Overall score
Boambee
35.4/100
Sawtell
56.0/100
Boambee vs Sawtell, NSW Suburb Comparison
Boambee for value; Sawtell for retirees and families.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
BoambeeSawtell
Crime rate
Boambee
127.2 / 1k
Sawtell
75.9 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Boambee
8
Sawtell
134
Population
Boambee
1,770
Sawtell
3,788
Metric leadBoambee 2Sawtell 91 tiedacross 12 compared metrics
Livability profile
Desirability pillars scored 0–100 vs comparable suburbs
Quick verdicts
Clearer edge on lifestyle fit (score gap ≥ 3)
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 | Boambee | Sawtell |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 35.4/100 | 56.0/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 53.0/100 | 63.2/100 |
| Crime rate | 127.2 / 1k | 75.9 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 2 | 3 |
| Weather (desirability) | 64.0/100 | 64.0/100 |
| Parks & reserves | — | 4 |
| Public transport stops | 48 | 60 |
| Walkability | 30.0/100 | 54.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 8 | 134 |
| Planning activity | 20 | 26 |
| Green cover | 0.9% | 17.1% |
| Population | 1,770 | 3,788 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 8/10 | 6/10 |
Comparison summary
Put side by side, Boambee is a more rural smaller community that rewards people who want room to breathe, and Sawtell is a beachside mid-sized suburb where the coast sets the tone. Sawtell leans into coastal living, while Boambee feels more inland and suburban in character.
On the data, Boambee is stronger for housing affordability, a calmer planning outlook, and stronger socioeconomic advantage; Sawtell answers with a quieter safety profile, schools and education options, and public transport access.
Boambee suits investors more clearly, whereas Sawtell is the stronger match for retirees, families, people chasing a beach lifestyle, value-focused buyers, and households prioritising schools.
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.