Overall score
Mission Beach
49.1/100
Port Douglas
46.4/100
Mission Beach vs Port Douglas, QLD suburb comparison
Mission Beach for retirees and families; Port Douglas for beach lifestyle and investment.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
Mission BeachPort Douglas
Crime rate
Mission Beach
13.7 / 1k
Port Douglas
38.5 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Mission Beach
106
Port Douglas
55
Population
Mission Beach
1,014
Port Douglas
3,650
Metric leadMission Beach 4Port Douglas 4across 8 compared metrics
Livability profile
Desirability pillars scored 0–100 vs comparable suburbs
Quick verdicts
Clearer edge on lifestyle fit (score gap ≥ 3)
- Best for retireesMission Beach
- Best for familiesMission Beach
- Best for beach lifestylePort Douglas
- Best for investmentPort Douglas
- Best for best valuePort Douglas
- Best for best schoolsPort Douglas
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 | Mission Beach | Port Douglas |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 49.1/100 | 46.4/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 16.9/100 | 31.7/100 |
| Crime rate | 13.7 / 1k | 38.5 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | — | 1 |
| Parks & reserves | 2 | 7 |
| Walkability | 31.0/100 | 2.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 106 | 55 |
| Population | 1,014 | 3,650 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 4/10 | 5/10 |
Comparison summary
Put side by side, Mission Beach is a regional hub with its own identity and everyday convenience, and Port Douglas is a beachside mid-sized suburb where the coast sets the tone. Where Port Douglas is shaped by the coast, Mission Beach offers a more landlocked suburban rhythm.
Mission Beach tends to lead on a quieter safety profile and walkability, while Port Douglas stands out for housing affordability and parks and reserves.
Retirees and families may find Mission Beach the better fit, while people chasing a beach lifestyle and investors are more likely to prefer Port Douglas.