Overall score
Burleigh Heads
59.5/100
Varsity Lakes
74.7/100
Burleigh Heads vs Varsity Lakes, QLD suburb comparison
Burleigh Heads for families and beach lifestyle; Varsity Lakes for retirees and investment.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
Burleigh HeadsVarsity Lakes
Crime rate
Burleigh Heads
55.2 / 1k
Varsity Lakes
22.5 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Burleigh Heads
335
Varsity Lakes
412
Population
Burleigh Heads
10,572
Varsity Lakes
16,493
Metric leadBurleigh Heads 2Varsity Lakes 8across 10 compared metrics
Livability profile
Desirability pillars scored 0–100 vs comparable suburbs
Quick verdicts
Clearer edge on lifestyle fit (score gap ≥ 3)
- Best for retireesVarsity Lakes
- Best for familiesBurleigh Heads
- Best for beach lifestyleBurleigh Heads
- Best for investmentVarsity Lakes
- Best for best valueVarsity Lakes
- Best for best schoolsBurleigh Heads
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 | Burleigh Heads | Varsity Lakes |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 59.5/100 | 74.7/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 38.9/100 | 76.0/100 |
| Crime rate | 55.2 / 1k | 22.5 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 3 | 4 |
| Parks & reserves | 39 | 36 |
| Public transport stops | 16 | 44 |
| Walkability | 54.0/100 | 100.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 335 | 412 |
| Population | 10,572 | 16,493 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 8/10 | 7/10 |
Comparison summary
Burleigh Heads is a coastal established suburb with an easy, sea-led rhythm, while Varsity Lakes is a lively metro established suburb with dining and everyday convenience close by. Where Burleigh Heads is shaped by the coast, Varsity Lakes offers a more landlocked suburban rhythm.
Burleigh Heads pulls ahead on parks and reserves and stronger socioeconomic advantage, whereas Varsity Lakes is the better pick for housing affordability and a quieter safety profile.
Families and people chasing a beach lifestyle may find Burleigh Heads the better fit, while investors and value-focused buyers are more likely to prefer Varsity Lakes.