Overall score
Busselton
54.8/100
Dunsborough
48.5/100
Busselton vs Dunsborough, WA suburb comparison
Busselton for investment and value; Dunsborough for retirees and beach lifestyle.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
BusseltonDunsborough
Crime rate
Busselton
3975.7 / 1k
Dunsborough
1059.4 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Busselton
99
Dunsborough
29
Population
Busselton
1,838
Dunsborough
6,413
Metric leadBusselton 6Dunsborough 4across 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 retireesDunsborough
- Best for beach lifestyleDunsborough
- Best for investmentBusselton
- Best for best valueBusselton
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 | Busselton | Dunsborough |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 54.8/100 | 48.5/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 16.7/100 | 10.6/100 |
| Crime rate | 3975.7 / 1k | 1059.4 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 7 | 2 |
| Parks & reserves | 7 | 1 |
| Public transport stops | 34 | 61 |
| Walkability | 100.0/100 | 69.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 99 | 29 |
| Population | 1,838 | 6,413 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 2/10 | 8/10 |
Comparison summary
Busselton is a regional hub with its own identity and everyday convenience, while Dunsborough is a coastal mid-sized suburb shaped by beach life and outdoor living. Where Dunsborough is shaped by the coast, Busselton offers a more landlocked suburban rhythm.
Busselton pulls ahead on housing affordability and schools and education options, whereas Dunsborough is the better pick for a quieter safety profile and public transport access. On housing, Busselton sits in a affordable band, compared with a expensive feel in Dunsborough.
Choose Busselton if you are weighing investors and value-focused buyers; lean toward Dunsborough for retirees and people chasing a beach lifestyle.