Ballina vs West Ballina, NSW suburb comparison
Which suburb suits you better?
Side-by-side comparison of 16 categories from official government and open data.
| Category | Ballina | West Ballina |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 53.0/100 | 51.1/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 51.2/100 | 61.5/100 |
| Crime rate | 93.8 / 1k | 93.8 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 6 | — |
| Parks & reserves | 14 | 8 |
| Public transport stops | 318 | 162 |
| Walkability | 61.0/100 | 63.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 40 | 77 |
| Planning activity | 29 | 14 |
| Population | 9,735 | 3,230 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 3/10 | 2/10 |
Quick verdicts
- Best for retireesBallina
- Best for familiesBallina
- Best for investmentWest Ballina
- Best for best valueWest Ballina
- Best for best schoolsBallina
Comparison summary
Ballina reads as a regional hub with its own identity and everyday convenience; West Ballina is a regional hub with its own identity and everyday convenience.
On the data, Ballina is stronger for parks and reserves and public transport access; West Ballina answers with housing affordability and walkability.
Ballina suits retirees and families more clearly, whereas West Ballina is the stronger match for investors and value-focused buyers.