Overall score
Burleigh Waters
72.4/100
Varsity Lakes
74.7/100
Burleigh Waters vs Varsity Lakes, QLD suburb comparison
Varsity Lakes for retirees and families.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
Burleigh WatersVarsity Lakes
Crime rate
Burleigh Waters
55.2 / 1k
Varsity Lakes
22.5 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Burleigh Waters
314
Varsity Lakes
412
Population
Burleigh Waters
14,556
Varsity Lakes
16,493
Metric leadBurleigh Waters 2Varsity Lakes 53 tiedacross 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 familiesVarsity Lakes
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 Waters | Varsity Lakes |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 72.4/100 | 74.7/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 76.0/100 | 76.0/100 |
| Crime rate | 55.2 / 1k | 22.5 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 4 | 4 |
| Parks & reserves | 19 | 36 |
| Public transport stops | 56 | 44 |
| Walkability | 100.0/100 | 100.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 314 | 412 |
| Population | 14,556 | 16,493 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 8/10 | 7/10 |
Comparison summary
Burleigh Waters is an energetic metro established suburb where cafés and local life overlap, while Varsity Lakes is a lively metro established suburb with dining and everyday convenience close by.
On the data, Burleigh Waters is stronger for schools and education options and public transport access; Varsity Lakes answers with a quieter safety profile and parks and reserves.
On balance, families and households prioritising schools are more likely to prefer Burleigh Waters, while Varsity Lakes remains a solid alternative depending on what matters most day to day.