Overall score
Emerald Beach
36.1/100
Sapphire Beach
40.6/100
Emerald Beach vs Sapphire Beach, NSW suburb comparison
Sapphire Beach for retirees and families.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
Emerald BeachSapphire Beach
Crime rate
Emerald Beach
64.7 / 1k
Sapphire Beach
127.4 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Emerald Beach
0
Sapphire Beach
9
Population
Emerald Beach
2,677
Sapphire Beach
2,660
Metric leadEmerald Beach 4Sapphire Beach 41 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 retireesSapphire Beach
- Best for familiesSapphire Beach
- Best for beach lifestyleSapphire Beach
- Best for investmentSapphire Beach
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 | Emerald Beach | Sapphire Beach |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 36.1/100 | 40.6/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 65.5/100 | 58.1/100 |
| Crime rate | 64.7 / 1k | 127.4 / 1k |
| Parks & reserves | 1 | — |
| Public transport stops | 63 | 31 |
| Walkability | 30.0/100 | 30.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 0 | 9 |
| Planning activity | 23 | 15 |
| Population | 2,677 | 2,660 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 7/10 | 9/10 |
Comparison summary
Emerald Beach reads as a beachside mid-sized suburb where the coast sets the tone; Sapphire Beach is a coastal mid-sized suburb shaped by beach life and outdoor living.
Emerald Beach tends to lead on housing affordability and a quieter safety profile, while Sapphire Beach stands out for nearby cafés and amenities and overall desirability.
On balance, retirees and families are more likely to prefer Sapphire Beach, while Emerald Beach remains a solid alternative depending on what matters most day to day.