Overall score
Encounter Bay
40.1/100
Waitpinga
26.8/100
Encounter Bay vs Waitpinga, SA suburb comparison
Encounter Bay for families and beach lifestyle; Waitpinga for retirees and investment.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
Encounter BayWaitpinga
Crime rate
Encounter Bay
11.7 / 1k
Waitpinga
44.2 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Encounter Bay
32
Waitpinga
0
Population
Encounter Bay
5,305
Waitpinga
374
Metric leadEncounter Bay 6Waitpinga 3across 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 retireesWaitpinga
- Best for familiesEncounter Bay
- Best for beach lifestyleEncounter Bay
- Best for investmentWaitpinga
- 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 | Waitpinga |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 40.1/100 | 26.8/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 28.6/100 | 37.0/100 |
| Crime rate | 11.7 / 1k | 44.2 / 1k |
| Parks & reserves | — | 1 |
| Public transport stops | 8 | 2 |
| Walkability | 16.0/100 | 3.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 32 | 0 |
| Planning activity | 77 | 41 |
| Population | 5,305 | 374 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 3/10 | 7/10 |
Comparison summary
Put side by side, Encounter Bay is a coastal mid-sized suburb with an easy, sea-led rhythm, and Waitpinga is a coastal smaller community with an easy, sea-led rhythm.
On the data, Encounter Bay is stronger for a quieter safety profile and public transport access; Waitpinga answers with housing affordability and a calmer planning outlook. On housing, Encounter Bay sits in a affordable band, compared with a expensive feel in Waitpinga.
Encounter Bay suits families and people chasing a beach lifestyle more clearly, whereas Waitpinga is the stronger match for investors.