Overall score
Ballina
52.3/100
Cumbalum
37.0/100
Ballina vs Cumbalum, NSW suburb comparison
Ballina for families and schools; Cumbalum for retirees and investment.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
BallinaCumbalum
Crime rate
Ballina
89.8 / 1k
Cumbalum
89.7 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Ballina
40
Cumbalum
15
Population
Ballina
9,735
Cumbalum
2,211
Metric leadBallina 5Cumbalum 4across 9 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 | Cumbalum |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 52.3/100 | 37.0/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 51.2/100 | 61.5/100 |
| Crime rate | 89.8 / 1k | 89.7 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 1 | — |
| Parks & reserves | 14 | — |
| Public transport stops | 318 | 16 |
| Walkability | 61.0/100 | 24.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 40 | 15 |
| Planning activity | 36 | 14 |
| Population | 9,735 | 2,211 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 3/10 | 9/10 |
Comparison summary
Ballina is a regional hub with its own identity and everyday convenience, while Cumbalum is a regional smaller community with local services and a more relaxed pace.
Ballina tends to lead on public transport access and walkability, while Cumbalum stands out for housing affordability and a quieter safety profile. Ballina generally means more approachable housing costs, while Cumbalum leans toward more sought-after housing.
Choose Ballina if you are weighing families and value-focused buyers; lean toward Cumbalum for retirees and investors.