Overall score
Boulder
41.0/100
South Boulder
23.8/100
Boulder vs South Boulder, WA suburb comparison
Boulder for retirees and families; South Boulder for investment.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
BoulderSouth Boulder
Crime rate
Boulder
1226.9 / 1k
South Boulder
3943.4 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Boulder
26
South Boulder
2
Population
Boulder
4,872
South Boulder
1,506
Metric leadBoulder 8South Boulder 1across 9 compared metrics
Livability profile
Desirability pillars scored 0–100 vs comparable suburbs
Quick verdicts
Clearer edge on lifestyle fit (score gap ≥ 3)
- Best for retireesBoulder
- Best for familiesBoulder
- Best for investmentSouth Boulder
- Best for best valueBoulder
- Best for best schoolsBoulder
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 | Boulder | South Boulder |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 41.0/100 | 23.8/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 30.7/100 | 41.5/100 |
| Crime rate | 1226.9 / 1k | 3943.4 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 9 | — |
| Parks & reserves | 2 | 1 |
| Public transport stops | 32 | 9 |
| Walkability | 34.0/100 | 13.5/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 26 | 2 |
| Population | 4,872 | 1,506 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 2/10 | 1/10 |
Comparison summary
Put side by side, Boulder is a regional hub with its own identity and everyday convenience, and South Boulder is a more rural smaller community that rewards people who want room to breathe.
On the data, Boulder is stronger for a quieter safety profile and parks and reserves; South Boulder answers with housing affordability.
Boulder suits retirees and households prioritising schools more clearly, whereas South Boulder is the stronger match for families and investors.