Overall score
Airlie Beach
49.9/100
Townsville City
53.4/100
Airlie Beach vs Townsville City, QLD suburb comparison
Townsville City for beach lifestyle and value.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
Airlie BeachTownsville City
Crime rate
Airlie Beach
79.2 / 1k
Townsville City
190.5 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Airlie Beach
223
Townsville City
415
Population
Airlie Beach
1,312
Townsville City
2,945
Metric leadAirlie Beach 2Townsville City 7across 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 beach lifestyleTownsville City
- Best for best valueTownsville City
- Best for best schoolsTownsville City
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 | Townsville City |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 49.9/100 | 53.4/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 25.8/100 | 35.1/100 |
| Crime rate | 79.2 / 1k | 190.5 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 1 | 9 |
| Parks & reserves | 1 | 5 |
| Walkability | 88.0/100 | 76.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 223 | 415 |
| Planning activity | 1 | — |
| Population | 1,312 | 2,945 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 6/10 | 9/10 |
Comparison summary
Airlie Beach reads as a beachside smaller community where the coast sets the tone; Townsville City is a coastal mid-sized suburb shaped by beach life and outdoor living.
Airlie Beach pulls ahead on a quieter safety profile and walkability, whereas Townsville City is the better pick for housing affordability and parks and reserves.
Airlie Beach suits families and households prioritising schools more clearly, whereas Townsville City is the stronger match for retirees and people chasing a beach lifestyle.