Overall score
North Ward
57.1/100
Rowes Bay
25.5/100
North Ward vs Rowes Bay, QLD suburb comparison
North Ward for retirees and families; Rowes Bay for investment.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
North WardRowes Bay
Crime rate
North Ward
190.3 / 1k
Rowes Bay
190.4 / 1k
Nearby amenities
North Ward
729
Rowes Bay
22
Population
North Ward
5,073
Rowes Bay
541
Metric leadNorth Ward 6Rowes Bay 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 retireesNorth Ward
- Best for familiesNorth Ward
- Best for beach lifestyleNorth Ward
- Best for investmentRowes Bay
- Best for best valueNorth Ward
- Best for best schoolsNorth Ward
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 | North Ward | Rowes Bay |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 57.1/100 | 25.5/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 41.3/100 | 51.9/100 |
| Crime rate | 190.3 / 1k | 190.4 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 5 | 2 |
| Parks & reserves | 10 | — |
| Walkability | 88.0/100 | 0.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 729 | 22 |
| Population | 5,073 | 541 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 7/10 | 8/10 |
Comparison summary
North Ward is a beachside mid-sized suburb where the coast sets the tone, while Rowes Bay is a coastal smaller community with an easy, sea-led rhythm.
North Ward pulls ahead on schools and education options and walkability, whereas Rowes Bay is the better pick for housing affordability and a quieter safety profile.
Choose North Ward if you are weighing retirees and families; lean toward Rowes Bay for investors.