Overall score
Burleigh Waters
72.4/100
Mermaid Waters
56.2/100
Burleigh Waters for retirees and families.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Overall score
Burleigh Waters
72.4/100
Mermaid Waters
56.2/100
Crime rate
Burleigh Waters
55.2 / 1k
Mermaid Waters
77.8 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Burleigh Waters
314
Mermaid Waters
300
Population
Burleigh Waters
14,556
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 | Burleigh Waters | Mermaid Waters |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 72.4/100 | 56.2/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 76.0/100 | 31.4/100 |
| Crime rate | 55.2 / 1k | 77.8 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 4 | 2 |
| Parks & reserves | 19 | 61 |
| Public transport stops | 56 | 50 |
| Walkability | 100.0/100 | 80.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 314 | 300 |
| Population | 14,556 | 13,088 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 8/10 | 8/10 |
Burleigh Waters reads as an energetic metro established suburb where cafés and local life overlap; Mermaid Waters is a well-serviced metro established suburb with plenty happening nearby.
On the data, Burleigh Waters is stronger for housing affordability and a quieter safety profile; Mermaid Waters answers with parks and reserves.
On balance, retirees and families are more likely to prefer Burleigh Waters, while Mermaid Waters remains a solid alternative depending on what matters most day to day.