Overall score
Cannington
61.1/100
St James
50.1/100
Cannington vs St James, WA suburb comparison
St James for retirees and families.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
CanningtonSt James
Crime rate
Cannington
1716.3 / 1k
St James
2392.8 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Cannington
327
St James
49
Population
Cannington
6,875
St James
4,894
Metric leadCannington 7St James 3across 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 | Cannington | St James |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 61.1/100 | 50.1/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 7.7/100 | 19.9/100 |
| Crime rate | 1716.3 / 1k | 2392.8 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 6 | 7 |
| Parks & reserves | 14 | 7 |
| Public transport stops | 37 | 24 |
| Walkability | 100.0/100 | 72.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 327 | 49 |
| Population | 6,875 | 4,894 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 5/10 | 7/10 |
Comparison summary
Put side by side, Cannington is an energetic metro mid-sized suburb where cafés and local life overlap, and St James is a lively metro mid-sized suburb with dining and everyday convenience close by. Cannington sits in a middle-ring position, whereas St James is closer to the city centre.
Cannington tends to lead on a quieter safety profile and schools and education options, while St James stands out for housing affordability and stronger socioeconomic advantage. On housing, Cannington sits in a expensive band, compared with a affordable feel in St James.
On balance, retirees and investors are more likely to prefer St James, while Cannington remains a solid alternative depending on what matters most day to day.