Overall score
Buxton
46.1/100
Thirlmere
58.1/100
Buxton vs Thirlmere, NSW suburb comparison
Thirlmere for retirees and families.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
BuxtonThirlmere
Crime rate
Buxton
42.8 / 1k
Thirlmere
21.0 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Buxton
38
Thirlmere
38
Population
Buxton
2,071
Thirlmere
4,986
Metric leadBuxton 2Thirlmere 72 tiedacross 11 compared metrics
Livability profile
Desirability pillars scored 0–100 vs comparable suburbs
Quick verdicts
Clearer edge on lifestyle fit (score gap ≥ 3)
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 | Buxton | Thirlmere |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 46.1/100 | 58.1/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 69.4/100 | 75.3/100 |
| Crime rate | 42.8 / 1k | 21.0 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 1 | 1 |
| Parks & reserves | 1 | 3 |
| Public transport stops | 68 | 307 |
| Walkability | 55.0/100 | 49.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 38 | 38 |
| Planning activity | 12 | 99 |
| Population | 2,071 | 4,986 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 4/10 | 5/10 |
Comparison summary
Buxton is a regional smaller community with local services and a more relaxed pace, while Thirlmere is a regional hub with its own identity and everyday convenience.
On the data, Buxton is stronger for walkability and a calmer planning outlook; Thirlmere answers with housing affordability and a quieter safety profile.
On balance, retirees and families are more likely to prefer Thirlmere, while Buxton remains a solid alternative depending on what matters most day to day.