Overall score
Medowie
63.7/100
Salt Ash
43.0/100
Medowie vs Salt Ash, NSW suburb comparison
Medowie for retirees and families; Salt Ash for beach lifestyle.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
MedowieSalt Ash
Crime rate
Medowie
39.3 / 1k
Salt Ash
38.9 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Medowie
108
Salt Ash
35
Population
Medowie
10,879
Salt Ash
1,103
Metric leadMedowie 7Salt Ash 21 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 | Medowie | Salt Ash |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 63.7/100 | 43.0/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 71.2/100 | 62.8/100 |
| Crime rate | 39.3 / 1k | 38.9 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 1 | 1 |
| Parks & reserves | 2 | — |
| Public transport stops | 268 | 70 |
| Walkability | 79.0/100 | 34.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 108 | 35 |
| Planning activity | 76 | 7 |
| Population | 10,879 | 1,103 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 6/10 | 3/10 |
Comparison summary
Medowie is a regional established suburb that feels self-contained without feeling remote, while Salt Ash is a coastal smaller community with an easy, sea-led rhythm. Where Salt Ash is shaped by the coast, Medowie offers a more landlocked suburban rhythm.
Medowie pulls ahead on housing affordability and schools and education options, whereas Salt Ash is the better pick for a quieter safety profile and a calmer planning outlook. On housing, Medowie sits in a expensive band, compared with a affordable feel in Salt Ash.
Choose Medowie if you are weighing retirees and families; lean toward Salt Ash for people chasing a beach lifestyle.