Overall score
Iluka
45.9/100
Palmers Island
36.7/100
Iluka vs Palmers Island, NSW suburb comparison
Iluka for schools; Palmers Island for retirees and investment.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
IlukaPalmers Island
Crime rate
Iluka
39.2 / 1k
Palmers Island
52.8 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Iluka
52
Palmers Island
5
Population
Iluka
1,764
Palmers Island
482
Metric leadIluka 6Palmers Island 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 retireesPalmers Island
- Best for investmentPalmers Island
- Best for best valuePalmers Island
- Best for best schoolsIluka
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 | Iluka | Palmers Island |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 45.9/100 | 36.7/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 40.7/100 | 68.6/100 |
| Crime rate | 39.2 / 1k | 52.8 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 1 | 1 |
| Parks & reserves | 5 | — |
| Public transport stops | 39 | 17 |
| Walkability | 74.0/100 | 25.5/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 52 | 5 |
| Planning activity | 31 | 6 |
| Population | 1,764 | 482 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 1/10 | 6/10 |
Comparison summary
Iluka reads as a regional smaller community with local services and a more relaxed pace; Palmers Island is a more rural smaller community that rewards people who want room to breathe.
Iluka pulls ahead on a quieter safety profile and public transport access, whereas Palmers Island is the better pick for housing affordability and a calmer planning outlook. On housing, Iluka sits in a affordable band, compared with a expensive feel in Palmers Island.
Choose Iluka if you are weighing families and households prioritising schools; lean toward Palmers Island for retirees and investors.