Overall score
McDowall
63.8/100
Stafford Heights
66.1/100
McDowall vs Stafford Heights, QLD suburb comparison
McDowall for retirees and families.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
McDowallStafford Heights
Crime rate
McDowall
37.1 / 1k
Stafford Heights
37.1 / 1k
Nearby amenities
McDowall
209
Stafford Heights
123
Population
McDowall
7,612
Stafford Heights
6,992
Metric leadMcDowall 4Stafford Heights 42 tiedacross 10 compared metrics
Livability profile
Desirability pillars scored 0–100 vs comparable suburbs
Quick verdicts
Clearer edge on lifestyle fit (score gap ≥ 3)
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 | McDowall | Stafford Heights |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 63.8/100 | 66.1/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 76.0/100 | 76.0/100 |
| Crime rate | 37.1 / 1k | 37.1 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 4 | 9 |
| Parks & reserves | 14 | 9 |
| Public transport stops | 21 | 34 |
| Walkability | 57.0/100 | 63.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 209 | 123 |
| Population | 7,612 | 6,992 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 10/10 | 8/10 |
Comparison summary
McDowall is a well-serviced metro mid-sized suburb with plenty happening nearby, while Stafford Heights is a hillside mid-sized suburb with greener streets and a quieter pace. Stafford Heights sits among greener hillside streets, while McDowall keeps a flatter suburban layout.
McDowall tends to lead on parks and reserves and nearby cafés and amenities, while Stafford Heights stands out for schools and education options and public transport access.
On balance, retirees and families are more likely to prefer McDowall, while Stafford Heights remains a solid alternative depending on what matters most day to day.