Overall score
Gray
42.4/100
Marlow Lagoon
30.8/100
Gray for families and schools; Marlow Lagoon for retirees and investment.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Overall score
Gray
42.4/100
Marlow Lagoon
30.8/100
Nearby amenities
Gray
55
Marlow Lagoon
48
Population
Gray
3,142
Marlow Lagoon
754
Desirability pillars scored 0–100 vs comparable suburbs
Clearer edge on lifestyle fit (score gap ≥ 3)
Who each suburb suits — composite scores out of 100
Side-by-side scores for every compared metric.
Exact figures for every metric — winner highlighted in bold.
| Category | Gray | Marlow Lagoon |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 42.4/100 | 30.8/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 13.0/100 | 34.5/100 |
| Schools & preschools | 8 | 3 |
| Parks & reserves | 7 | — |
| Public transport stops | 15 | 3 |
| Walkability | 22.5/100 | 4.5/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 55 | 48 |
| Population | 3,142 | 754 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 2/10 | 10/10 |
Put side by side, Gray is an energetic metro mid-sized suburb where cafés and local life overlap, and Marlow Lagoon is a lively metro smaller community with dining and everyday convenience close by.
Gray pulls ahead on a quieter safety profile and public transport access, whereas Marlow Lagoon is the better pick for housing affordability and stronger socioeconomic advantage. Gray generally means more approachable housing costs, while Marlow Lagoon leans toward more sought-after housing.
On balance, retirees and families are more likely to prefer Marlow Lagoon, while Gray remains a solid alternative depending on what matters most day to day.