Overall score
Noosa Heads
66.0/100
Port Douglas
46.4/100
Noosa Heads vs Port Douglas, QLD suburb comparison
Noosa Heads for retirees and families; Port Douglas for investment.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
Noosa HeadsPort Douglas
Crime rate
Noosa Heads
30.9 / 1k
Port Douglas
38.5 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Noosa Heads
352
Port Douglas
55
Population
Noosa Heads
5,120
Port Douglas
3,650
Metric leadNoosa Heads 8Port Douglas 1across 9 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 investmentPort Douglas
- 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 | Port Douglas |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 66.0/100 | 46.4/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 10.6/100 | 31.7/100 |
| Crime rate | 30.9 / 1k | 38.5 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 5 | 1 |
| Parks & reserves | 10 | 7 |
| Public transport stops | 23 | — |
| Walkability | 100.0/100 | 2.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 352 | 55 |
| Population | 5,120 | 3,650 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 9/10 | 5/10 |
Comparison summary
Noosa Heads reads as a coastal mid-sized suburb with an easy, sea-led rhythm; Port Douglas is a beachside mid-sized suburb where the coast sets the tone. Noosa Heads sits on a more distant stretch of coast, whereas Port Douglas is further into the wider countryside.
Noosa Heads tends to lead on a quieter safety profile and parks and reserves, while Port Douglas stands out for housing affordability.
Choose Noosa Heads if you are weighing retirees and families; lean toward Port Douglas for investors and value-focused buyers.