Overall score
Colonel Light Gardens
58.0/100
St Marys
48.3/100
Colonel Light Gardens vs St Marys, SA suburb comparison
Colonel Light Gardens for retirees and families; St Marys for investment.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
Colonel Light GardensSt Marys
Crime rate
Colonel Light Gardens
16.3 / 1k
St Marys
96.0 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Colonel Light Gardens
83
St Marys
131
Population
Colonel Light Gardens
3,311
St Marys
3,010
Metric leadColonel Light Gardens 6St Marys 3across 9 compared metrics
Livability profile
Desirability pillars scored 0–100 vs comparable suburbs
Quick verdicts
Clearer edge on lifestyle fit (score gap ≥ 3)
- Best for retireesColonel Light Gardens
- Best for familiesColonel Light Gardens
- Best for investmentSt Marys
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 | Colonel Light Gardens | St Marys |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 58.0/100 | 48.3/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 43.0/100 | 51.2/100 |
| Crime rate | 16.3 / 1k | 96.0 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 1 | — |
| Parks & reserves | — | 1 |
| Public transport stops | 22 | 17 |
| Walkability | 55.0/100 | 33.5/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 83 | 131 |
| Planning activity | 63 | 39 |
| Population | 3,311 | 3,010 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 10/10 | 6/10 |
Comparison summary
Put side by side, Colonel Light Gardens is a lively metro mid-sized suburb with dining and everyday convenience close by, and St Marys is an energetic metro mid-sized suburb where cafés and local life overlap.
Colonel Light Gardens pulls ahead on a quieter safety profile and public transport access, whereas St Marys is the better pick for housing affordability and nearby cafés and amenities.
On balance, families and value-focused buyers are more likely to prefer St Marys, while Colonel Light Gardens remains a solid alternative depending on what matters most day to day.