Overall score
Main Beach
42.2/100
Southport
59.9/100
Main Beach vs Southport, QLD suburb comparison
Main Beach for retirees and beach lifestyle; Southport for families and value.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
Main BeachSouthport
Crime rate
Main Beach
98.1 / 1k
Southport
86.1 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Main Beach
205
Southport
676
Population
Main Beach
3,998
Southport
36,786
Metric leadMain Beach 2Southport 8across 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 retireesMain Beach
- Best for familiesSouthport
- Best for beach lifestyleMain Beach
- Best for investmentMain Beach
- Best for best valueSouthport
- Best for best schoolsSouthport
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 | Main Beach | Southport |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 42.2/100 | 59.9/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 22.5/100 | 18.9/100 |
| Crime rate | 98.1 / 1k | 86.1 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 1 | 12 |
| Parks & reserves | 28 | 57 |
| Public transport stops | 20 | 139 |
| Walkability | 60.0/100 | 85.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 205 | 676 |
| Population | 3,998 | 36,786 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 9/10 | 4/10 |
Comparison summary
Put side by side, Main Beach is a coastal mid-sized suburb shaped by beach life and outdoor living, and Southport is a well-serviced metro larger suburb with plenty happening nearby. Main Beach leans into coastal living, while Southport feels more inland and suburban in character.
On the data, Main Beach is stronger for housing affordability and stronger socioeconomic advantage; Southport answers with a quieter safety profile and parks and reserves.
Main Beach suits retirees and people chasing a beach lifestyle more clearly, whereas Southport is the stronger match for families and value-focused buyers.