Overall score
Illawong
61.7/100
Sandy Point
48.9/100
Illawong vs Sandy Point, NSW suburb comparison
Illawong for retirees and families; Sandy Point for investment and value.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
IllawongSandy Point
Crime rate
Illawong
20.8 / 1k
Sandy Point
12.3 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Illawong
87
Sandy Point
14
Population
Illawong
7,427
Sandy Point
597
Metric leadIllawong 6Sandy Point 31 tiedacross 10 compared metrics
Livability profile
Desirability pillars scored 0–100 vs comparable suburbs
Quick verdicts
Clearer edge on lifestyle fit (score gap ≥ 3)
- Best for retireesIllawong
- Best for familiesIllawong
- Best for investmentSandy Point
- Best for best valueSandy Point
- Best for best schoolsSandy Point
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 | Illawong | Sandy Point |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 61.7/100 | 48.9/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 50.4/100 | 76.0/100 |
| Crime rate | 20.8 / 1k | 12.3 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 5 | 2 |
| Parks & reserves | 6 | — |
| Public transport stops | 86 | 14 |
| Walkability | 55.0/100 | 21.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 87 | 14 |
| Planning activity | 13 | 2 |
| Population | 7,427 | 597 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 10/10 | 10/10 |
Comparison summary
Illawong is a well-serviced metro mid-sized suburb with plenty happening nearby, while Sandy Point is a well-connected metro smaller community with a familiar suburban feel. Illawong sits in a middle-ring position, whereas Sandy Point is further out with more breathing room.
Illawong tends to lead on public transport access and walkability, while Sandy Point stands out for housing affordability and a quieter safety profile.
Retirees and households prioritising schools may find Illawong the better fit, while investors and value-focused buyers are more likely to prefer Sandy Point.