Overall score
Balaklava
28.3/100
Port Wakefield
23.3/100
Balaklava vs Port Wakefield, SA suburb comparison
Balaklava for retirees and investment; Port Wakefield for beach lifestyle.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
BalaklavaPort Wakefield
Crime rate
Balaklava
43.4 / 1k
Port Wakefield
178.9 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Balaklava
13
Port Wakefield
0
Population
Balaklava
2,083
Port Wakefield
661
Metric leadBalaklava 9Port Wakefield 1across 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 retireesBalaklava
- Best for beach lifestylePort Wakefield
- Best for investmentBalaklava
- Best for best valueBalaklava
- Best for best schoolsBalaklava
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 | Balaklava | Port Wakefield |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 28.3/100 | 23.3/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 49.7/100 | 39.1/100 |
| Crime rate | 43.4 / 1k | 178.9 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 3 | 2 |
| Public transport stops | 2 | 1 |
| Walkability | 3.0/100 | 1.5/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 13 | 0 |
| Planning activity | 19 | 14 |
| Population | 2,083 | 661 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 2/10 | 1/10 |
Comparison summary
Balaklava is a quieter smaller community with space and a country-town pace, while Port Wakefield is a coastal smaller community with an easy, sea-led rhythm. Where Port Wakefield is shaped by the coast, Balaklava offers a more landlocked suburban rhythm.
On the data, Balaklava is stronger for housing affordability and a quieter safety profile; Port Wakefield answers with a calmer planning outlook.
Balaklava suits retirees and investors more clearly, whereas Port Wakefield is the stronger match for people chasing a beach lifestyle.