Overall score
Ballina
52.3/100
Lennox Head
62.3/100
Ballina vs Lennox Head, NSW suburb comparison
Lennox Head for retirees and families.
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
40
Lennox Head
256
Population
Ballina
9,735
Lennox Head
7,687
Metric leadBallina 5Lennox Head 42 tiedacross 11 compared metrics
Livability profile
Desirability pillars scored 0–100 vs comparable suburbs
Quick verdicts
Clearer edge on lifestyle fit (score gap ≥ 3)
- Best for retireesLennox Head
- Best for familiesLennox Head
- Best for beach lifestyleLennox Head
- Best for best valueLennox Head
- Best for best schoolsLennox Head
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 | 52.3/100 | 62.3/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 51.2/100 | 50.1/100 |
| Crime rate | 89.8 / 1k | 89.8 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 1 | 1 |
| Parks & reserves | 14 | 7 |
| Public transport stops | 318 | 96 |
| Walkability | 61.0/100 | 100.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 40 | 256 |
| Planning activity | 36 | 63 |
| 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 and schools and education options, whereas Lennox Head is the better pick for walkability and nearby cafés and amenities. Ballina generally means more approachable housing costs, while Lennox Head leans toward more sought-after housing.
On balance, retirees and people chasing a beach lifestyle are more likely to prefer Lennox Head, while Ballina remains a solid alternative depending on what matters most day to day.