Overall score
Clayton Bay
31.4/100
Goolwa South
25.1/100
Goolwa South for retirees and families.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Overall score
Clayton Bay
31.4/100
Goolwa South
25.1/100
Crime rate
Clayton Bay
11.9 / 1k
Goolwa South
28.9 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Clayton Bay
0
Goolwa South
3
Population
Clayton Bay
472
Goolwa South
1,041
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 | Clayton Bay | Goolwa South |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 31.4/100 | 25.1/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 2.6/100 | 10.6/100 |
| Crime rate | 11.9 / 1k | 28.9 / 1k |
| Walkability | 0.0/100 | 0.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 0 | 3 |
| Planning activity | 20 | 22 |
| Population | 472 | 1,041 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 2/10 | 2/10 |
Clayton Bay is a slower-paced smaller community with open surrounds, while Goolwa South is a beachside smaller community where the coast sets the tone. Goolwa South leans into coastal living, while Clayton Bay feels more inland and suburban in character.
Clayton Bay tends to lead on a quieter safety profile and overall desirability, while Goolwa South stands out for housing affordability and nearby cafés and amenities.
On balance, retirees and families are more likely to prefer Goolwa South, while Clayton Bay remains a solid alternative depending on what matters most day to day.