Overall score
Bowen
39.4/100
Townsville City
53.4/100
Bowen vs Townsville City, QLD suburb comparison
Bowen for investment; Townsville City for retirees and beach lifestyle.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
BowenTownsville City
Crime rate
Bowen
57.3 / 1k
Townsville City
190.5 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Bowen
5
Townsville City
415
Population
Bowen
11,205
Townsville City
2,945
Metric leadBowen 4Townsville City 5across 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 retireesTownsville City
- Best for beach lifestyleTownsville City
- Best for investmentBowen
- Best for best valueTownsville City
- Best for best schoolsTownsville 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 | 39.4/100 | 53.4/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 38.9/100 | 35.1/100 |
| Crime rate | 57.3 / 1k | 190.5 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 5 | 9 |
| Parks & reserves | 16 | 5 |
| Walkability | 0.0/100 | 76.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 5 | 415 |
| Planning activity | 1 | — |
| Population | 11,205 | 2,945 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 2/10 | 9/10 |
Comparison summary
Bowen is a slower-paced established suburb with open surrounds, 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 and a quieter safety profile; Townsville City answers with walkability and nearby cafés and amenities. Bowen generally means more approachable housing costs, while Townsville City leans toward more sought-after housing.
Bowen suits families and investors more clearly, whereas Townsville City is the stronger match for retirees and people chasing a beach lifestyle.