Overall score
Ballina
48.0/100
Cumbalum
49.4/100
Ballina vs Cumbalum, NSW Suburb Comparison
Ballina for retirees and investment; Cumbalum for value and schools.
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
62
Cumbalum
15
Population
Ballina
9,735
Cumbalum
2,211
Metric leadBallina 6Cumbalum 41 tiedacross 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 | Cumbalum |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 48.0/100 | 49.4/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 77.4/100 | 52.0/100 |
| Crime rate | 89.8 / 1k | 89.7 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 1 | — |
| Weather (desirability) | 47.5/100 | 47.5/100 |
| Parks & reserves | 14 | — |
| Public transport stops | 318 | 16 |
| Walkability | 63.0/100 | 24.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 62 | 15 |
| Planning activity | 43 | 15 |
| Green cover | 5.4% | 4.4% |
| 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, walkability, and nearby cafés and amenities, while Cumbalum stands out for housing affordability, a quieter safety profile, and a calmer planning outlook.
Choose Ballina if you are weighing families and households prioritising schools; lean toward Cumbalum for retirees and investors.
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.