Overall score
Maroochydore
71.4/100
Twin Waters
54.3/100
Maroochydore for families and beach lifestyle; Twin Waters for retirees and investment.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Overall score
Maroochydore
71.4/100
Twin Waters
54.3/100
Crime rate
Maroochydore
73.7 / 1k
Twin Waters
27.1 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Maroochydore
539
Twin Waters
36
Population
Maroochydore
20,629
Twin Waters
2,966
Desirability pillars scored 0–100 vs comparable suburbs
Clearer edge on lifestyle fit (score gap ≥ 3)
Who each suburb suits — composite scores out of 100
Side-by-side scores for every compared metric.
Exact figures for every metric — winner highlighted in bold.
| Category | Maroochydore | Twin Waters |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 71.4/100 | 54.3/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 53.8/100 | 72.2/100 |
| Crime rate | 73.7 / 1k | 27.1 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 4 | 1 |
| Parks & reserves | 63 | 2 |
| Public transport stops | 59 | — |
| Walkability | 100.0/100 | 46.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 539 | 36 |
| Population | 20,629 | 2,966 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 6/10 | 9/10 |
Maroochydore reads as a coastal established suburb with an easy, sea-led rhythm; Twin Waters is a beachside mid-sized suburb where the coast sets the tone.
Maroochydore pulls ahead on parks and reserves and walkability, whereas Twin Waters is the better pick for housing affordability and a quieter safety profile.
Families and people chasing a beach lifestyle may find Maroochydore the better fit, while retirees and investors are more likely to prefer Twin Waters.