Overall score
Emerald Beach
36.1/100
Woolgoolga
41.6/100
Emerald Beach vs Woolgoolga, NSW suburb comparison
Emerald Beach for retirees and beach lifestyle; Woolgoolga for families and schools.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
Emerald BeachWoolgoolga
Crime rate
Emerald Beach
64.7 / 1k
Woolgoolga
64.6 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Emerald Beach
0
Woolgoolga
3
Population
Emerald Beach
2,677
Woolgoolga
6,151
Metric leadEmerald Beach 3Woolgoolga 61 tiedacross 10 compared metrics
Livability profile
Desirability pillars scored 0–100 vs comparable suburbs
Quick verdicts
Clearer edge on lifestyle fit (score gap ≥ 3)
- Best for retireesEmerald Beach
- Best for familiesWoolgoolga
- Best for beach lifestyleEmerald Beach
- Best for investmentEmerald Beach
- Best for best schoolsWoolgoolga
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 | Woolgoolga |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 36.1/100 | 41.6/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 65.5/100 | 58.5/100 |
| Crime rate | 64.7 / 1k | 64.6 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | — | 3 |
| Parks & reserves | 1 | 7 |
| Public transport stops | 63 | 168 |
| Walkability | 30.0/100 | 30.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 0 | 3 |
| Planning activity | 23 | 59 |
| Population | 2,677 | 6,151 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 7/10 | 3/10 |
Comparison summary
Emerald Beach reads as a beachside mid-sized suburb where the coast sets the tone; Woolgoolga is a quieter mid-sized suburb with space and a country-town pace. Where Emerald Beach is shaped by the coast, Woolgoolga offers a more landlocked suburban rhythm.
On the data, Emerald Beach is stronger for housing affordability and a calmer planning outlook; Woolgoolga answers with a quieter safety profile and parks and reserves. On housing, Emerald Beach sits in a expensive band, compared with a affordable feel in Woolgoolga.
Retirees and people chasing a beach lifestyle may find Emerald Beach the better fit, while families and households prioritising schools are more likely to prefer Woolgoolga.