Overall score
Ballina
52.3/100
Skennars Head
41.8/100
Ballina vs Skennars Head, NSW suburb comparison
Skennars Head for retirees and families.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
BallinaSkennars Head
Crime rate
Ballina
89.8 / 1k
Skennars Head
89.5 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Ballina
40
Skennars Head
32
Population
Ballina
9,735
Skennars Head
1,303
Metric leadBallina 5Skennars Head 5across 10 compared metrics
Livability profile
Desirability pillars scored 0–100 vs comparable suburbs
Quick verdicts
Clearer edge on lifestyle fit (score gap ≥ 3)
- Best for retireesSkennars Head
- Best for familiesSkennars Head
- Best for beach lifestyleSkennars Head
- Best for investmentSkennars Head
- Best for best schoolsSkennars 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 | Skennars Head |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 52.3/100 | 41.8/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 51.2/100 | 62.9/100 |
| Crime rate | 89.8 / 1k | 89.5 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 1 | 3 |
| Parks & reserves | 14 | — |
| Public transport stops | 318 | 37 |
| Walkability | 61.0/100 | 30.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 40 | 32 |
| Planning activity | 35 | 10 |
| Population | 9,735 | 1,303 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 3/10 | 8/10 |
Comparison summary
Ballina is a regional hub with its own identity and everyday convenience, while Skennars Head is a coastal smaller community shaped by beach life and outdoor living. Skennars Head leans into coastal living, while Ballina feels more inland and suburban in character.
Ballina pulls ahead on schools and education options and public transport access, whereas Skennars Head is the better pick for housing affordability and a quieter safety profile. Ballina generally means more approachable housing costs, while Skennars Head leans toward more sought-after housing.
On balance, retirees and people chasing a beach lifestyle are more likely to prefer Skennars Head, while Ballina remains a solid alternative depending on what matters most day to day.