Overall score
Byron Bay
56.3/100
Margaret River
38.5/100
Byron Bay vs Margaret River suburb comparison (NSW vs WA)
Byron Bay for beach lifestyle and investment; Margaret River for retirees and families.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
Byron BayMargaret River
Crime rate
Byron Bay
117.1 / 1k
Margaret River
756.8 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Byron Bay
334
Margaret River
0
Population
Byron Bay
6,330
Margaret River
8,918
Metric leadByron Bay 7Margaret River 21 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 retireesMargaret River
- Best for familiesMargaret River
- Best for beach lifestyleByron Bay
- Best for investmentByron Bay
- Best for best valueByron Bay
- Best for best schoolsMargaret River
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 | Byron Bay | Margaret River |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 56.3/100 | 38.5/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 18.2/100 | 20.0/100 |
| Crime rate | 117.1 / 1k | 756.8 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 2 | 2 |
| Parks & reserves | 10 | 3 |
| Public transport stops | 119 | 1 |
| Walkability | 100.0/100 | 1.5/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 334 | 0 |
| Planning activity | 103 | — |
| Population | 6,330 | 8,918 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 8/10 | 6/10 |
Comparison summary
Byron Bay (NSW) is a beachside mid-sized suburb where the coast sets the tone, while Margaret River (WA) is a slower-paced established suburb with open surrounds. Where Byron Bay is shaped by the coast, Margaret River offers a more landlocked suburban rhythm.
Byron Bay tends to lead on a quieter safety profile and parks and reserves, while Margaret River stands out for housing affordability and a larger local community.
Choose Byron Bay if you are weighing retirees and families; lean toward Margaret River for households prioritising schools.