Overall score
Burns Beach
51.4/100
Ocean Reef
70.8/100
Ocean Reef for retirees and families.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Overall score
Burns Beach
51.4/100
Ocean Reef
70.8/100
Crime rate
Burns Beach
2298.0 / 1k
Ocean Reef
1180.7 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Burns Beach
42
Ocean Reef
58
Population
Burns Beach
4,071
Ocean Reef
8,125
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 | Burns Beach | Ocean Reef |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 51.4/100 | 70.8/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 94.9/100 | 94.9/100 |
| Crime rate | 2298.0 / 1k | 1180.7 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 3 | 8 |
| Parks & reserves | 4 | 9 |
| Public transport stops | 16 | 41 |
| Walkability | 26.0/100 | 74.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 42 | 58 |
| Population | 4,071 | 8,125 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 10/10 | 10/10 |
Burns Beach reads as a coastal mid-sized suburb with an easy, sea-led rhythm; Ocean Reef is a beachside established suburb where the coast sets the tone. Burns Beach sits firmly coastal, whereas Ocean Reef is near both coast and city.
Burns Beach tends to lead on an affluent, sought-after address and generous parks and open space, while Ocean Reef stands out for a quieter safety profile and schools and education options.
On balance, retirees and families are more likely to prefer Ocean Reef, while Burns Beach remains a solid alternative depending on what matters most day to day.