Overall score
Chermside West
61.6/100
McDowall
63.8/100
Chermside West vs McDowall, QLD suburb comparison
Chermside West for schools; McDowall for retirees and families.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
Chermside WestMcDowall
Crime rate
Chermside West
110.1 / 1k
McDowall
38.5 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Chermside West
178
McDowall
209
Population
Chermside West
6,965
McDowall
7,612
Metric leadChermside West 1McDowall 72 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 retireesMcDowall
- Best for familiesMcDowall
- Best for best schoolsChermside West
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 | Chermside West | McDowall |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 61.6/100 | 63.8/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 76.0/100 | 76.0/100 |
| Crime rate | 110.1 / 1k | 38.5 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 4 | 4 |
| Parks & reserves | 10 | 14 |
| Public transport stops | 32 | 21 |
| Walkability | 32.0/100 | 57.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 178 | 209 |
| Population | 6,965 | 7,612 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 9/10 | 10/10 |
Comparison summary
Chermside West reads as an energetic metro mid-sized suburb where cafés and local life overlap; McDowall is a well-serviced metro mid-sized suburb with plenty happening nearby. Chermside West sits closer to the city centre, whereas McDowall is in a middle-ring position.
On the data, Chermside West is stronger for schools and education options and public transport access; McDowall answers with a quieter safety profile and parks and reserves.
Choose Chermside West if you are weighing households prioritising schools; lean toward McDowall for retirees and families.