Overall score
Cowaramup
41.6/100
Margaret River
38.5/100
Cowaramup for retirees and investment; Margaret River for families and schools.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Overall score
Cowaramup
41.6/100
Margaret River
38.5/100
Crime rate
Cowaramup
2634.3 / 1k
Margaret River
756.8 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Cowaramup
23
Margaret River
0
Population
Cowaramup
2,482
Margaret River
8,918
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 | Cowaramup | Margaret River |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 41.6/100 | 38.5/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 28.5/100 | 20.0/100 |
| Crime rate | 2634.3 / 1k | 756.8 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 1 | 2 |
| Parks & reserves | — | 3 |
| Public transport stops | 3 | 1 |
| Walkability | 25.5/100 | 1.5/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 23 | 0 |
| Population | 2,482 | 8,918 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 8/10 | 6/10 |
Put side by side, Cowaramup is a regional hub with its own identity and everyday convenience, and Margaret River is a slower-paced established suburb with open surrounds.
On the data, Cowaramup is stronger for housing affordability and public transport access; Margaret River answers with a quieter safety profile and schools and education options. Cowaramup generally means more mid-market housing value, while Margaret River leans toward more sought-after housing.
Cowaramup suits retirees and investors more clearly, whereas Margaret River is the stronger match for families and households prioritising schools.