Overall score
Breakwater
40.5/100
Newcomb
66.2/100
Breakwater for families; Newcomb for retirees and beach lifestyle.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Overall score
Breakwater
40.5/100
Newcomb
66.2/100
Crime rate
Breakwater
204.5 / 1k
Newcomb
169.4 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Breakwater
45
Newcomb
141
Population
Breakwater
1,060
Newcomb
4,704
Desirability pillars scored 0–100 vs comparable suburbs
Clearer edge on lifestyle fit (score gap ≥ 3)
Who each suburb suits — composite scores out of 100
Side-by-side scores for every compared metric.
Exact figures for every metric — winner highlighted in bold.
| Category | Breakwater | Newcomb |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 40.5/100 | 66.2/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 65.6/100 | 85.8/100 |
| Crime rate | 204.5 / 1k | 169.4 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 5 | 8 |
| Parks & reserves | — | 12 |
| Public transport stops | 14 | 37 |
| Walkability | 25.0/100 | 88.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 45 | 141 |
| Planning activity | 35 | 47 |
| Population | 1,060 | 4,704 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 1/10 | 2/10 |
Breakwater is an energetic metro smaller community where cafés and local life overlap, while Newcomb is a coastal mid-sized suburb with an easy, sea-led rhythm. Newcomb leans into coastal living, while Breakwater feels more inland and suburban in character.
Breakwater pulls ahead on a quieter safety profile and a calmer planning outlook, whereas Newcomb is the better pick for housing affordability and schools and education options.
Families may find Breakwater the better fit, while people chasing a beach lifestyle and investors are more likely to prefer Newcomb.