Overall score
Avalon Beach
73.6/100
Scotland Island
28.1/100
Avalon Beach vs Scotland Island, NSW suburb comparison
Avalon Beach for retirees and families.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
Avalon BeachScotland Island
Crime rate
Avalon Beach
15.7 / 1k
Scotland Island
78.5 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Avalon Beach
300
Scotland Island
20
Population
Avalon Beach
10,379
Scotland Island
711
Metric leadAvalon Beach 8Scotland Island 11 tiedacross 10 compared metrics
Livability profile
Desirability pillars scored 0–100 vs comparable suburbs
Quick verdicts
Clearer edge on lifestyle fit (score gap ≥ 3)
- Best for retireesAvalon Beach
- Best for familiesAvalon Beach
- Best for beach lifestyleAvalon Beach
- Best for investmentAvalon Beach
- Best for best valueAvalon Beach
- Best for best schoolsAvalon Beach
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 | Avalon Beach | Scotland Island |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 73.6/100 | 28.1/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 42.1/100 | 1.6/100 |
| Crime rate | 15.7 / 1k | 78.5 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 4 | — |
| Parks & reserves | 16 | 5 |
| Public transport stops | 164 | 8 |
| Walkability | 100.0/100 | 12.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 300 | 20 |
| Planning activity | 51 | 4 |
| Population | 10,379 | 711 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 10/10 | 10/10 |
Comparison summary
Put side by side, Avalon Beach is a coastal established suburb shaped by beach life and outdoor living, and Scotland Island is a practical metro smaller community with solid links to the wider city. Where Avalon Beach is shaped by the coast, Scotland Island offers a more landlocked suburban rhythm.
Avalon Beach pulls ahead on housing affordability and a quieter safety profile, whereas Scotland Island is the better pick for a calmer planning outlook.
On balance, retirees and families are more likely to prefer Avalon Beach, while Scotland Island remains a solid alternative depending on what matters most day to day.