Ferndale vs St James, WA suburb comparison
Which suburb suits you better?
Side-by-side comparison of 16 categories from official government and open data.
| Category | Ferndale | St James |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 46.6/100 | 47.0/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 32.4/100 | 19.9/100 |
| Schools & preschools | — | 1 |
| Parks & reserves | 9 | 7 |
| Public transport stops | 34 | 24 |
| Walkability | 47.0/100 | 72.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 120 | 49 |
| Population | 4,457 | 4,894 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 5/10 | 7/10 |
Quick verdicts
Comparison summary
Put side by side, Ferndale is an energetic metro mid-sized suburb where cafés and local life overlap, and St James is a lively metro mid-sized suburb with dining and everyday convenience close by. Ferndale sits in a middle-ring position, whereas St James is closer to the city centre.
On the data, Ferndale is stronger for housing affordability and parks and reserves; St James answers with walkability and overall desirability. Ferndale generally means more sought-after housing, while St James leans toward more approachable housing costs.
Investors and value-focused buyers may find Ferndale the better fit, while retirees and families are more likely to prefer St James.