Overall score
Catherine Hill Bay
33.9/100
Caves Beach
50.9/100
Catherine Hill Bay vs Caves Beach, NSW suburb comparison
Catherine Hill Bay for retirees; Caves Beach for families and beach lifestyle.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
Catherine Hill BayCaves Beach
Crime rate
Catherine Hill Bay
55.8 / 1k
Caves Beach
56.0 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Catherine Hill Bay
23
Caves Beach
93
Population
Catherine Hill Bay
943
Caves Beach
4,016
Metric leadCatherine Hill Bay 2Caves Beach 7across 9 compared metrics
Livability profile
Desirability pillars scored 0–100 vs comparable suburbs
Quick verdicts
Clearer edge on lifestyle fit (score gap ≥ 3)
- Best for retireesCatherine Hill Bay
- Best for familiesCaves Beach
- Best for beach lifestyleCaves Beach
- Best for investmentCaves Beach
- Best for best valueCaves Beach
- Best for best schoolsCaves 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 | Catherine Hill Bay | Caves Beach |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 33.9/100 | 50.9/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 42.4/100 | 49.0/100 |
| Crime rate | 55.8 / 1k | 56.0 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | — | 3 |
| Parks & reserves | 2 | — |
| Public transport stops | 34 | 59 |
| Walkability | 32.0/100 | 80.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 23 | 93 |
| Planning activity | 22 | 18 |
| Population | 943 | 4,016 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 10/10 | 7/10 |
Comparison summary
Catherine Hill Bay reads as a coastal smaller community shaped by beach life and outdoor living; Caves Beach is a beachside mid-sized suburb where the coast sets the tone.
On the data, Catherine Hill Bay is stronger for stronger socioeconomic advantage; Caves Beach answers with housing affordability and a quieter safety profile.
Catherine Hill Bay suits retirees more clearly, whereas Caves Beach is the stronger match for families and people chasing a beach lifestyle.