Overall score
Clear Island Waters
43.8/100
Merrimac
61.0/100
Clear Island Waters vs Merrimac, QLD suburb comparison
Clear Island Waters for retirees; Merrimac for investment and value.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
Clear Island WatersMerrimac
Crime rate
Clear Island Waters
25.9 / 1k
Merrimac
26.0 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Clear Island Waters
47
Merrimac
74
Population
Clear Island Waters
4,395
Merrimac
7,212
Metric leadClear Island Waters 3Merrimac 7across 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 retireesClear Island Waters
- Best for investmentMerrimac
- Best for best valueMerrimac
- Best for best schoolsMerrimac
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 | Clear Island Waters | Merrimac |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 43.8/100 | 61.0/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 45.6/100 | 76.0/100 |
| Crime rate | 25.9 / 1k | 26.0 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 2 | 4 |
| Parks & reserves | 20 | 5 |
| Public transport stops | 3 | 21 |
| Walkability | 6.5/100 | 55.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 47 | 74 |
| Population | 4,395 | 7,212 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 9/10 | 5/10 |
Comparison summary
Clear Island Waters is an energetic metro mid-sized suburb where cafés and local life overlap, while Merrimac is a well-serviced metro mid-sized suburb with plenty happening nearby.
On the data, Clear Island Waters is stronger for a quieter safety profile and parks and reserves; Merrimac answers with housing affordability and schools and education options.
Clear Island Waters suits retirees more clearly, whereas Merrimac is the stronger match for families and investors.