Overall score
Bowral
73.1/100
Goulburn
71.4/100
Bowral vs Goulburn, NSW suburb comparison
Bowral for retirees and families; Goulburn for investment and value.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
BowralGoulburn
Crime rate
Bowral
29.7 / 1k
Goulburn
85.3 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Bowral
319
Goulburn
364
Population
Bowral
10,764
Goulburn
23,963
Metric leadBowral 4Goulburn 61 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 | Bowral | Goulburn |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 73.1/100 | 71.4/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 42.3/100 | 76.3/100 |
| Crime rate | 29.7 / 1k | 85.3 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 4 | 9 |
| Parks & reserves | 17 | 27 |
| Public transport stops | 372 | 537 |
| Walkability | 100.0/100 | 100.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 319 | 364 |
| Planning activity | 62 | 103 |
| Population | 10,764 | 23,963 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 9/10 | 3/10 |
Comparison summary
Bowral reads as a regional hub with its own identity and everyday convenience; Goulburn is a regional established suburb with local services and a more relaxed pace.
Bowral pulls ahead on a quieter safety profile and overall desirability, whereas Goulburn is the better pick for housing affordability and schools and education options. On housing, Bowral sits in a expensive band, compared with a affordable feel in Goulburn.
Bowral suits retirees and families more clearly, whereas Goulburn is the stronger match for investors and value-focused buyers.