Overall score
Dubbo
55.5/100
Wagga Wagga
70.8/100
Dubbo vs Wagga Wagga, NSW suburb comparison
Dubbo for retirees and investment; Wagga Wagga for families and schools.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
DubboWagga Wagga
Crime rate
Dubbo
153.5 / 1k
Wagga Wagga
119.5 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Dubbo
38
Wagga Wagga
599
Population
Dubbo
43,516
Wagga Wagga
7,198
Metric leadDubbo 4Wagga Wagga 7across 11 compared metrics
Livability profile
Desirability pillars scored 0–100 vs comparable suburbs
Quick verdicts
Clearer edge on lifestyle fit (score gap ≥ 3)
- Best for retireesDubbo
- Best for familiesWagga Wagga
- Best for investmentDubbo
- Best for best schoolsWagga Wagga
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 | Dubbo | Wagga Wagga |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 55.5/100 | 70.8/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 83.2/100 | 69.4/100 |
| Crime rate | 153.5 / 1k | 119.5 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 2 | 6 |
| Parks & reserves | 58 | 14 |
| Public transport stops | 1,884 | 114 |
| Walkability | 32.0/100 | 100.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 38 | 599 |
| Planning activity | 350 | 65 |
| Population | 43,516 | 7,198 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 4/10 | 5/10 |
Comparison summary
Put side by side, Dubbo is a regional larger suburb that feels self-contained without feeling remote, and Wagga Wagga is a regional mid-sized suburb with local services and a more relaxed pace.
On the data, Dubbo is stronger for housing affordability and parks and reserves; Wagga Wagga answers with a quieter safety profile and walkability. Dubbo generally means more sought-after housing, while Wagga Wagga leans toward more mid-market housing value.
Dubbo suits retirees and investors more clearly, whereas Wagga Wagga is the stronger match for households prioritising schools.