Overall score
Railway Estate
39.4/100
South Townsville
41.6/100
Railway Estate for retirees; South Townsville for families and beach lifestyle.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Overall score
Railway Estate
39.4/100
South Townsville
41.6/100
Crime rate
Railway Estate
190.5 / 1k
South Townsville
190.2 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Railway Estate
56
South Townsville
165
Population
Railway Estate
2,871
South Townsville
2,424
Desirability pillars scored 0–100 vs comparable suburbs
Clearer edge on lifestyle fit (score gap ≥ 3)
Who each suburb suits — composite scores out of 100
Side-by-side scores for every compared metric.
Exact figures for every metric — winner highlighted in bold.
| Category | Railway Estate | South Townsville |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 39.4/100 | 41.6/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 38.5/100 | 42.7/100 |
| Crime rate | 190.5 / 1k | 190.2 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 5 | 3 |
| Parks & reserves | 5 | 6 |
| Walkability | 5.0/100 | 29.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 56 | 165 |
| Planning activity | — | 1 |
| Population | 2,871 | 2,424 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 5/10 | 5/10 |
Railway Estate is a regional mid-sized suburb with local services and a more relaxed pace, while South Townsville is a beachside smaller community where the coast sets the tone. Where South Townsville is shaped by the coast, Railway Estate offers a more landlocked suburban rhythm.
On the data, Railway Estate is stronger for schools and education options and overall desirability; South Townsville answers with housing affordability and parks and reserves.
Retirees and families may find Railway Estate the better fit, while people chasing a beach lifestyle and investors are more likely to prefer South Townsville.