Overall score
Ballina
52.3/100
Byron Bay
56.3/100
Ballina vs Byron Bay, NSW suburb comparison
Ballina for investment and value; Byron Bay for retirees and beach lifestyle.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
BallinaByron Bay
Crime rate
Ballina
89.8 / 1k
Byron Bay
117.1 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Ballina
40
Byron Bay
334
Population
Ballina
9,735
Byron Bay
6,330
Metric leadBallina 6Byron Bay 5across 11 compared metrics
Livability profile
Desirability pillars scored 0–100 vs comparable suburbs
Quick verdicts
Clearer edge on lifestyle fit (score gap ≥ 3)
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 | Ballina | Byron Bay |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 52.3/100 | 56.3/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 51.2/100 | 18.2/100 |
| Crime rate | 89.8 / 1k | 117.1 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 1 | 2 |
| Parks & reserves | 14 | 10 |
| Public transport stops | 318 | 119 |
| Walkability | 61.0/100 | 100.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 40 | 334 |
| Planning activity | 35 | 98 |
| Population | 9,735 | 6,330 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 3/10 | 8/10 |
Comparison summary
Put side by side, Ballina is a regional hub with its own identity and everyday convenience, and Byron Bay is a beachside mid-sized suburb where the coast sets the tone. Byron Bay leans into coastal living, while Ballina feels more inland and suburban in character.
Ballina tends to lead on housing affordability and a quieter safety profile, while Byron Bay stands out for walkability and nearby cafés and amenities. On housing, Ballina sits in a affordable band, compared with a expensive feel in Byron Bay.
Investors and value-focused buyers may find Ballina the better fit, while retirees and families are more likely to prefer Byron Bay.