Overall score
Mackay
56.8/100
Townsville City
53.4/100
Mackay vs Townsville City, QLD suburb comparison
Townsville City for retirees and families.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
MackayTownsville City
Crime rate
Mackay
68.1 / 1k
Townsville City
190.5 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Mackay
385
Townsville City
415
Population
Mackay
4,026
Townsville City
2,945
Metric leadMackay 5Townsville City 4across 9 compared metrics
Livability profile
Desirability pillars scored 0–100 vs comparable suburbs
Quick verdicts
Clearer edge on lifestyle fit (score gap ≥ 3)
- Best for retireesTownsville City
- Best for familiesTownsville City
- Best for beach lifestyleTownsville City
- Best for investmentTownsville City
- Best for best valueTownsville City
- Best for best schoolsTownsville 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 | Townsville City |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 56.8/100 | 53.4/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 22.1/100 | 35.1/100 |
| Crime rate | 68.1 / 1k | 190.5 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 6 | 9 |
| Parks & reserves | 7 | 5 |
| Walkability | 80.5/100 | 76.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 385 | 415 |
| Population | 4,026 | 2,945 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 2/10 | 9/10 |
Comparison summary
Mackay reads as a regional hub with its own identity and everyday convenience; Townsville City is a coastal mid-sized suburb shaped by beach life and outdoor living. Townsville City leans into coastal living, while Mackay feels more inland and suburban in character.
Mackay pulls ahead on a quieter safety profile and parks and reserves, whereas Townsville City is the better pick for housing affordability and nearby cafés and amenities. On housing, Mackay sits in a affordable band, compared with a expensive feel in Townsville City.
Choose Mackay if you are weighing families and households prioritising schools; lean toward Townsville City for retirees and people chasing a beach lifestyle.