Overall score
Boambee
41.7/100
Sawtell
56.0/100
Boambee vs Sawtell, NSW suburb comparison
Boambee for investment; 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
1
Sawtell
121
Population
Boambee
1,770
Sawtell
3,788
Metric leadBoambee 3Sawtell 7across 10 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 | 41.7/100 | 56.0/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 70.5/100 | 63.6/100 |
| Crime rate | 127.2 / 1k | 75.9 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 2 | 3 |
| Parks & reserves | — | 4 |
| Public transport stops | 48 | 60 |
| Walkability | 30.0/100 | 54.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 1 | 121 |
| Planning activity | 16 | 24 |
| 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 and a calmer planning outlook; Sawtell answers with a quieter safety profile and public transport access.
Boambee suits investors more clearly, whereas Sawtell is the stronger match for retirees and families.