Overall score
Ballina
52.3/100
West Ballina
54.0/100
Ballina vs West Ballina, NSW suburb comparison
Ballina for retirees; West Ballina for investment and value.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
BallinaWest Ballina
Crime rate
Ballina
89.8 / 1k
West Ballina
89.8 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Ballina
40
West Ballina
77
Population
Ballina
9,735
West Ballina
3,230
Metric leadBallina 4West Ballina 52 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 retireesBallina
- Best for investmentWest Ballina
- Best for best valueWest Ballina
- Best for best schoolsWest Ballina
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 | West Ballina |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 52.3/100 | 54.0/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 51.2/100 | 61.5/100 |
| Crime rate | 89.8 / 1k | 89.8 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 1 | 1 |
| Parks & reserves | 14 | 8 |
| Public transport stops | 318 | 162 |
| Walkability | 61.0/100 | 63.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 40 | 77 |
| Planning activity | 35 | 16 |
| Population | 9,735 | 3,230 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 3/10 | 2/10 |
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.