Overall score
Bowen
29.2/100
Mackay
49.8/100
Bowen vs Mackay, QLD Suburb Comparison
Mackay for retirees and families.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
BowenMackay
Crime rate
Bowen
89.7 / 1k
Mackay
108.6 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Bowen
37
Mackay
393
Population
Bowen
11,205
Mackay
4,026
Metric leadBowen 3Mackay 71 tiedacross 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 | Bowen | Mackay |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 29.2/100 | 49.8/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 46.5/100 | 54.0/100 |
| Crime rate | 89.7 / 1k | 108.6 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 5 | 6 |
| Weather (desirability) | 8.0/100 | 15.5/100 |
| Parks & reserves | 16 | 7 |
| Walkability | 0.0/100 | 80.5/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 37 | 393 |
| Planning activity | 1 | — |
| Green cover | 1.2% | 20.0% |
| Population | 11,205 | 4,026 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 2/10 | 2/10 |
Comparison summary
Bowen reads as a regional established suburb that feels self-contained without feeling remote; Mackay is a regional hub with its own identity and everyday convenience. Bowen sits further into the wider countryside, whereas Mackay is more regionally self-contained.
On the data, Bowen is stronger for housing affordability, a quieter safety profile, and parks and reserves; Mackay answers with schools and education options, walkability, and nearby cafés and amenities.
On balance, investors and households prioritising schools are more likely to prefer Bowen, while Mackay remains a solid alternative depending on what matters most day to day.
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.