Overall score
Caves Beach
50.9/100
Pelican
26.2/100
Caves Beach vs Pelican, NSW suburb comparison
Caves Beach for retirees and families.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
Caves BeachPelican
Crime rate
Caves Beach
56.0 / 1k
Pelican
56.2 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Caves Beach
93
Pelican
26
Population
Caves Beach
4,016
Pelican
874
Metric leadCaves Beach 8Pelican 2across 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 retireesCaves Beach
- 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 | Caves Beach | Pelican |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 50.9/100 | 26.2/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 49.0/100 | 38.2/100 |
| Crime rate | 56.0 / 1k | 56.2 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 3 | 4 |
| Parks & reserves | — | 1 |
| Public transport stops | 59 | 25 |
| Walkability | 80.0/100 | 30.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 93 | 26 |
| Planning activity | 18 | 3 |
| Population | 4,016 | 874 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 7/10 | 4/10 |
Comparison summary
Caves Beach reads as a beachside mid-sized suburb where the coast sets the tone; Pelican is a practical metro smaller community with solid links to the wider city. Where Caves Beach is shaped by the coast, Pelican offers a more landlocked suburban rhythm.
Caves Beach tends to lead on housing affordability and a quieter safety profile, while Pelican stands out for a calmer planning outlook.
On balance, retirees and families are more likely to prefer Caves Beach, while Pelican remains a solid alternative depending on what matters most day to day.