Overall score
Ferndale
48.9/100
St James
50.2/100
Ferndale vs St James, WA suburb comparison
Ferndale for investment and value; St James for retirees and families.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
FerndaleSt James
Crime rate
Ferndale
2822.6 / 1k
St James
2392.8 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Ferndale
120
St James
49
Population
Ferndale
4,457
St James
4,894
Metric leadFerndale 5St James 5across 10 compared metrics
Livability profile
Desirability pillars scored 0–100 vs comparable suburbs
Quick verdicts
Clearer edge on lifestyle fit (score gap ≥ 3)
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.
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 a quieter safety profile and walkability. 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.