Overall score
Hillman
28.2/100
Safety Bay
54.1/100
Safety Bay for retirees and beach lifestyle.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Overall score
Hillman
28.2/100
Safety Bay
54.1/100
Crime rate
Hillman
3967.7 / 1k
Safety Bay
1884.1 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Hillman
16
Safety Bay
110
Population
Hillman
1,807
Safety Bay
7,662
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 | Hillman | Safety Bay |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 28.2/100 | 54.1/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 35.7/100 | 67.2/100 |
| Crime rate | 3967.7 / 1k | 1884.1 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 4 | 4 |
| Parks & reserves | — | 8 |
| Public transport stops | 15 | 53 |
| Walkability | 22.5/100 | 36.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 16 | 110 |
| Population | 1,807 | 7,662 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 1/10 | 4/10 |
Hillman reads as a settled metro smaller community that keeps everyday living grounded and accessible; Safety Bay is a coastal mid-sized suburb shaped by beach life and outdoor living. Where Safety Bay is shaped by the coast, Hillman offers a more landlocked suburban rhythm.
Hillman tends to lead on relatively affordable housing and improving crime trends, while Safety Bay stands out for housing affordability and a quieter safety profile. On housing, Hillman sits in a affordable band, compared with a expensive feel in Safety Bay.
On balance, retirees and families are more likely to prefer Safety Bay, while Hillman remains a solid alternative depending on what matters most day to day.