Overall score
Fern Bay
37.0/100
Williamtown
53.4/100
Fern Bay vs Williamtown, NSW suburb comparison
Fern Bay for beach lifestyle and schools; Williamtown for retirees and families.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
Fern BayWilliamtown
Crime rate
Fern Bay
55.2 / 1k
Williamtown
39.1 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Fern Bay
53
Williamtown
50
Population
Fern Bay
4,046
Williamtown
762
Metric leadFern Bay 4Williamtown 5across 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 retireesWilliamtown
- Best for familiesWilliamtown
- Best for beach lifestyleFern Bay
- Best for investmentWilliamtown
- Best for best valueWilliamtown
- Best for best schoolsFern 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 | Fern Bay | Williamtown |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 37.0/100 | 53.4/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 68.1/100 | 62.6/100 |
| Crime rate | 55.2 / 1k | 39.1 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 1 | — |
| Parks & reserves | 2 | — |
| Public transport stops | 33 | 48 |
| Walkability | 30.0/100 | 34.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 53 | 50 |
| Planning activity | 16 | 8 |
| Population | 4,046 | 762 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 6/10 | 2/10 |
Comparison summary
Fern Bay is a beachside mid-sized suburb where the coast sets the tone, while Williamtown is a regional smaller community that feels self-contained without feeling remote. Where Fern Bay is shaped by the coast, Williamtown offers a more landlocked suburban rhythm.
On the data, Fern Bay is stronger for housing affordability and nearby cafés and amenities; Williamtown answers with a quieter safety profile and public transport access. Fern Bay generally means more sought-after housing, while Williamtown leans toward more approachable housing costs.
Fern Bay suits people chasing a beach lifestyle and households prioritising schools more clearly, whereas Williamtown is the stronger match for retirees and families.