Overall score
Broadbeach Waters
47.0/100
Mermaid Waters
56.3/100
Broadbeach Waters for retirees and families; Mermaid Waters for investment and value.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Overall score
Broadbeach Waters
47.0/100
Mermaid Waters
56.3/100
Crime rate
Broadbeach Waters
80.6 / 1k
Mermaid Waters
80.5 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Broadbeach Waters
110
Mermaid Waters
300
Population
Broadbeach Waters
8,164
Mermaid Waters
13,088
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 | Broadbeach Waters | Mermaid Waters |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 47.0/100 | 56.3/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 9.4/100 | 31.4/100 |
| Crime rate | 80.6 / 1k | 80.5 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 3 | 2 |
| Parks & reserves | 19 | 61 |
| Public transport stops | 35 | 50 |
| Walkability | 36.0/100 | 80.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 110 | 300 |
| Population | 8,164 | 13,088 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 10/10 | 8/10 |
Put side by side, Broadbeach Waters is an energetic metro established suburb where cafés and local life overlap, and Mermaid Waters is a well-serviced metro established suburb with plenty happening nearby.
Broadbeach Waters pulls ahead on stronger socioeconomic advantage, whereas Mermaid Waters is the better pick for housing affordability and a quieter safety profile.
Choose Broadbeach Waters if you are weighing retirees and families; lean toward Mermaid Waters for investors and value-focused buyers.