Overall score
Busselton
54.8/100
Margaret River
38.5/100
Busselton vs Margaret River, WA suburb comparison
Busselton for value and schools; Margaret River for retirees and investment.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
BusseltonMargaret River
Crime rate
Busselton
3975.7 / 1k
Margaret River
756.8 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Busselton
99
Margaret River
0
Population
Busselton
1,838
Margaret River
8,918
Metric leadBusselton 6Margaret River 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 retireesMargaret River
- Best for investmentMargaret River
- Best for best valueBusselton
- Best for best schoolsBusselton
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 | Margaret River |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 54.8/100 | 38.5/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 16.7/100 | 20.0/100 |
| Crime rate | 3975.7 / 1k | 756.8 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 7 | 2 |
| Parks & reserves | 7 | 3 |
| Public transport stops | 34 | 1 |
| Walkability | 100.0/100 | 1.5/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 99 | 0 |
| Population | 1,838 | 8,918 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 2/10 | 6/10 |
Comparison summary
Busselton is a regional hub with its own identity and everyday convenience, while Margaret River is a slower-paced established suburb with open surrounds.
Busselton tends to lead on schools and education options and parks and reserves, while Margaret River stands out for housing affordability and a quieter safety profile. On housing, Busselton sits in a affordable band, compared with a expensive feel in Margaret River.
Value-focused buyers may find Busselton the better fit, while retirees and investors are more likely to prefer Margaret River.