Overall score
Cumbalum
37.0/100
West Ballina
54.0/100
Cumbalum vs West Ballina, NSW suburb comparison
Cumbalum for retirees; West Ballina for families and value.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
CumbalumWest Ballina
Crime rate
Cumbalum
89.7 / 1k
West Ballina
89.8 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Cumbalum
15
West Ballina
77
Population
Cumbalum
2,211
West Ballina
3,230
Metric leadCumbalum 3West Ballina 51 tiedacross 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 retireesCumbalum
- Best for familiesWest Ballina
- Best for best valueWest Ballina
- Best for best schoolsWest Ballina
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 | Cumbalum | West Ballina |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 37.0/100 | 54.0/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 61.5/100 | 61.5/100 |
| Crime rate | 89.7 / 1k | 89.8 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | — | 1 |
| Parks & reserves | — | 8 |
| Public transport stops | 16 | 162 |
| Walkability | 24.0/100 | 63.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 15 | 77 |
| Planning activity | 14 | 16 |
| Population | 2,211 | 3,230 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 9/10 | 2/10 |
Comparison summary
Cumbalum is a regional smaller community with local services and a more relaxed pace, while West Ballina is a regional hub with its own identity and everyday convenience.
On the data, Cumbalum is stronger for a quieter safety profile and a calmer planning outlook; West Ballina answers with public transport access and walkability. Cumbalum generally means more sought-after housing, while West Ballina leans toward more approachable housing costs.
Choose Cumbalum if you are weighing retirees; lean toward West Ballina for families and value-focused buyers.