Overall score
Gladstone
32.0/100
South West Rocks
52.2/100
Gladstone vs South West Rocks, NSW suburb comparison
Gladstone for schools; South West Rocks for retirees and families.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
GladstoneSouth West Rocks
Crime rate
Gladstone
163.0 / 1k
South West Rocks
72.2 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Gladstone
17
South West Rocks
125
Population
Gladstone
437
South West Rocks
5,058
Metric leadGladstone 3South West Rocks 62 tiedacross 11 compared metrics
Livability profile
Desirability pillars scored 0–100 vs comparable suburbs
Quick verdicts
Clearer edge on lifestyle fit (score gap ≥ 3)
- Best for retireesSouth West Rocks
- Best for familiesSouth West Rocks
- Best for investmentSouth West Rocks
- Best for best schoolsGladstone
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 | Gladstone | South West Rocks |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 32.0/100 | 52.2/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 74.6/100 | 49.5/100 |
| Crime rate | 163.0 / 1k | 72.2 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 2 | 1 |
| Parks & reserves | 2 | 2 |
| Public transport stops | 16 | 50 |
| Walkability | 41.0/100 | 94.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 17 | 125 |
| Planning activity | 1 | 36 |
| Population | 437 | 5,058 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 2/10 | 2/10 |
Comparison summary
Gladstone reads as a regional smaller community that feels self-contained without feeling remote; South West Rocks is a regional mid-sized suburb that feels self-contained without feeling remote.
Gladstone pulls ahead on housing affordability and a calmer planning outlook, whereas South West Rocks is the better pick for a quieter safety profile and public transport access.
Choose Gladstone if you are weighing households prioritising schools; lean toward South West Rocks for retirees and families.