Overall score
Acacia Gardens
43.4/100
Lalor Park
51.9/100
Acacia Gardens for retirees and families; Lalor Park for investment and value.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Overall score
Acacia Gardens
43.4/100
Lalor Park
51.9/100
Crime rate
Acacia Gardens
25.5 / 1k
Lalor Park
67.8 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Acacia Gardens
21
Lalor Park
119
Population
Acacia Gardens
3,668
Lalor Park
7,834
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 | Acacia Gardens | Lalor Park |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 43.4/100 | 51.9/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 21.4/100 | 35.0/100 |
| Crime rate | 25.5 / 1k | 67.8 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 8 | 14 |
| Parks & reserves | 1 | 10 |
| Public transport stops | 39 | 94 |
| Walkability | 30.0/100 | 32.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 21 | 119 |
| Planning activity | 5 | 13 |
| Population | 3,668 | 7,834 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 10/10 | 3/10 |
Acacia Gardens reads as a well-connected metro mid-sized suburb with a familiar suburban feel; Lalor Park is a well-serviced metro mid-sized suburb with plenty happening nearby. Acacia Gardens sits further out with more breathing room, whereas Lalor Park is in a middle-ring position.
On the data, Acacia Gardens is stronger for a quieter safety profile and a calmer planning outlook; Lalor Park answers with housing affordability and schools and education options. Acacia Gardens generally means more sought-after housing, while Lalor Park leans toward more approachable housing costs.
Retirees and families may find Acacia Gardens the better fit, while investors and value-focused buyers are more likely to prefer Lalor Park.