Overall score
Forest Grove
30.0/100
Margaret River
38.5/100
Forest Grove vs Margaret River, WA suburb comparison
Margaret River for retirees and families.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
Forest GroveMargaret River
Crime rate
Forest Grove
25841.9 / 1k
Margaret River
756.8 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Forest Grove
0
Margaret River
0
Population
Forest Grove
253
Margaret River
8,918
Metric leadForest Grove 0Margaret River 71 tiedacross 8 compared metrics
Livability profile
Desirability pillars scored 0–100 vs comparable suburbs
Quick verdicts
Clearer edge on lifestyle fit (score gap ≥ 3)
- Best for retireesMargaret River
- Best for familiesMargaret River
- Best for investmentMargaret River
- Best for best valueMargaret River
- Best for best schoolsMargaret River
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 | Forest Grove | Margaret River |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 30.0/100 | 38.5/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 5.7/100 | 20.0/100 |
| Crime rate | 25841.9 / 1k | 756.8 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 1 | 2 |
| Parks & reserves | — | 3 |
| Public transport stops | — | 1 |
| Walkability | 0.0/100 | 1.5/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 0 | 0 |
| Population | 253 | 8,918 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 5/10 | 6/10 |
Comparison summary
Forest Grove is a quieter smaller community with space and a country-town pace, while Margaret River is a slower-paced established suburb with open surrounds.
Forest Grove pulls ahead on a country-town feel and improving crime trends, whereas Margaret River is the better pick for housing affordability and a quieter safety profile.
On balance, retirees and families are more likely to prefer Margaret River, while Forest Grove remains a solid alternative depending on what matters most day to day.