Overall score
Balcolyn
36.0/100
Bonnells Bay
43.8/100
Balcolyn vs Bonnells Bay, NSW Suburb Comparison
Balcolyn for families; Bonnells Bay for retirees and value.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
BalcolynBonnells Bay
Crime rate
Balcolyn
76.0 / 1k
Bonnells Bay
76.5 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Balcolyn
20
Bonnells Bay
54
Population
Balcolyn
1,002
Bonnells Bay
4,066
Metric leadBalcolyn 4Bonnells Bay 62 tiedacross 12 compared metrics
Livability profile
Desirability pillars scored 0–100 vs comparable suburbs
Quick verdicts
Clearer edge on lifestyle fit (score gap ≥ 3)
- Best for retireesBonnells Bay
- Best for familiesBalcolyn
- Best for best valueBonnells Bay
- Best for best schoolsBonnells Bay
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 | Balcolyn | Bonnells Bay |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 36.0/100 | 43.8/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 49.0/100 | 48.2/100 |
| Crime rate | 76.0 / 1k | 76.5 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | — | 3 |
| Weather (desirability) | 60.5/100 | 60.5/100 |
| Parks & reserves | 2 | 2 |
| Public transport stops | 15 | 62 |
| Walkability | 22.5/100 | 76.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 20 | 54 |
| Planning activity | 8 | 21 |
| Green cover | 5.8% | 1.9% |
| Population | 1,002 | 4,066 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 3/10 | 4/10 |
Comparison summary
Put side by side, Balcolyn is a metro smaller community with a gently premium housing feel and familiar suburban calm, and Bonnells Bay is a well-serviced metro mid-sized suburb with plenty happening nearby. Balcolyn sits further out with more breathing room, whereas Bonnells Bay is in a middle-ring position.
Balcolyn tends to lead on a quieter safety profile and a calmer planning outlook, while Bonnells Bay stands out for housing affordability, public transport access, and walkability.
On balance, investors, value-focused buyers, and households prioritising schools are more likely to prefer Bonnells Bay, while Balcolyn remains a solid alternative depending on what matters most day to day.
Generated from the official metrics on this page. It can omit nuance or contain errors — check the tables and source notes before relying on it.