Overall score
Noosa Heads
66.0/100
Palm Cove
51.0/100
Noosa Heads vs Palm Cove, QLD suburb comparison
Noosa Heads for retirees and families; Palm Cove for investment.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
Noosa HeadsPalm Cove
Crime rate
Noosa Heads
30.9 / 1k
Palm Cove
25.7 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Noosa Heads
352
Palm Cove
131
Population
Noosa Heads
5,120
Palm Cove
2,450
Metric leadNoosa Heads 6Palm Cove 2across 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 retireesNoosa Heads
- Best for familiesNoosa Heads
- Best for beach lifestyleNoosa Heads
- Best for investmentPalm Cove
- Best for best schoolsNoosa Heads
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 | Noosa Heads | Palm Cove |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 66.0/100 | 51.0/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 10.6/100 | 29.9/100 |
| Crime rate | 30.9 / 1k | 25.7 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 5 | — |
| Parks & reserves | 10 | 3 |
| Public transport stops | 23 | — |
| Walkability | 100.0/100 | 55.5/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 352 | 131 |
| Population | 5,120 | 2,450 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 9/10 | 7/10 |
Comparison summary
Noosa Heads reads as a coastal mid-sized suburb with an easy, sea-led rhythm; Palm Cove is a coastal smaller community with an easy, sea-led rhythm. Noosa Heads sits on a more distant stretch of coast, whereas Palm Cove is further into the wider countryside.
Noosa Heads tends to lead on parks and reserves and walkability, while Palm Cove stands out for housing affordability and a quieter safety profile.
Noosa Heads suits retirees and families more clearly, whereas Palm Cove is the stronger match for investors and value-focused buyers.