Overall score
Emu Point
30.1/100
Middleton Beach
37.3/100
Middleton Beach for retirees and families.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Overall score
Emu Point
30.1/100
Middleton Beach
37.3/100
Crime rate
Emu Point
11970.3 / 1k
Middleton Beach
4412.4 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Emu Point
37
Middleton Beach
47
Population
Emu Point
285
Middleton Beach
759
Desirability pillars scored 0–100 vs comparable suburbs
Clearer edge on lifestyle fit (score gap ≥ 3)
Who each suburb suits — composite scores out of 100
Side-by-side scores for every compared metric.
Exact figures for every metric — winner highlighted in bold.
| Category | Emu Point | Middleton Beach |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 30.1/100 | 37.3/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 2.6/100 | 24.2/100 |
| Crime rate | 11970.3 / 1k | 4412.4 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 1 | 2 |
| Parks & reserves | — | 1 |
| Public transport stops | 3 | 9 |
| Walkability | 8.5/100 | 27.5/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 37 | 47 |
| Population | 285 | 759 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 4/10 | 8/10 |
Emu Point is a regional smaller community that feels self-contained without feeling remote, while Middleton Beach is a beachside smaller community where the coast sets the tone. Where Middleton Beach is shaped by the coast, Emu Point offers a more landlocked suburban rhythm.
Emu Point tends to lead on improving crime trends and a mature, settled community, while Middleton Beach stands out for housing affordability and a quieter safety profile.
On balance, retirees and families are more likely to prefer Middleton Beach, while Emu Point remains a solid alternative depending on what matters most day to day.