Overall score
Uralba
31.0/100
West Ballina
54.0/100
Uralba for retirees and families; West Ballina for investment and schools.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Overall score
Uralba
31.0/100
West Ballina
54.0/100
Crime rate
Uralba
39.3 / 1k
West Ballina
89.8 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Uralba
0
West Ballina
77
Population
Uralba
266
West Ballina
3,230
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 | Uralba | West Ballina |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 31.0/100 | 54.0/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 79.8/100 | 61.5/100 |
| Crime rate | 39.3 / 1k | 89.8 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | — | 1 |
| Parks & reserves | 1 | 8 |
| Public transport stops | 21 | 162 |
| Walkability | 30.0/100 | 63.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 0 | 77 |
| Planning activity | 1 | 16 |
| Population | 266 | 3,230 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 8/10 | 2/10 |
Uralba is a quieter smaller community with space and a country-town pace, while West Ballina is a regional hub with its own identity and everyday convenience.
Uralba pulls ahead on housing affordability and a quieter safety profile, whereas West Ballina is the better pick for parks and reserves and public transport access. Uralba generally means more sought-after housing, while West Ballina leans toward more approachable housing costs.
Uralba suits retirees and families more clearly, whereas West Ballina is the stronger match for investors and households prioritising schools.