Overall score
Caloundra West
62.0/100
Dicky Beach
51.1/100
Caloundra West vs Dicky Beach, QLD suburb comparison
Caloundra West for investment and value; Dicky Beach for families and beach lifestyle.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
Caloundra WestDicky Beach
Crime rate
Caloundra West
27.6 / 1k
Dicky Beach
27.6 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Caloundra West
103
Dicky Beach
65
Population
Caloundra West
7,270
Dicky Beach
1,921
Metric leadCaloundra West 7Dicky Beach 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 familiesDicky Beach
- Best for beach lifestyleDicky Beach
- Best for investmentCaloundra West
- Best for best valueCaloundra West
- Best for best schoolsDicky Beach
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 | Caloundra West | Dicky Beach |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 62.0/100 | 51.1/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 76.0/100 | 43.5/100 |
| Crime rate | 27.6 / 1k | 27.6 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 3 | 5 |
| Parks & reserves | 7 | 5 |
| Public transport stops | 19 | 10 |
| Walkability | 72.5/100 | 42.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 103 | 65 |
| Population | 7,270 | 1,921 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 5/10 | 6/10 |
Comparison summary
Caloundra West reads as a well-serviced metro mid-sized suburb with plenty happening nearby; Dicky Beach is a coastal smaller community with an easy, sea-led rhythm. Where Dicky Beach is shaped by the coast, Caloundra West offers a more landlocked suburban rhythm.
On the data, Caloundra West is stronger for housing affordability and a quieter safety profile; Dicky Beach answers with stronger socioeconomic advantage.
Retirees and investors may find Caloundra West the better fit, while people chasing a beach lifestyle are more likely to prefer Dicky Beach.