Overall score
Capel Sound
51.3/100
McCrae
46.7/100
Capel Sound for beach lifestyle and investment; McCrae for retirees.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Overall score
Capel Sound
51.3/100
McCrae
46.7/100
Crime rate
Capel Sound
79.0 / 1k
McCrae
64.4 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Capel Sound
130
McCrae
67
Population
Capel Sound
5,246
McCrae
3,311
Desirability pillars scored 0–100 vs comparable suburbs
Clearer edge on lifestyle fit (score gap ≥ 3)
Who each suburb suits — composite scores out of 100
Side-by-side scores for every compared metric.
Exact figures for every metric — winner highlighted in bold.
| Category | Capel Sound | McCrae |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 51.3/100 | 46.7/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 51.8/100 | 34.0/100 |
| Crime rate | 79.0 / 1k | 64.4 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 4 | — |
| Parks & reserves | 6 | 4 |
| Public transport stops | 38 | 10 |
| Walkability | 44.0/100 | 46.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 130 | 67 |
| Planning activity | 63 | 94 |
| Population | 5,246 | 3,311 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 2/10 | 7/10 |
Capel Sound reads as a coastal mid-sized suburb with an easy, sea-led rhythm; McCrae is a coastal mid-sized suburb with an easy, sea-led rhythm.
Capel Sound pulls ahead on housing affordability and parks and reserves, whereas McCrae is the better pick for a quieter safety profile and walkability. Capel Sound generally means more approachable housing costs, while McCrae leans toward more sought-after housing.
People chasing a beach lifestyle and investors may find Capel Sound the better fit, while retirees and families are more likely to prefer McCrae.