Surf Beach vs Surry Hills — Which is Safer?

Compare climate risk between Surf Beach, New South Wales and Surry Hills, New South Wales. Our analysis uses data from BOM, CSIRO, and state hazard authorities to score each suburb across 6 climate hazards.

39/100
Moderate
40/100
Moderate
Hazard
Flood44/10033/100
Bushfire40/10023/100
Heat63/10078/100
Storm45/10050/100
Coastal11/10043/100
Cyclone30/10012/100

How to Interpret These Scores

Each hazard is scored from 0 (minimal risk) to 100 (severe risk). Scores are derived from BOM historical data, CSIRO climate projections, and state hazard authority mapping. A score of 50 means the property is in the moderate range — above average risk but not extreme. Scores above 67 indicate high risk requiring due diligence.

Minimal
0-16
Low
17-33
Moderate
34-50
Elevated
51-66
High
67-83
Severe
84-100

Insurance Cost Trajectory

Based on the hazard scores for these suburbs, current annual insurance premiums are estimated around A$6,504. With projected climate changes under RCP 8.5, premiums could rise to approximately A$9,106 by 2030 and A$16,910 by 2050. These projections align with Insurance Council of Australia data showing 28% average premium increases nationally between 2022-2025, with higher-risk areas seeing 80-120% increases.

Current
A$6,504
2030 (RCP 4.5)
A$9,106
2050 (RCP 8.5)
A$16,910

Property Value Climate Impact

Rising insurance premiums directly impact property values. Research from the Insurance Council of Australia and climate risk analysts shows that properties in areas with higher climate risk can experience a climate value drag. For a median-priced home, this could mean a potential impact of around A$52,030 or more over time.

Verdict

Surf Beach has a lower overall climate risk score (39/100) compared to Surry Hills (40/100). We recommend getting an address-level report for properties in both suburbs before making a purchase decision.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Surf Beach or Surry Hills safer from flooding?
Surf Beach has a flood risk score of 44/100, while Surry Hills scores 33/100. A lower score indicates lower flood risk. Get an address-level flood risk report for a specific property.
Which suburb has lower bushfire risk?
Surf Beach scores 40/100 for bushfire risk. Surry Hills scores 23/100. Fire risk depends on proximity to vegetation and local fire history.
Should I buy in Surf Beach or Surry Hills?
Both suburbs have climate considerations. Surf Beach has a lower overall climate risk score. We recommend getting a full ClimateNest report for any specific property you're considering, which includes 8 hazard scores, insurance projections, and actionable recommendations.

Check Your Flood Risk Now

Check Surf Beach's specific flood risk and see how it compares to nearby suburbs. Enter your address for an instant risk assessment.

Free instant previewCSIRO-powered data

What A$69 could save you from

$7.2B
2022 insured disaster losses*
$300B+
climate risk to property by 2050*
30-120%
insurance premium increases in high-risk areas*

*Industry sources: ICA, APRA, RBA

Full report from A$69 · Australian addresses only · 8 hazard scores · Insurance trajectory · 2030 & 2050 projections