Overall score
Dalby
46.9/100
Toowoomba City
60.8/100
Dalby vs Toowoomba City, QLD suburb comparison
Dalby for retirees and families; Toowoomba City for schools.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
DalbyToowoomba City
Crime rate
Dalby
73.5 / 1k
Toowoomba City
66.5 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Dalby
0
Toowoomba City
648
Population
Dalby
12,758
Toowoomba City
2,321
Metric leadDalby 2Toowoomba City 52 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 retireesDalby
- Best for familiesDalby
- Best for investmentDalby
- Best for best valueDalby
- Best for best schoolsToowoomba City
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 | Dalby | Toowoomba City |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 46.9/100 | 60.8/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 48.1/100 | 24.2/100 |
| Crime rate | 73.5 / 1k | 66.5 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 5 | 13 |
| Parks & reserves | 11 | 11 |
| Walkability | 0.0/100 | 79.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 0 | 648 |
| Population | 12,758 | 2,321 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 2/10 | 2/10 |
Comparison summary
Dalby is a quieter established suburb with space and a country-town pace, while Toowoomba City is a regional hub with its own identity and everyday convenience.
On the data, Dalby is stronger for housing affordability and schools and education options; Toowoomba City answers with a quieter safety profile and walkability.
On balance, retirees and families are more likely to prefer Dalby, while Toowoomba City remains a solid alternative depending on what matters most day to day.