Overall score
Bowen
29.2/100
Townsville City
51.0/100
Bowen vs Townsville City, QLD Suburb Comparison
Townsville City for retirees and families.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
BowenTownsville City
Crime rate
Bowen
89.7 / 1k
Townsville City
309.4 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Bowen
37
Townsville City
415
Population
Bowen
11,205
Townsville City
2,945
Metric leadBowen 3Townsville City 8across 11 compared metrics
Livability profile
Desirability pillars scored 0–100 vs comparable suburbs
Quick verdicts
Clearer edge on lifestyle fit (score gap ≥ 3)
- Best for retireesTownsville City
- Best for familiesTownsville City
- Best for beach lifestyleTownsville City
- Best for investmentTownsville City
- Best for best valueTownsville City
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 | Townsville City |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 29.2/100 | 51.0/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 46.5/100 | 54.6/100 |
| Crime rate | 89.7 / 1k | 309.4 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 5 | 9 |
| Weather (desirability) | 8.0/100 | 19.8/100 |
| Parks & reserves | 16 | 5 |
| Walkability | 0.0/100 | 76.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 37 | 415 |
| Planning activity | 1 | — |
| Green cover | 1.2% | 3.4% |
| Population | 11,205 | 2,945 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 2/10 | 9/10 |
Comparison summary
Bowen is a regional established suburb that feels self-contained without feeling remote, while Townsville City is a coastal mid-sized suburb shaped by beach life and outdoor living. Townsville City leans into coastal living, while Bowen feels more inland and suburban in character.
On the data, Bowen is stronger for housing affordability, a quieter safety profile, and parks and reserves; Townsville City answers with schools and education options, walkability, and nearby cafés and amenities. Bowen generally means more approachable housing costs, while Townsville City leans toward more sought-after housing.
Bowen suits investors more clearly, whereas Townsville City 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.