Overall score
Bonville
41.9/100
Sawtell
56.0/100
Bonville vs Sawtell, NSW suburb comparison
Bonville for investment; Sawtell for retirees and families.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
BonvilleSawtell
Crime rate
Bonville
127.4 / 1k
Sawtell
75.9 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Bonville
2
Sawtell
121
Population
Bonville
2,939
Sawtell
3,788
Metric leadBonville 3Sawtell 8across 11 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 | Bonville | Sawtell |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 41.9/100 | 56.0/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 70.5/100 | 63.6/100 |
| Crime rate | 127.4 / 1k | 75.9 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 1 | 3 |
| Parks & reserves | 1 | 4 |
| Public transport stops | 80 | 60 |
| Walkability | 30.0/100 | 54.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 2 | 121 |
| Planning activity | 29 | 24 |
| Population | 2,939 | 3,788 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 7/10 | 6/10 |
Comparison summary
Put side by side, Bonville is a slower-paced mid-sized suburb with open surrounds, and Sawtell is a beachside mid-sized suburb where the coast sets the tone. Sawtell leans into coastal living, while Bonville feels more inland and suburban in character.
Bonville tends to lead on housing affordability and public transport access, while Sawtell stands out for a quieter safety profile and parks and reserves.
Investors and households prioritising schools may find Bonville the better fit, while retirees and people chasing a beach lifestyle are more likely to prefer Sawtell.