Overall score
Palm Cove
51.0/100
Port Douglas
46.4/100
Palm Cove vs Port Douglas, QLD suburb comparison
Palm Cove for families and beach lifestyle; Port Douglas for schools.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
Palm CovePort Douglas
Crime rate
Palm Cove
25.7 / 1k
Port Douglas
38.5 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Palm Cove
131
Port Douglas
55
Population
Palm Cove
2,450
Port Douglas
3,650
Metric leadPalm Cove 5Port Douglas 3across 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 familiesPalm Cove
- Best for beach lifestylePalm Cove
- 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 | Palm Cove | Port Douglas |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 51.0/100 | 46.4/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 29.9/100 | 31.7/100 |
| Crime rate | 25.7 / 1k | 38.5 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | — | 1 |
| Parks & reserves | 3 | 7 |
| Walkability | 55.5/100 | 2.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 131 | 55 |
| Population | 2,450 | 3,650 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 7/10 | 5/10 |
Comparison summary
Palm Cove reads as a coastal smaller community with an easy, sea-led rhythm; Port Douglas is a beachside mid-sized suburb where the coast sets the tone.
Palm Cove pulls ahead on a quieter safety profile and walkability, whereas Port Douglas is the better pick for housing affordability and parks and reserves.
Families and people chasing a beach lifestyle may find Palm Cove the better fit, while households prioritising schools are more likely to prefer Port Douglas.