Overall score
Byron Bay
56.3/100
St Helens
24.7/100
Byron Bay vs St Helens suburb comparison (NSW vs TAS)
Byron Bay for retirees and families.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
Byron BaySt Helens
Crime rate
Byron Bay
117.1 / 1k
St Helens
138.4 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Byron Bay
334
St Helens
0
Population
Byron Bay
6,330
St Helens
2,206
Metric leadByron Bay 10St Helens 0across 10 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 | Byron Bay | St Helens |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 56.3/100 | 24.7/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 18.2/100 | 15.2/100 |
| Crime rate | 117.1 / 1k | 138.4 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 2 | 1 |
| Parks & reserves | 10 | 7 |
| Public transport stops | 119 | 2 |
| Walkability | 100.0/100 | 3.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 334 | 0 |
| Planning activity | 103 | — |
| Population | 6,330 | 2,206 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 8/10 | 1/10 |
Comparison summary
Across states, Byron Bay is a beachside mid-sized suburb where the coast sets the tone, whereas St Helens is a more rural smaller community that rewards people who want room to breathe. Where Byron Bay is shaped by the coast, St Helens offers a more landlocked suburban rhythm.
Byron Bay tends to lead on housing affordability and a quieter safety profile, while St Helens stands out for a country-town feel and relatively affordable housing. On housing, Byron Bay sits in a expensive band, compared with a affordable feel in St Helens.
On balance, retirees and families are more likely to prefer Byron Bay, while St Helens remains a solid alternative depending on what matters most day to day.