Overall score
Byron Bay
56.3/100
Noosa Heads
66.0/100
Byron Bay vs Noosa Heads suburb comparison (NSW vs QLD)
Byron Bay for investment; Noosa Heads for retirees and families.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
Byron BayNoosa Heads
Crime rate
Byron Bay
117.1 / 1k
Noosa Heads
30.9 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Byron Bay
334
Noosa Heads
352
Population
Byron Bay
6,330
Noosa Heads
5,120
Metric leadByron Bay 3Noosa Heads 52 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 retireesNoosa Heads
- Best for familiesNoosa Heads
- Best for investmentByron Bay
- Best for best schoolsNoosa Heads
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 | Noosa Heads |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 56.3/100 | 66.0/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 18.2/100 | 10.6/100 |
| Crime rate | 117.1 / 1k | 30.9 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 2 | 5 |
| Parks & reserves | 10 | 10 |
| Public transport stops | 119 | 23 |
| Walkability | 100.0/100 | 100.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 334 | 352 |
| Planning activity | 98 | — |
| Population | 6,330 | 5,120 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 8/10 | 9/10 |
Comparison summary
Byron Bay (NSW) is a beachside mid-sized suburb where the coast sets the tone, while Noosa Heads (QLD) is a coastal mid-sized suburb with an easy, sea-led rhythm.
On the data, Byron Bay is stronger for housing affordability and public transport access; Noosa Heads answers with a quieter safety profile and nearby cafés and amenities.
Choose Byron Bay if you are weighing investors and households prioritising schools; lean toward Noosa Heads for retirees and families.