Overall score
Airlie Beach
49.9/100
Proserpine
44.8/100
Airlie Beach vs Proserpine, QLD suburb comparison
Airlie Beach for retirees and beach lifestyle; Proserpine for investment and value.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
Airlie BeachProserpine
Crime rate
Airlie Beach
79.2 / 1k
Proserpine
44.1 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Airlie Beach
223
Proserpine
21
Population
Airlie Beach
1,312
Proserpine
3,614
Metric leadAirlie Beach 4Proserpine 5across 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 investmentProserpine
- Best for best valueProserpine
- Best for best schoolsProserpine
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 | Proserpine |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 49.9/100 | 44.8/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 25.8/100 | 60.6/100 |
| Crime rate | 79.2 / 1k | 44.1 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 1 | 2 |
| Parks & reserves | 1 | 6 |
| Walkability | 88.0/100 | 1.5/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 223 | 21 |
| Planning activity | 1 | — |
| Population | 1,312 | 3,614 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 6/10 | 2/10 |
Comparison summary
Airlie Beach is a beachside smaller community where the coast sets the tone, while Proserpine is a regional mid-sized suburb with local services and a more relaxed pace. Airlie Beach leans into coastal living, while Proserpine feels more inland and suburban in character.
Airlie Beach pulls ahead on walkability and nearby cafés and amenities, whereas Proserpine is the better pick for housing affordability and a quieter safety profile. On housing, Airlie Beach sits in a expensive band, compared with a affordable feel in Proserpine.
Retirees and people chasing a beach lifestyle may find Airlie Beach the better fit, while families and investors are more likely to prefer Proserpine.