Overall score
Ballina
48.0/100
Lennox Head
57.4/100
Ballina vs Lennox Head, NSW Suburb Comparison
Ballina for investment; Lennox Head for families and beach lifestyle.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
BallinaLennox Head
Crime rate
Ballina
89.8 / 1k
Lennox Head
89.8 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Ballina
62
Lennox Head
298
Population
Ballina
9,735
Lennox Head
7,687
Metric leadBallina 5Lennox Head 53 tiedacross 13 compared metrics
Livability profile
Desirability pillars scored 0–100 vs comparable suburbs
Quick verdicts
Clearer edge on lifestyle fit (score gap ≥ 3)
- Best for familiesLennox Head
- Best for beach lifestyleLennox Head
- Best for investmentBallina
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 | Lennox Head |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 48.0/100 | 57.4/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 77.4/100 | 43.7/100 |
| Crime rate | 89.8 / 1k | 89.8 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 1 | 1 |
| Weather (desirability) | 47.5/100 | 47.5/100 |
| Parks & reserves | 14 | 7 |
| Public transport stops | 318 | 96 |
| Walkability | 63.0/100 | 100.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 62 | 298 |
| Planning activity | 43 | 77 |
| Green cover | 5.4% | 8.5% |
| Population | 9,735 | 7,687 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 3/10 | 10/10 |
Comparison summary
Ballina reads as a regional hub with its own identity and everyday convenience; Lennox Head is a beachside mid-sized suburb where the coast sets the tone. Where Lennox Head is shaped by the coast, Ballina offers a more landlocked suburban rhythm.
Ballina pulls ahead on housing affordability, parks and reserves, and public transport access, whereas Lennox Head is the better pick for walkability, nearby cafés and amenities, and overall desirability.
On balance, retirees, families, people chasing a beach lifestyle, value-focused buyers, and households prioritising schools are more likely to prefer Lennox Head, while Ballina 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.