Overall score
Mackay
49.8/100
Rockhampton City
48.7/100
Mackay vs Rockhampton City, QLD Suburb Comparison
Mackay for retirees and investment; Rockhampton City for families and schools.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
MackayRockhampton City
Crime rate
Mackay
108.6 / 1k
Rockhampton City
255.6 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Mackay
393
Rockhampton City
276
Population
Mackay
4,026
Rockhampton City
2,059
Metric leadMackay 9Rockhampton City 2across 11 compared metrics
Livability profile
Desirability pillars scored 0–100 vs comparable suburbs
Quick verdicts
Clearer edge on lifestyle fit (score gap ≥ 3)
- Best for retireesMackay
- Best for familiesRockhampton City
- Best for investmentMackay
- Best for best schoolsRockhampton City
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 | Mackay | Rockhampton City |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 49.8/100 | 48.7/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 54.0/100 | 52.8/100 |
| Crime rate | 108.6 / 1k | 255.6 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 6 | 9 |
| Weather (desirability) | 15.5/100 | 7.3/100 |
| Parks & reserves | 7 | 10 |
| Walkability | 80.5/100 | 79.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 393 | 276 |
| Green cover | 20.0% | 4.4% |
| Population | 4,026 | 2,059 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 2/10 | 1/10 |
Comparison summary
Mackay reads as a regional hub with its own identity and everyday convenience; Rockhampton City is a regional smaller community that feels self-contained without feeling remote.
Mackay tends to lead on housing affordability, a quieter safety profile, and walkability, while Rockhampton City stands out for schools and education options, plus parks and reserves.
On balance, families and households prioritising schools are more likely to prefer Rockhampton City, while Mackay remains a solid alternative depending on what matters most day to day.
Generated from the official metrics on this page. It can omit nuance or contain errors — check the tables and source notes before relying on it.