.4/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 25.8/100 | 38.9/100 |
| Crime rate | 79.2 / 1k | 57.3 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 1 | 5 |
| Parks & reserves | 1 | 16 |
| Walkability | 88.0/100 | 0.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 223 | 5 |
| Planning activity | 1 | 1 |
| 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 slower-paced established suburb with open surrounds. Where Airlie Beach is shaped by the coast, Bowen offers a more landlocked suburban rhythm.
Airlie Beach pulls ahead on walkability and nearby cafés and amenities, whereas Bowen is the better pick for housing affordability and a quieter safety profile. 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 families and investors.