Ballina vs Cumbalum, NSW suburb comparison
Which suburb suits you better?
Side-by-side comparison of 16 categories from official government and open data.
| Category | Ballina | Cumbalum |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 53.0/100 | 35.9/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 51.2/100 | 61.5/100 |
| Crime rate | 93.8 / 1k | 93.6 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 6 | — |
| Parks & reserves | 14 | — |
| Public transport stops | 318 | 16 |
| Walkability | 61.0/100 | 24.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 40 | 15 |
| Planning activity | 29 | 11 |
| Population | 9,735 | 2,211 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 3/10 | 9/10 |
Quick verdicts
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.