Overall score
Encounter Bay
40.1/100
Hayborough
45.2/100
Encounter Bay vs Hayborough, SA suburb comparison
Encounter Bay for schools; Hayborough for retirees and value.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
Encounter BayHayborough
Crime rate
Encounter Bay
11.7 / 1k
Hayborough
36.3 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Encounter Bay
32
Hayborough
48
Population
Encounter Bay
5,305
Hayborough
2,238
Metric leadEncounter Bay 3Hayborough 6across 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 retireesHayborough
- Best for best valueHayborough
- Best for best schoolsEncounter Bay
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 | Encounter Bay | Hayborough |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 40.1/100 | 45.2/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 28.6/100 | 29.9/100 |
| Crime rate | 11.7 / 1k | 36.3 / 1k |
| Public transport stops | 8 | 10 |
| Walkability | 16.0/100 | 55.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 32 | 48 |
| Planning activity | 77 | 44 |
| Population | 5,305 | 2,238 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 3/10 | 2/10 |
Comparison summary
Encounter Bay is a coastal mid-sized suburb with an easy, sea-led rhythm, while Hayborough is a coastal smaller community with an easy, sea-led rhythm.
On the data, Encounter Bay is stronger for a quieter safety profile and a larger local community; Hayborough answers with housing affordability and public transport access.
Encounter Bay suits investors and households prioritising schools more clearly, whereas Hayborough is the stronger match for retirees.