Fern Bay vs Tomago, NSW suburb comparison
Which suburb suits you better?
Side-by-side comparison of 16 categories from official government and open data.
| Category | Fern Bay | Tomago |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 37.0/100 | 29.0/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 68.1/100 | 74.6/100 |
| Crime rate | 60.6 / 1k | 89.2 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 1 | — |
| Parks & reserves | 2 | — |
| Public transport stops | 33 | 13 |
| Walkability | 30.0/100 | 19.5/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 53 | 3 |
| Planning activity | 16 | 12 |
| Population | 4,046 | 269 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 6/10 | 1/10 |
Quick verdicts
Comparison summary
Fern Bay reads as a beachside mid-sized suburb where the coast sets the tone; Tomago is a settled metro smaller community that keeps everyday living grounded and accessible. Where Fern Bay is shaped by the coast, Tomago offers a more landlocked suburban rhythm.
Fern Bay tends to lead on a quieter safety profile and public transport access, while Tomago stands out for housing affordability and a calmer planning outlook. On housing, Fern Bay sits in a expensive band, compared with a affordable feel in Tomago.
Retirees and families may find Fern Bay the better fit, while investors are more likely to prefer Tomago.