Overall score
Highfields
79.2/100
Toowoomba City
60.8/100
Highfields for retirees and families.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Overall score
Highfields
79.2/100
Toowoomba City
60.8/100
Crime rate
Highfields
12.4 / 1k
Toowoomba City
66.5 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Highfields
148
Toowoomba City
648
Population
Highfields
8,568
Toowoomba City
2,321
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 | Highfields | Toowoomba City |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 79.2/100 | 60.8/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 91.7/100 | 24.2/100 |
| Crime rate | 12.4 / 1k | 66.5 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 2 | 13 |
| Parks & reserves | 13 | 11 |
| Walkability | 67.5/100 | 79.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 148 | 648 |
| Population | 8,568 | 2,321 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 9/10 | 2/10 |
Highfields is a regional hub with its own identity and everyday convenience, while Toowoomba City is a regional hub with its own identity and everyday convenience.
Highfields tends to lead on housing affordability and a quieter safety profile, while Toowoomba City stands out for walkability and nearby cafés and amenities. Highfields generally means more sought-after housing, while Toowoomba City leans toward more approachable housing costs.
On balance, retirees and families are more likely to prefer Highfields, while Toowoomba City remains a solid alternative depending on what matters most day to day.