Overall score
Noosa Heads
66.0/100
Sunshine Beach
48.5/100
Noosa Heads vs Sunshine Beach, QLD suburb comparison
Noosa Heads for beach lifestyle and value.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
Noosa HeadsSunshine Beach
Crime rate
Noosa Heads
30.9 / 1k
Sunshine Beach
31.0 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Noosa Heads
352
Sunshine Beach
62
Population
Noosa Heads
5,120
Sunshine Beach
2,480
Metric leadNoosa Heads 7Sunshine Beach 03 tiedacross 10 compared metrics
Livability profile
Desirability pillars scored 0–100 vs comparable suburbs
Quick verdicts
Clearer edge on lifestyle fit (score gap ≥ 3)
- Best for beach lifestyleNoosa Heads
- Best for best valueNoosa 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 | Sunshine Beach |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 66.0/100 | 48.5/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 10.6/100 | 10.6/100 |
| Crime rate | 30.9 / 1k | 31.0 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 5 | 5 |
| Parks & reserves | 10 | 3 |
| Public transport stops | 23 | 15 |
| Walkability | 100.0/100 | 59.5/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 352 | 62 |
| Population | 5,120 | 2,480 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 9/10 | 9/10 |
Comparison summary
Noosa Heads reads as a coastal mid-sized suburb with an easy, sea-led rhythm; Sunshine Beach is a coastal smaller community shaped by beach life and outdoor living.
Noosa Heads tends to lead on parks and reserves and public transport access, while Sunshine Beach stands out for an affluent, sought-after address and highly regarded local schools.
Noosa Heads suits people chasing a beach lifestyle and value-focused buyers more clearly, whereas Sunshine Beach is the stronger match for households prioritising schools.