Overall score
Palmers Island
36.7/100
Yamba
60.2/100
Palmers Island vs Yamba, NSW suburb comparison
Palmers Island for retirees and investment; Yamba for families and schools.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
Palmers IslandYamba
Crime rate
Palmers Island
52.8 / 1k
Yamba
64.6 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Palmers Island
5
Yamba
112
Population
Palmers Island
482
Yamba
6,405
Metric leadPalmers Island 4Yamba 6across 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 retireesPalmers Island
- Best for familiesYamba
- Best for investmentPalmers Island
- Best for best valuePalmers Island
- Best for best schoolsYamba
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 | Palmers Island | Yamba |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 36.7/100 | 60.2/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 68.6/100 | 36.4/100 |
| Crime rate | 52.8 / 1k | 64.6 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 1 | 2 |
| Parks & reserves | — | 17 |
| Public transport stops | 17 | 63 |
| Walkability | 25.5/100 | 78.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 5 | 112 |
| Planning activity | 6 | 71 |
| Population | 482 | 6,405 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 6/10 | 4/10 |
Comparison summary
Put side by side, Palmers Island is a more rural smaller community that rewards people who want room to breathe, and Yamba is a regional mid-sized suburb that feels self-contained without feeling remote.
On the data, Palmers Island is stronger for housing affordability and a quieter safety profile; Yamba answers with schools and education options and public transport access.
Retirees and investors may find Palmers Island the better fit, while families and households prioritising schools are more likely to prefer Yamba.