Overall score
Southern River
61.2/100
Thornlie
68.8/100
Southern River vs Thornlie, WA suburb comparison
Southern River for retirees; Thornlie for families and value.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
Southern RiverThornlie
Crime rate
Southern River
855.3 / 1k
Thornlie
516.3 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Southern River
174
Thornlie
318
Population
Southern River
12,852
Thornlie
23,665
Metric leadSouthern River 2Thornlie 71 tiedacross 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 retireesSouthern River
- Best for familiesThornlie
- Best for best valueThornlie
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 | Southern River | Thornlie |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 61.2/100 | 68.8/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 76.0/100 | 76.0/100 |
| Crime rate | 855.3 / 1k | 516.3 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 3 | 7 |
| Parks & reserves | 19 | 15 |
| Public transport stops | 47 | 129 |
| Walkability | 57.0/100 | 86.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 174 | 318 |
| Population | 12,852 | 23,665 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 9/10 | 4/10 |
Comparison summary
Southern River is an energetic metro established suburb where cafés and local life overlap, while Thornlie is a lively metro established suburb with dining and everyday convenience close by.
Southern River tends to lead on parks and reserves and stronger socioeconomic advantage, while Thornlie stands out for a quieter safety profile and schools and education options.
On balance, retirees and families are more likely to prefer Thornlie, while Southern River remains a solid alternative depending on what matters most day to day.