Overall score
Airlie Beach
49.9/100
Mackay
56.8/100
Airlie Beach vs Mackay, QLD suburb comparison
Airlie Beach for retirees and beach lifestyle; Mackay for schools.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
Airlie BeachMackay
Crime rate
Airlie Beach
79.2 / 1k
Mackay
68.1 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Airlie Beach
223
Mackay
385
Population
Airlie Beach
1,312
Mackay
4,026
Metric leadAirlie Beach 3Mackay 6across 9 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 investmentAirlie Beach
- Best for best schoolsMackay
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 | Mackay |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 49.9/100 | 56.8/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 25.8/100 | 22.1/100 |
| Crime rate | 79.2 / 1k | 68.1 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 1 | 6 |
| Parks & reserves | 1 | 7 |
| Walkability | 88.0/100 | 80.5/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 223 | 385 |
| Planning activity | 1 | — |
| Population | 1,312 | 4,026 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 6/10 | 2/10 |
Comparison summary
Put side by side, Airlie Beach is a beachside smaller community where the coast sets the tone, and Mackay is a regional hub with its own identity and everyday convenience. Airlie Beach leans into coastal living, while Mackay feels more inland and suburban in character.
Airlie Beach pulls ahead on housing affordability and walkability, whereas Mackay is the better pick for a quieter safety profile and parks and reserves. On housing, Airlie Beach sits in a expensive band, compared with a affordable feel in Mackay.
Choose Airlie Beach if you are weighing retirees and people chasing a beach lifestyle; lean toward Mackay for families and households prioritising schools.