Overall score
Albany
52.0/100
Middleton Beach
37.3/100
Middleton Beach for retirees and families.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Overall score
Albany
52.0/100
Middleton Beach
37.3/100
Crime rate
Albany
2387.8 / 1k
Middleton Beach
4412.4 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Albany
204
Middleton Beach
47
Population
Albany
1,403
Middleton Beach
759
Desirability pillars scored 0–100 vs comparable suburbs
Clearer edge on lifestyle fit (score gap ≥ 3)
Who each suburb suits — composite scores out of 100
Side-by-side scores for every compared metric.
Exact figures for every metric — winner highlighted in bold.
| Category | Albany | Middleton Beach |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 52.0/100 | 37.3/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 14.7/100 | 24.2/100 |
| Crime rate | 2387.8 / 1k | 4412.4 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 2 | 2 |
| Parks & reserves | 4 | 1 |
| Public transport stops | 13 | 9 |
| Walkability | 89.5/100 | 27.5/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 204 | 47 |
| Population | 1,403 | 759 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 8/10 | 8/10 |
Albany is a regional smaller community that feels self-contained without feeling remote, while Middleton Beach is a beachside smaller community where the coast sets the tone. Where Middleton Beach is shaped by the coast, Albany offers a more landlocked suburban rhythm.
On the data, Albany is stronger for a quieter safety profile and parks and reserves; Middleton Beach answers with housing affordability.
Value-focused buyers and households prioritising schools may find Albany the better fit, while retirees and families are more likely to prefer Middleton Beach.