Overall score
Clontarf
43.7/100
Fairlight
51.8/100
Clontarf for families and value; Fairlight for retirees.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Overall score
Clontarf
43.7/100
Fairlight
51.8/100
Crime rate
Clontarf
24.2 / 1k
Fairlight
13.0 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Clontarf
46
Fairlight
92
Population
Clontarf
1,746
Fairlight
6,141
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 | Clontarf | Fairlight |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 43.7/100 | 51.8/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 36.3/100 | 14.2/100 |
| Crime rate | 24.2 / 1k | 13.0 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 6 | 11 |
| Parks & reserves | 2 | 1 |
| Public transport stops | 11 | 62 |
| Walkability | 20.5/100 | 61.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 46 | 92 |
| Planning activity | 15 | 29 |
| Population | 1,746 | 6,141 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 10/10 | 10/10 |
Put side by side, Clontarf is a lively metro smaller community with dining and everyday convenience close by, and Fairlight is a lively metro mid-sized suburb with dining and everyday convenience close by. Clontarf sits closer to the city centre, whereas Fairlight is in a middle-ring position.
Clontarf tends to lead on housing affordability and parks and reserves, while Fairlight stands out for a quieter safety profile and public transport access.
Families and value-focused buyers may find Clontarf the better fit, while retirees and households prioritising schools are more likely to prefer Fairlight.