Overall score
Semaphore Park
46.3/100
West Lakes
64.3/100
Semaphore Park for schools; West Lakes for retirees and beach lifestyle.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Overall score
Semaphore Park
46.3/100
West Lakes
64.3/100
Crime rate
Semaphore Park
95.8 / 1k
West Lakes
94.4 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Semaphore Park
191
West Lakes
439
Population
Semaphore Park
4,541
West Lakes
6,768
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 | Semaphore Park | West Lakes |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 46.3/100 | 64.3/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 54.9/100 | 47.6/100 |
| Crime rate | 95.8 / 1k | 94.4 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 2 | 1 |
| Parks & reserves | 1 | — |
| Public transport stops | 25 | 44 |
| Walkability | 32.0/100 | 85.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 191 | 439 |
| Planning activity | 48 | 147 |
| Population | 4,541 | 6,768 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 3/10 | 8/10 |
Semaphore Park reads as a beachside mid-sized suburb where the coast sets the tone; West Lakes is a coastal mid-sized suburb with an easy, sea-led rhythm.
On the data, Semaphore Park is stronger for housing affordability and schools and education options; West Lakes answers with a quieter safety profile and public transport access. Semaphore Park generally means more approachable housing costs, while West Lakes leans toward more sought-after housing.
Semaphore Park suits households prioritising schools more clearly, whereas West Lakes is the stronger match for retirees and people chasing a beach lifestyle.