Overall score
Anna Bay
52.9/100
Mallabula
29.3/100
Anna Bay for retirees and families; Mallabula for investment.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Overall score
Anna Bay
52.9/100
Mallabula
29.3/100
Crime rate
Anna Bay
41.6 / 1k
Mallabula
58.0 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Anna Bay
75
Mallabula
33
Population
Anna Bay
4,221
Mallabula
963
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 | Anna Bay | Mallabula |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 52.9/100 | 29.3/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 41.1/100 | 68.6/100 |
| Crime rate | 41.6 / 1k | 58.0 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 1 | 1 |
| Parks & reserves | 5 | 4 |
| Public transport stops | 103 | 22 |
| Walkability | 80.0/100 | 32.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 75 | 33 |
| Planning activity | 35 | 9 |
| Population | 4,221 | 963 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 4/10 | 2/10 |
Put side by side, Anna Bay is a beachside mid-sized suburb where the coast sets the tone, and Mallabula is a regional hub with its own identity and everyday convenience. Where Anna Bay is shaped by the coast, Mallabula offers a more landlocked suburban rhythm.
Anna Bay tends to lead on a quieter safety profile and parks and reserves, while Mallabula stands out for housing affordability and a calmer planning outlook. On housing, Anna Bay sits in a expensive band, compared with a affordable feel in Mallabula.
Choose Anna Bay if you are weighing retirees and families; lean toward Mallabula for investors.