Medowie vs Swan Bay, NSW suburb comparison
Which suburb suits you better?
Side-by-side comparison of 16 categories from official government and open data.
| Category | Medowie | Swan Bay |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 65.6/100 | 24.6/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 71.2/100 | 49.4/100 |
| Crime rate | 46.4 / 1k | 112.9 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 4 | — |
| Parks & reserves | 2 | — |
| Public transport stops | 268 | 4 |
| Walkability | 79.0/100 | 6.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 108 | 0 |
| Planning activity | 59 | 1 |
| Population | 10,879 | 310 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 6/10 | 2/10 |
Quick verdicts
Comparison summary
Put side by side, Medowie is a regional established suburb that feels self-contained without feeling remote, and Swan Bay is a more rural smaller community that rewards people who want room to breathe.
Medowie tends to lead on housing affordability and a quieter safety profile, while Swan Bay stands out for a calmer planning outlook. Medowie generally means more sought-after housing, while Swan Bay leans toward more approachable housing costs.
On balance, retirees and families are more likely to prefer Medowie, while Swan Bay remains a solid alternative depending on what matters most day to day.